Reportable Segments (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 186,654	$ 180,077
Operating income/(loss)	22,518	(909)
Interest income	(299)	(84)
Interest expense	4,324	4,728
Other expense/ (income), net	734	4,548
Income/(loss) before income taxes	17,759	(10,101)
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	167,409	164,288
Operating income/(loss)	42,908	30,845
Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	19,245	15,789
Operating income/(loss)	(2,063)	29
Research Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)	(6,991)	(6,065)
Unallocated Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)	$ (11,336)	$ (25,718)