Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External net sales	$ 117,114	$ 98,268	$ 213,887	$ 207,154
Gross profit	19,594	20,665	39,946	42,619
Operating profit	13,555	16,371	28,193	33,510
Total assets	379,363	362,865	379,363	362,865	411,641
Depreciation	2,554	2,203	4,988	4,266
Capital expenditures	2,350	6,034	6,843	9,104
Housewares/ Small Appliances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External net sales	23,371	19,683	48,063	46,771
Gross profit	4,135	3,246	8,832	8,680
Operating profit	1,579	999	3,314	3,902
Total assets	206,698	209,956	206,698	209,956
Depreciation	258	238	524	460
Capital expenditures	417	1,635	665	2,578
Defense Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External net sales	73,608	53,799	123,289	113,283
Gross profit	15,851	16,659	29,724	32,022
Operating profit	13,816	15,072	25,506	28,671
Total assets	105,526	92,336	105,526	92,336
Depreciation	796	891	1,597	1,798
Capital expenditures	180	447	201	855
Absorbent Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External net sales	20,135	24,786	42,535	47,100
Gross profit	(392)	760	1,390	1,917
Operating profit	(1,840)	300	(627)	937
Total assets	67,139	60,573	67,139	60,573
Depreciation	1,500	1,074	2,867	2,008
Capital expenditures	$ 1,753	$ 3,952	$ 5,977	$ 5,671