Division Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	$ 1,022,069	$ 1,060,578
Americas Nonwovens
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	513,765	564,882
Europe Nonwovens
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	202,139	218,151
Asia Nonwovens
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	248,790	228,448
Oriented Polymers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	25,329	25,474
Unallocated Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Division assets	$ 32,046	$ 23,623