Knowles (KN) 10-Q 12 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Knowles Corp	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001587523	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	85,031,959
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	$273,384		$276,119
Cost of goods sold	190,327		181,556
Gross profit	83,057		94,563
Research and development expenses	19,220		20,916
Selling and administrative expenses	52,675		51,553
Operating expenses	71,895		72,469
Operating earnings	11,162		22,094
Interest expense, net	672		11,948
Other expense (income), net	347		-1,958
Earnings before income taxes	10,143		12,104
Provision for income taxes	2,500		210
Net earnings	$7,643		$11,894
Earnings per share:	'		'
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	$0.09	[1]	$0.14	[1]
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	$0.09	[1]	$0.14	[1]
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'		'
Basic (in shares)	85,023,862	[1]	85,019,159	[1]
Diluted (in shares)	85,126,796	[1]	85,019,159	[1]
[1]	On February 28, 2014, Dover shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014 received one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover's common stock held as of the record date. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods through December 31, 2013 was calculated using the shares distributed on February 28, 2014.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings	$7,643	$11,894
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-1,650	-19,139
Employee benefit plans:	'	'
Actuarial losses arising during period	-115	0
Total employee benefit plans	-115	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges:	'	'
Unrealized net losses arising during period	0	-142
Total cash flow hedges	0	-142
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,765	-19,281
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	$5,878	($7,387)

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$51,379	$105,588
Receivables, net of allowances of $1,035 and $1,686	188,504	224,556
Inventories, net	154,186	149,168
Prepaid and other current assets	15,576	11,803
Deferred tax assets	12,597	10,708
Total current assets	422,242	501,823
Property, plant and equipment, net	350,912	360,997
Goodwill	964,345	961,916
Intangible assets, net	312,508	318,310
Other assets and deferred charges	32,333	27,070
Total assets	2,082,340	2,170,116
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,750	0
Accounts payable	129,127	143,812
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	29,225	40,918
Other accrued expenses	23,335	25,245
Federal and other taxes on income	12,155	0
Total current liabilities	197,592	209,975
Long-term debt	396,250	0
Deferred income taxes	49,115	45,891
Other liabilities	35,008	27,123
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Net Parent Company Investment in Knowles Corporation, prior to Separation	0	1,850,602
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 85,027,624 shares issued at March 31, 2014	850	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,365,656	0
Retained earnings	10,648	0
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	27,221	36,525
Total stockholders' equity	1,404,375	36,525
Total equity	1,404,375	1,887,127
Total liabilities and equity	$2,082,340	$2,170,116

Recovered_Sheet1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$1,035	$1,686
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	0
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	0
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	85,027,624	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings	Net Parent Company Investment
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,887,127	$0	$0	$0	$36,525	$1,850,602
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	7,643	'	'	10,648	'	-3,005
Net transfers to Parent Company	-470,425	'	'	'	'	-470,425
Separation-related adjustments	-19,333	'	'	'	-7,539	-11,794
Reclassification of Net Parent Company Investment in connection with the Separation	0	'	1,365,378	'	'	-1,365,378
Issuance of common stock at Separation	0	850	-850	'	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,765	'	'	'	-1,765	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,128	'	1,128	'	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,404,375	$850	$1,365,656	$10,648	$27,221	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities of Continuing Operations	'	'
Net earnings	$7,643	$11,894
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	33,379	31,137
Stock-based compensation	1,487	565
Other, net	2,392	-8,797
Cash effect of changes in assets and liabilities (excluding effects of foreign exchange):	'	'
Receivables, net	34,527	23,087
Inventories, net	-6,039	-8,075
Prepaid and other current assets	-3,216	-45
Accounts payable	-9,755	-24,156
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	-14,394	-6,511
Other accrued expenses	-1,836	-2,099
Accrued and deferred taxes, net	-963	8,032
Other non-current assets and non-current liabilities	-72	-3,381
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,153	21,651
Investing Activities	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-23,899	-29,356
Capitalized patent defense costs	-4,447	-2,289
Net cash used in investing activities	-28,346	-31,645
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from debt	400,000	0
Debt issuance costs	-2,853	0
Change in Parent Company borrowings, net	0	-24,589
Net transfers (to) from Parent Company	-465,902	33,669
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-68,755	9,080
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-261	-140
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-54,209	-1,054
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	105,588	10,302
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$51,379	$9,248

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Description of Business - On February 28, 2014, Knowles Corporation became an independent, publicly-traded company as a result of the distribution by Dover Corporation (“Dover” or “Former Parent”) of 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Company to Dover’s shareholders (the "Separation"). For more information regarding the Separation, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. References to “Knowles,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Knowles Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company engages in the design and manufacture of innovative products and components which serve the mobile consumer electronics, medical technology, telecommunications infrastructure, military/space and other industrial end markets.
	Financial Statement Presentation - The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014.
	The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company corrected its incentive compensation accrual to reflect the actual amounts paid for 2013 incentive compensation, which increased earnings before income taxes by $1,420 ($923 net of tax), and tax expense associated with foreign taxes due on 2012 royalty income, which decreased net earnings by $1,100. These items are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements for any impacted period. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Prior to the Separation on February 28, 2014, the Company’s financial statements were prepared on a stand-alone basis and were derived from Dover’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. The financial statements for those periods include allocations of costs that were incurred by Dover for functions such as corporate human resources, finance and legal, including the costs of salaries, benefits and other related costs. These expenses have been allocated to Knowles based on direct usage or benefit where identifiable, with the remainder allocated on the basis of revenues, headcount, or other measures. Knowles considers the expense allocation methodology reasonable. However, the allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses had Knowles operated as an independent, publicly-traded company for all periods presented. These allocations totaled $3,368 and $5,983 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Related Party Transactions - Knowles made a cash payment of $400,000 to Dover immediately prior to the Separation, which is reflected in Net transfers (to) from Parent Company on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and in Net transfers to Parent Company on the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity. In connection with a tax matters agreement entered into with Dover as part of the Separation, the Company had $1,685 recorded in accounts payable at March 31, 2014, which will be paid in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Separation-related Adjustments - During the three months ended March 31, 2014, certain Separation-related adjustments were recorded in stockholders' equity, principally due to the transfer of certain pension plan liabilities from Dover upon the legal split of those plans, as well as to adjust the Company's income tax balances to reflect the Company's post-Separation stand-alone income tax positions. In addition, because the historical financial statements were derived from Dover’s accounting records, included in the Separation-related adjustments were adjustments to foreign currency translation adjustments to reflect the appropriate opening balances related to Knowles' legal entities at the Separation date.
	Non-cash Investing Activities - Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable at March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $4,253 and $14,779, respectively. In addition, legal costs incurred in the defense of our patents included in accounts payable at March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $4,370 and $1,631, respectively. These non-cash amounts are not reflected as outflows to Additions to property, plant and equipment or Capitalized patent defense costs within investing activities of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the respective periods.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories, net	'
	Inventories, net
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	60,601		$	55,870
	Work in progress	28,810			29,886
	Finished goods	93,970			92,048
	Subtotal	183,381			177,804
	Less reserves	(29,195		)	(28,636		)
	Total	$	154,186		$	149,168

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment, net
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land	$	12,153		$	12,238
	Buildings and improvements	103,485			85,815
	Machinery, equipment and other	666,232			678,386
	Subtotal	781,870			776,439
	Less accumulated depreciation	(430,958		)	(415,442		)
	Total	$	350,912		$	360,997

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The following table provides the changes in carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Mobile Consumer Electronics		Specialty Components			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	776,349	$	185,567		$	961,916
	Foreign currency translation	2,730		(301		)	2,429
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	779,079	$	185,266		$	964,345
	The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset:
		March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks	$	8,260	$	1,638		$	8,264	$	1,503
	Patents	42,221		8,354			47,543		17,549
	Customer Relationships	429,300		190,448			429,429		181,232
	Unpatented Technologies	65,770		64,735			65,757		64,574
	Other	1,564		1,432			1,564		1,389
	Total	547,115		266,607			552,557		266,247
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks	32,000					32,000
	Total intangible assets, net	$	312,508				$	318,310
	Amortization expense was $10,711 and $11,713 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Restructuring_Activities

Restructuring Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Activities	'
	Restructuring Activities
	The following table details restructuring charges incurred by reportable segment for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	—		$	2,198
	Specialty Components	243			1,117
	Total	$	243		$	3,315
	These amounts are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows:
	Cost of goods sold	$	—		$	1,823
	Selling and administrative expenses	243			1,492
	Total	$	243		$	3,315
	The restructuring expenses relate to programs designed to better align the Company’s operations with current market conditions through targeted facility consolidations, headcount reductions and other measures to further optimize operations.
	The following table details the Company’s severance and other restructuring accrual activity:
		Severance			Exit			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,000		$	534		$	5,534
	Restructuring charges	243			—			243
	Payments	(1,050		)	(9		)	(1,059		)
	Other, including foreign currency	10			(11		)	(1		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	4,203		$	514		$	4,717
	The accrual balance at March 31, 2014 primarily reflects restructuring plans initiated during the prior year, as well as ongoing lease commitment obligations for facilities closed in earlier periods.
	On April 1, 2014, the Company announced the cessation of manufacturing operations at its facility in Vienna, Austria. Refer to Note 14. Subsequent Events for further information.

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings	'
	Borrowings
	On January 27, 2014, the Company entered into a $200,000 five-year senior secured revolving credit facility, as well as a $300,000 five-year senior secured term loan facility, which are referred to collectively as the “Credit Facilities.” In connection with the Separation from Dover, the Company incurred $100,000 of borrowings under the revolving credit facility and $300,000 of borrowings under the term loan facility, in each case to finance a cash payment to Dover immediately prior to the Separation.
	Borrowings at March 31, 2014 consist of the following:
		March 31, 2014
	Term Loan	$	300,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	100,000
	Total	400,000
	Less: current maturities	3,750
	Total long-term debt	$	396,250
	The Credit Facilities include a requirement, to be tested quarterly, that the Company maintains both (i) a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of 3.25 to 1.0 and (ii) a maximum ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA of 3.25 to 1.0. For these ratios, consolidated EBITDA and consolidated interest expense are calculated using the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters in a manner defined in the credit agreement. At March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and it expects to remain in compliance with all of its debt covenants over the next twelve months.
	The interest rate under the Credit Facilities is variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company's leverage as measured by a total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio. Based upon the Company's total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio, the Company's borrowing rate could range from LIBOR + 1.25% to LIBOR + 2.25%. At March 31, 2014, the interest rate for the Credit Facilities was 1.66%.
	Interest expense and interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	683		$	13,022
	Interest income	(11		)	(1,074		)
	Interest expense, net	$	672		$	11,948
	The interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2013 primarily relates to interest expense on the net notes payable with Dover that were repaid during the fourth quarter of 2013 in anticipation of the Separation.

Other_Comprehensive_Loss

Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Other Comprehensive Loss
	The amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows:
		Three Months Ended												Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14												31-Mar-13
		Pre-tax				Tax				Net of tax				Pre-tax				Tax		Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation	$	(1,650	)						$	(1,650	)		$	(19,139	)				$	(19,139	)
	Employee benefit plans	(177		)		62				(115		)		—				—		—
	Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges	—				—				—				(218		)		76		(142		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(1,827	)		$	62			$	(1,765	)		$	(19,357	)		$	76	$	(19,281	)
	The following tables summarize the changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
			Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments				Employee benefit plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	44,379			$	(7,854	)		$	36,525
	Other comprehensive loss		(1,650		)		(115		)		(1,765		)
	Separation-related adjustments		(7,204		)		(335		)		(7,539		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	35,525			$	(8,304	)		$	27,221
			Cash flow hedges				Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments				Employee benefit plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—			$	11,784			$	(8,019	)		$	3,765
	Other comprehensive loss		(142		)		(19,139		)		—				(19,281		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013		$	(142	)		$	(7,355	)		$	(8,019	)		$	(15,516	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes for the interim periods presented have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements on the basis of an estimated annual effective tax rate ("ETR"). The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes requires management to make certain judgments and estimates. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax earnings, tax laws, and changes resulting from tax audits can affect the overall effective income tax rate, which impacts the level of income tax expense and net income. Judgments and estimates related to the Company’s projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections. The year-to-date ETR was less than the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate, mainly due to the taxing jurisdictions in which the Company and its foreign subsidiaries generate taxable income or loss and the favorable impact of its significant tax holiday in Malaysia.
	The Company's ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were 24.6% and 1.7%, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the ETR was impacted by discrete items totaling $2,998. The discrete items were mainly driven by a tax expense of $1,611 on a previously deferred tax gain that was triggered as a result of a reorganization transaction associated with the Separation and a tax expense of $1,100 associated with foreign taxes due on 2012 royalty income. The ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was impacted by $540 of discrete tax items. Absent the discrete items, the ETR was (4.9)% and (2.7)% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in the ETR, excluding the discrete items, was due to the mix of earnings and losses by taxing jurisdictions.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s income tax balances were adjusted to reflect the Company’s post-Separation stand-alone income tax positions, including those related to tax loss and credit carryforwards, other deferred tax assets and valuation allowances. These Separation-related adjustments resulted in a $10,066 increase to the net deferred tax liability, primarily due to a decrease in tax loss and credit carryforwards, partially offset by a decrease in the Company's valuation allowances. The increase in the net deferred tax liability was offset by a corresponding decrease in Net Parent Company Investment.

Equity_Incentive_Program

Equity Incentive Program	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Equity Incentive Program	'
	Equity Incentive Program
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $1,487 and $565 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Prior to the Separation, stock-based compensation expense was allocated to Knowles based on the portion of Dover's equity incentive program in which Knowles employees participated.
	Prior to the Separation, Knowles employees participated in Dover's equity incentive program. Adopted in connection with the Separation, Knowles' Equity and Cash Incentive Plan provides for the assumption of certain awards granted under Dover's equity incentive program and authorizes the grant of several different forms of benefits, including stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), and stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SSARs").
	In connection with the Separation, Dover equity awards previously granted to employees of the Company were converted to Knowles equity awards under the Company's Equity and Cash Incentive Plan. In general, each award is subject to the same terms and conditions as were in effect prior to the Separation, except that Dover performance shares converted to time-based RSUs. In addition, the Company made a grant comprised of both stock options and time-based RSUs that will vest 50% on the third and fourth anniversaries from the date of the grant. The Company also made a grant of both stock options and time-based RSUs that will vest evenly over the next three years. Lastly, the independent directors received a grant of Company shares that vested immediately, receipt of which was deferred by some of the recipients. The Company has elected to use the straight-line method to attribute the expense over the service period of the awards.
	Stock Options
	The expense related to stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2014, was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.32	%	to	1.63%
	Dividend yield	—%
	Expected life (years)	4.5		to	5.3
	Volatility	44.4	%	to	49.90%
	Fair value at date of grant	$11.25		to	$13.50
	The following table summarizes the Company's SSAR and stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		SSARs								Stock Options
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—			$	—				—	$	—
	Converted	1,085,643			20.85					13,680	12.65
	Granted	—			—					1,291,995	29.53
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,085,643			$	20.85	$	11,643	7.5	1,305,675	$	29.35	$	2,894	6.9
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	393,527			$	17.33	$	5,604	6	13,680	$	12.65	$	258	0.9
	Unrecognized compensation expense related to SSARs and stock options not yet exercisable at March 31, 2014 was $2,093 and $15,718, respectively. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years for SSARs and 2.6 years for stock options.
	RSUs
	The following table summarizes the Company's RSU balances for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		Share units			Weighted-average grant date fair value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—			$	—
	Converted (1)	21,557			12.36
	Granted	361,674			29.53
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	383,231			$	28.56
	(1) The weighted-average grant date fair value is equal to the fair value at the date of conversion as opposed to the fair value when originally issued under Dover's plan.
	At March 31, 2014, $10,734 of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
	Director Awards
	On March 7, 2014, the independent directors received grants totaling 16,930 shares with a grant date fair value of $29.53 per share. These shares vested immediately upon issuance.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the information used in computing basic and diluted shares outstanding and amounts used in computing the respective earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net earnings	$	7,643	$	11,894
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,023,862		85,019,159
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.09	$	0.14
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,023,862		85,019,159
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	102,934		—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,126,796		85,019,159
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	$	0.09	$	0.14
	(1) On February 28, 2014, Dover shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014 received one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover's common stock held as of the record date. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods through December 31, 2013 was calculated using the shares distributed on February 28, 2014.
	Diluted per share amounts were computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and SSARs, and vesting of restricted stock, as determined using the treasury stock method. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the weighted-average number of anti-dilutive potential common shares excluded from the calculation above was 386,824.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	'
	Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	The Company is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and investigations arising in the normal course of its business, including those related to intellectual property which may be owned by it or others. The Company owns many patents which cover products, technology and manufacturing processes. Some of these patents have been and, the Company expects, will continue to be challenged by others. In appropriate cases, the Company has taken and will take steps to protect and defend its patents and other intellectual property, including through the use of legal proceedings in various jurisdictions around the world. Such steps may result in retaliatory legal proceedings, including litigation or other legal proceedings in various forums and jurisdictions around the world alleging infringement by the Company of patents owned by others. The costs of investigations and legal proceedings, particularly multi-forum litigation, relating to the enforcement and defense of the Company’s intellectual property may be material. Additionally, in multi-forum disputes the Company may incur adverse judgments with regard to certain claims in certain forums while still contesting other related claims against the same opposing party in other forums. Based on the strength of its intellectual property and its prior experience enforcing it, the Company's current assessment is that the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its operating results or financial condition. The Company will periodically review the probable outcome of such proceedings, their impact on its operations, the associated costs and expenses incurred and reasonably expected to be incurred, and the amounts accrued.
	In addition, the Company may, on a limited, customer specific basis, provide contractual indemnities for certain losses that arise out of claims that its products infringe the intellectual property of others. Historically, the Company has not made significant payments under such indemnity arrangements. At March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s legal reserves were not significant.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Knowles is organized into two reportable segments based on how management analyzes performance, allocates capital and makes strategic and operational decisions. These segments were determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280 - Segment Reporting and include (i) Mobile Consumer Electronics and (ii) Specialty Components. The segments are aligned around similar product applications serving Knowles' key end markets to enhance focus on end market growth strategies.
	•	Mobile Consumer Electronics designs and manufactures innovative acoustic products, including microphones, speakers and receivers, used in several applications that serve the handset, tablet and other consumer electronic markets.
	•	Specialty Components specializes in the design and manufacture of specialized electronic components used in medical and life science applications, as well as high-performance solutions and components used in communications infrastructure and a wide variety of other markets. Specialty Components' transducer products are used principally in hearing aid applications within the commercial audiology markets, while its oscillator products predominantly serve the telecom infrastructure market and its capacitor products are used in applications including radio, radar, satellite, power supplies, transceivers and medical implants serving the defense, aerospace, telecommunication, and life sciences markets.
	Information regarding the Company's reportable segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	163,990		$	169,771
	Specialty Components	109,406			106,364
	Intra-segment eliminations	(12		)	(16		)
	Total consolidated revenue	$	273,384		$	276,119
	Earnings before interest and income taxes: (1)
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	6,852		$	20,396
	Specialty Components	15,700			14,790
	Total segments	22,552			35,186
	Corporate expense / other	11,737			11,134
	Interest expense, net	672			11,948
	Earnings before income taxes	10,143			12,104
	Provision for income taxes	2,500			210
	Net earnings	$	7,643		$	11,894
	(1) During the first quarter of 2014, the Company began using earnings before interest and income taxes as the measure to make decisions about allocating resources to segments and assessing segment performance instead of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Recent_Accounting_Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	Recent Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations - that is, a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results - should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. Additionally, the ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. This update will be effective for Knowles in the first quarter of 2015. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, which provides that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion thereof, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability. This standard is effective for Knowles for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company's adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02 which requires additional disclosures regarding the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013. The Company's adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On April 1, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the cessation of manufacturing operations at the Company’s Vienna, Austria facility. This action is expected to be substantially completed by mid-year 2014. This action is part of the Company’s previously-announced plan to consolidate its manufacturing footprint, and is expected to contribute to the previously-announced target of $40,000 to $50,000 in annualized cost savings. Production will be transferred to the Company’s Asian facilities, while research and development will remain in Vienna.
	Pre-tax charges are estimated to be $72,000 to $77,000. Of this total amount, $40,000 to $45,000 relates to non-cash asset impairment charges and approximately $20,000 relates to employee redundancy costs, primarily severance and pension costs. The balance relates to other costs associated with the closure, including production transfer costs. The Company expects that the majority of the charges will be recorded in the second quarter of 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation_Basis_of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting Policy	'
	Financial Statement Presentation - The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014.
	The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods.
Consolidation Policy	'
	Prior to the Separation on February 28, 2014, the Company’s financial statements were prepared on a stand-alone basis and were derived from Dover’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. The financial statements for those periods include allocations of costs that were incurred by Dover for functions such as corporate human resources, finance and legal, including the costs of salaries, benefits and other related costs. These expenses have been allocated to Knowles based on direct usage or benefit where identifiable, with the remainder allocated on the basis of revenues, headcount, or other measures. Knowles considers the expense allocation methodology reasonable. However, the allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses had Knowles operated as an independent, publicly-traded company for all periods presented.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventory	'
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	60,601		$	55,870
	Work in progress	28,810			29,886
	Finished goods	93,970			92,048
	Subtotal	183,381			177,804
	Less reserves	(29,195		)	(28,636		)
	Total	$	154,186		$	149,168

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Components of property, plant and equipment, net	'
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land	$	12,153		$	12,238
	Buildings and improvements	103,485			85,815
	Machinery, equipment and other	666,232			678,386
	Subtotal	781,870			776,439
	Less accumulated depreciation	(430,958		)	(415,442		)
	Total	$	350,912		$	360,997

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	The following table provides the changes in carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Mobile Consumer Electronics		Specialty Components			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	776,349	$	185,567		$	961,916
	Foreign currency translation	2,730		(301		)	2,429
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	779,079	$	185,266		$	964,345
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible asset:
		March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks	$	8,260	$	1,638		$	8,264	$	1,503
	Patents	42,221		8,354			47,543		17,549
	Customer Relationships	429,300		190,448			429,429		181,232
	Unpatented Technologies	65,770		64,735			65,757		64,574
	Other	1,564		1,432			1,564		1,389
	Total	547,115		266,607			552,557		266,247
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks	32,000					32,000
	Total intangible assets, net	$	312,508				$	318,310

Restructuring_ActivitiesTables

Restructuring Activities(Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The following table details restructuring charges incurred by reportable segment for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	—		$	2,198
	Specialty Components	243			1,117
	Total	$	243		$	3,315
	These amounts are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as follows:
	Cost of goods sold	$	—		$	1,823
	Selling and administrative expenses	243			1,492
	Total	$	243		$	3,315
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	The following table details the Company’s severance and other restructuring accrual activity:
		Severance			Exit			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,000		$	534		$	5,534
	Restructuring charges	243			—			243
	Payments	(1,050		)	(9		)	(1,059		)
	Other, including foreign currency	10			(11		)	(1		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	4,203		$	514		$	4,717

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	Borrowings at March 31, 2014 consist of the following:
		March 31, 2014
	Term Loan	$	300,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	100,000
	Total	400,000
	Less: current maturities	3,750
	Total long-term debt	$	396,250
Schedule of Interest expense and interest income	'
	Interest expense and interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense	$	683		$	13,022
	Interest income	(11		)	(1,074		)
	Interest expense, net	$	672		$	11,948

Other_Comprehensive_Earnings_T

Other Comprehensive Earnings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Components of other comprehensive income	'
	The amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows:
		Three Months Ended												Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14												31-Mar-13
		Pre-tax				Tax				Net of tax				Pre-tax				Tax		Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation	$	(1,650	)						$	(1,650	)		$	(19,139	)				$	(19,139	)
	Employee benefit plans	(177		)		62				(115		)		—				—		—
	Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges	—				—				—				(218		)		76		(142		)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	(1,827	)		$	62			$	(1,765	)		$	(19,357	)		$	76	$	(19,281	)
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables summarize the changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
			Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments				Employee benefit plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	44,379			$	(7,854	)		$	36,525
	Other comprehensive loss		(1,650		)		(115		)		(1,765		)
	Separation-related adjustments		(7,204		)		(335		)		(7,539		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	35,525			$	(8,304	)		$	27,221
			Cash flow hedges				Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments				Employee benefit plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—			$	11,784			$	(8,019	)		$	3,765
	Other comprehensive loss		(142		)		(19,139		)		—				(19,281		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013		$	(142	)		$	(7,355	)		$	(8,019	)		$	(15,516	)

Equity_Incentive_Program_Table

Equity Incentive Program (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Assumptions	'
	The expense related to stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2014, was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.32	%	to	1.63%
	Dividend yield	—%
	Expected life (years)	4.5		to	5.3
	Volatility	44.4	%	to	49.90%
	Fair value at date of grant	$11.25		to	$13.50
Schedule of SSAR and Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's SSAR and stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		SSARs								Stock Options
		Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—			$	—				—	$	—
	Converted	1,085,643			20.85					13,680	12.65
	Granted	—			—					1,291,995	29.53
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,085,643			$	20.85	$	11,643	7.5	1,305,675	$	29.35	$	2,894	6.9
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	393,527			$	17.33	$	5,604	6	13,680	$	12.65	$	258	0.9
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's RSU balances for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
		Share units			Weighted-average grant date fair value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—			$	—
	Converted (1)	21,557			12.36
	Granted	361,674			29.53
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	383,231			$	28.56
	(1) The weighted-average grant date fair value is equal to the fair value at the date of conversion as opposed to the fair value when originally issued under Dover's plan.

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of information used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the information used in computing basic and diluted shares outstanding and amounts used in computing the respective earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net earnings	$	7,643	$	11,894
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,023,862		85,019,159
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.09	$	0.14
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,023,862		85,019,159
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	102,934		—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (1)	85,126,796		85,019,159
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	$	0.09	$	0.14
	(1) On February 28, 2014, Dover shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014 received one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover's common stock held as of the record date. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods through December 31, 2013 was calculated using the shares distributed on February 28, 2014.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue and Earnings from continuing operations by market segment	'
	Information regarding the Company's reportable segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	163,990		$	169,771
	Specialty Components	109,406			106,364
	Intra-segment eliminations	(12		)	(16		)
	Total consolidated revenue	$	273,384		$	276,119
	Earnings before interest and income taxes: (1)
	Mobile Consumer Electronics	$	6,852		$	20,396
	Specialty Components	15,700			14,790
	Total segments	22,552			35,186
	Corporate expense / other	11,737			11,134
	Interest expense, net	672			11,948
	Earnings before income taxes	10,143			12,104
	Provision for income taxes	2,500			210
	Net earnings	$	7,643		$	11,894
	(1) During the first quarter of 2014, the Company began using earnings before interest and income taxes as the measure to make decisions about allocating resources to segments and assessing segment performance instead of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated expenses	$3,368	$5,983
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable	4,253	14,779
Noncash capitalized patent defense costs	4,370	1,631
Incentive Compensation Accrual, Before Tax	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'
Change in estimates	-1,420	'
Incentive Compensation Accrual, After Tax	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'
Change in estimates	-923	'
Tax Expense Due on Royalty Income	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'
Change in estimates	$1,100	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Related_

Basis of Presentation Related Party Transactions (Details) (Dover, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Dover	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Cash Paid to Parent Company prior to Separation	$400,000
Accounts payable, former parent	$1,685

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$60,601	$55,870
Work in progress	28,810	29,886
Finished goods	93,970	92,048
Subtotal	183,381	177,804
Less reserves	-29,195	-28,636
Total	$154,186	$149,168

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$781,870	$776,439
Accumulated depreciation	-430,958	-415,442
Total	350,912	360,997
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	12,153	12,238
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	103,485	85,815
Machinery, equipment and other	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$666,232	$678,386

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$961,916
Foreign currency translation	2,429
Ending balance	964,345
Mobile Consumer Electronics	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	776,349
Foreign currency translation	2,730
Ending balance	779,079
Specialty Components	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	185,567
Foreign currency translation	-301
Ending balance	$185,266

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets and Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	$547,115	'	$552,557
Accumulated amortization	266,607	'	266,247
Amortization expense	10,711	11,713	'
Intangible assets, net	312,508	'	318,310
Trademarks	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	8,260	'	8,264
Accumulated amortization	1,638	'	1,503
Patents	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	42,221	'	47,543
Accumulated amortization	8,354	'	17,549
Customer Relationships	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	429,300	'	429,429
Accumulated amortization	190,448	'	181,232
Unpatented Technologies	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	65,770	'	65,757
Accumulated amortization	64,735	'	64,574
Other	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	1,564	'	1,564
Accumulated amortization	$1,432	'	$1,389

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Indefinite-lived Intangibles (Details) (Trademarks, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trademarks	'	'
Unamortized Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross carrying amount	$32,000	$32,000

Restructuring_Activities_Detai

Restructuring Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Restructuring Charges	$243	$3,315
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, beginning balance	5,534	'
Provision	243	'
Payments	-1,059	'
Other, including foreign currency	-1	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, ending balance	4,717	'
Mobile Consumer Electronics	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0	2,198
Specialty Components	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	243	1,117
Severance	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, beginning balance	5,000	'
Provision	243	'
Payments	-1,050	'
Other, including foreign currency	10	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, ending balance	4,203	'
Exit	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, beginning balance	534	'
Provision	0	'
Payments	-9	'
Other, including foreign currency	-11	'
Severance and other restructuring reserve, ending balance	514	'
Cost of goods sold	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0	1,823
Selling and administrative expenses	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring Charges	$243	$1,492

Borrowings_Details

Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 27, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 27, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
				Line of Credit	Line of Credit	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities
				Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Senior Secured Note Issued January 2014	Senior Secured Note Issued January 2014		LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR
										Minimum	Maximum
Long-term borrowings [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Secured revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$200,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt term	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior secured term loan facility	'	'	'	'	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	400,000,000	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'
Less: current maturities	3,750,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt (noncurrent)	396,250,000	'	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt covenant, EBITDA to interest ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.25	'	'	'
Debt covenant, debt to EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.25	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.25%	2.25%
Interest rate at period end	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.66%	'	'
Interest expense	683,000	13,022,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income	-11,000	-1,074,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	$672,000	$11,948,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Other_Comprehensive_Earnings_D

Other Comprehensive Earnings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Abstract]	'	'
Total foreign currency translation	($1,650)	($19,139)
Employee benefit plans:	'	'
Employee benefit plans, before Tax	-177	0
Employee benefit plans, Tax	62	0
Total employee benefit plans	-115	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges:	'	'
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, before tax	0	-218
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	0	76
Total cash flow hedges	0	-142
Total other comprehensive earnings [Abstract]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before tax	-1,827	-19,357
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), tax	-62	-76
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,765	-19,281
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	36,525	3,765
Separation-related adjustments	-19,333	'
Ending balance	27,221	-15,516
Cash flow hedges	'	'
Total other comprehensive earnings [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	'	-142
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	'	0
Ending balance	'	-142
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'
Total other comprehensive earnings [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-1,650	-19,139
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	44,379	11,784
Separation-related adjustments	-7,204	'
Ending balance	35,525	-7,355
Employee benefit plans	'	'
Total other comprehensive earnings [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-115	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	-7,854	-8,019
Separation-related adjustments	-335	'
Ending balance	-8,304	-8,019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Separation-related adjustments	($7,539)	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective tax rate	24.60%	1.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Discrete Items	$2,998	$540
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,611	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Taxes Due on Royalty Income	1,100	'
Pre-discrete tax rate	-4.90%	-2.70%
Increase in deferred tax liability	$10,066	'

Equity_Incentive_Program_Stock

Equity Incentive Program - Stock Options and SSARs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
SSARs	'
SSARs, Number of Shares	'
Beginning balance	0
Converted	1,085,643
Granted	0
Ending balance	1,085,643
Exercisable	393,527
SSARs, Weighted-average grant date fair value	'
Beginning balance	$0
Converted	$20.85
Granted	$0
Ending balance	$20.85
Exercisable	$17.33
SARS and Options, Additional Disclosures	'
SSARs, aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding	$11,643
SSARs, aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable	5,604
SSARs, weighted average remaining contractual terms, outstanding	'7 years 6 months
SSARs, weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable	'6 years 0 months
Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'
Dividend yield	0.00%
Stock Options, Number of Shares	'
Beginning balance	0
Converted	13,680
Granted	1,291,995
Ending balance	1,305,675
Exercisable	13,680
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Beginning balance	$0
Converted	$12.65
Granted	$29.53
Ending balance	$29.35
Exercisable	$12.65
SARS and Options, Additional Disclosures	'
Options, aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding	2,894
Options, aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable	$258
Options, weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding	'6 years 11 months
Options, weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable	'0 years 11 months
Minimum | Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.32%
Expected life (years)	'4 years 6 months
Volatility	44.40%
Fair value at date of grant	$11.25
Maximum | Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.63%
Expected life (years)	'5 years 3 months
Volatility	49.90%
Fair value at date of grant	$13.50

Equity_Incentive_Program_RSUs_

Equity Incentive Program - RSUs (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	0
Converted	21,557	[1]
Granted	361,674
Ending balance	383,231
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Beginning balance	$0
Converted	$12.36	[1]
Granted	$29.53
Ending balance	$28.56
[1]	The weighted-average grant date fair value is equal to the fair value at the date of conversion as opposed to the fair value when originally issued under Dover's plan.

Equity_Incentive_Program_Addit

Equity Incentive Program - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 07, 2014
			SSARs	Stock Options	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$1,487	$565	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	'	'	$2,093	$15,718	$10,734	'
Weighted average period for compensation expense to be recognized	'	'	'1 year 7 months	'2 years 7 months	'2 years 7 months	'
Shares granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	16,930
Grant date fair value (usd per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$29.53

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of information used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]	'	'		'
Net earnings	'	$7,643		$11,894
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'		'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	'	85,023,862	[1]	85,019,159	[1]
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	'	$0.09	[1]	$0.14	[1]
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'		'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	'	85,023,862	[1]	85,019,159	[1]
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards (in shares)	'	102,934		0
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	'	85,126,796	[1]	85,019,159	[1]
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	'	$0.09	[1]	$0.14	[1]
Stock Issued During Period (in shares)	0.5	'		'
Weighted average number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation (in shares)	'	386,824		'
[1]	On February 28, 2014, Dover shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2014 received one share of Knowles common stock for every two shares of Dover's common stock held as of the record date. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods through December 31, 2013 was calculated using the shares distributed on February 28, 2014.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
	segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Number of reportable segments	2		'
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	$273,384		$276,119
Reconciliation of Net Earnings from Segments [Abstract]	'		'
Interest expense, net	672		11,948
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and discontinued operations	10,143		12,104
Provision for income taxes	2,500		210
Net earnings	7,643		11,894
Mobile Consumer Electronics	'		'
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	163,990		169,771
Reconciliation of Net Earnings from Segments [Abstract]	'		'
Earnings before interest and income taxes	6,852	[1]	20,396	[1]
Specialty Components	'		'
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	109,406		106,364
Reconciliation of Net Earnings from Segments [Abstract]	'		'
Earnings before interest and income taxes	15,700	[1]	14,790	[1]
Intra-segment eliminations	'		'
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	-12		-16
Total segments	'		'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings from Segments [Abstract]	'		'
Earnings before interest and income taxes	22,552	[1]	35,186	[1]
Corporate expense / other	'		'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings from Segments [Abstract]	'		'
Earnings before interest and income taxes	$11,737	[1]	$11,134	[1]
[1]	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company began using earnings before interest and income taxes as the measure to make decisions about allocating resources to segments and assessing segment performance instead of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
			Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
			Minimum	Maximum	Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast
						Minimum	Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annualized cost savings	'	'	$40,000	$50,000	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	243	3,315	'	'	'	72,000	77,000
Asset impairment charges	'	'	'	'	'	40,000	45,000
Employee redundancy costs	'	'	'	'	$20,000	'	'