Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Senior Notes (7.375% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Fixed rate of interest (as a percent)	7.375%
Neenah Germany project financing (3.8% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Fixed rate of interest (as a percent)	3.80%
Carrying Value
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	$ 182.3	$ 186.2
Carrying Value | Senior Notes (7.375% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	90.0	158.0
Carrying Value | Revolving bank credit facility (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	55.7
Carrying Value | Term Loan (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	30.0
Carrying Value | Neenah Germany project financing (3.8% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	6.6	8.1
Carrying Value | Neenah Germany revolving lines of credit (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt		20.1
Fair Value
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	182.6	186.9
Fair Value | Senior Notes (7.375% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	90.0	158.8
Fair Value | Revolving bank credit facility (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	55.7
Fair Value | Term Loan (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	30.0
Fair Value | Neenah Germany project financing (3.8% fixed rate)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt	6.9	8.0
Fair Value | Neenah Germany revolving lines of credit (variable rates)
Carrying value and fair value of debt
Long-term debt		$ 20.1