Materion (MTRN) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MATERION Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1104657
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,100,633
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$753,171,599

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$1,126,890	$1,166,882	$1,273,078
Cost of sales	920,987	978,904	1,074,295
Gross margin	205,903	187,978	198,783
Selling, general, and administrative expense	137,118	133,253	133,893
Research and development expense	12,850	13,432	12,505
Other — net	-1,022	14,462	15,609
Operating profit	56,957	26,831	36,776
Interest expense — net	2,787	3,036	3,134
Income before income taxes	54,170	23,795	33,642
Income tax expense	12,449	4,088	8,978
Net income	$41,721	$19,707	$24,664
Basic earnings per share:
Net income per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$2.04	$0.96	$1.21
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$2	$0.94	$1.19
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.34	$0.32	$0.23
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding
Basic (in shares)	20,461	20,571	20,418
Diluted (in shares)	20,810	20,895	20,679

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$41,721	$19,707	$24,664
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,440	-3,790	-870
Derivative and hedging activity, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($1,318), $160, and $385	2,244	-296	-715
Pension and post-employment benefit adjustment, net of tax of $11,626, ($17,613), and $7,676	-20,153	32,627	-14,629
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income	-22,349	28,541	-16,214
Comprehensive income	$19,372	$48,248	$8,450

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Derivative and hedging activity, tax benefit (expense)	($1,318)	$160	$385
Pension and post employment benefit adjustment, tax	$11,626	($17,613)	$7,676

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$41,721	$19,707	$24,664
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	42,721	41,649	37,046
Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense	795	679	649
Stock-based compensation expense	5,446	5,741	5,889
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	-5,495	-2,442	-2,462
Changes in assets and liabilities net of acquired assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	-2,066	12,116	-4,716
Decrease (increase) in inventory	-30,412	-8,241	-18,880
Decrease (increase) in prepaid and other current assets	-191	6,647	483
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,164	-7,739	1,472
Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue	4,401	-1,064	-1,491
Increase (decrease) in interest and taxes payable	1,161	2,391	-2,324
Increase (decrease) in long-term liabilities	-7,348	6,879	-5,053
Other — net	3,384	-401	3,343
Net cash provided from operating activities	60,281	75,922	38,620
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for purchase of property, plant, and equipment	-29,312	-27,848	-34,088
Payments for mine development	-1,247	-4,776	-10,573
Reimbursement for capital spending under government contract	0	0	991
Payments for purchase of business less cash received	0	0	-3,894
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	3,090	22	0
Other investments — net	-2	15	4,201
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-27,471	-32,587	-43,363
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance (repayment) of short-term debt	-6,291	-13,692	8,594
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	33,332	70,423	32,403
Repayment of long-term debt	-38,945	-86,036	-27,986
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	-666	-657	-749
Cash dividends paid	-6,865	-6,497	-4,615
Deferred financing costs	0	-1,587	0
Repurchase of common stock	-22,282	0	-119
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans	359	1,163	158
Tax benefit from stock compensation realization	477	711	817
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	-40,881	-36,172	8,503
Effects of exchange rate changes	-1,553	-445	41
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-9,624	6,718	3,801
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	22,774	16,056	12,255
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$13,150	$22,774	$16,056

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,150	$22,774
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $1,578 for 2014 and $1,421 for 2013)	112,780	113,012
Inventories	232,409	232,800
Prepaid expenses	14,953	16,353
Deferred income taxes	13,402	10,325
Total current assets	386,694	395,264
Long-term deferred income taxes	17,722	5,941
Property, plant, and equipment	800,671	782,879
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	-553,083	-520,986
Property, plant, and equipment — net	247,588	261,893
Intangible assets	18,559	24,248
Other assets	4,781	3,874
Goodwill	86,725	86,725
Total Assets	762,069	777,945
Current liabilities
Short-term debt	653	35,566
Accounts payable	36,239	36,556
Salaries and wages	35,448	28,202
Taxes other than income taxes	1,306	1,527
Other liabilities and accrued items	22,397	25,122
Unearned revenue	4,879	479
Income taxes	3,144	1,564
Total current liabilities	104,066	129,016
Other long-term liabilities	18,203	16,531
Retirement and post-employment benefits	103,891	80,275
Unearned income	51,796	56,490
Long-term income taxes	1,750	1,576
Deferred income taxes	617	1,469
Long-term debt	23,613	29,267
Shareholders’ equity
Serial preferred stock (no par value; 5,000 authorized shares, none issued)	0	0
Common stock (no par value; 60,000 authorized shares, issued shares of 27,226 for 2014 and 27,164 for 2013)	202,104	197,576
Retained earnings	476,277	441,518
Common stock in treasury (6,857 shares for 2014 and 6,274 shares for 2013)	-140,938	-118,151
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-82,237	-59,888
Other equity transactions	2,927	2,266
Total shareholders’ equity	458,133	463,321
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$762,069	$777,945

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable	$1,578	$1,421
Serial preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	27,226,000	27,164,000
Treasury stock, shares	6,857,000	6,274,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Common Stock In Treasury	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Equity Transactions
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$405,982	$185,913	$408,380	($118,279)	($72,215)	$2,183
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	24,664		24,664
Other comprehensive income	-16,214				-16,214
Cash dividends declared	-4,650		-4,650
Proceeds from exercise of 16, 74, and 68 shares under option plans for the years ended 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	158	158
Proceeds from exercise of 16 shares under option plans	817	817
Repurchase of 132 and 6 shares for the years ended 2011 and 2012, respectively	-119			-119
Repurchase of 6 shares	5,889	5,889
Stock-based compensation expense	-1,608	-1,608
Shares withheld for employee taxes on equity awards	76			100		-24
Ending balances at Dec. 31, 2012	414,995	191,169	428,394	-118,298	-88,429	2,159
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	19,707		19,707
Other comprehensive income	28,541				28,541
Cash dividends declared	-6,583		-6,583
Proceeds from exercise of 16, 74, and 68 shares under option plans for the years ended 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	1,163	1,163
Proceeds from exercise of 16 shares under option plans	711	711
Repurchase of 6 shares	5,741	5,741
Stock-based compensation expense	-1,208	-1,208
Shares withheld for employee taxes on equity awards	254			147		107
Ending balances at Dec. 31, 2013	463,321	197,576	441,518	-118,151	-59,888	2,266
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	41,721		41,721
Other comprehensive income	-22,349				-22,349
Cash dividends declared	-6,962		-6,962
Proceeds from exercise of 16, 74, and 68 shares under option plans for the years ended 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively	359	359
Proceeds from exercise of 16 shares under option plans	477	477
Repurchase of 132 and 6 shares for the years ended 2011 and 2012, respectively	-22,282			-22,282
Repurchase of 6 shares	5,446	5,446
Stock-based compensation expense	-1,754	-1,754
Shares withheld for employee taxes on equity awards	156			-505		661
Ending balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$458,133	$202,104	$476,277	($140,938)	($82,237)	$2,927

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Proceeds from exercise of shares under option plans (in shares)	20	16
Repurchase of shares (in shares)	690	6

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization:  Materion Corporation (the Company) is a holding company with subsidiaries that have operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. These operations manufacture advanced engineered materials used in a variety of end markets, including consumer electronics, industrial components, medical, automotive electronics, energy, telecommunications infrastructure, defense, and commercial aerospace. The Company has three reportable segments: Performance Alloys and Composites, Advanced Materials, and Other. Other includes the operating results of our Precision Optics and Large Area Coatings operating segments (collectively referred to as our Precision Coatings group) and unallocated corporate costs.
	Refer to Note M to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional segment details. The Company is vertically integrated and distributes its products through a combination of company-owned facilities and independent distributors and agents.
	Use of Estimates:    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Consolidation:    The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries. All of the Company’s subsidiaries are wholly owned as of December 31, 2014. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Cash Equivalents:    All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable:    An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to pay the amounts due. The allowance is based upon identified delinquent accounts, customer payment patterns, and other analyses of historical data and trends. The Company extends credit to customers based upon their financial condition, and generally collateral is not required.
	Inventories:    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the majority of domestic inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The remaining inventories are stated principally at average cost.
	Property, Plant, and Equipment:    Property, plant, and equipment is stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method, except certain assets for which depreciation may be computed by the units-of-production method. The depreciable lives that are used in computing the annual provision for depreciation by class of asset are as follows:
		Years
	Land improvements	5 to 25
	Buildings	10 to 40
	Leasehold improvements	Life of lease
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15
	Furniture and fixtures	4 to 15
	Automobiles and trucks	2 to 8
	Research equipment	6 to 12
	Computer hardware	3 to 10
	Computer software	3 to 10
	An asset acquired under a capital lease will be recorded at the lesser of the present value of the projected lease payments or the fair value of the asset and will be depreciated in accordance with the above schedule. Leasehold improvements will be depreciated over the life of the improvement if it is shorter than the life of the lease. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
	Mineral Resources and Mine Development: Property acquisition costs are capitalized as mineral resources on the balance sheet and are depleted using the units-of-production method based upon recoverable proven reserves of the ore body.
	Mine development costs at our open pit surface mines include drilling, infrastructure, other related costs to delineate an ore body, and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body. Costs incurred before mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves are expensed and classified as Exploration expense. Capitalization of mine development project costs that meet the definition of an asset begins once mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves.
	Drilling and related costs are capitalized for an ore body where proven and probable reserves exist, and the activities are directed at obtaining additional information on the ore body or converting mineralized material to proven and probable reserves. All other drilling and related costs are expensed as incurred. Drilling costs incurred during the production phase for operational ore control are allocated to inventory costs and then included as a component of costs applicable to sales.
	The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open-pit mine prior to the production phase are referred to as “development costs.” Development costs are capitalized during the development of an open-pit mine and are capitalized at each pit. These costs are amortized as the ore is extracted using the units-of-production method based upon recoverable proven reserves.
	To the extent that the aforementioned costs benefit an entire ore body, the costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the ore body. Costs incurred to access specific ore blocks or areas that only provide benefit over the life of that area are amortized over the estimated life of that specific ore block area.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:    Goodwill is not amortized, but instead reviewed annually as of December 31 of each year, or more frequently under certain circumstances, for impairment. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit, which is the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method or effective interest method, as applicable, over the periods estimated to be benefited, which is generally 20 years or less. Finite-lived intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment if facts and circumstances warrant.
	Asset Impairment:    In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the associated estimated future undiscounted cash flow. If the carrying value exceeds that cash flow, then the assets are written down to their fair values.
	Derivatives:    The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated and effective as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in fair value are offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or commitment through earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value, if any, is recognized in earnings immediately. If a derivative is not a hedge, changes in its fair value are adjusted through the income statement.
	Asset Retirement Obligation:    The Company records a liability to recognize the legal obligation to remove an asset at the time the asset is acquired or when the legal liability arises. The liability is recorded for the present value of the ultimate obligation by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. The liability is accreted over time, with the accretion charged to expense. An asset equal to the fair value of the liability is recorded concurrent with the liability and depreciated over the life of the underlying asset.
	Unearned Income:    Expenditures for capital equipment to be reimbursed under government contracts are recorded in property, plant, and equipment, while the reimbursements for those expenditures are recorded in unearned income, a liability on the balance sheet. When the assets subject to reimbursement are placed in service, the total cost is depreciated over the useful lives, and the unearned income liability is reduced and credited to cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income ratably with the annual depreciation expense. Depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is shown net of the associated period reduction in the unearned income liability.
	Revenue Recognition:    The Company generally recognizes revenue when the goods are shipped and title passes to the customer. The Company requires persuasive evidence that a revenue arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured before revenue is realized and earned. Billings in advance of the shipment of the goods are recorded as unearned revenue, which is a liability on the balance sheet. Revenue is recognized for these transactions when the goods are shipped and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
	Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records shipping and handling costs for products sold to customers in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Advertising Costs:    The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $1.2 million in 2014, $1.1 million in 2013, and $1.2 million in 2012.
	Stock-based Compensation:    All stock-based compensation instruments, including options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and performance restricted stock, are viewed collectively when determining the accounting treatment of the tax considerations upon the realization of the benefit by the recipient.
	Capitalized Interest: Interest expense associated with active capital asset construction and mine development projects is capitalized and amortized over the future useful lives of the related assets.
	Income Taxes:    The Company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company will record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized, as warranted by current facts and circumstances. The Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties and will record a liability for those tax benefits that have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.
	Net Income Per Share:    Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive common stock equivalents as appropriate using the treasury stock method.
	Reclassification:    Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 consolidated financial statement presentation.
	New Pronouncements:    In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires that a company recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies will need to use more judgment and estimates than under the guidance currently in effect, including estimating the amount of variable revenue to recognize over each identified performance obligation. Additional disclosures will be required to help users of financial statements understand the nature, amount, and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2017 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires an entity to net its liability for unrecognized tax positions against a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law. The provisions of this new guidance were effective in 2014. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	In the first quarter of 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Aerospace Metal Composites Limited (AMC) of Farnborough, England for $3.3 million, net of $1.5 million of cash acquired. This acquisition was financed with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the existing revolving credit agreement. AMC manufactures ultrafine particulate reinforced metal matrix composites, primarily aluminum materials, that are used in performance automotive, aerospace, defense, and precision high-speed machinery applications. Goodwill was valued at $1.9 million.
	The result of the above acquired business was included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The AMC acquisition is included in the Performance Alloys and Composites segment. Refer to Note E for additional information on the intangible assets associated with this acquisition.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014		2013
	Principally average cost:
	Raw materials and supplies	$	39,559	$	39,201
	Work in process	155,377		152,645
	Finished goods	37,473		40,954
	Net inventories	$	232,409	$	232,800
	Average cost approximates current cost. Gross inventories accounted for using the LIFO method totaled $183.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $175.6 million at December 31, 2013. Net inventory includes a LIFO reserve balance of $53.7 million as of December 31, 2014, and $58.2 million as of December 31, 2013. The use of the LIFO method results in a better matching of revenue and costs. The liquidation of LIFO inventory layers reduced cost of sales by $0.1 million in 2014 and $1.0 million in 2013.
	The Company repaid a precious metal-denominated loan totaling $28.7 million as of December 31, 2013 in the third quarter of 2014. This debt reduction was completed by transferring 23,781 ounces of gold held in inventory to the lender as repayment for the outstanding short-term debt, and this transaction was treated as a non-cash item in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	The December 31, 2013 balance reflects a reclassification of $19.4 million from prepaid assets to inventory. The Company determined it was more appropriate to reflect the fair market value adjustment related to certain of its precious metal inventory as inventory. The reclassification did not impact previously reported total current assets or total assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, net income in the Consolidated Statements of Income, or net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized as follows:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	7,458		$	8,097
	Buildings	129,673			128,187
	Machinery and equipment	579,906			569,617
	Software	34,525			31,571
	Construction in progress	16,818			14,363
	Allowances for depreciation	(534,908		)	(510,718		)
	Subtotal	233,472			241,117
	Capital leases	10,912			10,912
	Allowances for depreciation	(1,988		)	(1,728		)
	Subtotal	8,924			9,184
	Mineral resources	4,980			4,979
	Mine development	16,399			15,153
	Allowances for amortization and depletion	(16,187		)	(8,540		)
	Subtotal	5,192			11,592
	Property, plant, and equipment — net	$	247,588		$	261,893
	The Company had a Title III contract with the Department of Defense (DoD) for the design and development of a primary beryllium production facility. Construction of the facility would not have been economically feasible without assistance from the government. The cost of the project, which included the equipment and building and project design, administrative, and other general costs that were not capitalizable as fixed assets, totaled approximately $104.9 million. The Company capitalized $14.7 million of fixed assets and $10.0 million of capital leases as a portion of its cost share for the project. Reimbursements received by the Company from the DoD included $63.5 million for its share of the cost of equipment that was purchased by the Company and installed in the facility. The cost paid by the Company was recorded in property, plant and equipment, and the reimbursement from the government was recorded as unearned income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unearned income liability will be reduced and credited to income ratably with the depreciation expense recorded over the useful life of the equipment.
	The equipment was placed in service during 2012. Depreciation expense on the portion of the equipment whose cost was reimbursed by the DoD was $4.7 million in 2014 and 2013. Accordingly, unearned income was reduced by $4.7 million in 2014 and 2013 and credited to cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income, offsetting the impact of the depreciation expense on the associated equipment on the Company's cost of sales and gross margin.
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of mine development expense, including depreciation for assets recorded under capital leases, was $37.5 million in 2014, $36.1 million in 2013, and $31.0 million in 2012. The expense is net of the above referenced reductions in the unearned income liability. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization as shown on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is also net of the reduction in the unearned income liability in 2014 and 2013. The net book value of capitalized software as of December 31, 2014 was $6.1 million and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2013. Depreciation expense related to software was $1.8 million in 2014, $1.7 million in 2013, and $1.6 million in 2012.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Assets Acquired
	The Company acquired a license in 2014 with a cost of $0.3 million with a weighted-average amortization period of 8.5 years. The Company incurred $1.6 million for deferred financing costs associated with new debt agreements in 2013 with a weighted-average amortization period of 4.8 years.
	Assets Subject to Amortization
	The cost, accumulated amortization, and net book value of intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the aggregate amortization expense for each year then ended is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred financing costs
	Cost	$	7,794		$	7,794
	Accumulated amortization	(5,302		)	(4,507		)
	Net book value	2,492			3,287
	Customer relationships
	Cost	38,427			38,427
	Accumulated amortization	(26,544		)	(22,624		)
	Net book value	11,883			15,803
	Technology
	Cost	12,092			12,092
	Accumulated amortization	(8,594		)	(7,626		)
	Net book value	3,498			4,466
	License
	Cost	2,755			2,480
	Accumulated amortization	(2,096		)	(1,828		)
	Net book value	659			652
	Trade Name
	Cost	62			62
	Accumulated amortization	(35		)	(22		)
	Net book value	27			40
	Total
	Cost	$	61,130		$	60,855
	Accumulated amortization	(42,571		)	(36,607		)
	Net book value	$	18,559		$	24,248
	Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,964		$	6,208
	The aggregate amortization expense is estimated to be $5.8 million in 2015, $5.1 million in 2016, $4.6 million in 2017, $1.8 million in 2018, and $0.6 million in 2019.
	Assets Not Subject to Amortization
	The Company’s only intangible asset not subject to amortization is goodwill. A reconciliation of the goodwill activity for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the year	$	86,725		$	88,753
	Adjustment	—			(2,028		)
	Balance at the end of the year	$	86,725		$	86,725
	In connection with a change in the Company's operating segments as described in Note M , the Company reassigned goodwill based on relative fair value. Goodwill totaling $46.6 million has been assigned to the Advanced Materials segment. Within the Precision Coatings group, goodwill of $17.6 million and $20.6 million has been assigned to the Precision Optics and Large Area Coatings operating segments, respectively. The remaining $1.9 million has been assigned to the Beryllium reporting unit within the Performance Alloys and Composites segment.
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment of $2.0 million to increase deferred tax assets and reduce goodwill to correct the amount of deferred tax assets recognized in connection with the acquisition of EIS Optics Limited in 2011, which is included in the Other segment. This adjustment was not material to previously issued financial statements as it had no net impact on total assets, equity, or cash flows and had an immaterial impact in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has reflected this adjustment in the accompanying 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized as follows:
			December 31,
	(Thousands)		2014			2013
	Revolving credit agreement		$	10,000		$	15,000
	Fixed rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in annual installments through 2021		5,961			6,575
	Variable rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in 2016		8,305			8,305
	Total outstanding		24,266			29,880
	Current portion of long-term debt		(653		)	(613		)
	Total		$	23,613		$	29,267
	Maturities on long-term debt instruments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	653
	2016	9,000
	2017	733
	2018	10,773
	2019	819
	Thereafter	2,288
	Total	$	24,266
	In 2013, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) with six financial institutions that matures in 2018 and provides for a $375.0 million revolving credit facility comprised of sub-facilities for revolving loans, swing-line loans, letters of credit, and foreign borrowings. The Credit Agreement also provides for an uncommitted incremental facility whereby, under certain conditions, the Company may be able to borrow additional term loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100.0 million. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its direct subsidiaries, with the exception of non-mining real property and certain other assets. The Credit Agreement allows the Company to borrow money at a premium over LIBOR or prime rate and at varying maturities. The premium resets quarterly according to the terms and conditions available under the agreement.
	At December 31, 2014, there was $42.5 million outstanding against the letters of credit sub-facility. The Company pays a variable commitment fee that resets quarterly (0.225% as of December 31, 2014) of the available and unborrowed amounts under the revolving credit line.
	The Credit Agreement is subject to restrictive covenants including incurring additional indebtedness, acquisition limits, dividend declarations, and stock repurchases. In addition, the Credit Agreement includes covenants subject to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term lines of credit. Amounts shown as outstanding are included in short-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(Thousands)		Total			Outstanding			Available		Total		Outstanding		Available
	Domestic		$	322,475		$	—		$	322,475	$	320,510	$	6,291	$	314,219
	Foreign		12,334			—			12,334		13,320		—		13,320
	Precious metal		—			—			—		28,662		28,662		—
	Total		$	334,809		$	—		$	334,809	$	362,492	$	34,953	$	327,539
	While the available borrowings under the individual existing credit lines total $334.8 million, the covenants in the domestic Credit Agreement restrict the aggregate available borrowings to $229.4 million as of December 31, 2014.
	The domestic line is committed and includes all sub-facilities in the $375.0 million maximum borrowing under the Credit Agreement. The Company has various foreign lines of credit, one of which for 3.5 million euros, is committed and secured. The remaining foreign lines are uncommitted, unsecured, and renewed annually. The average interest rate on short-term debt was 4.90% and 2.47% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company transferred its precious metal-denominated debt to its precious metals consignment facility. Refer to Note C for additional information.
	In April of 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and the Dayton–Montgomery County Port Authority to co-issue $8.0 million in taxable development revenue bonds, with a fixed amortization term that will mature in 2021. The interest rate on these bonds is fixed at 4.9%, and the unamortized balance of the bonds was $6.0 million at December 31, 2014.
	In November of 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with the Lorain Port Authority, Ohio to issue $8.3 million in variable rate industrial revenue bonds, maturing in 2016. The variable rate ranged from 0.18% to 0.28% in 2014 and from 0.19% to 0.38% in 2013.

Leasing_Arrangements

Leasing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leasing Arrangements	Leasing Arrangements
	The Company leases warehouse and manufacturing real estate, and manufacturing and computer equipment under operating leases with terms ranging up to 25 years. Operating lease expense amounted to $8.7 million, $9.4 million, and $9.0 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The future estimated minimum payments under capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases with initial lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
		Capital		Operating
	(Thousands)	Leases		Leases
	2015	$	1,064	$	6,474
	2016	1,064		5,875
	2017	1,064		4,359
	2018	1,064		3,550
	2019	1,064		3,017
	2020 and thereafter	3,639		9,461
	Total minimum lease payments	8,959		$	32,736
	Amounts representing interest	1,747
	Present value of net minimum lease payments	$	7,212
	The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in lease agreements as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_Information_and_Der

Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments	Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company measures and records financial instruments at fair value. A hierarchy is used for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based upon market data (observable inputs) and the Company's assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
	Level 1 — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
	Level 3 — Other significant unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the Company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014:
				Fair Value Measurements
	(Thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices		Significant		Other
				in Active		Observable		Significant
				Markets for		Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs
				Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Financial Assets
	Directors’ deferred compensation investments	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts	3,456		—		3,456		—
	Total	$	3,852	$	396	$	3,456	$	—
	Financial Liabilities
	Directors’ deferred compensation liability	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
	Total	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
	The Company uses a market approach to value the assets and liabilities for outstanding derivative contracts in the table above. Foreign currency and precious metal hedge contracts are valued through models that utilize market observable inputs, including both spot and forward prices, for the same underlying currencies and metals. The carrying values of the other working capital items and debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate fair values as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company uses derivative contracts to hedge portions of its foreign currency exposures and may also use derivatives to hedge a portion of its precious metal exposures. The objectives and strategies for using derivatives in these areas are as follows:
	Foreign Currency.    The Company sells products to overseas customers in their local currencies, primarily the euro and yen. The Company secures foreign currency derivatives, mainly forward contracts and options, to hedge these anticipated sales transactions. The purpose of the hedge program is to protect against the reduction in the dollar value of foreign currency sales from adverse exchange rate movements. Should the dollar strengthen significantly, the decrease in the translated value of the foreign currency sales should be partially offset by gains on the hedge contracts. Depending upon the methods used, the hedge contracts may limit the benefits from a weakening U.S. dollar.
	The use of forward contracts locks in a firm rate and eliminates any downside from an adverse rate movement as well as any benefit from a favorable rate movement. The Company may from time to time choose to hedge with options or a tandem of options known as a collar. These hedging techniques can limit or eliminate the downside risk but can allow for some or all of the benefit from a favorable rate movement to be realized. Unlike a forward contract, a premium is paid for an option; collars, which are a combination of a put and call option, may have a net premium but can be structured to be cash neutral. The Company will primarily hedge with forward contracts due to the relationship between the cash outlay and the level of risk.
	Precious Metals.    The Company maintains the majority of its precious metal production requirements on consignment in order to reduce its working capital investment and the exposure to metal price movements. When a precious metal product is fabricated and ready for shipment to the customer, the metal is purchased out of consignment at the current market price. The price paid by the Company forms the basis for the price charged to the customer. This methodology allows for changes in either direction in the market prices of the precious metals used by the Company to be passed through to the customer and reduces the impact changes in prices could have on the Company's margins and operating profit. The consigned metal is owned by financial institutions who charge the Company a financing fee based upon the current value of the metal on hand.
	In certain instances, a customer may want to establish the price for the precious metal at the time the sales order is placed rather than at the time of shipment. Setting the sales price at a different date than when the material would be purchased potentially creates an exposure to movements in the market price of the metal. Therefore, in these limited situations, the Company may elect to enter into a forward contract to purchase precious metal. The forward contract allows the Company to purchase metal at a fixed price on a specific future date. The price in the forward contract serves as the basis for the price to be charged to the customer. By doing so, the selling price and purchase price are matched, and the Company's price exposure is reduced.
	The Company refines precious metal containing materials for its customers and typically will purchase the refined metal from the customer at current market prices. In limited circumstances, the customer may want to fix the price to be paid at the time of the order as opposed to when the material is refined. The customer may also want to fix the price for a set period of time. The Company may then elect to enter into a hedge contract, either a forward contract or a swap, to fix the price for the estimated quantity of metal to be purchased, thereby reducing the exposure to adverse movements in the price of the metal.
	The Company may from time to time elect to purchase precious metal and hold in inventory rather than on consignment due to potential credit line limitations or other factors. These purchases are typically held for a short duration. A forward contract will be secured at the time of the purchase to fix the price to be used when the metal is transferred back to the consignment line, thereby limiting any price exposure during the time when the metal was owned.
	A team consisting of senior financial managers reviews the estimated exposure levels, as defined by budgets, forecasts, and other internal data, and determines the timing, amounts, and instruments to use to hedge exposures. Management analyzes the effective hedged rates and the actual and projected gains and losses on the hedging transactions against the program objectives, targeted rates, and levels of risk assumed. Foreign currency contracts are typically layered in at different times for a specified exposure period in order to minimize the impact of market rate movements.
	The use of derivatives is governed by policies adopted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company will only enter into a derivative contract if there is an underlying identified exposure. Contracts are typically held to maturity. The Company does not engage in derivative trading activities and does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company only uses hedge contracts that are denominated in the same currency or metal as the underlying exposure.
	The fair values of the outstanding derivatives are recorded as assets (if the derivatives are in a gain position) or liabilities (if the derivatives are in a loss position). The fair values will also be classified as short term or long term depending upon maturity dates. The following table summarizes the notional amount and the fair value of the Company’s outstanding derivatives and balance sheet classification as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(Thousands)	Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Prepaid expenses
	Foreign currency forward contracts - yen	$	6,835	$	773	$	4,951	$	292
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	33,215		2,683		—		—
	Precious metal forward contracts	—		—		5,663		11
	Total	40,050		3,456		10,614		303
	Other liabilities and accrued items
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	—		—		25,112		(364		)
	Precious metal swaps	—		—		4,511		(30		)
	Total	—		—		29,623		(394		)
	Other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	—		—		952		(15		)
	Total	$	40,050	$	3,456	$	41,189	$	(106	)
	All of the foreign currency derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the precious metal contracts at December 31, 2013, were designated and effective as cash flow hedges. There were no precious metal derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	There was no ineffectiveness associated with the derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2014 or 2013, and no ineffectiveness expense was recorded in 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	The fair value of derivative contracts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $3.5 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company expects to relieve this balance to the Consolidated Statement of Income in 2015. The fair value of derivative contracts in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $(0.1) million at December 31, 2013.

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits	Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits
	The obligation and funded status of the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans are shown below. The Pension Benefits column aggregates defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Germany, and England, and the U.S. supplemental retirement plans. The Other Benefits column includes the domestic retiree medical and life insurance plan.
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
	(Thousands)		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	221,748			$	253,839			$	31,398			$	34,294
	Service cost		7,963				9,724				138				305
	Interest cost		10,339				9,936				675				1,243
	Plan amendments		—				—				(14,034		)		—
	Actuarial (gain) loss		43,476				(28,581		)		223				(2,396		)
	Benefit payments from fund		(8,387		)		(22,893		)		—				—
	Benefit payments directly by Company		(1,236		)		(136		)		(1,968		)		(2,271		)
	Expenses paid from assets		(570		)		(613		)		—				—
	Medicare Part D subsidy		—				—				108				223
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,548		)		472				—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		271,785				221,748				16,540				31,398
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		173,494				163,436				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		6,852				23,824				—				—
	Employer contributions		16,145				9,615				—				—
	Benefit payments from fund		(8,387		)		(22,893		)		—				—
	Expenses paid from assets		(569		)		(613		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(349		)		125				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		187,186				173,494				—				—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(84,599	)		$	(48,254	)		$	(16,540	)		$	(31,398	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
	Balance Sheets consist of:
	Other assets		$	1,703			$	1,321			$	—			$	—
	Other liabilities and accrued items		(753		)		(1,138		)		(1,472		)		(2,663		)
	Retirement and post-employment benefits		(85,549		)		(48,437		)		(15,068		)		(28,735		)
			$	(84,599	)		$	(48,254	)		$	(16,540	)		$	(31,398	)
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax) consist of:
	Net actuarial loss		$	122,641			$	78,983			$	275			$	52
	Net prior service (credit) cost		(1,300		)		(1,734		)		—				—
			$	121,341			$	77,249			$	275			$	52
	Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax):
	Amortization of net loss		$	7,558			$	5,100			$	—			$	—
	Amortization of prior service credit		(450		)		(434		)		—				—
			$	7,108			$	4,666			$	—			$	—
	Additional information
	Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans		$	260,536			$	213,585			$	—			$	—
	For defined benefit pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Aggregate benefit obligation		266,377				216,567				—				—
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		180,075				166,992				—				—
	For defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation		255,128				208,404				—				—
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		180,075				166,992				—				—
	Components of net benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)
			Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
	(Thousands)		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Net benefit cost
	Service cost		$	7,963			$	9,724			$	7,915			$	138			$	305		$	285
	Interest cost		10,339				9,936				9,912				675				1,243			1,439
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,419		)		(12,261		)		(11,934		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)		(434		)		(340		)		(335		)		(1,498		)		115			87
	Recognized net actuarial loss		5,263				7,912				5,605				—				—			—
	Net periodic cost		10,712				14,971				11,163				(685		)		1,663			1,811
	Settlements		7				—				—				—				—			—
	Total net benefit cost		$	10,719			$	14,971			$	11,163			$	(685	)		$	1,663		$	1,811
		Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
	(Thousands)	2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Change in other comprehensive income
	OCI at beginning of year	$	77,249			$	124,955			$	104,056			$	52			$	2,587		$	1,180
	Increase (decrease) in OCI:
Recognized during year — prior service cost (credit)	434				340				335				1,498				(115		)	(87		)
Recognized during year — net actuarial (losses) gains	(5,263		)		(7,912		)		(5,605		)		—				—			—
Occurring during year — prior service cost	—				—				117				(14,034		)		—			—
Occurring during year — net actuarial losses (gains)	49,037				(40,143		)		25,995				223				(2,397		)	1,494
Other adjustments	—				(3		)		—				—				(23		)	—
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(116		)		12				57				—				—			—
OCI at end of year	$	121,341			$	77,249			$	124,955			$	(12,261	)		$	52		$	2,587
Summary of key valuation assumptions
		Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at fiscal year end
Discount rate		4	%		4.8	%		3.99	%		3.5	%		4.5	%		3.75	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.96	%		4.43	%		4.44	%		4	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for the fiscal year
Discount rate		4.79	%		3.97	%		4.81	%		4.13	%		3.75	%		4.5	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.15	%		7.44	%		7.65	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase		4.42	%		4.42	%		4.43	%		4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
The Company used a December 31 measurement date for the above plans.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company revised the expected long-term rate of return assumption used in calculating the annual expense for its domestic defined benefit pension plan, decreasing it to 7.25% from 7.50%. Effective January 1, 2013, the Company revised the expected long-term rate of return assumption used in calculating the annual expense for its domestic defined benefit pension plan, decreasing it to 7.50% from 7.75%. In each instance, the impact was accounted for as a change in estimate.
Management establishes the domestic expected long-term rate of return assumption by reviewing historical trends and analyzing the current and projected market conditions in relation to the plan’s asset allocation and risk management objectives. Consideration is given to both recent plan asset performance as well as plan asset performance over various long-term periods of time, with an emphasis on the assumption being a prospective, long-term rate of return. Management consults with and considers the opinions of its outside investment advisors and actuaries when establishing the rate and reviews assumptions with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Management believes that the 7.25% domestic expected long-term rate of return assumption is achievable and reasonable given current market conditions and forecasts, asset allocations, investment policies, and investment risk objectives.
The rate of compensation increase assumption was changed to 4.0% for 2014 and years after in the domestic defined benefit pension plan and the domestic retiree medical plan.
The Company also updated mortality rate assumptions based on new guidance issued from the Society of Actuaries, which increased the domestic defined benefit plan liability.
In the second quarter of 2012, the Company closed its domestic defined benefit pension plan to new entrants. Current plan participants will continue to accrue benefits under the existing formulas, while new hires will be offered an enhanced defined contribution plan.
Assumptions for the defined benefit pension plans in Germany and England are determined separately from the U.S. plan assumptions, based on historical trends and current and projected market conditions in Germany and England. The plan in Germany is unfunded and the plan in England has assets that are approximately 4.0% of the Company’s aggregated total fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2014.
The Company has notified participants of changes to the domestic retiree medical plan, including changing the benefit formula for participants covered by the plan. The revised benefit formula is designed to lower costs for the Company and the majority of plan participants. As a result of this change, the plan liability on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet was reduced by $14.0 million in the first quarter of 2014, with the offset increasing other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders' equity. The liability reduction will be recognized in earnings over the average remaining service life of participants.
Assumed health care trend rates at fiscal year end		2014		2013
Health care trend rate assumed for next year		7.00%		7.50%
Rate that the trend rate gradually declines to (ultimate trend rate)		5.00%		5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2019		2019
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
		1-Percentage-								1-Percentage-
		Point Increase								Point Decrease
(Thousands)		2014				2013				2014				2013
Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	15			$	30			$	(14	)		$	(26	)
Effect on post-employment benefit obligation		427				602				(392		)		(567		)
Plan Assets
The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category. Refer to Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements for definitions of fair value hierarchy.
		December 31, 2014
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
(Thousands)
Cash		$	6,173			$	6,173			$	—			$	—
Equity securities:
U.S. (a)		60,028				49,625				10,403				—
International (b)		28,372				25,361				3,011				—
Emerging markets (c)		13,498				13,300				198				—
Fixed-income securities:
Intermediate-term bonds (d)		18,635				14,755				3,880				—
Short-term bonds (e)		3,631				—				3,631				—
Global bonds (f)		30,030				26,795				3,235				—
Other types of investments:
Real estate fund (g)		6,513				6,433				80				—
Alternative strategies (h)		8,477				8,382				95				—
Pooled investment fund (i)		6,613				—				—				6,613
Multi-strategy hedge funds (j)		4,962				—				—				4,962
Private equity funds		254				—				—				254
Total		$	187,186			$	150,824			$	24,533			$	11,829
		31-Dec-13
		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
(Thousands)
Cash		$	6,568			$	6,568			$	—			$	—
Equity securities:
U.S. (a)		63,321				54,095				9,226				—
International (b)		27,403				23,911				3,492				—
Emerging markets (c)		14,165				13,908				257				—
Fixed income securities:
Intermediate-term bonds (d)		21,874				14,482				7,392				—
Short-term bonds (e)		11,608				11,608				—				—
Global bonds (f)		12,728				10,879				1,849				—
Other types of investments:
Real estate fund (g)		9,943				9,882				61				—
Multi-strategy hedge funds (j)		5,467				—				—				5,467
Private equity funds		417				—				—				417
Total		$	173,494			$	145,333			$	22,277			$	5,884
(a)	Mutual funds that invest in various sectors of the U.S. market.
(b)	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies primarily in developed countries that are generally considered to be value stocks.
(c)	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies in emerging market countries.
(d)	Includes a mutual fund that employs a value-oriented approach to fixed income investment management and a mutual fund that invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities.
(e)	Includes a mutual fund that seeks a market rate of return for a fixed-income portfolio with low relative volatility of returns, investing generally in U.S. and foreign debt securities maturing in five years or less.
(f)	Mutual funds that invest in domestic and foreign sovereign securities, fixed income securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed bonds, convertible bonds, high-yield bonds, and emerging market bonds.
(g)	Includes a mutual fund that typically invests at least 80% of its assets in equity and debt securities of companies in the real estate industry or related industries or in companies which own significant real estate assets at the time of investment.
(h)	Includes a mutual fund that tactically allocates assets to global equity, fixed income, and alternative strategies.
(i)	Includes a fund that invests in a broad portfolio of hedge funds.
(j)	Includes a hedge fund that employs multiple strategies to multiple asset classes with low correlations.
The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets measured using significant unobservable inputs during 2014 and 2013:
(Thousands)		Total				Pooled Investment Fund				Multi-strategy Hedge Funds				Private Equity Funds
Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	4,836			$	—			$	4,191			$	645
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date		1,183				—				1,276				(93		)
On assets sold during the period		229				—				—				229
Purchases, sales, and settlements		(364		)		—				—				(364		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	5,884			$	—			$	5,467			$	417
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date		(406		)		113				(505		)		(14		)
On assets sold during the period		(20		)		—				—				(20		)
Purchases, sales, and settlements		6,371				6,500				—				(129		)
Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	11,829			$	6,613			$	4,962			$	254
Capital may be withdrawn from the multi-strategy hedge fund partnership on a monthly basis with a ten-day notice period.
The Company’s domestic defined benefit pension plan investment strategy, as approved by the Governance and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors, is to employ an allocation of investments that will generate returns equal to or better than the projected long-term growth of pension liabilities so that the plan will be self-funding. The return objective is to maximize investment return to achieve and maintain a 100% funded status over time, taking into consideration required cash contributions. The allocation of investments is designed to maximize the advantages of diversification while mitigating the risk and overall portfolio volatility to achieve the return objective. Risk is defined as the annual variability in value and is measured in terms of the standard deviation of investment return. Under the Company’s investment policies, allowable investments include domestic equities, international equities, fixed income securities, cash equivalents, and alternative securities (which include real estate, private venture capital investments, hedge funds, and tactical asset allocation). Ranges, in terms of a percentage of the total assets, are established for each allowable class of security. Derivatives may be used to hedge an existing security or as a risk reduction strategy. Current asset allocation guidelines are to invest 30% to 70% in equity securities, 20% to 50% in fixed income securities and cash, and up to 20% in alternative securities. Management reviews the asset allocation on a quarterly or more frequent basis and makes revisions as deemed necessary.
None of the plan assets noted above are invested in the Company’s common stock.
Cash Flows
Employer Contributions
The Company expects to contribute $16.0 million to its domestic defined benefit pension plan and $1.5 million to its other benefit plans in 2015.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
						Other Benefits
		Pension Benefits				Gross Benefit				Net of
						Payment				Medicare
										Part D
										Subsidy
(Thousands)
2015		$	9,672			$	1,472			$	1,435
2016		9,894				1,483				1,447
2017		12,320				1,566				1,533
2018		11,202				1,597				1,565
2019		12,581				1,541				1,512
2020 through 2024		72,765				6,442				6,334
Other Benefit Plans
In addition to the plans shown above, the Company also has certain foreign subsidiaries with accrued unfunded pension and other post-employment arrangements. The liability for these arrangements was $2.1 million at December 31, 2014 and $2.3 million at December 31, 2013, and was included in retirement and post-employment benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company also sponsors defined contribution plans available to substantially all U.S. employees. The Company’s annual defined contribution expense, including the expense for the enhanced defined contribution plan that was implemented in the second quarter of 2012, was $3.0 million in 2014, $2.8 million in 2013, and $2.5 million in 2012.

Contingencies_and_Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Commitments	Contingencies and Commitments
	CBD Claims
	The Company is a defendant from time to time in proceedings in various state and federal courts brought by plaintiffs alleging that they have contracted chronic beryllium disease (CBD) or related ailments as a result of exposure to beryllium. Plaintiffs in CBD cases seek recovery under theories of negligence and various other legal theories and seek compensatory and punitive damages, in many cases of an unspecified sum. Spouses, if any, often claim loss of consortium.
	Employee cases, in which plaintiffs have a high burden of proof, have historically involved relatively small losses to the Company. Third-party plaintiffs (typically employees of customers) face a lower burden of proof than do the Company’s employees, but these cases have generally been covered by varying levels of insurance. Management has vigorously contested the CBD cases brought against the Company.
	Claims filed by third-party plaintiffs alleging CBD filed prior to the end of 2022 are covered by insurance if any portion of the alleged exposure period occurred prior to year-end 2007. Both defense and indemnity costs are covered subject to an annual $1.0 million deductible and other terms and provisions.
	There was one CBD case outstanding as of December 31, 2014. This case was filed during 2013. There was one settlement paid during 2014. This case was filed during 2012 and was settled for an immaterial amount. There were no other settlements paid or cases dismissed during 2014 or 2013.
	Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of any pending litigation, the Company provides for costs related to litigation matters when a loss is probable, and the amount is reasonably estimable. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and it is possible that some of the actions could be decided unfavorably in amounts exceeding the Company’s reserves. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of a CBD case or adverse media coverage could encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation. The Company is unable to estimate its potential exposure to unasserted claims.
	Based upon currently known facts and assuming collectibility of insurance, the Company does not believe that resolution of the current or future beryllium proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or cash flow of the Company. However, the Company’s results of operations could be materially affected by unfavorable results in one or more cases.
	Insurance Recoverable
	After recording and investigating a $7.4 million inventory loss in the fourth quarter 2012, the Company filed a claim with its insurance provider under existing polices for theft. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company and the insurance company settled the claim, and the Company received a cash payment of $6.8 million and recognized the amount in Other-net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company collected $4.0 million as part of a settlement agreement with a contractor for an outstanding dispute regarding construction of the Company's beryllium pebble plant located in Elmore, Ohio. The cash received and the benefit of this settlement was recorded in the third quarter of 2014 in Other-net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Environmental Proceedings
	The Company has an active program for environmental compliance that includes the identification of environmental projects and estimating the impact on the Company’s financial performance and available resources. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, such as wastewater treatment and control of airborne emissions, are either expensed or capitalized as appropriate. The Company records reserves for the probable costs for identified environmental remediation projects. The Company’s environmental engineers perform routine ongoing analyses of the remediation sites and will use outside consultants to assist in their analyses from time to time. Accruals are based upon their analyses and are established at either the best estimate or, absent a best estimate, at the low end of the estimated range of costs. The accruals are revised for the results of ongoing studies, changes in strategies, inflation, and for differences between actual and projected costs. The accruals may also be affected by rulings and negotiations with regulatory agencies. The timing of payments often lags the accrual, as environmental projects typically require a number of years to complete.
	The environmental reserves recorded represent the Company's best estimate of what is reasonably possible and cover existing or currently foreseen projects based upon current facts and circumstances. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the cost to resolve environmental matters for sites where the investigative work and work plan development are substantially complete will be materially different than what has been accrued while the ultimate loss contingencies for sites that are in the preliminary stages of investigation cannot be reasonably determined at the present time. As facts and circumstances change, the ultimate cost may be revised and the recording of additional costs may be material in the period in which the additional costs are accrued. The Company does not believe that the ultimate liability for environmental matters will have a material impact on its financial condition or liquidity due to the nature of known environmental matters and the extended period of time during which environmental remediation normally takes place.
	The undiscounted reserve balance at the beginning of the year, the amounts expensed and paid, and the balance at the end of the year for 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Reserve balance at beginning of year	$	(4,809	)	$	(5,301	)
	Expensed	(275		)	(503		)
	Paid	162			995
	Reserve balance at end of year	$	(4,922	)	$	(4,809	)
	Ending balance recorded in:
	Other liabilities and accrued items	$	(460	)	$	(430	)
	Other long-term liabilities	(4,462		)	(4,379		)
	The majority of spending in 2014 and 2013 was for various remediation projects at the Elmore, Ohio plant site.
	Long-term Obligation
	The Company had a long-term supply agreement with Ulba/Kazatomprom of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its marketing representative, Nukem, Inc. (Nukem) of Connecticut, for the purchase of approximately 775,000 pounds of beryllium copper master alloy. The pricing for the beryllium content of the material is fixed while the price for the copper content fluctuates based upon the monthly average LME market price. The contract was completed prior to December 31, 2013. Purchases made under this agreement totaled $1.8 million in 2013 and $5.2 million in 2012. This contract was replaced with short-term agreements in 2014. The material purchased from Nukem is used in the manufacture of beryllium-containing alloy products by the Performance Alloys and Composites segment.
	Other
	The Company is subject to various legal or other proceedings that relate to the ordinary course of its business. The Company believes that the resolution of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The Company has outstanding letters of credit totaling $42.5 million related to workers’ compensation, consigned precious metal guarantees, environmental remediation issues, and other matters. The majority of the Company's outstanding letters of credit expire in 2015 and are expected to be renewed.

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation	Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation
	A reconciliation of the changes in the number of common shares issued is as follows:
	(Thousands)	Number of Shares
	Issued as of January 1, 2012	27,024
	Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs)	26
	Issued as of December 31, 2012	27,050
	Exercise of stock options and SARs	114
	Issued as of December 31, 2013	27,164
	Exercise of stock options and SARs	62
	Issued as of December 31, 2014	27,226
	Stock incentive plans (the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Non-employee Director Equity Plan) were approved at the May 2, 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. These plans authorize the granting of option rights, stock appreciation rights, performance-restricted shares, performance shares, performance units, and restricted shares and replaced the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-employee Directors. The 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2006 Non-employee Director Equity Plan were amended to, among other things, add additional shares to the plans. These amendments were approved by shareholders at the May 2014 annual meeting.
	Stock Options
	Stock options may be granted to employees or non-employee directors of the Company. Option rights entitle the optionee to purchase common shares at a price equal to or greater than the market value on the date of grant. Option rights granted to employees generally become exercisable (i.e. vest) over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of the grant. Options granted to employees may also be issued with shorter vesting periods. Options granted to non-employee directors vest in six months and expire ten years from the date of the grant. The number of options available to be issued is established in plans approved by shareholders. The exercise of options is generally satisfied by the issuance of new shares.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-				Aggregate		Weighted-
		Options		average				Intrinsic		average
				Exercise				Value		Remaining
				Price Per						Term (Years)
				Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	21		$	17.29			$	—	—
	Exercised	(20	)	17.29				—		—
	Canceled	(1	)	17.08				—		—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	—						—		—
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	—						—		—
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	—						—		—
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options totaled $0.4 million in 2014, $1.2 million in 2013, and $0.2 million in 2012. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises was $0.1 million in 2014, $0.5 million in 2013, and $0.1 million in 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $0.3 million, $1.0 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
	The Company may grant restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. These shares are restricted and vest over a designated period of time as defined at the date of the grant and are forfeited should the holder’s employment terminate during the restriction period. The fair market value of the restricted shares is determined on the date of the grant and is amortized over the restriction period. The restriction period is typically three years.
	The fair value of the restricted stock is based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. The weighted-average grant date fair value for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $33.29, $27.35, and $27.87, respectively.
	Compensation cost was $2.2 million in 2014, $2.5 million in 2013, and $2.7 million in 2012. The unamortized compensation cost on the outstanding restricted stock was $1.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 20 months. The income tax expense recognized from the vesting of restricted stock totaled $0.1 million in 2014, as compared to the tax benefit realized from the vesting of restricted stock of $0.2 million in 2013 and $0.7 million in 2012.
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	200		$	32.71
	Granted	60		33.29
	Vested	(81	)	33.21
	Forfeited	(27	)	33.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	152		$	30.76
	Long-term Incentive Plans
	Under long-term incentive compensation plans, executive officers and selected other employees receive cash or stock awards based upon the Company’s performance over the defined period, typically three years. Awards may vary based upon the degree to which actual performance exceeds the pre-determined threshold, target, and maximum performance levels at the end of the performance periods. Payouts may be subjected to attainment of threshold performance objectives.
	Compensation expense is based upon the performance projections for the three-year plan period, the percentage of requisite service rendered, and the fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. The offset to the compensation expense for the portion of the award to be settled in shares is recorded within shareholders’ equity and was $1.0 million for 2014, $0.8 million for 2013, and $0.4 million for 2012.
	Directors Deferred Compensation
	Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their fees into the Company’s common shares. The fair value of the deferred shares is determined at the share acquisition date and is recorded within shareholders’ equity. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the Company’s common shares do not impact the recorded values of the shares.
	The following table summarizes the stock activity for the directors' deferred compensation plan during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		average
				Grant  Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	101		$	23.74
	Granted	19		33.46
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	120		$	25.33
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the weighted-average grant date fair value of shares granted was $33.46, $26.99, and $23.10, respectively.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The Company may grant SARs to certain employees and non-employee directors. Upon exercise of vested SARs, the participant will receive a number of shares of common stock equal to the spread (the difference between the market price of the Company’s common shares at the time of the exercise and the strike price established in the SARs agreement) divided by the common share price. The strike price of the SARs is equal to or greater than the market value of the Company’s common shares on the day of the grant. The number of SARs available to be issued is established by plans approved by the shareholders. The vesting period and the life of the SARs are established in the SARs agreement at the time of the grant. The exercise of the SARs is satisfied by the issuance of treasury shares. The SARs vest three years from the date of grant. SARs granted prior to 2011 expire in ten years, while the SARs granted in 2011 and later expire in seven years.
	The following table summarizes the Company's SARs activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-				Aggregate		Weighted-
		SARs		average				Intrinsic		average
				Exercise				Value		Remaining
				Price Per						Term (Years)
				Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	984		$	26.34			$	—	—
	Granted	143		33.29				—		—
Exercised	(154	)	20.15				—		—
Cancelled	(5	)	33.3				—		—
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	968		28.32				7,633,000		4.4
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	968		28.32				7,633,000		4.4
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	504		26.51				5,334,000		3.6
The weighted-average fair value of the SARs granted in 2014 was $33.29. The fair value will be amortized to compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. Compensation cost was $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $2.8 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and was included in selling, general, and administrative expense. The unamortized compensation cost balance was $2.2 million as of December 31, 2014.
Summarized information on SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2014 follows:
SARs Prices	Number		Weighted-		Weighted-
	Outstanding		average		average
	(Thousands)		Remaining		Exercise
			Life (Years)		Price
$15.01	162		3.7		$	15.01
$21.24-$24.03	140		4.4		21.4
$27.78-$29.45	337		4.5		28.9
$33.30-$34.70	146		6.3		33.32
$39.30-$44.72	183		3.1		40.41
	968		4.4		$	28.32
The SARs granted at $15.01, $21.24, $24.03, $27.78, $34.70, $39.30, and $44.72 are exercisable.
The fair value of the SARs was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
	2014		2013			2012
Risk-free interest rate	1.64	%	0.7	%		0.89	%
Dividend yield	1	%	1.1	%		—	%
Volatility	45.5	%	56.6	%		50	%
Expected lives (in years)	5		5			5
The risk-free rate of return was based on the five-year Treasury note rate at the time the SARs were granted. The Company initiated a dividend in May of 2012, subsequent to the 2012 grant date. The share price volatility was calculated based on the actual closing prices of the Company's common shares at month end over a period of approximately ten years prior to the granting of the SARs. This approach to measuring volatility is consistent with the approach used to calculate the volatility assumption in the valuation of stock options. The Company's current SARs program has been in place since 2006. The expected life assumption was based upon prior analyses.
Serial Preferred Stock
The Company has five million shares of Serial Preferred Stock authorized (no par value), none of which have been issued. Certain terms of the Serial Preferred Stock, including dividends, redemption, and conversion, will be determined by the Board of Directors prior to issuance.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, including amounts reclassified out, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Gains and Losses									Pension and Post- Employment Benefits			Foreign Currency Translation
		On Cash Flow Hedges
	(Thousands)	Foreign Currency			Precious Metals			Total									Total
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011
	Gross	$	1,399		$	51		$	1,450		$	(105,236	)	$	4,947		$	(98,839	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(913		)	18			(895		)	(25,729		)	—			(26,624		)
	Net	$	2,312		$	33		$	2,345		$	(79,507	)	$	4,947		$	(72,215	)
	2012 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	693		$	(552	)	$	141		$	(27,662	)	$	(870	)	$	(28,391	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,839		)	598			(1,241		)	5,357			—			4,116
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(1,146		)	46			(1,100		)	(22,305		)	(870		)	(24,275		)
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	(401		)	16			(385		)	(7,676		)	—			(8,061		)
	2012 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	(745		)	30			(715		)	(14,629		)	(870		)	(16,214		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012
	Gross	253			97			350			(127,541		)	4,077			(123,114		)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(1,314		)	34			(1,280		)	(33,405		)	—			(34,685		)
	Net	$	1,567		$	63		$	1,630		$	(94,136	)	$	4,077		$	(88,429	)
	2013 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	618		$	4		$	622		$	42,553		$	(3,790	)	$	39,385
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(958		)	(120		)	(1,078		)	7,687			—			6,609
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(340		)	(116		)	(456		)	50,240			(3,790		)	45,994
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	(119		)	(41		)	(160		)	17,613			—			17,453
	2013 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	(221		)	(75		)	(296		)	32,627			(3,790		)	28,541
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2013
	Gross	(87		)	(19		)	(106		)	(77,301		)	287			(77,120		)
	Deferred tax (benefit)	(1,433		)	(7		)	(1,440		)	(15,792		)	—			(17,232		)
	Net	$	1,346		$	(12	)	$	1,334		$	(61,509	)	$	287		$	(59,888	)
	2014 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	3,456		$	19		$	3,475		$	(35,109	)	$	(4,440	)	$	(36,074	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	87			—			87			3,330			—			3,417
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	3,543			19			3,562			(31,779		)	(4,440		)	(32,657		)
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	1,311			7			1,318			(11,626		)	—			(10,308		)
	2014 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	2,232			12			2,244			(20,153		)	(4,440		)	(22,349		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014
	Gross	3,456			—			3,456			(109,080		)	(4,153		)	(109,777		)
	Deferred tax (benefit)	(122		)	—			(122		)	(27,418		)	—			(27,540		)
	Net	$	3,578		$	—		$	3,578		$	(81,662	)	$	(4,153	)	$	(82,237	)
	Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income of gains and losses on foreign currency cash flow hedges are recorded in Other-net in the Consolidated Statements of Income while gains and losses on precious metal cash flow hedges are recorded in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note H for additional details on cash flow hedges.
	Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income for pension and post-employment benefits are included in the computation of the net periodic pension and post-employment benefit expense. Refer to Note I for additional details on pension and post-employment expenses.

Segment_Reporting_and_Geograph

Segment Reporting and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information	Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
	The Company reorganized its operating segments in the fourth quarter of 2014 to more appropriately focus resources to drive new product development and growth across its diversified customer base. In accordance with the requirements of the Segment Reporting Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) issued by the FASB, the Company determined its reportable segments based on the Company’s new organizational structure.
	The Company is now organized into three reportable segments: Performance Alloys and Composites, Advanced Materials, and Other. The Other reportable segment includes the operating results of our Precision Optics and Large Area Coatings operating segments (collectively referred to as the Precision Coatings group) and unallocated corporate costs. Precision Optics and Large Area Coatings do not meet the quantitative threshold criteria for separate disclosure. The Company also changed its methodology for allocating certain general corporate and shared services expenses. The Company reclassified a portion of these expenses from its operating segments to corporate to better align with our management of these costs and has recast the effect for all periods presented.
	The factors that the Company considered in determining its reportable segments included the economic similarity of its businesses, the nature of products sold or services provided, production processes, types of customers, and distribution methods.
	Performance Alloys and Composites produces strip and bulk form alloy products, strip metal products with clad inlay and overlay metals, beryllium-based metals, beryllium, and aluminum metal matrix composites, in rod, sheet, foil, and a variety of customized forms, beryllia ceramics, and bulk metallic glass materials.
	Advanced Materials produces advanced chemicals, microelectric packaging, precious, non-precious metal and specialty metal products, including vapor deposition targets, frame lid assemblies, clad and precious metal preforms, high temperature braze materials, and ultra-fine wire.
	The Precision Coatings group produces thin film coatings, optical filter materials, sputter-coated, and precision-converted thin film materials.
	Financial information for reportable segments, which has been recast for all periods presented to reflect the current organizational structure, was as follows:
							Other
	(Thousands)		Performance		Advanced Materials		Other (1)		Corporate (2)			Subtotal			Total
			Alloys and
			Composites
	2014
	Net sales		$	433,288	$	547,282	$	147,659	$	(1,339	)	$	146,320		$	1,126,890
	Intersegment sales (3)		743		54,404		—		—			—			55,147
	Value-added sales		358,511		181,040		102,378		(4,856		)	97,522			637,073
	Operating profit (loss)		33,290		32,692		9,272		(18,297		)	(9,025		)	56,957
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization		24,712		6,890		10,175		944			11,119			42,721
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		16,998		6,412		5,869		1,280			7,149			30,559
	Assets		433,997		148,303		122,337		57,432			179,769			762,069
	2013
	Net sales		$	422,936	$	591,972	$	152,269	$	(295	)	$	151,974		$	1,166,882
	Intersegment sales (3)		447		56,048		5		—			5			56,500
	Value-added sales		339,903		168,600		104,232		(3,644		)	100,588			609,091
	Operating profit (loss)		30,737		8,427		4,262		(16,595		)	(12,333		)	26,831
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization		23,033		9,037		8,446		1,133			9,579			41,649
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		18,354		4,201		6,763		3,306			10,069			32,624
	Assets		428,706		184,027		122,964		42,248			165,212			777,945
	2012
	Net sales		$	424,480	$	694,793	$	153,038	$	767		$	153,805		$	1,273,078
	Intersegment sales (3)		1,268		53,169		99		—			99			54,536
	Value-added sales		336,977		172,124		106,383		79			106,462			615,563
	Operating profit (loss)		29,319		21,760		1,727		(16,030		)	(14,303		)	36,776
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization		19,486		8,078		8,204		1,278			9,482			37,046
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		31,473		5,646		6,227		1,315			7,542			44,661
	Assets		427,745		222,828		119,475		44,869			164,344			814,917
	(1)	Other represents the Precision Coatings group, which is a business included in the Other reportable segment.
	(2)	Costs associated with our unallocated corporate functions have been shown separately to better illustrate the financial information for the businesses within the Other reportable segment.
	(3)	Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.
	The primary measure of evaluating segment performance is operating profit. In addition to net sales, value-added sales is also reviewed. Value-added sales represents a non-GAAP measure which removes the impact of pass-through metal costs and allows for analysis without the distortion of the movement or volatility in pass-through metal prices. Value-added sales is a metric of particular importance to the Advanced Materials segment, since a significant portion of Advanced Materials net sales are based on the value of precious metals which can fluctuate significantly from period to period.
	From a segment assets perspective, segments are evaluated based upon a return on assets metric, which includes inventory (excluding the impact of LIFO), accounts receivable, and property, plant, and equipment. Therefore, segment assets listed in the above table represent the total of these three amounts.
	The Other reportable segment includes the operating results and assets of the Precision Coatings group, as well as unallocated corporate costs and assets.
	Other geographic information includes the following:
	(Thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Net sales from U.S. operations		$	884,175	$	962,288	$	1,064,779
	Net sales based upon location of customers
	United States		$	731,203	$	810,642	$	881,968
	All other		395,687		356,240		391,110
	Total		$	1,126,890	$	1,166,882	$	1,273,078
	Long-lived assets by country deployed
	United States		$	322,090	$	340,922	$	354,122
	All other		30,782		31,944		36,042
	Total		$	352,872	$	372,866	$	390,164
	No individual country, other than the United States, or customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales for the years presented. Net sales outside of the United States are primarily to Asia and Europe.

Othernet

Other-net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other-net [Abstract]
Other-net	Other-net
	Other-net is summarized for 2014, 2013, and 2012 as follows:
		Income (Expense)
	(Thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency exchange/translation gain (loss)	$	1,676		$	1,506		$	1,477
	Amortization of intangible assets	(5,169		)	(5,529		)	(6,008		)
	Metal consignment fees	(7,332		)	(7,218		)	(9,011		)
	Net gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets	2,435			(1,459		)	(1,836		)
	Recovery from insurance	6,750			—			—
	Legal settlement	4,000			—			—
	Consignment facility renegotiation bank fee	—			(853		)	—
	Other items	(1,338		)	(909		)	(231		)
	Total	$	1,022		$	(14,462	)	$	(15,609	)

Facility_Consolidation_Facilit

Facility Consolidation Facility Consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Facility Consolidation	Facility Consolidation
	During 2012, the Company announced a plan to consolidate various small facilities to improve efficiencies and reduce overhead costs in order to improve profitability and cash flows. As part of this program, two facilities were closed and operations transferred to other existing facilities (one in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the other in the third quarter of 2013), one operation was consolidated from four separate buildings into two in the fourth quarter of 2013, and the majority of equipment from a fourth operation was either transferred to another facility or written off and closed in the first quarter of 2014. The program also involved a reduction in the hourly workforce and management group at other facilities. All of the affected facilities and manpower reductions were within the Advanced Materials and Other segments.
	Costs associated with the consolidation program included severance and related manpower costs, equipment write-downs, equipment relocations, and other related costs. These costs were included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014		2013
	Cost of sales	$	433	$	1,812
	Selling, general, and administrative expense	104		2,805
	Other-net	170		1,373
	Total	$	707	$	5,990
	Included in these costs are equipment write-offs of $1.2 million in 2013 that resulted from the abandonment of equipment with no realizable value.
	An accrual totaling $2.0 million, primarily for severance and other manpower costs associated with this program, was recorded on the Company's balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. In 2014, the Company also recognized an incremental $0.7 million charge primarily related to facility maintenance costs. Cash payments associated with this program totaled $2.5 million in 2014, primarily related to severance. The accrual balance remaining at December 31, 2014 is $0.2 million.

Interest

Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest [Abstract]
Interest	Interest
	The following chart summarizes the interest incurred, capitalized, and paid, as well as the amortization of capitalized interest for 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	(Thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Interest incurred	$	3,012	$	3,286	$	3,334
	Less capitalized interest	225		250		200
	Total net expense	$	2,787	$	3,036	$	3,134
	Interest paid	$	2,215	$	2,671	$	2,639
	Amortization of capitalized interest included in cost of sales	$	261	$	265	$	336
	The difference in expense among 2014, 2013, and 2012 was primarily due to changes in the level of outstanding debt and capital leases and the average borrowing rate. Amortization of deferred financing costs within interest expense was $0.8 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2013, and $0.6 million in 2012.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income before income taxes and income taxes (benefit) are comprised of the following:
	(Thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Income before income taxes:
	Domestic	$	39,789			$	16,528			$	23,379
	Foreign	14,381				7,267				10,263
	Total income before income taxes	$	54,170			$	23,795			$	33,642
	Income taxes:
	Current income taxes:
	Domestic	$	14,487			$	4,325			$	7,825
	Foreign	3,457				2,205				3,615
	Total current	$	17,944			$	6,530			$	11,440
	Deferred income taxes (benefit):
	Domestic	$	(4,604	)		$	(2,958	)		$	(3,084	)
	Foreign	(553		)		319				(44		)
	Valuation allowance	(338		)		197				666
	Total deferred	$	(5,495	)		$	(2,442	)		$	(2,462	)
	Total income taxes	$	12,449			$	4,088			$	8,978
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory and effective income tax rates follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	0.8			(0.8	)		(0.3	)
	Effect of excess of percentage depletion over cost depletion	(5.1	)		(11.8	)		(7.3	)
	Manufacturing production deduction	(2.5	)		(2.4	)		(2.2	)
	Officers’ compensation	0.2			0.4			1.1
	Adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits	0.3			0.3			(0.6	)
	Foreign rate differential	(3.2	)		(3.1	)		(3.1	)
	Research and experimentation tax credit	(1.3	)		(7.4	)		—
	Retiree medical expense	—			—			(2.0	)
	Valuation allowance	(0.6	)		2.2			4
	Other items	(0.6	)		4.8			2.1
	Effective tax rate	23	%		17.2	%		26.7	%
	Included in domestic income taxes, as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income, are $0.6 million, $(0.2) million, and $(0.1) million of state and local income taxes in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company had domestic and foreign income tax payments of $13.1 million, $8.2 million, and $13.2 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014				2013
	Asset (liability)
	Post-employment benefits other than pensions	$	5,543			$	10,989
	Other reserves	17,764				13,744
	Environmental reserves	1,808				1,789
	Inventory	4,808				3,934
	Pensions	24,158				9,867
	Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	5,714				5,588
	Miscellaneous	345				303
	Subtotal	60,140				46,214
	Valuation allowance	(4,444		)		(4,782		)
	Total deferred tax assets	55,696				41,432
	Depreciation	(16,226		)		(18,669		)
	Amortization	(7,001		)		(7,371		)
	Capitalized interest expense	(141		)		(184		)
	Mine development	(571		)		(2,309		)
	Derivative instruments and hedging activities	(1,250		)		(130		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(25,189		)		(28,663		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	30,507			$	12,769
	The Company had deferred income tax assets offset with a valuation allowance for state and foreign net operating losses and state investment tax credit carryforwards. The Company intends to maintain a valuation allowance on these deferred tax assets until a realization event occurs to support reversal of all or a portion of the allowance.
	At December 31, 2014, for income tax purposes, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $6.5 million that do not expire, and $6.3 million that expire in calendar years 2015 through 2023. The Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $19.6 million that expire in calendar years 2017 through 2033. The Company had state tax credits of $2.6 million that expire in calendar years 2015 through 2028.
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations for years before 2010, state and local examinations for years before 2010, and foreign examinations for tax years before 2008. The Company is not presently under examination for its income tax filings.
	A reconciliation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the year-to-date periods ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014				2013
	Balance as of January 1	$	1,679			$	1,767
	Additions to tax provisions related to the current year	12				—
	Additions to tax positions related to prior years	483				484
	Reduction to tax positions related to prior years	—				(17		)
Lapses on statutes of limitations	(384		)		(555		)
Balance as of December 31	$	1,790			$	1,679
At December 31, 2014, the Company had $1.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $1.0 million would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.
The Company classifies all interest and penalties as income tax expense. The amount of interest and penalties, net of related federal tax benefit, recognized in earnings was immaterial during 2014, 2013, and 2012. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, accrued interest and penalties, net of related federal tax benefit, were immaterial.
A provision has not been made with respect to $53.2 million of unremitted earnings at December 31, 2014 because such earnings may be considered to be reinvested indefinitely. It is not practical to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability for undistributed foreign earnings.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:
	(Thousands except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator for basic and diluted EPS:
	Net income	$	41,721	$	19,707	$	24,664
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic EPS:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	20,461		20,571		20,418
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and stock appreciation rights	185		188		163
	Restricted stock	95		101		94
	Performance-based restricted shares	69		35		4
	Diluted potential common shares	349		324		261
	Denominator for diluted EPS:
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	20,810		20,895		20,679
	Basic EPS	$	2.04	$	0.96	$	1.21
	Diluted EPS	$	2	$	0.94	$	1.19
	SARs with grants in excess of the average annual share price totaling 329,000 in 2014, 368,000 in 2013, and 465,000 in 2012 were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
	The following tables summarize selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014
	(Thousands except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net sales	$	258,929		$	287,965		$	291,570		$	288,426		$	1,126,890
	Gross margin	45,462			49,801			54,843			55,797			205,903
	Percent of net sales	17.6		%	17.3		%	18.8		%	19.3		%	18.3		%
	Net income	$	7,331		$	9,974		$	12,440		$	11,976		$	41,721
	Net income per share of common stock:
	Basic	$	0.36		$	0.48		$	0.61		$	0.59		$	2.04
	Diluted	0.35			0.47			0.6			0.58			2
	Cash dividends per share of common stock	0.08			0.085			0.085			0.085			0.335
	Stock price range:
	High	$	35.19		$	37.96		$	39.38		$	40.6
	Low	25.21			31.69			30.88			26.64
		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net sales	$	299,169		$	306,141		$	275,434		$	286,138		$	1,166,882
	Gross margin	48,339			45,992			44,483			49,164			187,978
	Percent of net sales	16.2		%	15		%	16.2		%	17.2		%	16.1		%
	Net income	$	6,785		$	4,155		$	4,992		$	3,775		$	19,707
	Net income per share of common stock:
	Basic	$	0.33		$	0.2		$	0.24		$	0.18		$	0.96
	Diluted	0.33			0.2			0.24			0.18			0.94
	Cash dividends per share of common stock	0.075			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.315
	Stock price range:
	High	$	29.81		$	31.49		$	33.69		$	32.73
	Low	26.2			24.58			27.09			25.75
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company determined that there were procedural errors made during the reconciliation of the physical inventory counts taken and recorded at one of its facilities within the Advanced Materials reporting segment during the second and third quarters of 2013 that were not detected by the management review process on a timely basis. The Company, after determining that these errors were material to the applicable quarterly financial results, filed amended Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q in March of 2014 with corrected financial statements for the periods ended June 28, 2013 and September 27, 2013.
	The corrections reduced the previously reported gross margin in the second quarter of 2013 by $6.8 million and net income by $4.8 million, or $0.23 per share diluted. The corrections reduced the previously reported gross margin by $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2013. Net income was reduced by $0.1 million and earnings per share was reduced by a nominal amount in the third quarter of 2013. The figures in the above table represent the corrected amounts for each quarter.

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Materion Corporation and Subsidiaries
	Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
	Column A	Column B		Column C					Column D			Column E
	(Thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		ADDITIONS					Deduction-			Balance at End
				Charged to  Costs		Charged to  Other			Describe			of Period
				and Expenses		Accounts-Describe
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	1,421	$	664	$	—		$	507	(A)	$	1,578
	Inventory reserves and obsolescence	6,333		6,067		—			4,207		(B)	8,193
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	1,403		127		(12		)	97		(A)	1,421
	Inventory reserves and obsolescence	5,872		5,250		—			4,789		(B)	6,333
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	1,490		560		(305		)	342		(A)	1,403
	Inventory reserves and obsolescence	6,336		3,935		—			4,399		(B)	5,872
	Note (A) - Bad debts written-off, net of recoveries
	Note (B) - Inventory write-off

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	Organization:  Materion Corporation (the Company) is a holding company with subsidiaries that have operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. These operations manufacture advanced engineered materials used in a variety of end markets, including consumer electronics, industrial components, medical, automotive electronics, energy, telecommunications infrastructure, defense, and commercial aerospace. The Company has three reportable segments: Performance Alloys and Composites, Advanced Materials, and Other. Other includes the operating results of our Precision Optics and Large Area Coatings operating segments (collectively referred to as our Precision Coatings group) and unallocated corporate costs.
	Refer to Note M to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional segment details. The Company is vertically integrated and distributes its products through a combination of company-owned facilities and independent distributors and agents.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates:    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Consolidation	Consolidation:    The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries. All of the Company’s subsidiaries are wholly owned as of December 31, 2014. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents:    All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable:    An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to pay the amounts due. The allowance is based upon identified delinquent accounts, customer payment patterns, and other analyses of historical data and trends. The Company extends credit to customers based upon their financial condition, and generally collateral is not required.
Inventories	Inventories:    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the majority of domestic inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The remaining inventories are stated principally at average cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment:    Property, plant, and equipment is stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method, except certain assets for which depreciation may be computed by the units-of-production method. The depreciable lives that are used in computing the annual provision for depreciation by class of asset are as follows:
		Years
	Land improvements	5 to 25
	Buildings	10 to 40
	Leasehold improvements	Life of lease
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15
	Furniture and fixtures	4 to 15
	Automobiles and trucks	2 to 8
	Research equipment	6 to 12
	Computer hardware	3 to 10
	Computer software	3 to 10
	An asset acquired under a capital lease will be recorded at the lesser of the present value of the projected lease payments or the fair value of the asset and will be depreciated in accordance with the above schedule. Leasehold improvements will be depreciated over the life of the improvement if it is shorter than the life of the lease. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Mineral Resources and Mine Development	Mineral Resources and Mine Development: Property acquisition costs are capitalized as mineral resources on the balance sheet and are depleted using the units-of-production method based upon recoverable proven reserves of the ore body.
	Mine development costs at our open pit surface mines include drilling, infrastructure, other related costs to delineate an ore body, and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body. Costs incurred before mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves are expensed and classified as Exploration expense. Capitalization of mine development project costs that meet the definition of an asset begins once mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves.
	Drilling and related costs are capitalized for an ore body where proven and probable reserves exist, and the activities are directed at obtaining additional information on the ore body or converting mineralized material to proven and probable reserves. All other drilling and related costs are expensed as incurred. Drilling costs incurred during the production phase for operational ore control are allocated to inventory costs and then included as a component of costs applicable to sales.
	The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open-pit mine prior to the production phase are referred to as “development costs.” Development costs are capitalized during the development of an open-pit mine and are capitalized at each pit. These costs are amortized as the ore is extracted using the units-of-production method based upon recoverable proven reserves.
	To the extent that the aforementioned costs benefit an entire ore body, the costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the ore body. Costs incurred to access specific ore blocks or areas that only provide benefit over the life of that area are amortized over the estimated life of that specific ore block area.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:    Goodwill is not amortized, but instead reviewed annually as of December 31 of each year, or more frequently under certain circumstances, for impairment. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit, which is the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method or effective interest method, as applicable, over the periods estimated to be benefited, which is generally 20 years or less. Finite-lived intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment if facts and circumstances warrant.
Asset Impairment	Asset Impairment:    In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the associated estimated future undiscounted cash flow. If the carrying value exceeds that cash flow, then the assets are written down to their fair values.
Derivatives	Derivatives:    The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated and effective as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in fair value are offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged asset, liability, or commitment through earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value, if any, is recognized in earnings immediately. If a derivative is not a hedge, changes in its fair value are adjusted through the income statement.
Asset Retirement Obligation	Asset Retirement Obligation:    The Company records a liability to recognize the legal obligation to remove an asset at the time the asset is acquired or when the legal liability arises. The liability is recorded for the present value of the ultimate obligation by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. The liability is accreted over time, with the accretion charged to expense. An asset equal to the fair value of the liability is recorded concurrent with the liability and depreciated over the life of the underlying asset.
Unearned Income	Unearned Income:    Expenditures for capital equipment to be reimbursed under government contracts are recorded in property, plant, and equipment, while the reimbursements for those expenditures are recorded in unearned income, a liability on the balance sheet. When the assets subject to reimbursement are placed in service, the total cost is depreciated over the useful lives, and the unearned income liability is reduced and credited to cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income ratably with the annual depreciation expense. Depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is shown net of the associated period reduction in the unearned income liability.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition:    The Company generally recognizes revenue when the goods are shipped and title passes to the customer. The Company requires persuasive evidence that a revenue arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured before revenue is realized and earned. Billings in advance of the shipment of the goods are recorded as unearned revenue, which is a liability on the balance sheet. Revenue is recognized for these transactions when the goods are shipped and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records shipping and handling costs for products sold to customers in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs:    The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation:    All stock-based compensation instruments, including options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and performance restricted stock, are viewed collectively when determining the accounting treatment of the tax considerations upon the realization of the benefit by the recipient.
Capitalized Interest	Capitalized Interest: Interest expense associated with active capital asset construction and mine development projects is capitalized and amortized over the future useful lives of the related assets.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:    The Company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company will record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized, as warranted by current facts and circumstances. The Company applies a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties and will record a liability for those tax benefits that have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities.
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share:    Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive common stock equivalents as appropriate using the treasury stock method.
Reclassification	Reclassification:    Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 consolidated financial statement presentation.
New Pronouncements	New Pronouncements:    In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires that a company recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies will need to use more judgment and estimates than under the guidance currently in effect, including estimating the amount of variable revenue to recognize over each identified performance obligation. Additional disclosures will be required to help users of financial statements understand the nature, amount, and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2017 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that requires an entity to net its liability for unrecognized tax positions against a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law. The provisions of this new guidance were effective in 2014. Adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets	The depreciable lives that are used in computing the annual provision for depreciation by class of asset are as follows:
		Years
	Land improvements	5 to 25
	Buildings	10 to 40
	Leasehold improvements	Life of lease
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 15
	Furniture and fixtures	4 to 15
	Automobiles and trucks	2 to 8
	Research equipment	6 to 12
	Computer hardware	3 to 10
	Computer software	3 to 10

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	Inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014		2013
	Principally average cost:
	Raw materials and supplies	$	39,559	$	39,201
	Work in process	155,377		152,645
	Finished goods	37,473		40,954
	Net inventories	$	232,409	$	232,800

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant, and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized as follows:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	7,458		$	8,097
	Buildings	129,673			128,187
	Machinery and equipment	579,906			569,617
	Software	34,525			31,571
	Construction in progress	16,818			14,363
	Allowances for depreciation	(534,908		)	(510,718		)
	Subtotal	233,472			241,117
	Capital leases	10,912			10,912
	Allowances for depreciation	(1,988		)	(1,728		)
	Subtotal	8,924			9,184
	Mineral resources	4,980			4,979
	Mine development	16,399			15,153
	Allowances for amortization and depletion	(16,187		)	(8,540		)
	Subtotal	5,192			11,592
	Property, plant, and equipment — net	$	247,588		$	261,893

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets	The cost, accumulated amortization, and net book value of intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the aggregate amortization expense for each year then ended is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred financing costs
	Cost	$	7,794		$	7,794
	Accumulated amortization	(5,302		)	(4,507		)
	Net book value	2,492			3,287
	Customer relationships
	Cost	38,427			38,427
	Accumulated amortization	(26,544		)	(22,624		)
	Net book value	11,883			15,803
	Technology
	Cost	12,092			12,092
	Accumulated amortization	(8,594		)	(7,626		)
	Net book value	3,498			4,466
	License
	Cost	2,755			2,480
	Accumulated amortization	(2,096		)	(1,828		)
	Net book value	659			652
	Trade Name
	Cost	62			62
	Accumulated amortization	(35		)	(22		)
	Net book value	27			40
	Total
	Cost	$	61,130		$	60,855
	Accumulated amortization	(42,571		)	(36,607		)
	Net book value	$	18,559		$	24,248
	Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,964		$	6,208
Summary of reconciliation of goodwill	The Company’s only intangible asset not subject to amortization is goodwill. A reconciliation of the goodwill activity for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the year	$	86,725		$	88,753
	Adjustment	—			(2,028		)
	Balance at the end of the year	$	86,725		$	86,725

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of long-term debt	Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized as follows:
			December 31,
	(Thousands)		2014			2013
	Revolving credit agreement		$	10,000		$	15,000
	Fixed rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in annual installments through 2021		5,961			6,575
	Variable rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in 2016		8,305			8,305
	Total outstanding		24,266			29,880
	Current portion of long-term debt		(653		)	(613		)
	Total		$	23,613		$	29,267
Maturities on long-term debt instruments	Maturities on long-term debt instruments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	653
	2016	9,000
	2017	733
	2018	10,773
	2019	819
	Thereafter	2,288
	Total	$	24,266
Summary of short-term lines of credit	The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term lines of credit. Amounts shown as outstanding are included in short-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(Thousands)		Total			Outstanding			Available		Total		Outstanding		Available
	Domestic		$	322,475		$	—		$	322,475	$	320,510	$	6,291	$	314,219
	Foreign		12,334			—			12,334		13,320		—		13,320
	Precious metal		—			—			—		28,662		28,662		—
	Total		$	334,809		$	—		$	334,809	$	362,492	$	34,953	$	327,539

Leasing_Arrangements_Tables

Leasing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future estimated minimum payments under capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases	The future estimated minimum payments under capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases with initial lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
		Capital		Operating
	(Thousands)	Leases		Leases
	2015	$	1,064	$	6,474
	2016	1,064		5,875
	2017	1,064		4,359
	2018	1,064		3,550
	2019	1,064		3,017
	2020 and thereafter	3,639		9,461
	Total minimum lease payments	8,959		$	32,736
	Amounts representing interest	1,747
	Present value of net minimum lease payments	$	7,212

Fair_Value_Information_and_Der1

Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Summary of fair value information and derivative financial instruments	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014:
				Fair Value Measurements
	(Thousands)	Total		Quoted Prices		Significant		Other
				in Active		Observable		Significant
				Markets for		Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical		(Level 2)		Inputs
				Assets				(Level 3)
				(Level 1)
	Financial Assets
	Directors’ deferred compensation investments	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts	3,456		—		3,456		—
	Total	$	3,852	$	396	$	3,456	$	—
	Financial Liabilities
	Directors’ deferred compensation liability	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
	Total	$	396	$	396	$	—	$	—
Summary of the notional amount and the fair value of the Company's outstanding derivatives	The following table summarizes the notional amount and the fair value of the Company’s outstanding derivatives and balance sheet classification as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(Thousands)	Notional		Fair		Notional		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Prepaid expenses
	Foreign currency forward contracts - yen	$	6,835	$	773	$	4,951	$	292
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	33,215		2,683		—		—
	Precious metal forward contracts	—		—		5,663		11
	Total	40,050		3,456		10,614		303
	Other liabilities and accrued items
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	—		—		25,112		(364		)
	Precious metal swaps	—		—		4,511		(30		)
	Total	—		—		29,623		(394		)
	Other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward contracts - euro	—		—		952		(15		)
	Total	$	40,050	$	3,456	$	41,189	$	(106	)

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym1

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Obligation and funded status of the company's pension and other post-retirement benefit plans	The obligation and funded status of the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans are shown below. The Pension Benefits column aggregates defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Germany, and England, and the U.S. supplemental retirement plans. The Other Benefits column includes the domestic retiree medical and life insurance plan.
			Pension Benefits								Other Benefits
	(Thousands)		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	221,748			$	253,839			$	31,398			$	34,294
	Service cost		7,963				9,724				138				305
	Interest cost		10,339				9,936				675				1,243
	Plan amendments		—				—				(14,034		)		—
	Actuarial (gain) loss		43,476				(28,581		)		223				(2,396		)
	Benefit payments from fund		(8,387		)		(22,893		)		—				—
	Benefit payments directly by Company		(1,236		)		(136		)		(1,968		)		(2,271		)
	Expenses paid from assets		(570		)		(613		)		—				—
	Medicare Part D subsidy		—				—				108				223
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,548		)		472				—				—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		271,785				221,748				16,540				31,398
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		173,494				163,436				—				—
	Actual return on plan assets		6,852				23,824				—				—
	Employer contributions		16,145				9,615				—				—
	Benefit payments from fund		(8,387		)		(22,893		)		—				—
	Expenses paid from assets		(569		)		(613		)		—				—
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(349		)		125				—				—
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		187,186				173,494				—				—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(84,599	)		$	(48,254	)		$	(16,540	)		$	(31,398	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
	Balance Sheets consist of:
	Other assets		$	1,703			$	1,321			$	—			$	—
	Other liabilities and accrued items		(753		)		(1,138		)		(1,472		)		(2,663		)
	Retirement and post-employment benefits		(85,549		)		(48,437		)		(15,068		)		(28,735		)
			$	(84,599	)		$	(48,254	)		$	(16,540	)		$	(31,398	)
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax) consist of:
	Net actuarial loss		$	122,641			$	78,983			$	275			$	52
	Net prior service (credit) cost		(1,300		)		(1,734		)		—				—
			$	121,341			$	77,249			$	275			$	52
	Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax):
	Amortization of net loss		$	7,558			$	5,100			$	—			$	—
	Amortization of prior service credit		(450		)		(434		)		—				—
			$	7,108			$	4,666			$	—			$	—
	Additional information
	Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans		$	260,536			$	213,585			$	—			$	—
	For defined benefit pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Aggregate benefit obligation		266,377				216,567				—				—
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		180,075				166,992				—				—
	For defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation		255,128				208,404				—				—
	Aggregate fair value of plan assets		180,075				166,992				—				—
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income
		Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
	(Thousands)	2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Change in other comprehensive income
	OCI at beginning of year	$	77,249			$	124,955			$	104,056			$	52			$	2,587		$	1,180
	Increase (decrease) in OCI:
	Recognized during year — prior service cost (credit)	434				340				335				1,498				(115		)	(87		)
	Recognized during year — net actuarial (losses) gains	(5,263		)		(7,912		)		(5,605		)		—				—			—
	Occurring during year — prior service cost	—				—				117				(14,034		)		—			—
	Occurring during year — net actuarial losses (gains)	49,037				(40,143		)		25,995				223				(2,397		)	1,494
	Other adjustments	—				(3		)		—				—				(23		)	—
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(116		)		12				57				—				—			—
	OCI at end of year	$	121,341			$	77,249			$	124,955			$	(12,261	)		$	52		$	2,587
	Components of net benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)
			Pension Benefits												Other Benefits
	(Thousands)		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Net benefit cost
	Service cost		$	7,963			$	9,724			$	7,915			$	138			$	305		$	285
	Interest cost		10,339				9,936				9,912				675				1,243			1,439
	Expected return on plan assets		(12,419		)		(12,261		)		(11,934		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)		(434		)		(340		)		(335		)		(1,498		)		115			87
	Recognized net actuarial loss		5,263				7,912				5,605				—				—			—
	Net periodic cost		10,712				14,971				11,163				(685		)		1,663			1,811
	Settlements		7				—				—				—				—			—
	Total net benefit cost		$	10,719			$	14,971			$	11,163			$	(685	)		$	1,663		$	1,811
Summary of key valuation assumptions	Summary of key valuation assumptions
			Pension Benefits									Other Benefits
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at fiscal year end
	Discount rate		4	%		4.8	%		3.99	%		3.5	%		4.5	%		3.75	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.96	%		4.43	%		4.44	%		4	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for the fiscal year
	Discount rate		4.79	%		3.97	%		4.81	%		4.13	%		3.75	%		4.5	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.15	%		7.44	%		7.65	%		N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase		4.42	%		4.42	%		4.43	%		4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
Assumed health care trend rates
	Assumed health care trend rates at fiscal year end		2014		2013
	Health care trend rate assumed for next year		7.00%		7.50%
	Rate that the trend rate gradually declines to (ultimate trend rate)		5.00%		5.00%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2019		2019
Effects of A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates	A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
			1-Percentage-								1-Percentage-
			Point Increase								Point Decrease
	(Thousands)		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	15			$	30			$	(14	)		$	(26	)
	Effect on post-employment benefit obligation		427				602				(392		)		(567		)
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets	The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category. Refer to Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements for definitions of fair value hierarchy.
			December 31, 2014
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	(Thousands)
	Cash		$	6,173			$	6,173			$	—			$	—
	Equity securities:
	U.S. (a)		60,028				49,625				10,403				—
	International (b)		28,372				25,361				3,011				—
	Emerging markets (c)		13,498				13,300				198				—
	Fixed-income securities:
	Intermediate-term bonds (d)		18,635				14,755				3,880				—
	Short-term bonds (e)		3,631				—				3,631				—
	Global bonds (f)		30,030				26,795				3,235				—
	Other types of investments:
	Real estate fund (g)		6,513				6,433				80				—
	Alternative strategies (h)		8,477				8,382				95				—
	Pooled investment fund (i)		6,613				—				—				6,613
	Multi-strategy hedge funds (j)		4,962				—				—				4,962
	Private equity funds		254				—				—				254
	Total		$	187,186			$	150,824			$	24,533			$	11,829
			31-Dec-13
			Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	(Thousands)
	Cash		$	6,568			$	6,568			$	—			$	—
	Equity securities:
	U.S. (a)		63,321				54,095				9,226				—
	International (b)		27,403				23,911				3,492				—
	Emerging markets (c)		14,165				13,908				257				—
	Fixed income securities:
	Intermediate-term bonds (d)		21,874				14,482				7,392				—
	Short-term bonds (e)		11,608				11,608				—				—
	Global bonds (f)		12,728				10,879				1,849				—
	Other types of investments:
	Real estate fund (g)		9,943				9,882				61				—
	Multi-strategy hedge funds (j)		5,467				—				—				5,467
	Private equity funds		417				—				—				417
	Total		$	173,494			$	145,333			$	22,277			$	5,884
	(a)	Mutual funds that invest in various sectors of the U.S. market.
	(b)	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies primarily in developed countries that are generally considered to be value stocks.
	(c)	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies in emerging market countries.
	(d)	Includes a mutual fund that employs a value-oriented approach to fixed income investment management and a mutual fund that invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities.
	(e)	Includes a mutual fund that seeks a market rate of return for a fixed-income portfolio with low relative volatility of returns, investing generally in U.S. and foreign debt securities maturing in five years or less.
	(f)	Mutual funds that invest in domestic and foreign sovereign securities, fixed income securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed bonds, convertible bonds, high-yield bonds, and emerging market bonds.
	(g)	Includes a mutual fund that typically invests at least 80% of its assets in equity and debt securities of companies in the real estate industry or related industries or in companies which own significant real estate assets at the time of investment.
	(h)	Includes a mutual fund that tactically allocates assets to global equity, fixed income, and alternative strategies.
	(i)	Includes a fund that invests in a broad portfolio of hedge funds.
	(j)	Includes a hedge fund that employs multiple strategies to multiple asset classes with low correlations.
Summary of fair value of company's defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets	The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets measured using significant unobservable inputs during 2014 and 2013:
	(Thousands)		Total				Pooled Investment Fund				Multi-strategy Hedge Funds				Private Equity Funds
	Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	4,836			$	—			$	4,191			$	645
	Actual return:
	On assets still held at reporting date		1,183				—				1,276				(93		)
	On assets sold during the period		229				—				—				229
	Purchases, sales, and settlements		(364		)		—				—				(364		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	5,884			$	—			$	5,467			$	417
	Actual return:
	On assets still held at reporting date		(406		)		113				(505		)		(14		)
	On assets sold during the period		(20		)		—				—				(20		)
	Purchases, sales, and settlements		6,371				6,500				—				(129		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	11,829			$	6,613			$	4,962			$	254
Estimated Future Benefits payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
							Other Benefits
			Pension Benefits				Gross Benefit				Net of
							Payment				Medicare
											Part D
											Subsidy
	(Thousands)
	2015		$	9,672			$	1,472			$	1,435
	2016		9,894				1,483				1,447
	2017		12,320				1,566				1,533
	2018		11,202				1,597				1,565
	2019		12,581				1,541				1,512
	2020 through 2024		72,765				6,442				6,334

Contingencies_and_Commitments_

Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Undiscounted reserve	The undiscounted reserve balance at the beginning of the year, the amounts expensed and paid, and the balance at the end of the year for 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014			2013
	Reserve balance at beginning of year	$	(4,809	)	$	(5,301	)
	Expensed	(275		)	(503		)
	Paid	162			995
	Reserve balance at end of year	$	(4,922	)	$	(4,809	)
	Ending balance recorded in:
	Other liabilities and accrued items	$	(460	)	$	(430	)
	Other long-term liabilities	(4,462		)	(4,379		)

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co1

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the changes in the number of shares of common stock issued	A reconciliation of the changes in the number of common shares issued is as follows:
	(Thousands)	Number of Shares
	Issued as of January 1, 2012	27,024
	Exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs)	26
	Issued as of December 31, 2012	27,050
	Exercise of stock options and SARs	114
	Issued as of December 31, 2013	27,164
	Exercise of stock options and SARs	62
	Issued as of December 31, 2014	27,226
Summary of company's stock option activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-				Aggregate		Weighted-
		Options		average				Intrinsic		average
				Exercise				Value		Remaining
				Price Per						Term (Years)
				Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	21		$	17.29			$	—	—
	Exercised	(20	)	17.29				—		—
	Canceled	(1	)	17.08				—		—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	—						—		—
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	—						—		—
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	—						—		—
Summary of restricted stock activity	The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	200		$	32.71
	Granted	60		33.29
	Vested	(81	)	33.21
	Forfeited	(27	)	33.21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	152		$	30.76
Summary of stock activity for the directors deferred compensation plan	The following table summarizes the stock activity for the directors' deferred compensation plan during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-
		Shares		average
				Grant  Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	101		$	23.74
	Granted	19		33.46
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	120		$	25.33
Summary of Company's SARs activity	The following table summarizes the Company's SARs activity during 2014:
	(Shares in thousands)	Number of		Weighted-				Aggregate		Weighted-
		SARs		average				Intrinsic		average
				Exercise				Value		Remaining
				Price Per						Term (Years)
				Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	984		$	26.34			$	—	—
	Granted	143		33.29				—		—
	Exercised	(154	)	20.15				—		—
	Cancelled	(5	)	33.3				—		—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	968		28.32				7,633,000		4.4
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	968		28.32				7,633,000		4.4
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	504		26.51				5,334,000		3.6
Summary of information on SARs outstanding	Summarized information on SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2014 follows:
	SARs Prices	Number		Weighted-		Weighted-
		Outstanding		average		average
		(Thousands)		Remaining		Exercise
				Life (Years)		Price
	$15.01	162		3.7		$	15.01
	$21.24-$24.03	140		4.4		21.4
	$27.78-$29.45	337		4.5		28.9
	$33.30-$34.70	146		6.3		33.32
	$39.30-$44.72	183		3.1		40.41
		968		4.4		$	28.32
Fair value of SARs using Black-Scholes pricing model	The fair value of the SARs was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2014		2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.64	%	0.7	%		0.89	%
	Dividend yield	1	%	1.1	%		—	%
	Volatility	45.5	%	56.6	%		50	%
	Expected lives (in years)	5		5			5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of cumulative net gain (loss) by component, net of tax, within other comprehensive income	Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, including amounts reclassified out, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
		Gains and Losses									Pension and Post- Employment Benefits			Foreign Currency Translation
		On Cash Flow Hedges
	(Thousands)	Foreign Currency			Precious Metals			Total									Total
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011
	Gross	$	1,399		$	51		$	1,450		$	(105,236	)	$	4,947		$	(98,839	)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(913		)	18			(895		)	(25,729		)	—			(26,624		)
	Net	$	2,312		$	33		$	2,345		$	(79,507	)	$	4,947		$	(72,215	)
	2012 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	693		$	(552	)	$	141		$	(27,662	)	$	(870	)	$	(28,391	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,839		)	598			(1,241		)	5,357			—			4,116
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(1,146		)	46			(1,100		)	(22,305		)	(870		)	(24,275		)
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	(401		)	16			(385		)	(7,676		)	—			(8,061		)
	2012 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	(745		)	30			(715		)	(14,629		)	(870		)	(16,214		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012
	Gross	253			97			350			(127,541		)	4,077			(123,114		)
	Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(1,314		)	34			(1,280		)	(33,405		)	—			(34,685		)
	Net	$	1,567		$	63		$	1,630		$	(94,136	)	$	4,077		$	(88,429	)
	2013 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	618		$	4		$	622		$	42,553		$	(3,790	)	$	39,385
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(958		)	(120		)	(1,078		)	7,687			—			6,609
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(340		)	(116		)	(456		)	50,240			(3,790		)	45,994
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	(119		)	(41		)	(160		)	17,613			—			17,453
	2013 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	(221		)	(75		)	(296		)	32,627			(3,790		)	28,541
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2013
	Gross	(87		)	(19		)	(106		)	(77,301		)	287			(77,120		)
	Deferred tax (benefit)	(1,433		)	(7		)	(1,440		)	(15,792		)	—			(17,232		)
	Net	$	1,346		$	(12	)	$	1,334		$	(61,509	)	$	287		$	(59,888	)
	2014 activity
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$	3,456		$	19		$	3,475		$	(35,109	)	$	(4,440	)	$	(36,074	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	87			—			87			3,330			—			3,417
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	3,543			19			3,562			(31,779		)	(4,440		)	(32,657		)
	Deferred taxes on current period activity	1,311			7			1,318			(11,626		)	—			(10,308		)
	2014 other comprehensive income (loss) after tax	2,232			12			2,244			(20,153		)	(4,440		)	(22,349		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014
	Gross	3,456			—			3,456			(109,080		)	(4,153		)	(109,777		)
	Deferred tax (benefit)	(122		)	—			(122		)	(27,418		)	—			(27,540		)
	Net	$	3,578		$	—		$	3,578		$	(81,662	)	$	(4,153	)	$	(82,237	)

Segment_Reporting_and_Geograph1

Segment Reporting and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting
						Other
	(Thousands)	Performance		Advanced Materials		Other (1)		Corporate (2)			Subtotal			Total
		Alloys and
		Composites
	2014
	Net sales	$	433,288	$	547,282	$	147,659	$	(1,339	)	$	146,320		$	1,126,890
	Intersegment sales (3)	743		54,404		—		—			—			55,147
	Value-added sales	358,511		181,040		102,378		(4,856		)	97,522			637,073
	Operating profit (loss)	33,290		32,692		9,272		(18,297		)	(9,025		)	56,957
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	24,712		6,890		10,175		944			11,119			42,721
	Expenditures for long-lived assets	16,998		6,412		5,869		1,280			7,149			30,559
	Assets	433,997		148,303		122,337		57,432			179,769			762,069
	2013
	Net sales	$	422,936	$	591,972	$	152,269	$	(295	)	$	151,974		$	1,166,882
	Intersegment sales (3)	447		56,048		5		—			5			56,500
	Value-added sales	339,903		168,600		104,232		(3,644		)	100,588			609,091
	Operating profit (loss)	30,737		8,427		4,262		(16,595		)	(12,333		)	26,831
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	23,033		9,037		8,446		1,133			9,579			41,649
	Expenditures for long-lived assets	18,354		4,201		6,763		3,306			10,069			32,624
	Assets	428,706		184,027		122,964		42,248			165,212			777,945
	2012
	Net sales	$	424,480	$	694,793	$	153,038	$	767		$	153,805		$	1,273,078
	Intersegment sales (3)	1,268		53,169		99		—			99			54,536
	Value-added sales	336,977		172,124		106,383		79			106,462			615,563
	Operating profit (loss)	29,319		21,760		1,727		(16,030		)	(14,303		)	36,776
	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization	19,486		8,078		8,204		1,278			9,482			37,046
	Expenditures for long-lived assets	31,473		5,646		6,227		1,315			7,542			44,661
	Assets	427,745		222,828		119,475		44,869			164,344			814,917
Sales and long-lived assets attributed to countries based upon the location of customers	Other geographic information includes the following:
	(Thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Net sales from U.S. operations	$	884,175	$	962,288	$	1,064,779
	Net sales based upon location of customers
	United States	$	731,203	$	810,642	$	881,968
	All other	395,687		356,240		391,110
	Total	$	1,126,890	$	1,166,882	$	1,273,078
	Long-lived assets by country deployed
	United States	$	322,090	$	340,922	$	354,122
	All other	30,782		31,944		36,042
	Total	$	352,872	$	372,866	$	390,164

Othernet_Tables

Other-net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other-net [Abstract]
Summary of other-net expense	Other-net is summarized for 2014, 2013, and 2012 as follows:
		Income (Expense)
	(Thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency exchange/translation gain (loss)	$	1,676		$	1,506		$	1,477
	Amortization of intangible assets	(5,169		)	(5,529		)	(6,008		)
	Metal consignment fees	(7,332		)	(7,218		)	(9,011		)
	Net gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets	2,435			(1,459		)	(1,836		)
	Recovery from insurance	6,750			—			—
	Legal settlement	4,000			—			—
	Consignment facility renegotiation bank fee	—			(853		)	—
	Other items	(1,338		)	(909		)	(231		)
	Total	$	1,022		$	(14,462	)	$	(15,609	)

Facility_Consolidation_Tables

Facility Consolidation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Costs associated with consolidation program	These costs were included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014		2013
	Cost of sales	$	433	$	1,812
	Selling, general, and administrative expense	104		2,805
	Other-net	170		1,373
	Total	$	707	$	5,990

Interest_Tables

Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest [Abstract]
Summarized of interest incurred capitalized and paid as well as the amortization of capitalized interest	The following chart summarizes the interest incurred, capitalized, and paid, as well as the amortization of capitalized interest for 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	(Thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Interest incurred	$	3,012	$	3,286	$	3,334
	Less capitalized interest	225		250		200
	Total net expense	$	2,787	$	3,036	$	3,134
	Interest paid	$	2,215	$	2,671	$	2,639
	Amortization of capitalized interest included in cost of sales	$	261	$	265	$	336

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expenses benefit	Income before income taxes and income taxes (benefit) are comprised of the following:
	(Thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Income before income taxes:
	Domestic	$	39,789			$	16,528			$	23,379
	Foreign	14,381				7,267				10,263
	Total income before income taxes	$	54,170			$	23,795			$	33,642
	Income taxes:
	Current income taxes:
	Domestic	$	14,487			$	4,325			$	7,825
	Foreign	3,457				2,205				3,615
	Total current	$	17,944			$	6,530			$	11,440
	Deferred income taxes (benefit):
	Domestic	$	(4,604	)		$	(2,958	)		$	(3,084	)
	Foreign	(553		)		319				(44		)
	Valuation allowance	(338		)		197				666
	Total deferred	$	(5,495	)		$	(2,442	)		$	(2,462	)
	Total income taxes	$	12,449			$	4,088			$	8,978
Effective income tax rate reconciliation	The reconciliation of the federal statutory and effective income tax rates follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	0.8			(0.8	)		(0.3	)
	Effect of excess of percentage depletion over cost depletion	(5.1	)		(11.8	)		(7.3	)
	Manufacturing production deduction	(2.5	)		(2.4	)		(2.2	)
	Officers’ compensation	0.2			0.4			1.1
	Adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits	0.3			0.3			(0.6	)
	Foreign rate differential	(3.2	)		(3.1	)		(3.1	)
	Research and experimentation tax credit	(1.3	)		(7.4	)		—
	Retiree medical expense	—			—			(2.0	)
	Valuation allowance	(0.6	)		2.2			4
	Other items	(0.6	)		4.8			2.1
	Effective tax rate	23	%		17.2	%		26.7	%
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(Thousands)	2014				2013
	Asset (liability)
	Post-employment benefits other than pensions	$	5,543			$	10,989
	Other reserves	17,764				13,744
	Environmental reserves	1,808				1,789
	Inventory	4,808				3,934
	Pensions	24,158				9,867
	Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	5,714				5,588
	Miscellaneous	345				303
	Subtotal	60,140				46,214
	Valuation allowance	(4,444		)		(4,782		)
	Total deferred tax assets	55,696				41,432
	Depreciation	(16,226		)		(18,669		)
	Amortization	(7,001		)		(7,371		)
	Capitalized interest expense	(141		)		(184		)
	Mine development	(571		)		(2,309		)
	Derivative instruments and hedging activities	(1,250		)		(130		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(25,189		)		(28,663		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	30,507			$	12,769
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for the year-to-date periods ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(Thousands)	2014				2013
	Balance as of January 1	$	1,679			$	1,767
	Additions to tax provisions related to the current year	12				—
	Additions to tax positions related to prior years	483				484
	Reduction to tax positions related to prior years	—				(17		)
	Lapses on statutes of limitations	(384		)		(555		)
	Balance as of December 31	$	1,790			$	1,679

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS:
	(Thousands except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator for basic and diluted EPS:
	Net income	$	41,721	$	19,707	$	24,664
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic EPS:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	20,461		20,571		20,418
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and stock appreciation rights	185		188		163
	Restricted stock	95		101		94
	Performance-based restricted shares	69		35		4
	Diluted potential common shares	349		324		261
	Denominator for diluted EPS:
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding	20,810		20,895		20,679
	Basic EPS	$	2.04	$	0.96	$	1.21
	Diluted EPS	$	2	$	0.94	$	1.19

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Table

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of selected quarterly financial data	The following tables summarize selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014
	(Thousands except per share amounts)	First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net sales	$	258,929		$	287,965		$	291,570		$	288,426		$	1,126,890
	Gross margin	45,462			49,801			54,843			55,797			205,903
	Percent of net sales	17.6		%	17.3		%	18.8		%	19.3		%	18.3		%
	Net income	$	7,331		$	9,974		$	12,440		$	11,976		$	41,721
	Net income per share of common stock:
	Basic	$	0.36		$	0.48		$	0.61		$	0.59		$	2.04
	Diluted	0.35			0.47			0.6			0.58			2
	Cash dividends per share of common stock	0.08			0.085			0.085			0.085			0.335
	Stock price range:
	High	$	35.19		$	37.96		$	39.38		$	40.6
	Low	25.21			31.69			30.88			26.64
		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	Net sales	$	299,169		$	306,141		$	275,434		$	286,138		$	1,166,882
	Gross margin	48,339			45,992			44,483			49,164			187,978
	Percent of net sales	16.2		%	15		%	16.2		%	17.2		%	16.1		%
	Net income	$	6,785		$	4,155		$	4,992		$	3,775		$	19,707
	Net income per share of common stock:
	Basic	$	0.33		$	0.2		$	0.24		$	0.18		$	0.96
	Diluted	0.33			0.2			0.24			0.18			0.94
	Cash dividends per share of common stock	0.075			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.315
	Stock price range:
	High	$	29.81		$	31.49		$	33.69		$	32.73
	Low	26.2			24.58			27.09			25.75

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of lease hold improvements Minimum	Life of lease
Useful life of lease hold improvements Maximum	Life of lease
Minimum [Member] | Land improvements [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	4 years
Minimum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Research equipment [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	6 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer hardware [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer software [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Land improvements [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Research equipment [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer hardware [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer software [Member]
Summary of depreciable lives by class of assets
Useful life of class of asset	10 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated time period for amortization of intangible assets	20 years or less
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	3
Maturity period of highly liquid investments	three months or less
Advertising cost incurred	$1.20	$1.10	$1.20
Criteria for recording tax liability based on sustainability upon income tax examination	less than 50%
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years

Acquisitions_Details_Textual

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 30, 2012
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired	$0	$0	$3,894,000
Goodwill	86,725,000	86,725,000	88,753,000
Aerospace Metal Composites Limited [Member]
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired				3,300,000
Cash acquired from acquisition				1,500,000
Goodwill				$1,900,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Principally average cost:
Raw materials and supplies	$39,559	$39,201
Work in process	155,377	152,645
Finished goods	37,473	40,954
Net inventories	$232,409	$232,800

Inventories_Details_Textual

Inventories (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 27, 2014
			oz
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Gross inventories under LIFO method	$183.90	$175.60
LIFO reserve	53.7	58.2
Reduction in cost of sales by the liquidation of LIFO inventory layers	0.1	1
Prepaid Assets [Member]
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Reclassification from prepaid assets to inventory		-19.4
Inventories [Member]
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Reclassification from prepaid assets to inventory		19.4
Precious Metal-Denominated Loan [Member]
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
Precious metal-denominated loan		$28.70
Amount of gold transfered (in ounces)			23,781

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	$800,671,000	$782,879,000
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	-553,083,000	-520,986,000
Property, plant and equipment - net	247,588,000	261,893,000
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Cost of project	104,900,000
Capitalization of fixed assets	14,700,000
Capitalization of capital leases	10,000,000
Reimbursements	63,500,000
Depreciation expense	4,700,000	4,700,000
Cost of sales	4,700,000	4,700,000
Depreciation and amortization expense	42,721,000	41,649,000	37,046,000
Net book value of capitalized software	6,100,000	7,000,000
Depreciation expense related to software	1,800,000	1,700,000	1,600,000
Land [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	7,458,000	8,097,000
Buildings [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	129,673,000	128,187,000
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	579,906,000	569,617,000
Computer software [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	34,525,000	31,571,000
Construction in progress [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	16,818,000	14,363,000
Land Building Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	-534,908,000	-510,718,000
Property, plant and equipment - net	233,472,000	241,117,000
Capital leases [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	10,912,000	10,912,000
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	-1,988,000	-1,728,000
Property, plant and equipment - net	8,924,000	9,184,000
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	37,500,000	36,100,000	31,000,000
Mineral resources [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	4,980,000	4,979,000
Mine development [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant, and equipment	16,399,000	15,153,000
Productive land [Member]
Summary of Property, plant and equipment
Less allowances for depreciation, depletion, and amortization	-16,187,000	-8,540,000
Property, plant and equipment - net	$5,192,000	$11,592,000

Intangible_Assets_Details_1

Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	$61,130	$60,855
Accumulated amortization	-42,571	-36,607
Net book value	18,559	24,248
Aggregate amortization expense	5,964	6,208
Deferred financing costs [Member]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	7,794	7,794
Accumulated amortization	-5,302	-4,507
Net book value	2,492	3,287
Customer relationships [Member]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	38,427	38,427
Accumulated amortization	-26,544	-22,624
Net book value	11,883	15,803
Technology [Member]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	12,092	12,092
Accumulated amortization	-8,594	-7,626
Net book value	3,498	4,466
License [Member]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	2,755	2,480
Accumulated amortization	-2,096	-1,828
Net book value	659	652
Trade name [Member]
Summary of cost, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets
Cost	62	62
Accumulated amortization	-35	-22
Net book value	$27	$40

Intangible_Assets_Details_2

Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of reconciliation of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the year	$86,725	$88,753
Adjustment	0	-2,028
Balance at the end of the year	$86,725	$86,725

Intangible_Assets_Details_Text

Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	$1,600,000
Amortization Of Finance Costs, Remaining Average Period	4 years 9 months 18 days
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate amortization expense, estimated 2015			5,800,000
Aggregate amortization expense, estimated 2016			5,100,000
Aggregate amortization expense, estimated 2017			4,600,000
Aggregate amortization expense, estimated 2018			1,800,000
Aggregate amortization expense, estimated 2019			600,000
Goodwill	86,725,000		86,725,000	88,753,000
Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability		2,000,000
Advanced Material Technologies [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill			46,600,000
Precision Optics [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill			17,600,000
Large Area Coatings [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill			20,600,000
Beryllium And Composites [Member]
Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill			1,900,000
License [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Intangible asset acquired			$300,000
Weighted-average amortization period			8 years 6 months

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of long-term debt
Revolving credit agreement	$10,000	$15,000
Fixed rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in annual installments through 2021	5,961	6,575
Variable rate industrial development revenue bonds payable in 2016	8,305	8,305
Total outstanding	24,266	29,880
Current portion of long-term debt	-653	-613
Total	$23,613	$29,267

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities on long-term debt instruments
2015	$653
2016	9,000
2017	733
2018	10,773
2019	819
Thereafter	2,288
Total outstanding	$24,266	$29,880

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of short-term lines of credit
Available	$334,800
Short-term Debt [Member]
Summary of short-term lines of credit
Total	334,809	362,492
Outstanding	0	34,953
Available	334,809	327,539
Domestic [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Summary of short-term lines of credit
Total	322,475	320,510
Outstanding	0	6,291
Available	322,475	314,219
Foreign [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Summary of short-term lines of credit
Total	12,334	13,320
Outstanding	0	0
Available	12,334	13,320
Precious metal [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Summary of short-term lines of credit
Total	0	28,662
Outstanding	0	28,662
Available	$0	$0

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual)

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 1996

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

financial_institution

USD ($)

USD ($)

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority [Member]

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority [Member]

Lorain Port Authority [Member]

Lorain Port Authority [Member]

Lorain Port Authority [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Foreign Line of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Number of Financial Institutions

6

Maximum borrowing amount under revolving credit agreement

$375,000,000

$375,000,000

Additional term loan

100,000,000

Outstanding amount

42,500,000

Variable commitment fee

0.23%

Amount of maximum available unused credit

334,800,000

Aggregate available borrowings

229,400,000

Foreign lines of credit committed and secured

3,500,000

Average interest rate on short term debt

4.90%

2.47%

Amount issued in variable rate industrial revenue bonds

8,000,000

8,300,000

Interest rate on bonds

4.90%

Unamortized balance of the bonds

$5,961,000

$6,575,000

$6,000,000

Variable rate minimum

0.18%

0.19%

Variable rate maximum

0.28%

0.38%

Leasing_Arrangements_Details

Leasing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital Leases
2015	$1,064,000
2016	1,064,000
2017	1,064,000
2018	1,064,000
2019	1,064,000
2020 and thereafter	3,639,000
Total minimum lease payments	8,959,000
Amounts representing interest	1,747,000
Present value of net minimum lease payments	7,212,000
Operating Leases
2015	6,474,000
2016	5,875,000
2017	4,359,000
2018	3,550,000
2019	3,017,000
2020 and thereafter	9,461,000
Total minimum lease payments	32,736,000
Leasing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating lease term maximum	25 years
Operating lease expense	$8,700,000	$9,400,000	$9,000,000

Fair_Value_Information_and_Der2

Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$3,852
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	396
Directors' deferred compensation liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	396
Directors' deferred compensation investments [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	396
Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	3,456
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	396
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	396
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	396
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation investments [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	396
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	3,456
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation investments [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	3,456
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	0
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Directors' deferred compensation investments [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member]
Financial Assets
Assets Fair Value Disclosure	$0

Fair_Value_Information_and_Der3

Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivatives	$40,050	$41,189
Fair value of derivatives	3,456	-106
Prepaid expenses [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative assets	40,050	10,614
Fair value of derivative assets	3,456	303
Prepaid expenses [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Price Risk Derivative [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative assets	0	5,663
Fair value of derivative assets	0	11
Other liabilities and accrued items [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative liabilities	0	29,623
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0	-394
Other liabilities and accrued items [Member] | Swap [Member] | Price Risk Derivative [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative liabilities	0	4,511
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0	-30
Japan, Yen | Prepaid expenses [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative assets	6,835	4,951
Fair value of derivative assets	773	292
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Prepaid expenses [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative assets	33,215	0
Fair value of derivative assets	2,683	0
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Other liabilities and accrued items [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative liabilities	0	25,112
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0	-364
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative liabilities	0	952
Fair value of derivative liabilities	$0	($15)

Fair_Value_Information_and_Der4

Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Information and Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Total derivative ineffectiveness expense	$0	$0	$0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$3,500,000	($100,000)

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym2

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$187,186	$173,494
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	221,748	253,839
Service cost	7,963	9,724	7,915
Interest cost	10,339	9,936	9,912
Plan amendments	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	43,476	-28,581
Benefit payments from fund	-8,387	-22,893
Benefit payments directly by Company	-1,236	-136
Expenses paid from assets	-570	-613
Medicare Part D subsidy	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-1,548	472
Benefit obligation at end of year	271,785	221,748	253,839
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	173,494	163,436
Actual return on plan assets	6,852	23,824
Employer contributions	16,145	9,615
Benefit payments from fund	-8,387	-22,893
Expenses paid from assets	-569	-613
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-349	125
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	187,186	173,494	163,436
Funded status at end of year	-84,599	-48,254
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other assets	1,703	1,321
Other liabilities and accrued items	-753	-1,138
Retirement and post-employment benefits	-85,549	-48,437
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, total	-84,599	-48,254
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax) consist of:
Net actuarial loss	122,641	78,983
Net prior service (credit) cost	-1,300	-1,734
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax),total	121,341	77,249
Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax):
Amortization of net loss	7,558	5,100
Amortization of prior service credit	-450	-434
Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax),total	7,108	4,666
Additional information
Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans	260,536	213,585
For defined benefit pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate benefit obligation	266,377	216,567
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	180,075	166,992
For defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	255,128	208,404
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	180,075	166,992
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	31,398	34,294
Service cost	138	305	285
Interest cost	675	1,243	1,439
Plan amendments	-14,034	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	223	-2,396
Benefit payments from fund	0	0
Benefit payments directly by Company	-1,968	-2,271
Expenses paid from assets	0	0
Medicare Part D subsidy	108	223
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	16,540	31,398	34,294
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefit payments from fund	0	0
Expenses paid from assets	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	-16,540	-31,398
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Other assets	0	0
Other liabilities and accrued items	-1,472	-2,663
Retirement and post-employment benefits	-15,068	-28,735
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, total	-16,540	-31,398
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax) consist of:
Net actuarial loss	275	52
Net prior service (credit) cost	0	0
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax),total	275	52
Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax):
Amortization of net loss	0	0
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0
Amortizations expected to be recognized during next fiscal year (before tax),total	0	0
Additional information
Accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans	0	0
For defined benefit pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate benefit obligation	0	0
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	0	0
For defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	0	0
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym3

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Net benefit cost
Service cost	$7,963	$9,724	$7,915
Interest cost	10,339	9,936	9,912
Expected return on plan assets	-12,419	-12,261	-11,934
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	-434	-340	-335
Recognized net actuarial loss	5,263	7,912	5,605
Net periodic cost	10,712	14,971	11,163
Settlements	7	0	0
Total net benefit cost	10,719	14,971	11,163
Change in other comprehensive income
OCI at beginning of year	77,249	124,955	104,056
Increase (decrease) in OCI:
Recognized during year — prior service cost (credit)	434	340	335
Recognized during year — net actuarial (losses) gains	-5,263	-7,912	-5,605
Occurring during year — prior service cost	0	0	117
Occurring during year — net actuarial losses (gains)	49,037	-40,143	25,995
Other adjustments	0	-3	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-116	12	57
OCI at end of year	121,341	77,249	124,955
Other Benefits [Member]
Net benefit cost
Service cost	138	305	285
Interest cost	675	1,243	1,439
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)	-1,498	115	87
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	0	0
Net periodic cost	-685	1,663	1,811
Settlements	0	0	0
Total net benefit cost	-685	1,663	1,811
Change in other comprehensive income
OCI at beginning of year	52	2,587	1,180
Increase (decrease) in OCI:
Recognized during year — prior service cost (credit)	1,498	-115	-87
Recognized during year — net actuarial (losses) gains	0	0	0
Occurring during year — prior service cost	-14,034	0	0
Occurring during year — net actuarial losses (gains)	223	-2,397	1,494
Other adjustments	0	-23	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0	0	0
OCI at end of year	($12,261)	$52	$2,587

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym4

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at fiscal year end
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at fiscal year end
Discount rate	4.00%	4.80%	3.99%
Rate of compensation increase	3.96%	4.43%	4.44%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for the fiscal year
Discount rate	4.79%	3.97%	4.81%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.15%	7.44%	7.65%
Rate of compensation increase	4.42%	4.42%	4.43%
Other Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at fiscal year end
Discount rate	3.50%	4.50%	3.75%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.50%	4.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for the fiscal year
Discount rate	4.13%	3.75%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym5

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assumed health care trend rates at fiscal year end
Health care trend rate assumed for next year	7.00%	7.50%
Rate that the trend rate gradually declines to (ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2019	2019

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym6

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effects of A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates
Effect on total of service and interest cost components,1-Percentage-Point Increase	$15	$30
Effect on total of service and interest cost components,1-Percentage-Point Decrease	-14	-26
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation,1-Percentage-Point Increase	427	602
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation,1-Percentage-Point Decrease	($392)	($567)

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym7

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$187,186		$173,494
Cash [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,173		6,568
U.S. Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	60,028	[1]	63,321	[1]
International Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	28,372	[2]	27,403	[2]
Emerging Markets Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,498	[3]	14,165	[3]
Intermediate-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	18,635	[4]	21,874	[4]
Short-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,631	[5]	11,608	[5]
Global bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	30,030	[6]	12,728	[6]
Real estate fund [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,513	[7]	9,943	[7]
Alternative Strategies [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,477	[7]
Pooled Investment Fund [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,613	[7]
Multi-strategy hedge funds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,962	[8]	5,467	[8]
Private equity funds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	254		417
Level 1 [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	150,824		145,333
Level 1 [Member] | Cash [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,173		6,568
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	49,625	[1]	54,095	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	25,361	[2]	23,911	[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Emerging Markets Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,300	[3]	13,908	[3]
Level 1 [Member] | Intermediate-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	14,755	[4]	14,482	[4]
Level 1 [Member] | Short-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	[5]	11,608	[5]
Level 1 [Member] | Global bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	26,795	[6]	10,879	[6]
Level 1 [Member] | Real estate fund [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,433	[7]	9,882	[7]
Level 1 [Member] | Alternative Strategies [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,382	[7]
Level 2 [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	24,533		22,277
Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	10,403	[1]	9,226	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | International Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,011	[2]	3,492	[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Emerging Markets Equities [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	198	[3]	257	[3]
Level 2 [Member] | Intermediate-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,880	[4]	7,392	[4]
Level 2 [Member] | Short-term bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,631	[5]	0	[5]
Level 2 [Member] | Global bonds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,235	[6]	1,849	[6]
Level 2 [Member] | Real estate fund [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	80	[7]	61	[7]
Level 2 [Member] | Alternative Strategies [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	95	[7]
Level 3 [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	11,829		5,884
Level 3 [Member] | Pooled Investment Fund [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	6,613	[9]
Level 3 [Member] | Multi-strategy hedge funds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,962	[8]	5,467	[8]
Level 3 [Member] | Private equity funds [Member]
Summary of fair values of the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$254		$417
[1]	Mutual funds that invest in various sectors of the U.S. market.
[2]	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies primarily in developed countries that are generally considered to be value stocks.
[3]	Mutual funds that invest in non-U.S. companies in emerging market countries.
[4]	Includes a mutual fund that employs a value-oriented approach to fixed income investment management and a mutual fund that invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities.
[5]	Includes a mutual fund that seeks a market rate of return for a fixed-income portfolio with low relative volatility of returns, investing generally in U.S. and foreign debt securities maturing in five years or less.
[6]	Mutual funds that invest in domestic and foreign sovereign securities, fixed income securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed bonds, convertible bonds, high-yield bonds, and emerging market bonds.
[7]	Includes a mutual fund that typically invests at least 80% of its assets in equity and debt securities of companies in the real estate industry or related industries or in companies which own significant real estate assets at the time of investment.
[8]	Includes a hedge fund that employs multiple strategies to multiple asset classes with low correlations.
[9]	Includes a fund that invests in a broad portfolio of hedge funds.

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym8

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of fair value of company's defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	$5,884	$4,836
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date	-406	1,183
On assets sold during the period	-20	229
Purchases, sales and settlements	6,371	-364
Ending balance	11,829	5,884
Multi-strategy hedge funds [Member]
Summary of fair value of company's defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	5,467	4,191
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date	-505	1,276
On assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements	0	0
Ending balance	4,962	5,467
Private equity funds [Member]
Summary of fair value of company's defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	417	645
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date	-14	-93
On assets sold during the period	-20	229
Purchases, sales and settlements	-129	-364
Ending balance	254	417
Pooled Investment Fund [Member]
Summary of fair value of company's defined benefit pension plan Level 3 assets
Beginning balance	0	0
Actual return:
On assets still held at reporting date	113	0
On assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, sales and settlements	6,500	0
Ending balance	$6,613	$0

Pensions_and_Other_PostEmploym9

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details 7) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]
Estimated Future Benefits payments
2015	$9,672
2016	9,894
2017	12,320
2018	11,202
2019	12,581
2020 through 2024	72,765
Gross Benefit Payment [Member]
Estimated Future Benefits payments
2015	1,472
2016	1,483
2017	1,566
2018	1,597
2019	1,541
2020 through 2024	6,442
Gross Benefit Payment [Member] | Net of Medicare Part D Subsidy [Member]
Estimated Future Benefits payments
2015	1,435
2016	1,447
2017	1,533
2018	1,565
2019	1,512
2020 through 2024	$6,334

Recovered_Sheet1

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Expected rate of return assumption		7.25%	7.50%	7.75%
Domestic expected long-term rate of return assumption		7.25%
Increase graded assumption for the domestic rate of compensation		4.00%
Maturity Of debt securities	five years or less
Mutual fund that typically invests at least of its assets in equity and debt securities	80.00%
Period of written notice for withdrawals from multi-strategy hedge fund partnerships		10 days
Percentage of withdrawals of the capital accounts		100.00%
Target funded status percentage		100.00%
Current asset allocation to invest in alternative securities, maximum		20.00%
Domestic defined benefit pension plan		$16,000,000
Other defined benefit plan estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year		1,500,000
Liability for other post-employment arrangements		103,891,000	80,275,000
Company's annual contributions		3,000,000	2,800,000	2,500,000
Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Liability for other post-employment arrangements		2,100,000	2,300,000
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Change in plan liability	$14,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum period of written notice for other withdrawals		3 months
Maximum [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity of foreign debt securities		5 years
Equity Securities [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Current asset allocation to invest in equity securities, minimum		30.00%
Current asset allocation to invest in equity securities, maximum		70.00%
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Current asset allocation to invest in equity securities, minimum		20.00%
Current asset allocation to invest in equity securities, maximum		50.00%
England [Member] | Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (Textual) [Abstract]
Percent of Company aggregated total fair value of plan assets		4.00%

Contingencies_and_Commitments_1

Contingencies and Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Undiscounted reserve
Reserve balance at beginning of year	($4,809)	($5,301)
Expensed	-275	-503
Paid	162	995
Reserve balance at end of year	-4,922	-4,809
Ending balance recorded in:
Other liabilities and accrued items	-460	-430
Other long-term liabilities	($4,462)	($4,379)

Contingencies_and_Commitments_2

Contingencies and Commitments (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			lb	claim
			claim
Contingencies And Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Annual deductible to cover defense and indemnity costs incurred			$1,000,000
Number of CBD cases pending				1
Number of CBD cases settled			1
Proceeds from insurance settlement		6,800,000
Beryllium copper master alloy purchased			775,000
Purchases Under Committed Contracts				1,800,000	5,200,000
Outstanding letters of credit			42,500,000
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	4,000,000
Insurance Claims [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments (Textual) [Abstract]
Physical inventory count pre-tax loss						$7,400,000

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co2

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the changes in the number of shares of common stock issued
Number of Common Stock Shares Issued, Beginning balance	27,164	27,050	27,024
Exercise of stock options and SARs	62	114	26
Number of Common Stock Shares Issued, Ending balance	27,226	27,164	27,050

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co3

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of company's stock option activity
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	-20	-74	-16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Number of options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Ending of Period
Number of options, vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Number of options outstanding, exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Number of options, outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years)	0 years
Number of options, vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years)	0 years
Number of options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Term (Years)	0 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Summary of company's stock option activity
Number of options outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	21
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	-20
Canceled stock options (in shares)	-1
Number of options outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Number of options outstanding, Weighted average Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning of Period	$17.29
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share	$17.29
Canceled, Weighted average exercise price per share	$17.08
Number of options, vested and expected to vest (in shares)	0
Number of options outstanding, exercisable (in shares)	0
Number of options, outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0
Number of options, vested and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Number of options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co4

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 3) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of restricted stock activity
Number of options outstanding, Beginning Balance	200
Number of shares, Granted in Period	60
Number of shares, Vested in Period	-81
Number of shares, Forfeited in Period	-27
Number of options outstanding, Ending Balance	152	200
Restricted stock activity - weighted average grant date fair value
Restricted stock Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$32.71
Number of restricted stock Options, Granted in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.29	$27.35	$27.87
Number of restricted stock Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.21
Number of restricted stock Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.21
Restricted stock Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$30.76	$32.71

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co5

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 4) (Deferred Directors Compensation Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Directors Compensation Plan [Member]
Summary of stock activity for the directors deferred compensation plan
Number of options outstanding, Beginning Balance	101
Number of shares, Granted in Period	19
Number of options outstanding, Ending Balance	120	101
Directors' deferred compensation plan, weighted average grant date fair value
Restricted stock Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$23.74
Number of restricted stock Options, Granted in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$33.46	$26.99	$23.10
Restricted stock Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$25.33	$23.74

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co6

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 5) (SARs Activity [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
SARs Activity [Member]
Summary of Company's SARs activity
Number of options outstanding, Beginning Balance	984
Number of shares, Granted in Period	143
Number of shares, Exercised In Period	-154
Number of shares, Forfeited in Period	-5
Number of options outstanding, Ending Balance	968
Number of options outstanding, vested and expected to vest	968
Number of options outstanding, exercisable	504
Number of options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Beginning of Period	$26.34
Number of options, Granted in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$33.29
Number of options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$20.15
Number of options canceled, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$33.30
Number of options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, End of Period	$28.32
Number of options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, vested and expected to vest	$28.32
Number of options outstanding, exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$26.51
Number of options, outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$7,633
Number of options, vested and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	7,633
Number of options, exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$5,334
Number of options, outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 4 months 24 days
Number of options, vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 4 months 24 days
Number of options, exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 7 months 6 days

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co7

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 6) (SARs Activity [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	968
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$28.32
Range of Exercise Prices One [Member]
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs Prices, Lower range (in dollars per share)	$15.01
SARs Prices, Upper range (in dollars per share)	$15.01
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	162
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	3 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$15.01
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs exercise price (in dollars per share)	$15.01
Range of Exercise Prices Two [Member]
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs Prices, Lower range (in dollars per share)	$21.24
SARs Prices, Upper range (in dollars per share)	$24.03
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	140
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$21.40
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs exercise price (in dollars per share)	$21.24
Range of Exercise Prices Three [Member]
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs Prices, Lower range (in dollars per share)	$27.78
SARs Prices, Upper range (in dollars per share)	$29.45
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	337
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	4 years 6 months
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$28.90
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs exercise price (in dollars per share)	$24.03
Range of Exercise Prices Four [Member]
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs Prices, Lower range (in dollars per share)	$33.30
SARs Prices, Upper range (in dollars per share)	$34
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	146
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$33.32
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs exercise price (in dollars per share)	$27.78
Range of Exercise Prices Five [Member]
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs Prices, Lower range (in dollars per share)	$39.30
SARs Prices, Upper range (in dollars per share)	$44.72
Number of Outstanding Options (in shares)	183
Weighted average Remaining Life (Years)	3 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$40.41
Summary of information on SARs outstanding
SARs exercise price (in dollars per share)	$34.70

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co8

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details 7) (SARs Activity [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SARs Activity [Member]
Fair value of SARs using Black-Scholes pricing model
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	0.70%	0.89%
Dividend yield	1.00%	1.10%	0.00%
Volatility	45.50%	56.60%	50.00%
Expected lives (in years)	5 years	5 years	5 years

Common_Stock_and_Stockbased_Co9

Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Serial preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Serial preferred stock, par value
Serial preferred stock, shares issued
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights vested period	4 years
Expire period of option rights granted to non employees	10 years
Total cash received from the exercise of stock options	$0.40	$1.20	$0.20
Tax benefit realized from tax deductions	0.1	0.5	0.1
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	0.3	1	0.3
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization period	3 years
Amount of weighted average grant date fair value	$33.29	$27.35	$27.87
Compensation cost	2.2	2.5	2.7
Unvested outstanding options	1.8
Expected amortization weighted average period	20 months
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock	0.1	0.2	0.7
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights vested period	3 years
Amount of weighted average grant date fair value	$33.29
Compensation cost	2.2	2.4	2.8
Unvested outstanding options	2.2
Basis of risk-free rate of return	5 years
Duration of month-end Company share closing prices prior to granting of SARs used in calculating share price volatility	10 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$15.01
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$21.24
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$24.03
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$27.78
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$34.70
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Six [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$39.30
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] | Range of Exercise Prices Seven [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights granted	$44.72
Long Term Incentive Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost	$1	$0.80	$0.40
Period in which employees receive cash or stock awards	3 years
Compensation expense plan period	3 years
Deferred Directors Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expire period of option rights granted to non employees	10 years
Exercisable short term period of option rights granted to non employees	6 months
Amount of weighted average grant date fair value	$33.46	$26.99	$23.10
Granted Prior To 2011 [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expire period of option rights granted to non employees	10 years
Granted in 2011 and Later [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expire period of option rights granted to non employees	7 years

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	($77,120)	($123,114)	($98,839)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-17,232	-34,685	-26,624
Net	-59,888	-88,429	-72,215
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-36,074	39,385	-28,391
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	3,417	6,609	4,116
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	-32,657	45,994	-24,275
Deferred taxes on current period activity	-10,308	17,453	-8,061
Subtotal activity	-22,349	28,541	-16,214
Gross	-109,777	-77,120	-123,114
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-27,540	-17,232	-34,685
Net	-82,237	-59,888	-88,429
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	-106	350	1,450
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-1,440	-1,280	-895
Net	1,334	1,630	2,345
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,475	622	141
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	87	-1,078	-1,241
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	3,562	-456	-1,100
Deferred taxes on current period activity	1,318	-160	-385
Subtotal activity	2,244	-296	-715
Gross	3,456	-106	350
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-122	-1,440	-1,280
Net	3,578	1,334	1,630
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	-77,301	-127,541	-105,236
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-15,792	-33,405	-25,729
Net	-61,509	-94,136	-79,507
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-35,109	42,553	-27,662
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	3,330	7,687	5,357
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	-31,779	50,240	-22,305
Deferred taxes on current period activity	-11,626	17,613	-7,676
Subtotal activity	-20,153	32,627	-14,629
Gross	-109,080	-77,301	-127,541
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-27,418	-15,792	-33,405
Net	-81,662	-61,509	-94,136
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	287	4,077	4,947
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0
Net	287	4,077	4,947
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-4,440	-3,790	-870
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	-4,440	-3,790	-870
Deferred taxes on current period activity	0	0	0
Subtotal activity	-4,440	-3,790	-870
Gross	-4,153	287	4,077
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0
Net	-4,153	287	4,077
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	-87	253	1,399
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-1,433	-1,314	-913
Net	1,346	1,567	2,312
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,456	618	693
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	87	-958	-1,839
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	3,543	-340	-1,146
Deferred taxes on current period activity	1,311	-119	-401
Subtotal activity	2,232	-221	-745
Gross	3,456	-87	253
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-122	-1,433	-1,314
Net	3,578	1,346	1,567
Precious Metal Contracts [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Gross	-19	97	51
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-7	34	18
Net	-12	63	33
Current year activity:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	19	4	-552
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	-120	598
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	19	-116	46
Deferred taxes on current period activity	7	-41	16
Subtotal activity	12	-75	30
Gross	0	-19	97
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	0	-7	34
Net	$0	($12)	$63

Segment_Reporting_and_Geograph2

Segment Reporting and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales	$288,426		$291,570	$287,965	$258,929	$286,138		$275,434	$306,141	$299,169	$1,126,890		$1,166,882		$1,273,078
Value-added sales											637,073		609,091		615,563
Operating profit (loss)											56,957		26,831		36,776
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											42,721		41,649		37,046
Expenditures for long-lived assets											30,559		32,624		44,661
Assets	762,069					777,945					762,069		777,945		814,917
Performance Alloys [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Value-added sales											358,511		339,903		336,977
Operating profit (loss)											33,290		30,737		29,319
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											24,712		23,033		19,486
Expenditures for long-lived assets											16,998		18,354		31,473
Assets	433,997					428,706					433,997		428,706		427,745
Advanced Material Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Value-added sales											181,040		168,600		172,124
Operating profit (loss)											32,692		8,427		21,760
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											6,890		9,037		8,078
Expenditures for long-lived assets											6,412		4,201		5,646
Assets	148,303					184,027					148,303		184,027		222,828
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Value-added sales											102,378	[1]	104,232	[1]	106,383	[1]
Operating profit (loss)											9,272	[1]	4,262	[1]	1,727	[1]
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											10,175	[1]	8,446	[1]	8,204	[1]
Expenditures for long-lived assets											5,869	[1]	6,763	[1]	6,227	[1]
Assets	122,337	[1]				122,964	[1]				122,337	[1]	122,964	[1]	119,475	[1]
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Value-added sales											-4,856	[2]	-3,644	[2]	79	[2]
Operating profit (loss)											-18,297	[2]	-16,595	[2]	-16,030	[2]
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											944	[2]	1,133	[2]	1,278	[2]
Expenditures for long-lived assets											1,280	[2]	3,306	[2]	1,315	[2]
Assets	57,432	[2]				42,248	[2]				57,432	[2]	42,248	[2]	44,869	[2]
Subtotal [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Value-added sales											97,522		100,588		106,462
Operating profit (loss)											-9,025		-12,333		-14,303
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization											11,119		9,579		9,482
Expenditures for long-lived assets											7,149		10,069		7,542
Assets	179,769					165,212					179,769		165,212		164,344
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											1,126,890		1,166,882		1,273,078
Operating Segments [Member] | Performance Alloys [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											433,288		422,936		424,480
Operating Segments [Member] | Advanced Material Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											547,282		591,972		694,793
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											147,659	[1]	152,269	[1]	153,038	[1]
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											-1,339	[2]	-295	[2]	767	[2]
Operating Segments [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											146,320		151,974		153,805
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											55,147	[3]	56,500	[3]	54,536	[3]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Performance Alloys [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											743	[3]	447	[3]	1,268	[3]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Advanced Material Technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											54,404	[3]	56,048	[3]	53,169	[3]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											0	[1],[3]	5	[1],[3]	99	[1],[3]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information
Net sales											$0	[3]	$5	[3]	$99	[3]
[1]	Other represents the Precision Coatings group, which is a business included in the Other reportable segment.
[2]	Costs associated with our unallocated corporate functions have been shown separately to better illustrate the financial information for the businesses within the Other reportable segment.
[3]	Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.

Segment_Reporting_and_Geograph3

Segment Reporting and Geographic Information (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales and long-lived assets attributed to countries based upon the location of customers
Net sales from U.S. operations									$884,175	$962,288	$1,064,779
Net sales based upon location of customers	288,426	291,570	287,965	258,929	286,138	275,434	306,141	299,169	1,126,890	1,166,882	1,273,078
Long-lived assets by country deployed	352,872				372,866				352,872	372,866	390,164
United States [Member]
Sales and long-lived assets attributed to countries based upon the location of customers
Net sales based upon location of customers									731,203	810,642	881,968
Long-lived assets by country deployed	322,090				340,922				322,090	340,922	354,122
All other [Member]
Sales and long-lived assets attributed to countries based upon the location of customers
Net sales based upon location of customers									395,687	356,240	391,110
Long-lived assets by country deployed	$30,782				$31,944				$30,782	$31,944	$36,042

Segment_Reporting_and_Geograph4

Segment Reporting and Geographic Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting And Geographic Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3
Percentage of customers accounted for the company's sale	10.00%

Othernet_Details

Other-net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of other-net expense
Foreign currency exchange/translation gain (loss)	$1,676	$1,506	$1,477
Amortization of intangible assets	-5,169	-5,529	-6,008
Metal consignment fees	-7,332	-7,218	-9,011
Net gain (loss) on disposal of fixed assets	2,435	-1,459	-1,836
Recovery from insurance	6,750	0	0
Legal settlement	4,000	0	0
Consignment facility renegotiation bank fee	0	-853	0
Other items	-1,338	-909	-231
Total	$1,022	($14,462)	($15,609)

Facility_Consolidation_Details

Facility Consolidation (Details) (Facility Closing [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	facility	facility			facility
	building
	operation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed	1	1			2
Number of operations consolidated	1
Number of buildings prior to consolidation	4
Number of buildings included in consolidation	2
Costs associated with consolidation program			$707,000	$5,990,000
Equipment write-offs				1,200,000
Additional expenditures in next fiscal year			200,000
Cost of Sales [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Costs associated with consolidation program			433,000	1,812,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Costs associated with consolidation program			104,000	2,805,000
Other Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Costs associated with consolidation program			170,000	1,373,000
Employee Severance and Other Employee Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Costs associated with consolidation program			700,000	2,000,000
Cash payments for restructuring			$2,500,000

Interest_Details

Interest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summarized of interest incurred, capitalized and paid as well as the amortization of capitalized interest
Interest incurred	$3,012	$3,286	$3,334
Less capitalized interest	225	250	200
Total net expense	2,787	3,036	3,134
Interest paid	2,215	2,671	2,639
Amortization of capitalized interest included in cost of sales	$261	$265	$336

Interest_Details_Textual

Interest (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization of deferred financing costs	$795	$679	$649

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income before income taxes:
Domestic	$39,789	$16,528	$23,379
Foreign	14,381	7,267	10,263
Income before income taxes	$54,170	$23,795	$33,642

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current income taxes:
Domestic	$14,487	$4,325	$7,825
Foreign	3,457	2,205	3,615
Total current	17,944	6,530	11,440
Deferred income taxes (benefit):
Domestic	-4,604	-2,958	-3,084
Foreign	-553	319	-44
Valuation allowance	-338	197	666
Total deferred	-5,495	-2,442	-2,462
Total income taxes	$12,449	$4,088	$8,978

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the federal statutory and effective income tax rate
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect	0.80%	-0.80%	-0.30%
Effect of excess of percentage depletion over cost depletion	-5.10%	-11.80%	-7.30%
Manufacturing production deduction	-2.50%	-2.40%	-2.20%
Officers’ compensation	0.20%	0.40%	1.10%
Adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits	0.30%	0.30%	-0.60%
Foreign rate differential	-3.20%	-3.10%	-3.10%
Research and experimentation tax credit	-1.30%	-7.40%	0.00%
Retiree medical expense	0.00%	0.00%	-2.00%
Valuation allowance	-0.60%	2.20%	4.00%
Other items	-0.60%	4.80%	2.10%
Effective tax rate	23.00%	17.20%	26.70%

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset (liability)
Post-employment benefits other than pensions	$5,543	$10,989
Other reserves	17,764	13,744
Environmental reserves	1,808	1,789
Inventory	4,808	3,934
Pensions	24,158	9,867
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	5,714	5,588
Miscellaneous	345	303
Subtotal	60,140	46,214
Valuation allowance	-4,444	-4,782
Total deferred tax assets	55,696	41,432
Depreciation	-16,226	-18,669
Amortization	-7,001	-7,371
Capitalized interest expense	-141	-184
Mine development	-571	-2,309
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	-1,250	-130
Total deferred tax liabilities	-25,189	-28,663
Net deferred tax asset	$30,507	$12,769

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance as of January 1	$1,679	$1,767
Additions to tax provisions related to the current year	12	0
Additions to tax positions related to prior years	483	484
Reduction to tax positions related to prior years	0	-17
Lapses on statutes of limitations	-384	-555
Balance as of December 31	$1,790	$1,679

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
State and local income taxes	$0.60	($0.20)	($0.10)
Foreign income tax payments (refunds)	13.1	8.2	13.2
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits	1.8
Effective tax rate if recognized	1
Undistributed foreign earnings	53.2
Foreign Country [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards, do not expire	6.5
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	6.3
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	19.6
State tax credits, expire in calendar years 2012 through 2026	$2.60

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS:
Net income	$11,976	$12,440	$9,974	$7,331	$3,775	$4,992	$4,155	$6,785	$41,721	$19,707	$24,664
Denominator for basic EPS:
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)									20,461	20,571	20,418
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and stock appreciation rights (in shares)									185	188	163
Restricted stock (in shares)									95	101	94
Performance-based restricted shares (in shares)									69	35	4
Diluted potential common shares (in shares)									349	324	261
Denominator for diluted EPS:
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)									20,810	20,895	20,679
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.61	$0.48	$0.36	$0.18	$0.24	$0.20	$0.33	$2.04	$0.96	$1.21
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.60	$0.47	$0.35	$0.18	$0.24	$0.20	$0.33	$2	$0.94	$1.19

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_1

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights excluded from diluted EPS calculation	329	368	465

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Detai

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of selected quarterly financial data
Net sales	$288,426	$291,570	$287,965	$258,929	$286,138	$275,434	$306,141	$299,169	$1,126,890	$1,166,882	$1,273,078
Gross margin	55,797	54,843	49,801	45,462	49,164	44,483	45,992	48,339	205,903	187,978	198,783
Percent of net sales	19.30%	18.80%	17.30%	17.60%	17.20%	16.20%	15.00%	16.20%	18.30%	16.10%
Net income	$11,976	$12,440	$9,974	$7,331	$3,775	$4,992	$4,155	$6,785	$41,721	$19,707	$24,664
Net income per share of common stock:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.61	$0.48	$0.36	$0.18	$0.24	$0.20	$0.33	$2.04	$0.96	$1.21
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.60	$0.47	$0.35	$0.18	$0.24	$0.20	$0.33	$2	$0.94	$1.19
Cash dividends per share of common stock	$0.09	$0.09	$0.09	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08	$0.34	$0.32	$0.23
Stock price range:
High (in dollars per share)	$40.60	$39.38	$37.96	$35.19	$32.73	$33.69	$31.49	$29.81
Low (in dollars per share)	$26.64	$30.88	$31.69	$25.21	$25.75	$27.09	$24.58	$26.20

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Detai1

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					facility
Number of facilities where accounting error occurred					1
Correction to previously reported gross margin	($55,797)	($54,843)	($49,801)	($45,462)	($49,164)	($44,483)	($45,992)	($48,339)	($205,903)	($187,978)	($198,783)
Correction to reduce previously reported net income	-11,976	-12,440	-9,974	-7,331	-3,775	-4,992	-4,155	-6,785	-41,721	-19,707	-24,664
Correction to reduce previously reported earnings per share diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.58)	($0.60)	($0.47)	($0.35)	($0.18)	($0.24)	($0.20)	($0.33)	($2)	($0.94)	($1.19)
Procedural Errors In Reconciliation of Physical Inventory [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Correction to previously reported gross margin						700	6,800
Correction to reduce previously reported net income						$100	$4,800
Correction to reduce previously reported earnings per share diluted (in dollars per share)							$0.23

Recovered_Sheet2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable [Member]
Deducted from asset accounts:
Balance at Beginning of Period	$1,421		$1,403		$1,490
Charged to Costs and Expenses	664		127		560
Charged to Other Accounts-Describe	0		-12		-305
Deduction-Describe	507	[1]	97	[1]	342	[1]
Balance at End of Period	1,578		1,421		1,403
Inventory reserves and obsolescence [Member]
Deducted from asset accounts:
Balance at Beginning of Period	6,333		5,872		6,336
Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,067		5,250		3,935
Charged to Other Accounts-Describe	0		0		0
Deduction-Describe	4,207	[2]	4,789	[2]	4,399	[2]
Balance at End of Period	$8,193		$6,333		$5,872
[1]	Bad debts written-off, net of recoveries
[2]	Inventory write-off