Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Continuing Operations
Net sales	$ 942,369	$ 841,037	$ 691,864
Cost of sales	689,494	624,111	505,594
Gross profit	252,875	216,926	186,270
Selling, general and administrative expenses	165,222	146,885	133,393
Operating profit	87,653	70,041	52,877
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(11,519)	(9,725)	(12,118)
Other, net	311	1,147	(927)
Total other income (expense), net	(11,208)	(8,578)	(13,045)
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from affiliates and joint ventures	76,445	61,463	39,832
Income tax expense	21,849	19,391	5,335
Income before income (loss) from affiliates and joint ventures	54,596	42,072	34,497
Income (loss) from affiliates and joint ventures	5,566	(11,261)	115
Income (loss) from continuing operations	60,162	30,811	34,612
Discontinued Operations
Income (loss) on discontinued operations	(916)	(887)	259
Net income (loss)	59,246	29,924	34,871
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	135	(423)	72
Net income (loss) attributable to AMCOL shareholders	59,111	30,347	34,799
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations	$ 1.89	$ 1.00	$ 1.12
Discontinued operations	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.01
Net income	$ 1.86	$ 0.97	$ 1.13
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations	$ 1.87	$ 0.99	$ 1.11
Discontinued operations	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.01
Net income	$ 1.84	$ 0.96	$ 1.12
Amounts attributable to AMCOL shareholders
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	60,027	31,234	34,540
Discontinued operations, net of tax	(916)	(887)	259
Net income	$ 59,111	$ 30,347	$ 34,799
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.72	$ 0.72	$ 0.72