Restructuring (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
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net	$ 3,152	$ 1,731	$ 3,410	$ 1,765
Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			3,956	1,765
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges accrued December 31			6,979	2,809
New accruals			3,830	1,645
Payments			(2,778)	(1,502)
Currency translation/ other			(243)	135
Restructuring charges accrued June 30	7,788	3,087	7,788	3,087
Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			(546)
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net	2,903	572	3,576	605
Machine Clothing [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			3,576	605
Machine Clothing [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net
Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net		44		57
Engineered Composites [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net				57
Engineered Composites [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net	249	1,115	(166)	1,103
Unallocated Expenses [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			380	1,103
Unallocated Expenses [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			$ (546)