Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Change in Accounting Principle - Effects of Change in Accounting Principle on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net (loss) income	$ (1,982)	$ 2,206	$ (1,462)	$ 6,176
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(5,064)	(6,285)	(8,046)	(6,261)
Postretirement benefit liabilities	(69)	(691)	(137)	(1,355)
Total comprehensive loss	(7,115)	(4,770)	(9,645)	(1,440)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	250	281	(92)	403
Comprehensive loss attributable to Ferro Corporation	(7,365)	(5,051)	(9,553)	(1,843)
As Originally Reported [Member]
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net (loss) income		(2,518)		(1,104)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(6,285)		(6,261)
Postretirement benefit liabilities		4,033		5,925
Total comprehensive loss		(4,770)		(1,440)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		281		403
Comprehensive loss attributable to Ferro Corporation		(5,051)		(1,843)
Effect of Accounting Change [Member]
Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net (loss) income		4,724		7,280
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Postretirement benefit liabilities		$ (4,724)		$ (7,280)