Reportable Segment Data (Schedule of Operating Data) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 191,940	$ 189,681	$ 372,017	$ 389,635
Operating income	(86,004)	12,480	(86,913)	37,554
Interest expense, net	3,969	4,786	8,613	9,562
Other (income)/expense, net	(2,555)	7	1,993	4,820
(Loss)/income before income taxes	(87,418)	7,687	(97,519)	23,172
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	177,122	179,177	341,410	367,659
Operating income	44,997	37,709	75,842	87,980
Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	14,818	10,504	30,607	21,976
Operating income	(369)	(1,144)	(340)	(2,187)
Research Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(7,253)	(7,212)	(13,318)	(14,377)
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (123,379)	$ (16,873)	$ (149,097)	$ (33,862)