Segment Information (Details1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	$ 1,050,570	$ 1,060,578
Americas Nonwovens [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	531,686	564,424
Europe Nonwovens [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	212,722	218,151
Asia Nonwovens [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	233,338	228,448
Oriented Polymers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	29,016	25,474
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	43,369	23,623
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	$ 439	$ 458