Miscellaneous Expense (Income) Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Components of miscellaneous expense (income), net
Loss for Brazil environmental contingency	$ 5,700		$ 3,500		$ 9,160
Loss on settlement of interest rate swaps		6,800			6,849
Gain from Heraeus business combination	(500)		(7,800)		(8,255)
Gain on sale of business	(1,200)				(1,247)
Other, net				2,492	(693)	(618)
Miscellaneous expense (income), net				$ 2,492	$ 5,814	$ (618)