Contingent Matters (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Contingent Matters [Abstract]
Contingent liability for customer debt	$ 2,175
Maximum potential amount of future payments for customer debt	2,175
Liability recorded related to guarantees	95
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities for letters of credit	10,311
Number of parties involved in EPA cleanup	300
Letter of Credit Wells Fargo [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities for letters of credit	9,328
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Nov. 30, 2017
Letters of Credit Osborn [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Performance bank guarantee of subsidiary	830
Letters of Credit Astec Brazil [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities for letters of credit issued on behalf of foreign subsidiaries	5,674
Letters of Credit Astec Australia [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Performance bank guarantee of subsidiary	$ 153