Restructuring (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net	$ 2,739	$ 2,691	$ 6,149	$ 4,456
Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			6,695	4,142
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges accrued December 31			6,979	2,809
New accruals			6,579	3,962
Payments			(6,395)	(2,206)
Currency translation/ other			6	46
Restructuring charges accrued September 30	7,169	4,611	7,169	4,611
Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			(546)	89
Benefit Plan Charge [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net				225
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net	2,739	2,610	6,315	3,215
Machine Clothing [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			6,315	2,901
Machine Clothing [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net				89
Machine Clothing [Member] | Benefit Plan Charge [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net				225
Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net				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
Engineered Composites [Member] | Benefit Plan Charge [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net		81	(166)	1,184
Unallocated Expenses [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			380	1,184
Unallocated Expenses [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net			(546)
Unallocated Expenses [Member] | Benefit Plan Charge [Member]
Restructuring by segment
Restructuring and other, net