Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$ 12,652	$ (316,114)	$ 11,405	$ (310,392)
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		118	8,421	(917)
Total	12,652	(315,996)	19,826	(311,309)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,426	86,296	86,464	86,274
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$ 0.15	$ (3.66)	$ 0.23	$ (3.61)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	12,652	(316,114)	11,405	(310,392)
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		118	8,421	(917)
Total	$ 12,652	$ (315,996)	$ 19,826	$ (311,309)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,426	86,296	86,464	86,274
Assumed exercise of stock options	200		112
Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions	77		63
Assumed satisfaction of restricted stock unit conditions	120		84
Assumed satisfaction of performance stock unit conditions	375		247
Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions	52		63
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	87,250	86,296	87,033	86,274
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$ 0.15	$ (3.66)	$ 0.23	$ (3.61)