Segment Information (Detail 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	$ 7,386	$ 5,200	$ 23,424	$ 19,345
Performance Materials
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	2,419	3,325	6,967	10,427
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	3,742	2,612	11,191	11,729
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	5,206	3,445	16,792	9,056
Other Products and Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	112	354	593	874
Corporate Office Expenses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated Operating Income	$ (4,093)	$ (4,536)	$ (12,119)	$ (12,741)