Segment, Geographic, and Market Information - Net Sales by Product (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 257.5	$ 263.5	$ 258.8	$ 232.9	$ 235.6	$ 249.2	$ 251.4	$ 231.2	$ 1,012.7	$ 967.4	$ 926.3
Metalcasting [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									269.3	265.6	247.3
Energy Services [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									295.4	257.3	194.7
Environmental products [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									91.2	90.5	104.4
Specialty Materials [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									84.6	88.3	99.3
Building Materials [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									73.7	73.3	76.1
Basic Minerals [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									64.3	60.4	52.8
Pet Products [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									61.2	52.9	56.1
Drilling Products [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									41.6	38.2	31.4
Contracting Services [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									10.4	18.8	36.0
Transportation [Member]
Net sales by product line [Abstract]
Net sales									$ 21.0	$ 22.1	$ 28.2