Discontinued Operations (Schedule of Major Categories of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets of Discontinued Operations:
Cash	$ 13,545
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	36,458
Inventories	16,507
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,907
Goodwill and intangibles	39,227
Other current and noncurrent assets	5,174
Total assets of discontinued operation	117,818
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
Accounts payable	9,255
Accrued liabilities	11,428
Other current liabilities	1,763
Liabilities for defined benefit pension plans	9,513
Other noncurrent liabilities	4,604
Total liabilities of discontinued operation	36,563
PrimaLoft Products [Member]
Assets of Discontinued Operations:
Cash
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	1,338
Inventories	3,846
Property, plant and equipment, net	563
Goodwill and intangibles
Other current and noncurrent assets	60
Total assets of discontinued operation	5,807
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
Accounts payable	955
Accrued liabilities	545
Other current liabilities
Liabilities for defined benefit pension plans
Other noncurrent liabilities	52
Total liabilities of discontinued operation	1,552
Albany Door Systems [Member]
Assets of Discontinued Operations:
Cash	13,545
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	35,120
Inventories	12,661
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,344
Goodwill and intangibles	39,227
Other current and noncurrent assets	5,114
Total assets of discontinued operation	112,011
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:
Accounts payable	8,300
Accrued liabilities	10,883
Other current liabilities	1,763
Liabilities for defined benefit pension plans	9,513
Other noncurrent liabilities	4,552
Total liabilities of discontinued operation	$ 35,011