Reportable Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 188,553	$ 206,722
Operating income	647	26,981
Interest expense, net	4,644	4,776
Other expense/(income), net	4,548	4,813
(Loss)/income before income taxes	(8,545)	17,392
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring expense	258	34
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	164,288	188,482
Operating income	30,845	50,271
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring expense	673	33
Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	15,789	11,472
Operating income	29	(1,043)
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring expense		13
PrimaLoft Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	8,476	6,768
Operating income	1,556	1,911
Research Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(6,065)	(7,165)
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(25,718)	(16,993)
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring expense	$ (415)	$ (12)