Reportable Segments and Geographic Data (Schedule of Operating Assets and Capital Expenditures by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	$ 1,230,928	$ 1,278,293	$ 1,345,149
Capital expenditures and purchased software	27,504	31,048	41,863
Paper Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	667,189	702,547	742,662
Capital expenditures and purchased software	8,167	18,629	28,178
Engineered Fabrics [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	45,953	70,588	78,234
Capital expenditures and purchased software	2,974	605	1,330
Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	80,916	74,332	68,088
Capital expenditures and purchased software	9,684	6,559	7,549
PrimaLoft Products [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	5,747	5,154	6,259
Capital expenditures and purchased software	76	91	36
Cash [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	118,909	117,925	94,139
Income Taxes Receivable and Deferred [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	164,654	179,535	183,929
Investment in Associated Companies [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	879	858	900
Assets of Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	112,011	97,441	98,520
Other Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Invested capital	34,670	29,913	72,418
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures and purchased software	$ 6,603	$ 5,164	$ 4,770