CTS (CTS) 10-K 24 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 18, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	CTS
Entity Registrant Name	CTS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	26058
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,443,286
Entity Public Float			$620,000,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
Net sales	$404,021	$409,461	$304,481
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold	274,058	288,108	212,965
Insurance recovery for business interruption			-637
Selling, general and administrative expenses	59,136	69,989	63,071
Research and development expenses	22,563	23,222	20,918
Restructuring and impairment charges	5,941	10,455	3,437
Gain on sale-leaseback transaction			-10,334
Operating earnings	42,323	17,687	15,061
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense	-2,326	-3,264	-2,569
Interest income	2,786	1,901	1,720
Other	-3,435	1,739	232
Total other (expense) income	-2,975	376	-617
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	39,348	18,063	14,444
Income tax expense	12,826	16,066	952
Earnings from continuing operations	26,522	1,997	13,492
Discontinued operations
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax		-5,926	6,841
Net earnings (loss)	$26,522	($3,929)	$20,333
Basic
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.06	$0.40
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		($0.18)	$0.20
Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.79	($0.12)	$0.60
Diluted
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.78	$0.06	$0.39
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		($0.18)	$0.20
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.78	($0.12)	$0.59
Basic weighted - average common shares outstanding (in shares)	33,618	33,601	33,922
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	512	648	601
Diluted weighted - average common shares outstanding (in shares)	34,130	34,249	34,523
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.14	$0.14

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
Net earnings (loss)	$26,522	($3,929)	$20,333
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings:
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax	-40	384	-980
Changes in unrealized pension cost, net of tax	-21,062	37,738	-5,787
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax	-1,234	585	1,309
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings	-22,336	38,707	-5,458
Comprehensive earnings	$4,186	$34,778	$14,875

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$134,508	$124,368
Accounts receivable, net	56,894	62,667
Inventories, net	27,887	32,226
Other current assets	21,112	17,008
Total current assets	240,401	236,269
Property, plant and equipment, net	71,414	74,869
Other assets
Prepaid pension asset	32,099	56,396
Goodwill	32,047	32,047
Indefinite-lived intangible asset	690	690
Other intangible assets, net	35,902	40,092
Deferred income taxes	43,120	38,620
Other	1,253	1,282
Total other assets	145,111	169,127
Total Assets	456,926	480,265
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	43,343	47,052
Accrued payroll and benefits	11,283	20,822
Accrued liabilities	25,356	27,246
Total current liabilities	79,982	95,120
Long-term debt	75,000	75,000
Long-term portion of interest rate swap	380	604
Post retirement obligations	3,049	7,935
Other long-term obligations	8,726	4,877
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock
Common stock	299,892	297,164
Additional contributed capital	39,153	39,631
Retained earnings	380,145	358,997
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-104,233	-81,897
Total shareholder's equity before treasury stock	614,957	613,895
Treasury stock	-325,168	-317,166
Total shareholders' equity	289,789	296,729
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$456,926	$480,265

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 earnings (loss)	$26,522	($3,929)	$20,333
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,971	21,169	19,615
Prepaid pension asset	-8,426	-5,744	-7,432
Equity-based compensation	2,660	4,219	4,099
Restructuring charge	5,508	8,129	3,844
Restructuring impairment charges	433	3,770	2,542
Pension liability		-8,332	-1,597
Amortization of retirement benefit adjustments	5,722	8,138	6,918
Deferred income taxes	4,900	12,568	-201
Loss on sale of EMS business		1,229
Gain on sale-leaseback transaction			-10,334
Insurance recovery for business interruption and property damage - casualties			-22,662
Insurance proceeds for business interruption and property damage other than property, plant and equipment - casualty			23,353
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable	4,356	-6,075	9,500
Inventories	3,437	-2,511	18,832
Accounts payable	-2,692	4,716	-17,519
Accrued liabilities	-18,922	733	-8,958
Income taxes payable	262	-15	-7
Other	-8,308	-494	1,328
Total adjustments	5,901	41,500	21,321
Net cash provided by operations	32,423	37,571	41,654
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-12,949	-13,982	-13,464
Proceeds from sale of assets	4,951	1,768	499
Proceeds from sale of EMS business		75,000
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			-78,189
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction			17,678
Capital expenditures to replace property, plant and equipment damaged in casualties, net of insurance proceeds			-609
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-7,998	62,786	-74,085
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of long-term debt	-1,030,200	-3,864,500	-5,461,600
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	1,030,200	3,786,000	5,540,700
Payments of short-term notes payable	-810	-2,218	-2,271
Proceeds from borrowings of short-term notes payable	810	2,218	2,271
Purchase of treasury stock	-8,002	-6,208	-10,374
Dividends paid	-5,374	-4,874	-4,759
Exercise of stock options	1,204	2,722	1,679
Other	-2,835	294	160
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-15,007	-86,566	65,806
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	722	1,006	-216
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	10,140	14,797	33,159
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	124,368	109,571	76,412
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	134,508	124,368	109,571
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	2,113	3,104	2,258
Cash paid for Income taxes, net	$7,994	$6,431	$6,786

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Contributed Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings/(Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$287,661	$39,161	$352,205	($115,146)	($300,584)	$263,297
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) earnings			20,333			20,333
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax				-980		-980
Change in unrealized pension cost, net of tax				-5,787		-5,787
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax				1,309		1,309
Cash dividends			-4,738			-4,738
Acquired shares for treasury stock					-10,374	-10,374
Issued shares on exercise of stock options - net	1,679	-6				1,673
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units	2,172	-3,430				-1,258
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units		184				184
Stock compensation		4,099				4,099
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	291,512	40,008	367,800	-120,604	-310,958	267,758
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) earnings			-3,929			-3,929
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax				384		384
Change in unrealized pension cost, net of tax				37,738		37,738
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax				585		585
Cash dividends			-4,874			-4,874
Acquired shares for treasury stock					-6,208	-6,208
Issued shares on exercise of stock options - net	2,722	31				2,753
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units	2,930	-4,744				-1,814
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units		117				117
Stock compensation		4,219				4,219
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	297,164	39,631	358,997	-81,897	-317,166	296,729
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net (loss) earnings			26,522			26,522
Changes in fair market value of hedges, net of tax				-40		-40
Change in unrealized pension cost, net of tax				-21,062		-21,062
Cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax				-1,234		-1,234
Cash dividends			-5,374			-5,374
Acquired shares for treasury stock					-8,002	-8,002
Issued shares on exercise of stock options - net	1,328	-124				1,204
Issued shares on vesting of restricted stock units	1,400	-3,311				-1,911
Tax benefit on vesting of restricted stock units		297				297
Stock compensation		2,660				2,660
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$299,892	$39,153	$380,145	($104,233)	($325,168)	$289,789

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.14	$0.14
Treasury stock acquired	460,496	419,190	1,105,848

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	NOTE 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business: CTS Corporation ("CTS" or "the Company") is a global manufacturer of electronic components and sensors. CTS designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells a broad line of electronic components and sensors. CTS operates manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, Asia and Europe and services major markets globally.
	On October 2, 2013, CTS sold its Electronics Manufacturing Solutions ("EMS") business to Benchmark Electronics, Inc. ("Benchmark") for approximately $75,000,000 in cash. The sale of EMS, along with the announcement of the June 2013 Restructuring Plan ("June 2013 Plan") has allowed CTS to sharpen its focus on its Components and Sensors business. Due to the sale, the 2012 and 2013 amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to EMS have been reported separately as Discontinued operations. Refer to NOTE 17, "Discontinued Operations."
	CTS consists of one reportable business segment. Prior to the sale of the EMS segment, CTS had two reportable segments: 1) Components and Sensors and 2) EMS. The prior year's segment reporting has been updated to conform to the current period's presentation of one reportable business segment.
	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made for the prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements for discontinued operations resulting from the 2013 sale of the EMS business.
	Fiscal Calendar: CTS operates on a 4 week/ 4 week/ 5 week fiscal quarter, and each fiscal quarter ends on a Sunday. The fiscal year always begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. CTS' fiscal calendar results in some fiscal quarters being either greater than or less than 13 weeks, depending on the days of the week those dates fall. During the 2014 fiscal year, CTS' quarter end dates were as follows:
	•	March 30
	•	June 29
	•	September 28
	•	December 31.
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due to CTS from normal business activities. CTS maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. CTS reserves for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
	Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject CTS to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. CTS' cash and cash equivalents, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited primarily in banking institutions with global operations. CTS has not experienced any losses in such accounts. CTS believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
	Trade receivables subject CTS to the potential for credit risk with major customers. CTS sells its products to customers principally in the automotive, communications, computer, medical, industrial, and defense and aerospace markets, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. CTS performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to minimize credit risk. CTS does not require collateral. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the collectability of its accounts receivable after analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, and current economic trends. Uncollectible trade receivables are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when all reasonable efforts to collect the amounts due have been exhausted.
	Our net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Customer A			10.8	%		8.4	%		10.6	%
	No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods.
	Inventories: CTS values its inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or the current estimated market value. CTS reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements.
	Retirement Plans: CTS has various defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. CTS' policy is to annually fund the defined benefit pension plans at or above the minimum required by law. CTS: 1 Recognizes the funded status of a benefit plan (measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation) in CTS' Consolidated Balance Sheets; 2 Recognizes the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit/cost as a component of Other comprehensive income; and 3 Measures defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer's fiscal year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. See NOTE 5, "Retirement Plans" for further information.
	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed primarily over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 10 to 45 years. Machinery and equipment useful lives range from 3 to 8 years. Depreciation on leasehold improvements is computed over the lease term or estimated useful lives of the assets. Amounts expended for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposition, any related gains or losses are included in operating earnings.
	Income Taxes: Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. CTS maintains valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more-likely-than-not that some position or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. CTS recognizes the benefit of tax positions when a benefit is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likely) to be sustained on its technical merits. Recognized tax benefits are measured at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained, based on cumulative probability, in final settlement of the position . CTS recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. See NOTE 16, "Income Taxes" for further information.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring a business over the fair values of the net assets received at the date of acquisition.
	We test the impairment of goodwill each year as of the end of December or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our annual impairment test during January 2015 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2014.
	Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
	•	Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
	•	Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
	•	Unanticipated competition,
	•	Loss of key personnel,
	•	More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
	•	Testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, and
	•	Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.
	There have not been any significant changes to our impairment testing methodology other than updating the assumptions to reflect the current market environment. CTS will monitor future results and will perform a test if indicators trigger an impairment review.
	Other intangible assets capitalized consist primarily of customer lists and relationships, patents and other intangibles. These assets are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average life. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for the amortizable intangible assets is 10.9 years. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for customer lists and relationships is 11.9 years and for the other intangibles is 7.6 years.
	Revenue Recognition: Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: 1. CTS has persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; 2. delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which generally happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; 3. the price is fixed and determinable; and 4. collectability is reasonably assured.
	Research and Development: Research and development ("R&D") costs include expenditures for planned search and investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge to be used to develop new products or processes or to significantly enhance existing products or production processes. Research and development costs also include the implementation of the new knowledge through design, testing of product alternatives or construction of prototypes. CTS expenses all research and development costs as incurred, net of customer reimbursements for sales of prototype and non-recurring engineering charges.
	CTS creates prototypes and tools related to R&D projects. A prototype is defined as a non-production intent constructed product. CTS also incurs engineering costs related to R&D activities. Such costs are incurred to support such activities to improve the reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness of our existing products and to design and develop innovative products that meet customer requirements for new applications. Furthermore, CTS may engage in activities that develop tooling machinery and equipment for its customers.
	Costs of molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold for which CTS has a contractual guarantee for lump sum reimbursement from the customer are capitalized in Other current assets. Cost recorded for costs of molds, dies, and other tools for which customer reimbursement is assured consist of the following in the consolidated balance sheet:
			As of December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in Other current assets		$	2,991		$	3,059
	CTS may, from time to time, partially recover costs related to these activities from the customer. Any reimbursements received from customers are netted against such costs. A summary of amounts received from customers is as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Reimbursement received from customers		$	1,400		$	2,087		$	3,186
	Financial Instruments: CTS uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. As a result of the use of these derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. CTS' established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on principal transactions include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
	CTS estimates the fair value of its financial instruments as follows:
	Instrument		Method for determining fair value
	Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable		Cost, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	Revolving credit facility		The fair value of long-term debt was measured using a market approach which uses current industry information and approximates carrying value.
	Interest rate swaps		The fair value of CTS' interest rate swaps are measured using a market approach which uses current industry information.
	CTS uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. As a result of the use of these derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. CTS' established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on principal transactions include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
	Debt Issuance Costs: CTS has debt issuance costs related to its long-term debt that are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the debt.
	Equity-Based Compensation: CTS recognizes expense related to the fair value of equity-based compensation awards in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). CTS had stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	CTS estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. A number of assumptions are used by the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to compute the grant date fair value, including expected price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. These assumptions are established at each grant date based upon current information at that time. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of CTS' common stock. The expected option term is derived from historical data on exercise behavior. Different expected option terms result from different groups of employees exhibiting different behavior. The dividend yield is based on historical dividend payments. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant. The fair value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).
	The grant date fair values of our service-based and our performance-based RSUs are the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of our market-based RSUs is determined by using a simulation, or Monte Carlo, approach. Under this approach, stock returns from comparative group companies are simulated over the performance period, considering both stock returns volatility and the correlation of returns. The simulated results are then used to estimate the future payout based on the performance and payout relationship established by the conditions of the award. The future payout is discounted to the measurement date using the risk-free interest rate.
	Both CTS' stock options and RSUs primarily have a graded-vesting schedule. CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. See NOTE 14, "Equity-Based Compensation" for further information.
	Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share excludes any dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
	Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock resulted in the issuance of common stock that shared in CTS' earnings. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adding all potentially dilutive shares to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the numerator. If the common stock equivalents have an anti-dilutive effect, they are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
	CTS' antidilutive stock options and units consist of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
(units)		2014			2013			2012
Antidilutive stock options and units			—			—			346
Foreign Currencies: The financial statements of CTS' non-U.S. subsidiaries, except the United Kingdom ("U.K.") subsidiary, are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency with all remeasurement adjustments included in the determination of net earnings.
Foreign currency (loss) gain recorded in the statement of operations includes the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign currency (loss) gain — continuing operations		$	(4,130	)	$	1,625		$	113
Foreign currency (loss) gain — discontinued operations		$	—		$	(290	)	$	700
The assets and liabilities of CTS' U.K. subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at period end, with resulting translation adjustments made directly to the "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" component of shareholders' equity. Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) accounts are translated at the average rates during the period.
Shipping and Handling: All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling is classified as a component of net sales. All costs associated with shipping and handling is classified as a component of cost of sales.
Sales Taxes: CTS classifies sales taxes on a net basis in its consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of: CTS accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360. The statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See NOTE 6, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further information.
CTS tests Goodwill for impairment annually and when an impairment triggering event occurs using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
CTS tests indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually and when an impairment triggering event occurs using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The impairment recognized for the year ending December 31, 2012 was immaterial.
Generally, CTS amortizes the cost of other finite-lived intangibles over a straight-line basis using their estimated useful lives except for the cost of customer list intangibles acquired in the Tusonix, Inc. ("Tusonix"), Fordahl S.A. ("Fordahl"), Valpey-Fisher Corporation ("Valpey-Fisher") and D&R Technologies, LLC ("D&R") acquisitions, which are amortized using a 150% double-declining balance method over their estimated useful lives. CTS assesses useful lives based on the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to CTS' cash flows. CTS reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2014-12, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period"
In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amended guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition.
Current U.S. GAAP does not contain explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments in this update provide explicit guidance for those awards.
The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date, or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)"
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance in this ASU affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts or lease contracts). The new revenue recognition guidance more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
Step 1:		Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
Step 2:		Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 3:		Determine the transaction price.
Step 4:		Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 5:		Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. These provisions of this guidance are still being evaluated. The impact on CTS' financial statements has not yet been determined.
ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity"
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The ASU is aimed at reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations by focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. In another change from current U.S. GAAP, the guidance permits companies to have continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The new definition of a discontinued operation more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with IFRS.
The ASU requires the reclassification of assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation in the statement of financial position for all prior periods presented. The standard expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation, an entity's continuing involvement with a discontinued operation following the disposal date and retained equity method investments in a discontinued operation.
The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year. The ASU is applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issue. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2014-06, "Technical Corrections and Improvements Related to Glossary Terms"
In March 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-06, Technical Corrections and Improvements Related to Glossary Terms. The new guidance is designed to clarify the Master Glossary of the Codification, consolidate multiple instances of the same into a single definition and make minor improvements to the Master Glossary. The FASB said the amendments are not expected to result in substantial changes to the application of existing guidance. These provisions are effective upon issuance. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Subsequent Events: CTS has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
	NOTE 2 — Accounts Receivable
	The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	56,994		$	62,797
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(100	)		(130	)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	56,894		$	62,667

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Inventories
	NOTE 3 — Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	11,728		$	10,310
	Work-in-process		7,297			7,492
	Raw materials		15,562			19,021
	Less: Inventory reserves		(6,700	)		(4,597	)
	Inventories, net	$	27,887		$	32,226

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment.
Property, Plant and Equipment
	NOTE 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	3,044		$	3,938
	Buildings and improvements		67,269			69,740
	Machinery and equipment		185,999			193,179
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(184,898	)		(191,988	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	71,414		$	74,869
	Depreciation expense recorded in the statement of operations includes the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Continuing operations	$	12,781		$	12,322		$	11,424
	Discontinued operations	$	—		$	3,162		$	5,163

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans
Retirement Plans
	NOTE 5 — Retirement Plans
	CTS has a number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans ("Pension Plans") covering approximately 13% of its active employees. Pension Plans covering salaried employees provide pension benefits that are based on the employees´ years of service and compensation prior to retirement. Pension Plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service.
	CTS provides postretirement life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. Domestic employees who were hired prior to 1982 and certain domestic union employees are eligible for life insurance benefits upon retirement. CTS funds life insurance benefits through term life insurance policies and intends to continue funding all of the premiums on a pay-as-you-go basis.
	CTS recognizes the funded status of a benefit plan in its statement of financial position. The funded status is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation. CTS also recognizes, as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit/cost.
	The measurement dates for the Pension Plans for CTS' domestic and foreign locations was December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	During 2013, a modification was made to the CTS Corporation Domestic Pension Plans freezing benefits for all salaried and non-bargaining unit hourly participants effective December 31, 2013. We recorded a curtailment charge of $651,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 in conjunction with the freeze.
	During 2014, CTS approved a plan to terminate the U.K. Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme ("the UK Plan"). The pension liability will be settled in a purchased annuity. CTS expects to complete the termination of the pension plan by the end of 2015.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the Pension Plans domestic and foreign locations plan at that measurement dates.
			Domestic						Foreign
			Pension Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	284,365		$	264,828		$	16,168		$	15,150
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at January 1		$	264,828		$	274,497		$	16,028		$	16,220
	Service cost			192			2,435			83			110
	Interest cost			12,214			11,046			608			536
	Benefits paid			(19,021	)		(13,526	)		(1,024	)		(1,297	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)			26,152			(5,473	)		1,468			295
	Loss due to curtailment			—			(4,151	)		—			—
	Foreign exchange impact and other			—			—			(995	)		163
	Projected benefit obligation at December 31		$	284,365		$	264,828		$	16,168		$	16,027
	Change in plan assets:
	Assets at fair value at January 1		$	314,211		$	265,622		$	14,867		$	13,369
	Actual return on assets			13,961			62,012			(2,258	)		209
	Company contributions			5,302			103			4,478			2,307
	Benefits paid			(19,021	)		(13,526	)		(1,024	)		(1,297	)
	Foreign exchange impact and other			—			—			(935	)		279
	Assets at fair value at December 31		$	314,453		$	314,211		$	15,128		$	14,867
	Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)		$	30,088		$	49,383		$	(1,040	)	$	(1,160	)
	The measurement dates for the other post retirement plan were December 31, 2014 and 2013. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the other post retirement plan at that measurement dates.
			Other
			Postretirement
			Benefit Plan
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	5,194		$	4,916
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at January 1		$	4,916		$	5,666
	Service cost			4			7
	Interest cost			230			223
	Actuarial loss (gain)			223			(798	)
	Benefits paid			(179	)		(182	)
	Projected benefit obligation at December 31		$	5,194		$	4,916
	Change in plan assets:
	Assets at fair value at January 1		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on assets			—			—
	Company contributions			179			182
	Benefits paid			(179	)		(182	)
	Other			—			—
	Assets at fair value at December 31		$	—		$	—
	Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)		$	(5,194	)	$	(4,916	)
	The components of the prepaid (accrued) cost of the domestic and foreign pension plans, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
			Domestic						Foreign
			Pension Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Prepaid pension asset		$	31,581		$	55,839		$	518		$	557
	Other accrued liabilities			—			(4,814	)		—			—
	Post retirement obligations			(1,493	)		(1,642	)		(1,558	)		(1,717	)
			$	30,088		$	49,383		$	(1,040	)	$	(1,160	)
	The components of the (accrued) cost of the other postretirement benefit plan, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
			Other
			Postretirement
			Benefit Plan
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
Other accrued liabilities		$	(342	)	$	(341	)
Other long-term obligations			(4,852	)		(4,575	)
		$	(5,194	)	$	(4,916	)
CTS has also recorded the following amounts to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the domestic and foreign pension plans, net of tax:
		Domestic Plans
											Foreign Plans
					Prior
					Service
($ in thousands)		Unrecognized			Cost			Total			Unrecognized
		Loss									Loss
Balance at January 1, 2013		$	115,933		$	679		$	116,612		$	4,492
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			(4,509	)		(277	)		(4,786	)		(298	)
Settlements and curtailments			(428	)		(402	)		(830	)		—
Net actuarial (loss) gain			(31,778	)		—			(31,778	)		451
Foreign exchange impact			—			—			—			(3	)
Balance at January 1, 2014		$	79,218		$	—		$	79,218		$	4,642
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			(3,523	)		—			(3,523	)		(183	)
Settlements and curtailments			(106	)		—			(106	)		—
Net actuarial gain/(loss)			20,605			—			20,605			4,290
Foreign exchange impact			—			—			—			(259	)
Balance at December 31, 2014		$	96,194		$	—		$	96,194		$	8,490
CTS has also recorded the following amounts to Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss for other postretirement benefit plan, net of tax:
($ in thousands)		Unrecognized
		(Gain) loss
Balance at January 1, 2013		$	(261	)
Net actuarial loss			(494	)
Balance at January 1, 2014		$	(755	)
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			98
Net actuarial gain			140
Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(517	)
CTS expects to recognize, on a pre-tax basis, approximately $6,700,000 of losses in 2015 related to its Pension Plans. CTS does not expect to recognize any significant amounts of the Other Postretirement Benefit Plan unrecognized amounts in 2015.The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for those Pension Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets is shown below:
		As of December 31,
($ in thousands)		2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	4,612		$	10,098
Accumulated benefit obligation			3,860			4,807
Fair value of plan assets			1,562			1,923
Net pension expense (income) includes the following components:
		Year Ended									Year Ended
		December 31,									December 31,
		Domestic Pension Plans									Foreign Pension Plans
($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Service cost		$	192		$	2,435		$	2,735		$	83		$	110		$	125
Interest cost			12,214			11,046			11,935			608			536			571
Expected return on plan assets(1)			(20,833	)		(20,217	)		(21,506	)		(677	)		(474	)		(445	)
Amortization of unrecognized:
Prior service cost			—			498			605			—			—			—
Loss			5,644			7,245			6,062			231			378			296
Additional cost due to early retirement			172			692			282			—			—			—
Curtailment loss			—			651			—			—			—			—
Net expense/(income)		$	(2,611	)	$	2,350		$	113		$	245		$	550		$	547
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions(2)
Benefit obligation assumptions:
Discount rate			4.07	%		4.84	%		4.06	%		3.13	%		3.85	%		3.46	%
Rate of compensation increase			0	%		3	%		3	%		0.48	%		0.56	%		0.69	%
Pension expense/(income) assumptions:
Discount rate			4.84	%		4.06	%		4.91	%		3.85	%		3.46	%		3.86	%
Expected return on plan assets(1)			7.5	%		7.75	%		8	%		4.06	%		3.1	%		3	%
Rate of compensation increase			0	%		3	%		3	%		0.57	%		0.69	%		0.72	%
-1	Expected return on plan assets is net of expected investment expenses and certain administrative expenses.
-2	During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews its actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.
Net postretirement expense includes the following components:
		Other Postretirement
		Benefit Plan
		Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Service cost		$	4		$	7		$	9
Interest cost			230			223			255
Amortization of unrecognized:
Gain			(158	)		—			(40	)
Net (income)/expense		$	76		$	230		$	224
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions(1)
Benefit obligation assumptions:
Discount rate			4.07	%		4.84	%		4.06	%
Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%		0	%
Pension income/postretirement Expense assumptions:
Discount rate			4.84	%		4.06	%		4.91	%
Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%		0	%
-1	During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews its actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.
The discount rate utilized to estimate CTS' pension and postretirement obligations is based on market conditions at December 31, 2014, and is determined using a model consisting of high quality bond portfolios that match cash flows of the plans' projected benefit payments based on the plan participants' service to date and their expected future compensation. Use of the rate produced by this model generates a projected benefit obligation that equals the current market value of a portfolio of high quality bonds whose maturity dates match the timing and amount of expected future benefit payments.
The discount rate used to determine 2014 pension income and postretirement expense for CTS' pension and postretirement plans is based on market conditions at December 31, 2013 and is the interest rate used to estimate interest incurred on the outstanding projected benefit obligations during the period.
CTS utilizes a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return for plan assets. Historical markets are reviewed and long-term relationships between equities and fixed-income are preserved consistent with the generally accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long term. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is established via a building block approach with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to ensure for reasonableness and appropriateness.
CTS´ pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and target allocation for 2015 by asset category are as follows:
		Target Allocations			Percentage of Plan Assets
					at December 31,
Asset Category		2015			2014			2013
Equity securities(1)			60	%		60	%		67	%
Debt securities			25	%		25	%		20	%
Other			15	%		15	%		13	%
Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
-1	Equity securities include CTS common stock in the amounts of approximately $26,000,000 (8% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2014 and approximately $29,000,000 (9% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2013.
CTS employs a total return on investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities and funded status. The investment portfolio primarily contains a diversified mix of equity and fixed-income investments. The equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. Other assets such as private equity are used modestly to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and asset/liability studies at regular intervals.
The following table summarizes the fair values of CTS' pension plan assets:
		As of December 31,
($ in thousands)		2014			2013
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	174,153		$	175,293
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			14,050			16,866
Equity funds — International LP(1)			15,636			15,711
Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			13,077			12,454
Corporate Bonds(2)			47,417			50,199
Cash and cash equivalents(3)			5,889			9,994
Debt securities issued by U.S., state and local governments(5)			14,484			10,487
Partnerships(7)			11,239			9,010
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			5,367			11,147
International hedge funds(4)			11,679			10,958
Mortgage-backed securities(8)			3,796			5,176
Fixed annuities(9)			12,475			1,620
Other asset-backed securities			319			163
Total fair value of plan assets		$	329,581		$	329,078
The fair values at December 31, 2014 are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable
		Markets			Observable			Inputs
		(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	174,153		$	—		$	—		$	174,153
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			14,048			2			—			14,050
Equity funds — International LP(1)			—			15,636			—			15,636
Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			—			13,077			—			13,077
Corporate Bonds(2)			—			47,417			—			47,417
Cash and cash equivalents(3)			5,889			—			—			5,889
Debt securities issued by U.S. and U.K., state and local governments(5)			—			14,484			—			14,484
Partnerships(7)			—			—			11,239			11,239
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			—			—			5,367			5,367
International hedge funds(4)			—			—			11,679			11,679
Mortgage-backed securities(8)			—			3,796			—			3,796
Fixed annuity contracts(9)			—			—			12,475			12,475
Other asset-backed securities			—			319			—			319
Total		$	194,090		$	94,731		$	40,760		$	329,581
The fair values at December 31, 2013 are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable
		Markets			Observable			Inputs
		(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 2)
Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	175,293		$	—		$	—		$	175,293
Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			16,866			—			—			16,866
Equity funds — International LP(1)			—			15,711			—			15,711
Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			—			12,454			—			12,454
Corporate Bonds(2)			—			50,199			—			50,199
Cash and cash equivalents(3)			9,994			—			—			9,994
Debt securities issued by U.S. and U.K., state and local governments(5)			—			10,487			—			10,487
Partnerships(7)			—			—			9,010			9,010
Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			—			—			11,147			11,147
International hedge funds(4)			—			—			10,958			10,958
Mortgage-backed securities(8)			—			5,176			—			5,176
Fixed annuity contracts(9)			—			—			1,620			1,620
Other asset-backed securities			—			163			—			163
Total		$	202,153		$	94,190		$	32,735		$	329,078
-1	Comprised of common stocks of companies in various industries. The Pension Plan fund manager may shift investments from value to growth strategies or vice-versa, from small cap to large cap stocks or vice-versa, in order to meet the Pension Plan's investment objectives, which are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to volatility, and protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power.
-2	Comprised of investment grade securities of companies in various industries.
-3	Comprised of investment grade short-term investment funds.
-4	This fund allocates its capital across several direct hedge-fund organizations. This fund invests with hedge funds that employ "non-directional" strategies. These strategies do not require the direction of the markets to generate returns. The majority of these hedge funds generate returns by the occurrence of key events such as bankruptcies, mergers, spin-offs, etc.
-5	Comprised of investment grade securities that are backed by the U.S., state or local governments.
-6	The hedge fund manager utilizes fundamental research and invests in equities both long (seeking price appreciation) and short (expectation that the stock will fall) instruments.
-7	Comprised of partnerships that invest in various U.S. and international industries.
-8	Comprised of investment grade securities in which approximately $941,224 and $1,148,218 are backed by the U.S. government for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the remainder by commercial real estate.
-9	Comprised of fixed annuity contracts purchased at market value when plan participants retire.
The Pension Plan assets recorded at fair value are measured and classified in a hierarchy for disclosure purposes consisting of three levels based on the observability of inputs available in the marketplace used to measure fair value as discussed below:
•	Level 1:  Fair value measurements that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that the pension plan trustees have the ability to access for identical assets or liabilities. Market price data generally is obtained from exchange or dealer markets.
•	Level 2:  Fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active or inactive markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Certain of our pension assets valued by Level 2 inputs are comprised of partnership investments which are not exchange traded and are valued at their Net Asset Values ("NAV") which are considered observable inputs.
•	Level 3:  Fair value measurements based on valuation techniques that use significant inputs that are unobservable.
The table below reconciles the Level 3 international hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Amount
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2012		$	10,395
Capital contributions			—
Realized and unrealized gain			563
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013		$	10,958
Capital contributions			—
Realized and unrealized gain			721
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014		$	11,679
The table below reconciles the Level 3 long/short equity-focused hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Amount
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2012		$	9,937
Capital contributions			4,650
Capital distributions			(4,697	)
Realized and unrealized gain			1,257
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013		$	11,147
Capital contributions			—
Capital distributions			(6,178	)
Realized and unrealized gain			398
Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014		$	5,367
The hedge fund manager reviews the net asset values of the underlying portfolio of hedge funds and also the hedge fund positions within the portfolio. If the positions cannot be exited within one year these funds are considered level 3 investments within the fair value hierarchy.
The table below reconciles the Level 3 partnership assets within the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Amount
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at January 1, 2013		$	6,330
Capital contributions			2,462
Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets			—
Realized and unrealized gain			822
Capital distributions			(604	)
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2013			9,010
Capital contributions			2,570
Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets			—
Realized and unrealized gain			1,733
Capital distributions			(2,074	)
Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2014		$	11,239
The partnership fund manager uses a market approach in estimating the fair value of the plan's Level 3 asset. The market approach estimates the fair value by first, determining the entity's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and then multiplying that value by an estimated multiple. When establishing an appropriate multiple, the fund manager considers recent comparable private company transactions and multiples paid. The entity's net debt is then subtracted from the calculated amount to arrive at an estimated fair value for the entity. The fund manager's goal is to provide a conservative estimate of the fair value of such assets and to utilize conservative estimates of multiples used in establishing such fair values.
The fixed annuity contracts were purchased at market value when plan participants retire in order to provide these participants with the pension benefits under the rules of the pension plan. Once purchased, these annuities have no tradable value. Fair value has instead been assessed as the present value, using certain actuarial assumptions, of the stream of expected payments. Accordingly, these fixed annuities are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.
The table below reconciles the Level 3 fixed annuity contracts within the fair value hierarchy:
($ in thousands)		Amount
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at January 1, 2013		$	1,681
Purchases			—
Benefits paid			(108	)
Net gain			47
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2013			1,620
Purchases			11,530
Benefits paid			(117	)
Net loss			(558	)
Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2014		$	12,475
CTS expects to make $400,000 of contributions to the domestic plans and $4,600,000 of contributions to the foreign plans during 2015.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
($ in thousands)		Domestic			Foreign			Other
		Pension			Pension			Postretirement
		Plans			Plans			Benefit Plan
2015		$	15,652		$	413		$	342
2016			16,532			558			336
2017			16,763			421			329
2018			16,873			555			322
2019			17,124			651			315
Thereafter			86,449			4,217			1,459
Defined Contribution Plans
CTS sponsors a 401(k) plan that covers substantially all of its U.S. employees. Contributions and costs are generally determined as a percentage of the covered employee's annual salary.
Expenses related to defined contribution plans include the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
401(k) and other plan expense		$	3,719		$	4,651		$	5,078

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	NOTE 6 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		As of
		December 31, 2014
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Amount
		Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	51,804		$	(24,415	)	$	27,389
	Patents		10,319			(10,319	)		—
	Other intangibles		12,270			(3,757	)		8,513
	Other intangible assets, net	$	74,393		$	(38,491	)	$	35,902
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014				$	4,190
	Amortization expense remaining for other intangible assets is as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Amortization
		expense
	2015	$	3,949
	2016		3,647
	2017		3,569
	2018		3,484
	2019		3,475
	Thereafter		17,778
	Total amortization expense	$	35,902
		As of
		December 31, 2013
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Amount
		Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	51,804		$	(21,490	)	$	30,314
	Patents		10,319			(10,319	)		—
	Other intangibles		12,270			(2,492	)		9,778
	Other intangible assets, net	$	74,393		$	(34,301	)	$	40,092
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2013				$	5,002
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012				$	2,118
	Changes in the net carrying value amount of goodwill were as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Total
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2012	$	32,547
	2013 reduction — sale of EMS business		(500	)
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2013		32,047
	Impairment charge		—
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2014	$	32,047

Costs_Associated_with_Exit_and

Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities
Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities
	NOTE 7 — Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities
	Costs associated with exit and restructuring activities are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) as follows: restructuring-related charges are recorded as a component of Cost of Goods Sold; and restructuring and impairment charges are reported on a separate line and included in Operating Earnings. Total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges were $7,876,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Restructuring-related charges were $1,935,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Restructuring and impairment charges were $5,941,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	During April 2014, CTS announced plans to restructure its operations and consolidate its Canadian operations into other existing CTS facilities as part of CTS' overall plan to simplify its business model and rationalize its global footprint ("April 2014 Plan").
	These restructuring actions will result in the elimination of approximately 120 positions. These actions are expected to be completed in 2015. The following table displays the planned restructuring and restructuring-related charges associated with the April 2014 Plan, as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)        April 2014 Plan	Planned			Actual costs
		Costs			incurred through
					December 31,
					2014
	Inventory write-down	$	250		$	—
	Equipment relocation		500			—
	Other charges		350			—
	Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold	$	1,100		$	—
	Workforce reduction	$	4,100		$	3,470
	Asset impairment charge		—			—
	Other charges, including pension termination costs		500			—
	Restructuring and impairment charges	$	4,600		$	3,470
	Total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges	$	5,700		$	3,470
	Under the April 2014 Plan, restructuring and impairment charges were $3,470,000 in the year ended December 31, 2014.
	During June 2013, CTS announced a restructuring plan to simplify CTS' global footprint by consolidating manufacturing facilities into existing locations. This Plan includes the consolidation of operations from the U.K. manufacturing facility into the Czech Republic facility, the Carol Stream, Illinois manufacturing facility into the Juarez, Mexico facility and to discontinue manufacturing at its Singapore facility. Certain Corporate functions were consolidated or eliminated as a result of the June 2013 Plan and also as a result of the sale of CTS' EMS business.
	These restructuring actions will result in the elimination of approximately 350 positions. The above actions are expected to be completed in 2015.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, CTS management revised the June 2013 Plan. The amendment added an additional $4,000,000 in planned costs. Future settlement of the U.K. pension plan is estimated to account for $2,000,000 of the added cost. The remaining $2,000,000 in restructuring and impairment charges are for severance costs and will result in the elimination of approximately 130 additional positions. The positions eliminated will be spread globally throughout CTS businesses. The above actions are expected to be substantially complete in 2015.
	The following table displays the planned restructuring and restructuring-related charges associated with the realignment, as well as a summary of the actual costs incurred through December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)        June 2013 Plan	Planned			Actual costs
		Costs			incurred through
					December 31,
					2014
	Inventory write-down	$	800		$	1,143
	Equipment relocation		900			1,767
	Other charges		100			602
	Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold	$	1,800		$	3,512
	Workforce reduction	$	10,150		$	8,431
	Asset impairment charge		3,000			4,258
	Other charges, including pension termination costs		7,650			1,123
	Restructuring and impairment charges	$	20,800		$	13,812
	Total restructuring and restructuring-related charges	$	22,600		$	17,324
	Under the June 2013 Plan, total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges incurred were $4,406,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and were $11,508,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the restructuring-related charges were $1,935,000 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $2,471,000. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the restructuring-related charges were $1,053,000 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $10,455,000.
	The following table displays the restructuring reserve activity for the period ended December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)        June 2013 Plan and April 2014 Plan
	Restructuring liability at January 1, 2014	$	3,100
	Restructuring and restructuring-related charges, excluding asset impairments and write-offs		7,442
	Cost paid		(6,638	)
	Restructuring liability at December 31, 2014	$	3,904
	During December of 2012, CTS realigned its operations to suit its business needs ("December 2012 Plan"). These realignment actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 190 positions. These actions were completed as of March 31, 2013. Under the December 2012 Plan, total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges incurred were $264,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $2,519,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the restructuring-related charges were $264,000 and there were no restructuring and impairment charges. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the restructuring-related charges were $54,000 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $2,465,000.
	During June 2012, CTS initiated certain restructuring actions to reorganize certain operations to further improve its cost structure. These actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 250 positions. These actions were substantially completed by the middle of the fourth quarter of 2012. Under the June 2012 Plan, total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges incurred were $1,985,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the restructuring-related charges were $1,013,000 and the restructuring and impairment charges were $972,000.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities.
Accrued Liabilities
	NOTE 8 — Accrued Liabilities
	The components of Accrued liabilities are as follows:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued product related costs	$	5,216	$	5,429
	Accrued income taxes		3,346		2,666
	Accrued property and other taxes		2,547		1,718
	Dividends payable		1,336		1,342
	Remediation reserves		3,918		5,116
	Other accrued liabilities		8,993		10,975
	Total accrued liabilities	$	25,356	$	27,246

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies
Contingencies
	NOTE 9 — Contingencies
	Certain processes in the manufacture of CTS' current and past products create hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations. CTS has been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups, that it is or may be a potentially responsible party regarding hazardous substances at several sites either owned, not owned or operated by CTS. Some sites are Superfund sites such as in Asheville, North Carolina and Mountain View, California. In addition to these non-CTS sites, CTS has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of its manufacturing locations and for claims and proceedings against CTS with respect to other environmental matters. CTS records reserves on a undiscounted basis. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information relating to all such matters, adequate provision for probable costs has been made.
	A roll forward of remediation reserves account on the balance sheet is comprised of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	5,116		$	3,847
	Remediation expense		1,521			2,133
	Remediation payments		(2,719	)		(864	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	3,918		$	5,116
	CTS manufactures accelerator pedals for a number of automobile manufacturers, including subsidiaries of Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota"). In January 2010, Toyota initiated a recall of a substantial number of vehicles in North America containing pedals manufactured by CTS. The recall expanded to include vehicles in Europe and Asia. The pedal recall and associated events have led to CTS being named as a co-defendant with Toyota in certain litigation in the United States and Canada. CTS is not aware of any legal actions filed in Asia or Europe against CTS at this time. In February 2010, CTS entered into an agreement with Toyota whereby Toyota agreed that it will indemnify, defend, and hold CTS harmless from, and the parties will cooperate in the defense of, third-party civil claims and actions that are filed or asserted in the United States or Canada and that arise from or relate to alleged incidents of unintended acceleration of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The limited exceptions to indemnification restrict CTS' share of any liability to amounts collectable from its insurers. CTS cannot assure that Toyota will not seek to recover a portion of its recall-related costs from CTS, or that the insurance CTS carries will be sufficient to cover such costs.
	Certain other claims are pending against CTS with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of CTS' business. These claims, in the opinion of management, based upon past experience and presently available information, either adequate provision for anticipated costs has been reserved or the ultimate anticipated costs will not materially affect CTS' consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Thailand EMS Manufacturing Facility Flood
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, CTS' Thailand EMS manufacturing facility was flooded. The flood damaged inventory and fixed assets and the facility itself. Local property insurance covered the costs of repairing and/or replacing the damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. CTS also had business interruption insurance under these policies that covers the lost sales impact and fixed costs. The maximum amount covered under the local insurance policy was exceeded. CTS also has a secondary global insurance policy that covered costs not covered by the local policy. In 2012, approximately $637,000 was recorded as insurance recovery from business interruption claims.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases
Leases
	NOTE 10 — Leases
	Minimum future obligations under all non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Operating
		Leases
	2015	$	4,700
	2016		3,600
	2017		3,400
	2018		2,800
	2019		1,400
	Thereafter		955
	Total minimum lease obligations	$	16,855
	Rent expense for operating leases charged to operations was as follows :
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Rent expense	$	4,300	$	3,936	$	3,435
	The operating lease information includes a variety of properties around the world. These properties are used as manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and sales offices. Lease expirations range from 2015 to 2020 with breaking periods specified in the lease agreements. Sublease income was $503,000 in 2014. Future sublease income is $503,000 in 2015 and $482,000 in 2016. Some of CTS' operating leases include renewal options and escalation clauses.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, one of CTS' foreign locations entered into a sale-leaseback transaction. Accordingly, CTS recorded a gain of approximately $10,300,000 and deferred approximately $4,500,000 of gain that will be amortized over six years. As of December 31, 2014, $764,625 is recorded in Accrued liabilities and $2,250,237 is recorded in Other long-term obligations the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt
Debt
	NOTE 11 — Debt
	Long-term debt was comprised of the following:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revolving credit facility due in 2017	$	75,000		$	75,000
	Weighted average interest rate		1.5	%		1.9	%
	Amount available	$	122,535		$	122,400
	Total credit facility	$	200,000		$	200,000
	Standby letters of credit	$	2,465		$	2,600
	Commitment fee percentage per annum		0.25			0.30
	The revolving credit facility requires, among other things, that CTS comply with a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Failure of CTS to comply with these covenants could reduce the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. CTS was in compliance with all debt covenants at December 31, 2014. The revolving credit facility requires CTS to deliver quarterly financial statements, annual financial statements, auditors certifications and compliance certificates within a specified number of days after the end of a quarter and year. Additionally, the revolving credit facility contains restrictions limiting CTS' ability to: dispose of assets; incur certain additional debt; repay other debt or amend subordinated debt instruments; create liens on assets; make investments, loans or advances; make acquisitions or engage in mergers or consolidations; engage in certain transactions with CTS' subsidiaries and affiliates; and make stock repurchases and dividend payments. Interest rates on the revolving credit facility fluctuate based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate and the Company's quarterly total leverage ratio. CTS pays a commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility. The commitment fee varies based on the quarterly leverage ratio.
	CTS has debt issuance costs related to its long-term debt that are being amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the debt. Amortization expense was $200,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, and was recognized as interest expense.
	CTS uses interest rate swaps to convert the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. In the second quarter of 2012, CTS entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $50,000,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. In the third quarter of 2012, CTS entered into four separate interest rate swap agreements to fix interest rates on $25,000,000 of long-term debt for the periods January 2013 to January 2017. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the swap agreements will be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related line of credit when settled.
	These swaps are treated as cash flow hedges and consequently, the changes in fair value were recorded in Other comprehensive income. Interest rate swaps activity recorded in Other comprehensive earnings before tax includes the following:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Unrealized (loss) gain	$	(510	)	$	289		$	(1,607	)
	Realized gain reclassified to interest expense	$	488		$	319		$	—
	Interest rate swaps included on the balance sheets are comprised of the following:
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accrued liabilities	$	640		$	392
	Other long-term obligations	$	380		$	604

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	NOTE 12 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Shareholders' equity includes certain items classified as Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI") in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, including:
	•	Unrealized gains (losses) on hedges relate to interest rate swaps to convert the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges, and CTS has deferred income statement recognition of gains and losses until the hedged transaction occurs. Amounts reclassified to income from AOCI for hedges are included in interest expense. Further information related to CTS' interest rate swaps is included in NOTE 15, "Fair Value Measurements".
	•	Unrealized gains (losses) on pension obligations are deferred from income statement recognition until the gains or losses are realized. Amounts reclassified to income from AOCI are included in net periodic pension expense. Further information related to CTS' pension obligations is included in NOTE 5, "Retirement Plans".
	•	Cumulative translation adjustment relates to our non-U.S. subsidiary companies that have designated a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. CTS is required to translate the subsidiary functional currency financial statements to dollars using a combination of historical, period-end, and average foreign exchange rates. This combination of rates creates the foreign currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income. Transfer of foreign currency translation gains and (losses) from AOCI to income are included in Total other income (expense).
	The components of AOCI for 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			As of			Gain (Loss)			Gain (Loss)		As of
			December 31,			Recognized			reclassified		December 31,
			2013			in OCI			from AOCI		2014
									to income
	Changes in fair market value of hedges:
	Gross		$	(998	)	$	(510	)	$	488	$	(1,020	)
	Income tax (benefit)			(402	)		(167	)		185		(384	)
	Net			(596	)		(343	)		303		(636	)
	Changes in unrealized pension cost:
	Gross			(138,133	)		(37,043	)		5,885		(169,291	)
	Income tax (benefit)			(55,028	)		(12,267	)		2,171		(65,124	)
	Net			(83,105	)		(24,776	)		3,714		(104,167	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment:
	Gross			949			(704	)		—		245
	Income tax (benefit)			(855	)		530			—		(325	)
	Net			1,804			(1,234	)		—		570
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(81,897	)	$	(26,353	)	$	4,017	$	(104,233	)
	The components of AOCI for 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
			As of			Gain (Loss)			Gain (Loss)		As of
			December 31,			recognized			reclassified		December 31,
			2012			in OCI			from AOCI		2013
									to income
	Changes in fair market value of hedges:
	Gross		$	(1,606	)	$	289		$	319	$	(998	)
	Income tax (benefit)			(626	)		101			123		(402	)
	Net			(980	)		188			196		(596	)
	Changes in unrealized pension cost:
	Gross			(199,241	)		51,642			9,466		(138,133	)
	Income tax (benefit)			(78,398	)		19,821			3,549		(55,028	)
	Net			(120,843	)		31,821			5,917		(83,105	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment:
	Gross			575			374			—		949
	Income tax (benefit)			(644	)		(211	)		—		(855	)
	Net			1,219			585			—		1,804
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(120,604	)	$	32,594		$	6,113	$	(81,897	)

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Shareholders' Equity
	NOTE 13 — Shareholders' Equity
	Share count and par value data related to shareholders' equity are as follows:
		As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Preferred Stock
	Par value per share	$	No par value		$	No par value
	Shares authorized		25,000,000			25,000,000
	Shares outstanding		—			—
	Common Stock
	Par value per share	$	No par value		$	No par value
	Shares authorized		75,000,000			75,000,000
	Shares issued		56,101,700			55,808,008
	Shares outstanding		33,392,060			33,558,864
	Treasury stock
	Shares held		22,709,640			22,249,144
	CTS uses the cost method to account for its common stock purchases. During the year ended December 31, 2014, CTS purchased 460,496 shares of common stock for $8,002,000 under a board-authorized share repurchase plan. For the year ended December 31, 2013, CTS purchased 419,190 shares of common stock for $6,208,000. Approximately 8,891,040 shares are available for future issuances.
	A roll forward of common shares outstanding is as follows:
		As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the year		33,558,864			33,433,128
	Repurchases		(460,496	)		(419,190	)
	Stock option issuances		101,350			266,043
	Restricted share issuances		192,342			278,883
	Restricted share forfeitures		—			—
	Shares withheld for tax obligations		—			—
	Balance at the end of the period		33,392,060			33,558,864
	The following table shows the potentially dilutive securities which have been excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation because they are either anti-dilutive, or the exercise price exceeds the average market price.
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Potentially dilutive securities		—			634			—

EquityBased_Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-Based Compensation
	NOTE 14 — Equity-Based Compensation
	At December 31, 2014, CTS had five equity-based compensation plans: the 2001 Stock Option Plan ("2001 Plan"), the Nonemployee Directors' Stock Retirement Plan ("Directors' Plan"), the 2004 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2004 Plan"), the 2009 Omnibus Equity and Performance Incentive Plan ("2009 Plan"), and the 2014 Performance & Incentive Plan ("2014 Plan"). Future grants can only be made under the 2014 Plan.
	The 2009 Plan, and previously the 2001 Plan and 2004 Plan, provides for grants of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options to officers, key employees, and nonemployee members of CTS' Board of Directors. In addition, the 2014 Plan, the 2009 Plan and the 2004 Plan allow for grants of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares, performance units, and other stock awards.
	The following table summarizes the compensation expense included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to equity-based compensation plans:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Service-Based RSUs	$	1,771		$	2,879	$	2,939
	Performance-Based RSUs		479			674		242
	Market-Based RSUs		410			666		918
	Total	$	2,660		$	4,219	$	4,099
	Income tax benefit	$	1,000		$	1,600	$	1,600
	The following table summarizes the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs by type and the weighted-average period in which the expense is to be recognized:
	($ in thousands)	Unrecognized			Weighted-
		compensation			average
		expense at			period
		December 31,
		2014
	Service-Based RSUs	$	1,106		1.3 years
	Performance-Based RSUs		875		1.4 years
	Market-Based RSUs		634		1.3 years
	Total	$	2,615
	CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
	The following table summarizes the status of these plans as of December 31, 2014:
		2014 Plan			2009 Plan		2004 Plan			2001 Plan
	Awards originally available		1,500,000			3,400,000		6,500,000			2,000,000
	Stock options outstanding		—			—		5,200			—
	RSUs outstanding		42,300			374,442		101,223			—
	Options exercisable		—			—		5,200			—
	Awards available for grant		1,457,700			1,616,398		106,423			—
	Stock Options
	Stock options are exercisable in cumulative annual installments over a maximum 10-year period, commencing at least one year from the date of grant. Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of CTS' stock on the date of grant. The stock options generally vest over four years and have a 10-year contractual life. The awards generally contain provisions to either accelerate vesting or allow vesting to continue on schedule upon retirement if certain service and age requirements are met. The awards also provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control event.
	CTS estimated the fair value of the stock option on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and assumptions for expected price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. Expected price volatilities were based on historical volatilities of CTS' common stock. The expected option term is derived from historical data on exercise behavior. The dividend yield was based on historical dividend payments. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
	A summary of the status of stock options as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
		Options			Weighted-
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		123,000		$	12.78
	Exercised		(115,100	)	$	12.84
	Expired		(2,700	)	$	11.04
	Forfeited		—		$	—
	Outstanding at end of period		5,200		$	12.35
	Exercisable at end of period		5,200		$	12.35
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
	Intrinsic values of stock options exercised	$	831,000
	Weighted average remaining contractual life		0.9 years
	Aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and options exercisable	$	29,000
	There are no unvested stock options at December 31, 2014.
	Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
	Service-based RSUs entitle the holder to receive one share of common stock for each unit when the unit vests. RSUs are issued to officers, key employees and non-employee directors as compensation. Generally, the RSUs vest over a three-year period. RSUs granted to non-employee directors vest one month after granted. Upon vesting, the non-employee directors elect to either receive the stock associated with the RSU immediately, or defer receipt of the stock until their retirement from the Board of Directors. The fair value of the RSUs is equivalent to the trading value of CTS' common stock on the grant date.
	A summary of the status of RSUs is presented below:
		Units			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
					Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Grant Date		Remaining		Value
					Fair Value		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		630,288		$	10.36
	Granted		259,315			9
	Converted		(289,677	)		5.68
	Forfeited		(81,961	)		11.86
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		517,965		$	12.06	11.1 years		$	9,235,000
Convertible at December 31, 2014		283,823		$	10.07	19.2 years		$	5,061,000
	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013		2012
Weighted average grant date fair value	$	9.00		$	10.97	$	9.83
Intrinsic value of RSUs converted	$	5,670,000		$	4,535,000	$	2,700,000
A summary of the nonvested RSUs is presented below:
	RSUs			Weighted
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2014		369,565		$	11.05
Granted		259,315			9
Vested		(312,777	)		6.57
Forfeited		(81,961	)		11.86
Nonvested at December 31, 2014		234,142			14.48
	Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
Fair value of RSUs vested	$	2,055		$	3,700	$	2,600
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
CTS grants performance-based restricted stock unit awards for certain executives. Vesting may occur in the range from zero percent to 200% of the target amount. Vesting is subject to certification of the fiscal results of the year prior to the target year by CTS' independent auditors. Vesting is dependent upon CTS' achievement of either sales growth targets or cash flow targets as noted in the table below.
Performance-Based RSUs include the following components:
Grant Date	Target			Vesting		Vesting		Units
	Units			Year		Dependency		Awarded
February 8, 2012		45,850			2014	Sales growth			—
February 8, 2012		39,300			2014	Cash flow			69,600
February 11, 2013		77,700			2016	Sales growth			—
February 11, 2013		66,600			2016	Cash flow			—
February 14, 2014		25,085			2017	Sales growth			—
February 14, 2014		21,500			2017	Cash flow			—
Market-Based Restricted Stock Units
On July 2, 2012, 8,334 units were awarded and vested for an executive officer.
CTS grants market-based restricted stock unit awards for certain executives and key employees. Vesting may occur in the range from zero percent to 200% of the target amount. Vesting is subject to certification of the fiscal results of the year prior to the target year by CTS' independent auditors. The vesting rate will be determined using a matrix based on a percentile ranking of CTS total stockholder return with peer group total shareholder return over a three-year period. Vesting is tied exclusively to CTS total stockholder return relative to peer group companies' total stockholder return rates.
Market-Based RSUs include the following components:
Grant Date	Target			Vesting		Number of			Units
	Units			Year		Peer Group			Awarded
						Companies
February 8, 2012		45,850			2014		28			63,800
February 11, 2013		77,700			2016		20			—
February 11, 2013		32,500			2016		20			—
February 14, 2014		25,085			2017		15			—

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

NOTE 15 — Fair Value Measurements

U.S. GAAP stipulates that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below the carrying amount. As a first step, CTS evaluated certain qualitative factors such as general market, macro-economic conditions, entity-specific events and overall past and projected financial performance of its business operations that could affect CTS' recorded goodwill. If it is determined in the first step that it is more-likely-than-not that goodwill may be impaired, then a two-step method is applied. A two-step method is used to measure the amount of an impairment loss. The first step requires CTS to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow analysis-income approach and a market approach which uses current industry information. The second step requires CTS to determine the implied fair value of goodwill and measure the impairment loss as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill must be determined in the same manner as if CTS had acquired those reporting units.

In 2014, a Step 1 goodwill test was performed by CTS' management with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. As of December 31, 2014, it was concluded that the estimated implied fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value and accordingly, no goodwill impairment was required.

The table below summarizes the assets measured on a non-recurring basis that were recorded as of December 31, 2014 and the losses recorded during the period ended December 31, 2014 on those assets:

Description

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss for

($ in thousands)

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2014

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2014

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Property, plant and equipment, net

—

—

—

—

$

433

During the second quarter of 2013, CTS initiated the June 2013 Plan, which impacted certain locations. This was considered a triggering event, and CTS performed an impairment analysis for the impacted intangibles and long-lived assets. The resulting intangible impairment loss related to customer based intangibles. The fair value of these assets were measured and recorded using an income approach. Projected future cash flows related to these assets were used under this approach to determine their fair values. CTS recorded an impairment charge of approximately $3,770,000 for 2013. The impairment charge was recorded under "Restructuring and impairment charge" on CTS' Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).

The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014:

($ in thousands)

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2014

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2014

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

$

1,020

$

—

$

1,020

$

—

$

488

The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013:

($ in thousands)

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss for

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2013

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2013

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

$

998

$

—

$

998

$

—

$

319

The fair value of CTS' interest rate swaps were measured using a market approach which uses current industry information. There is a readily determinable market and these swaps are classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The table below provides a reconciliation of the recurring financial liability related to interest rate swaps:

($ in thousands)

Interest Rate

Swaps

Balance at January 1, 2013

$

(1,606

)

Total gains for the period:

Included in earnings

319

Included in other comprehensive earnings

289

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

(998

)

Total gains (losses) for the period:

Included in earnings

488

Included in other comprehensive earnings

(510

)

Balance at December 31, 2014

$

(1,020

)

The estimated net amount that is expected to be reclassed into earnings as interest expense within the next twelve months for the interest rate swaps is appropriately $655,000.

CTS' long-term debt consists of a revolving debt facility which is recorded at its carrying value. There is a readily determinable market for CTS' revolving credit debt and it is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the market is not deemed to be active. The fair value of long-term debt was measured using a market approach which uses current industry information and approximates carrying value.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
	NOTE 16 — Income Taxes
	Earnings before income taxes consist of the following for the years ended December 31:
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	19,205		$	(5,396	)	$	(6,184	)
	Non-U.S.		20,143			23,459			20,628
	Total	$	39,348		$	18,063		$	14,444
	Significant components of income tax provision/(benefit) are as follows for the years ended December 31:
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	508		$	661		$	39
	State		437			671			534
	Non-U.S.		6,981			4,804			5,839
	Total Current		7,926			6,136			6,412
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,436			7,091			(1,423	)
	State		154			877			(350	)
	Non-U.S.		1,310			1,962			(3,687	)
	Total Deferred		4,900			9,930			(5,460	)
	Total provision for Income Taxes	$	12,826		$	16,066		$	952
	Significant components of the CTS' deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are:
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Postretirement benefits	$	1,953		$	1,877
	Inventory reserves		1,567			1,934
	Loss carry-forwards		23,095			36,373
	Credit carry-forwards		16,903			15,028
	Nondeductible accruals		6,336			6,126
	Research expenditures		30,088			28,606
	Prepaid charges		45			727
	Foreign exchange loss		1,009			—
	Other		4,102			5,476
	Gross deferred tax assets		85,098			96,147
	Depreciation		11,073			11,168
	Pensions		9,462			19,177
	Unrealized foreign exchange gain		—			350
	Subsidiaries' unremitted earnings		—			2,774
	Other		—			696
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		20,535			34,165
	Net deferred tax assets		64,563			61,982
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(12,938	)		(14,323	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	51,625		$	47,659
	The current and long-term deferred tax assets and current and long-term deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are:
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Current Deferred Tax Assets	$	8,708		$	9,426
	Current Deferred Tax Liabilities		(8	)		(138	)
	Total Current Deferred Tax Assets		8,700			9,288
	Non-current Deferred Tax Assets		43,120			38,620
	Non-current Deferred Tax Liabilities		(195	)		(249	)
	Total Non-current Deferred Tax Assets		42,925			38,371
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	51,625		$	47,659
	The current and non-current deferred tax assets and current and non-current deferred tax liabilities were not netted since these items relate to different tax jurisdictions. Current deferred tax assets, current deferred tax liabilities and non-current deferred tax liabilities are included as components of "Other current assets", "Accrued liabilities" and "Other long-term obligations" respectively, on CTS' Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	At the end of each annual reporting period, CTS makes an assessment of the ultimate realizability of its net deferred tax assets, including deferred tax assets associated with accumulated net operating losses ("NOLs") in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. In assessing the ultimate realizability of its net deferred tax assets, CTS considers its past performance, available tax strategies, and expected future taxable income during the tax loss and credit carry-forward periods.
	Generally, CTS assesses that it is more-likely-than-not its net deferred tax assets will be realized during the available carry-forward periods. CTS has determined, however, that a valuation allowance of $12,938,000 should be provided for certain deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014. In most cases, the valuation allowances were necessitated by changes in business activity in the underlying jurisdictions, which contributed to the more-likely-than-not conclusion that the deferred tax assets would not be realized. No valuation allowance was recorded in 2014 against the U.S. federal NOL carry-forward of $43,188,000 expiring in the years 2022 through 2031. CTS assessed the future realization of those NOLs utilizing taxable income projections for years 2015 through 2021. Those projections applied taxable income estimates consistent with historical earnings patterns of its traditional automotive and electronic component product lines and a return to levels of profitability in its communication component product line consistent with management and independent consensus views of the moderate recovery expected in the markets served by CTS. Management believes that, based upon the historical operating performance of its business units and the successful cost reduction efforts, CTS more-likely-than-not, will realize the benefits of its U.S. NOL.
	As of December 31, 2014, the $12,938,000 valuation allowance includes $3,682,000 for certain state NOLs and credit carry-forwards, $5,478,000 for foreign tax credit carry-forwards, and $3,778,000 related to foreign deferred tax assets and NOLs. The $1,385,000 net decrease in the valuation allowance was primarily related to a $1,540,000 decrease in the valuation allowance for state NOLs due to the expiration of the carry-forward period, as well as a $1,117,000 decrease in the valuation allowance related to UK NOLs. This was offset by valuation increases in certain foreign countries including Hong Kong, India, and Switzerland due to the change in NOL's associated with current year earnings as well as a $1,329,000 increase in the valuation allowance for a tax credit in the Czech Republic.
	In addition to the US NOL carry-forward of $43,188,000 addressed above, the company has $2,535,000 of alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards, $7,208,000 of federal R&D credits which begin to expire in year 2021 and $5,478,000 of foreign tax credit carry-forwards which begin to expire in 2015. The foreign tax credit carry-forwards have a valuation allowance recorded against the entire deferred tax asset. Significant foreign NOLs include People's Republic of China in the amount of $13,489,000 which expires in years 2016 through 2018 and Switzerland in the amount of $7,549,000 which expires in years 2018 through 2021. A valuation allowance has been recorded against the entire deferred tax asset related to the Swiss NOL. CTS also has a $1,329,000 tax credit in the Czech Republic for which a valuation allowance was recorded against the entire deferred tax asset. This credit expires in 2016. State NOLs, net of federal benefit are $5,029,000. While the earliest of these NOLs expire in 2015, the significant components of the state NOL carry-forwards are Indiana loss carry-forwards which begin to expire in the year 2021. A valuation allowance in the amount of $2,768,000 has been recorded on the state NOL carry-forwards. State credits, net of federal benefit are $1,656,000 which expires in years 2015 through 2034. A valuation allowance in the amount of $914,000 has been recorded on the state tax credits.
	The following table reconciles taxes at the United States statutory rate to the effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Taxes at the U.S. statutory rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		0.72	%		0.95	%		(0.02	)%
	Non-U.S. income taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate		(7.57	)%		(9.86	)%		(8.99	)%
	Benefit of scheduled tax credits		(1.32	)%		(3.88	)%		—	%
	Foreign source income		3.47	%		60.94	%		5.64	%
	Non-deductible expenses		2.79	%		(2.42	)%		(0.97	)%
	Non-U.S. adjustments to valuation allowances		(0.43	)%		8.18	%		(5.72	)%
Nontaxable foreign gain		—	%		—	%		(11.47	)%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits		—	%		0.69	%		(8.97	)%
Other		(0.08	)%		(0.65	)%		2.09	%
Effective income tax rate		32.58	%		88.95	%		6.59	%
CTS' overall tax rate reflects tax incentives that CTS' business operations continue to qualify for in various countries. As a result, certain earnings of CTS are subject to tax at reduced rates for specified periods of time. These tax incentives, unless extended, are scheduled to begin expiring at the end of 2014. During 2012, CTS' Zhongshan, China manufacturing site applied for a new production and technology based income tax incentive. The application was approved during the first quarter of 2013, reducing the 25% China statutory tax rate to 15% for the 2012 through 2014 period. In 2014, the benefit from the reduced tax rate for CTS Zhongshan was $1,366,000. As part of its 2013 tax provision, CTS recognized a $1,087,766 tax benefit related to the retroactive enactment of this tax incentive to 2012. In addition, on December 19, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, which retroactively extended, among other items, the U.S. research credit and controlled foreign corporation look-through exemption through 2014. CTS recognized a $594,000 tax benefit in its 2014 provision related to this retroactive law change.
In 2014, CTS recognized approximately $684,000 of U.S. tax expense relating to current and prior year earnings outside of the U.S. that are not deemed to be permanently reinvested. Management intends to continue to permanently reinvest all remaining current and prior earnings in jurisdictions located outside of the U.S. At December 31, 2014, no provision had been made for U.S. federal and state income taxes on approximately $172,000,000 of foreign earnings, which are expected to be permanently reinvested outside of the U.S. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, CTS would be subject to U.S. income taxes, with a possible adjustment for foreign tax credits, state income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. tax liability is not practical because of complexities such as net operating loss utilizations, potential foreign tax credits, local restrictions on distributions, and treaty implications associated with the related calculation.
CTS recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position based on its technical merits only after determining that the position would be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation. A tax position that meets the "more-likely-than-not" threshold is then measured to determine the amount of benefit recognized in the financial statements. CTS or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States (Federal and various states), and foreign jurisdictions. CTS' open tax years are primarily subject to examination from 2010 through 2013 for all U.S. jurisdictions. The open years for the international tax returns range from 2006 through 2013 based on local statutes. U.S. tax authorities also have the ability to review prior tax years to the extent of net operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Changes may be applied to any open tax years. At December 31, 2014, CTS had one ongoing income tax audit in Canada. CTS has approximately $3,890,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. CTS does not anticipate any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months as a result of examinations or statute lapses.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits is provided below:
($ in thousands)	2014			2013
Balance at January 1	$	4,043		$	4,130
Increase related to current year tax positions		40			35
Increase related to prior year tax positions		5			35
Decrease as a result of lapse of statute of limitations		(114	)		(36	)
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities		(14	)		(121	)
Other Decrease		(70	)		—
Balance at December 31	$	3,890		$	4,043
CTS' continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. However, at the time of adoption and as of the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no significant amounts accrued for interest and/or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued Operations
	NOTE 17 — Discontinued Operations
	On October 2, 2013, CTS completed the sale of its EMS business to Benchmark for approximately $75,000,000 in cash. Included were five manufacturing facilities (Moorpark, California; Londonderry, New Hampshire; Bangkok, Thailand; Matamoros, Mexico and San Jose, California) and approximately 1,000 employees.
	The Condensed Statement of Earnings of the EMS discontinued operations is as follows:
		Year Ended
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net sales	$	155,055		$	272,437
	Cost of goods sold		142,589			262,571
	Insurance recovery for business interruption		—			(20,256	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		11,617			17,315
	Insurance recovery for property damage		—			(1,769	)
	Restructuring and impairment charge		1,444			2,949
	Operating (loss) earnings		(595	)		11,627
	Other expense (income), net		(345	)		871
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes		(940	)		12,498
	Income tax (benefit) expense		(162	)		5,657
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations		(778	)		6,841
	Loss on sale of EMS operations (net of tax of $3,923)		(5,148	)		—
	Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations	$	(5,926	)	$	6,841
	The intangibles related to EMS were part of the sale to Benchmark. Of the net intangibles, excluding goodwill and in-process research and development at December 2012, $4,960,000 was related to EMS. Of the goodwill at December 31, 2012, $500,000 related to EMS. CTS recorded amortization expense in discontinued operations of $700,000 and $900,000, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Scotland EMS Manufacturing Facility Fire
	During the second quarter of 2011, a fire occurred at CTS' Scotland EMS manufacturing facility. The fire damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. Property insurance coverage had substantially covered the costs of repairing and/or replacing the damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. Business interruption insurance had substantially covered the lost sales impact and related fixed costs in 2011.
	In 2012, CTS recovered approximately $1,100,000 from CTS' insurance carriers and recorded a recovery of $900,000 in CTS' Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 for business interruption, after deducting $100,000 for certain expenses and relieving the insurance receivable of approximately $100,000 that was recorded at December 31, 2011. These recoveries reflect the final settlement with CTS' insurance carrier. As these amounts were directly related to the EMS segment, the Consolidated Statements of Operations amounts have been reported separately as discontinued operations.
	Thailand EMS Manufacturing Facility Flood
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, CTS' Thailand EMS manufacturing facility was flooded. The flood damaged inventory and fixed assets and the facility itself. Local property insurance covered the costs of repairing and/or replacing the damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. CTS also had business interruption insurance under these policies that covers the lost sales impact and fixed costs. The maximum amount covered under the local insurance policy was exceeded. CTS also has a secondary global insurance policy that covered costs not covered by the local policy for up to approximately $25,000,000 with a deductible of $250,000.
	In 2012, CTS received cash of approximately $24,600,000 from CTS' insurance carriers. Included in this amount were approximately $21,500,000 for business interruption and the remaining $3,100,000 for reimbursement of costs related to property damage. Part of this cash received was to relieve the insurance receivable balance of $2,400,000 recorded at December 31, 2011.
	CTS recorded a recovery of approximately $20,000,000 for business interruption and $1,800,000 for property damage in CTS' Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. These recoveries reflect the final settlement with CTS' insurance carrier. As these amounts were directly related to the EMS segment, the Consolidated Statements of Operations amounts have been reported separately as discontinued operations. In 2012, approximately $600,000 of this amount was recorded in continuing operations as insurance recovery.

Geographic_Data

Geographic Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Geographic Data
Geographic Data
	NOTE 18 — Geographic Data
	Financial information relating to CTS' operations by geographic area were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Net Sales from continuing operations
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	United States	$	234,323	$	223,212	$	122,986
	Singapore		11,510		13,812		14,458
	United Kingdom		—		28,167		30,981
	China		61,683		72,509		60,864
	Canada		35,145		38,061		39,186
	Czech Republic		44,424		18,117		20,213
	Other non-U.S.		16,936		15,583		15,793
	Consolidated net sales	$	404,021	$	409,461	$	304,481
	Sales are attributed to countries based upon the origin of the sale.
		Year Ended December 31,
	Long-Lived Assets
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	United States	$	33,048	$	36,664	$	45,957
	China		31,782		33,277		34,615
	United Kingdom		1,055		2,004		2,669
	Singapore		80		117		1,111
	Canada		462		478		563
	Taiwan		2,127		1,775		1,764
	Thailand		—		—		5,839
	Switzerland		—		19		714
	Other non-U.S		2,860		535		493
	Consolidated long-lived assets	$	71,414	$	74,869	$	93,725

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data
Quarterly Financial Data
	NOTE 19 — Quarterly Financial Data
	Quarterly Results of Operations
	(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands)	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	2014
	Net sales	$	100,706	$	102,980		$	99,957	$	100,378
	Gross margin		30,615		33,823			32,499		33,026
	Operating earnings		10,845		9,945			11,223		10,310
	Net earnings		5,080		6,361			8,117		6,964
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.19		$	0.24	$	0.21
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.19		$	0.24	$	0.21
	2013
	Net sales	$	98,062	$	105,381		$	103,632	$	102,386
	Gross margin		26,786		32,400			32,001		30,166
	Operating earnings		2,681		2,443			7,553		5,010
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations		2,988		(10,253	)		5,115		4,148
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		580		(1,082	)		1,704		(7,129	)
	Net earnings (loss)		3,568		(11,335	)		6,819		(2,981	)
	Basic earnings per share:
	Earnings (loss)from continuing operations	$	0.09	$	(0.31	)	$	0.16	$	0.12
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		0.02		(0.03	)		0.04		(0.21	)
	Total	$	0.11	$	(0.34	)	$	0.2	$	(0.09	)
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.09	$	(0.31	)	$	0.16	$	0.12
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01		(0.03	)		0.05		(0.21	)
	Total	$	0.1	$	(0.34	)	$	0.21	$	(0.09	)

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	CTS CORPORATION
	SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
				Additions
		Balance at		Charged/			Charged			Deductions			Balance
		Beginning		(Credit)			to Other						at End
		of Period		to Expense			Accounts						of Period
		(In thousands of dollars)
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	130	$	(38	)	$	—		$	8		$	100
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	811	$	(130	)	$	(442	)	$	(109	)	$	130
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Year ended December 31, 2012:	$	1,100	$	(314	)	$	25		$	—		$	811
	Allowance for doubtful accounts

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business	Description of Business: CTS Corporation ("CTS" or "the Company") is a global manufacturer of electronic components and sensors. CTS designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells a broad line of electronic components and sensors. CTS operates manufacturing facilities located throughout North America, Asia and Europe and services major markets globally.
	On October 2, 2013, CTS sold its Electronics Manufacturing Solutions ("EMS") business to Benchmark Electronics, Inc. ("Benchmark") for approximately $75,000,000 in cash. The sale of EMS, along with the announcement of the June 2013 Restructuring Plan ("June 2013 Plan") has allowed CTS to sharpen its focus on its Components and Sensors business. Due to the sale, the 2012 and 2013 amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to EMS have been reported separately as Discontinued operations. Refer to NOTE 17, "Discontinued Operations."
	CTS consists of one reportable business segment. Prior to the sale of the EMS segment, CTS had two reportable segments: 1) Components and Sensors and 2) EMS. The prior year's segment reporting has been updated to conform to the current period's presentation of one reportable business segment.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTS and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made for the prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements for discontinued operations resulting from the 2013 sale of the EMS business.
Fiscal Calendar	Fiscal Calendar: CTS operates on a 4 week/ 4 week/ 5 week fiscal quarter, and each fiscal quarter ends on a Sunday. The fiscal year always begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. CTS' fiscal calendar results in some fiscal quarters being either greater than or less than 13 weeks, depending on the days of the week those dates fall. During the 2014 fiscal year, CTS' quarter end dates were as follows:
	•	March 30
	•	June 29
	•	September 28
	•	December 31.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due to CTS from normal business activities. CTS maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. CTS reserves for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and specific customer collection issues. Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject CTS to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. CTS' cash and cash equivalents, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited primarily in banking institutions with global operations. CTS has not experienced any losses in such accounts. CTS believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
	Trade receivables subject CTS to the potential for credit risk with major customers. CTS sells its products to customers principally in the automotive, communications, computer, medical, industrial, and defense and aerospace markets, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. CTS performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to minimize credit risk. CTS does not require collateral. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's estimates of the collectability of its accounts receivable after analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, and current economic trends. Uncollectible trade receivables are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when all reasonable efforts to collect the amounts due have been exhausted.
	Our net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Customer A			10.8	%		8.4	%		10.6	%
	No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods.
Inventories	Inventories: CTS values its inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or the current estimated market value. CTS reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on forecasts of product demand and production requirements.
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans: CTS has various defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans. CTS' policy is to annually fund the defined benefit pension plans at or above the minimum required by law. CTS: 1 Recognizes the funded status of a benefit plan (measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation) in CTS' Consolidated Balance Sheets; 2 Recognizes the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit/cost as a component of Other comprehensive income; and 3 Measures defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer's fiscal year-end Consolidated Balance Sheets. See NOTE 5, "Retirement Plans" for further information.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed primarily over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives for buildings and improvements range from 10 to 45 years. Machinery and equipment useful lives range from 3 to 8 years. Depreciation on leasehold improvements is computed over the lease term or estimated useful lives of the assets. Amounts expended for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon disposition, any related gains or losses are included in operating earnings.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. CTS maintains valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more-likely-than-not that some position or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. CTS recognizes the benefit of tax positions when a benefit is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likely) to be sustained on its technical merits. Recognized tax benefits are measured at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained, based on cumulative probability, in final settlement of the position . CTS recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense. See NOTE 16, "Income Taxes" for further information.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of the cost of acquiring a business over the fair values of the net assets received at the date of acquisition.
	We test the impairment of goodwill each year as of the end of December or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We completed our annual impairment test during January 2015 and determined that our goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2014.
	Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of such events or circumstances include:
	•	Significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate,
	•	Adverse action or assessment by a regulator,
	•	Unanticipated competition,
	•	Loss of key personnel,
	•	More-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of,
	•	Testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, and
	•	Allocation of a portion of goodwill to a business to be disposed of.
	There have not been any significant changes to our impairment testing methodology other than updating the assumptions to reflect the current market environment. CTS will monitor future results and will perform a test if indicators trigger an impairment review.
	Other intangible assets capitalized consist primarily of customer lists and relationships, patents and other intangibles. These assets are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average life. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for the amortizable intangible assets is 10.9 years. The weighted-average remaining amortization period for customer lists and relationships is 11.9 years and for the other intangibles is 7.6 years.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: Product revenue is recognized once four criteria are met: 1. CTS has persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists; 2. delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer, which generally happens at the point of shipment provided that no significant obligations remain; 3. the price is fixed and determinable; and 4. collectability is reasonably assured.
Research and Development	Research and Development: Research and development ("R&D") costs include expenditures for planned search and investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge to be used to develop new products or processes or to significantly enhance existing products or production processes. Research and development costs also include the implementation of the new knowledge through design, testing of product alternatives or construction of prototypes. CTS expenses all research and development costs as incurred, net of customer reimbursements for sales of prototype and non-recurring engineering charges.
	CTS creates prototypes and tools related to R&D projects. A prototype is defined as a non-production intent constructed product. CTS also incurs engineering costs related to R&D activities. Such costs are incurred to support such activities to improve the reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness of our existing products and to design and develop innovative products that meet customer requirements for new applications. Furthermore, CTS may engage in activities that develop tooling machinery and equipment for its customers.
	Costs of molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold for which CTS has a contractual guarantee for lump sum reimbursement from the customer are capitalized in Other current assets. Cost recorded for costs of molds, dies, and other tools for which customer reimbursement is assured consist of the following in the consolidated balance sheet:
			As of December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in Other current assets		$	2,991		$	3,059
	CTS may, from time to time, partially recover costs related to these activities from the customer. Any reimbursements received from customers are netted against such costs. A summary of amounts received from customers is as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Reimbursement received from customers		$	1,400		$	2,087		$	3,186
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments: CTS uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. As a result of the use of these derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. CTS' established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on principal transactions include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
	CTS estimates the fair value of its financial instruments as follows:
	Instrument		Method for determining fair value
	Cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable		Cost, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	Revolving credit facility		The fair value of long-term debt was measured using a market approach which uses current industry information and approximates carrying value.
	Interest rate swaps		The fair value of CTS' interest rate swaps are measured using a market approach which uses current industry information.
	CTS uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the line of credit's variable rate of interest into a fixed rate. As a result of the use of these derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties to derivative contracts will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate the counterparty credit risk, the Company has a policy of only entering into contracts with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. CTS' established policies and procedures for mitigating credit risk on principal transactions include reviewing and establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties.
Equity-Based Compensation	Equity-Based Compensation: CTS recognizes expense related to the fair value of equity-based compensation awards in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss). CTS had stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") outstanding at December 31, 2014.
	CTS estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. A number of assumptions are used by the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to compute the grant date fair value, including expected price volatility, option term, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. These assumptions are established at each grant date based upon current information at that time. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of CTS' common stock. The expected option term is derived from historical data on exercise behavior. Different expected option terms result from different groups of employees exhibiting different behavior. The dividend yield is based on historical dividend payments. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant. The fair value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss).
	The grant date fair values of our service-based and our performance-based RSUs are the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of our market-based RSUs is determined by using a simulation, or Monte Carlo, approach. Under this approach, stock returns from comparative group companies are simulated over the performance period, considering both stock returns volatility and the correlation of returns. The simulated results are then used to estimate the future payout based on the performance and payout relationship established by the conditions of the award. The future payout is discounted to the measurement date using the risk-free interest rate.
	Both CTS' stock options and RSUs primarily have a graded-vesting schedule. CTS recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. See NOTE 14, "Equity-Based Compensation" for further information.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share excludes any dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
	Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock resulted in the issuance of common stock that shared in CTS' earnings. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adding all potentially dilutive shares to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the numerator. If the common stock equivalents have an anti-dilutive effect, they are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
	CTS' antidilutive stock options and units consist of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(units)		2014			2013			2012
	Antidilutive stock options and units			—			—			346
Foreign Currencies	Foreign Currencies: The financial statements of CTS' non-U.S. subsidiaries, except the United Kingdom ("U.K.") subsidiary, are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency with all remeasurement adjustments included in the determination of net earnings.
	Foreign currency (loss) gain recorded in the statement of operations includes the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency (loss) gain — continuing operations		$	(4,130	)	$	1,625		$	113
	Foreign currency (loss) gain — discontinued operations		$	—		$	(290	)	$	700
	The assets and liabilities of CTS' U.K. subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at period end, with resulting translation adjustments made directly to the "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" component of shareholders' equity. Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) accounts are translated at the average rates during the period.
Shipping and Handling	Shipping and Handling: All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling is classified as a component of net sales. All costs associated with shipping and handling is classified as a component of cost of sales.
Sales Tax	Sales Taxes: CTS classifies sales taxes on a net basis in its consolidated financial statements.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of	Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of: CTS accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360. The statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See NOTE 6, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further information.
	CTS tests Goodwill for impairment annually and when an impairment triggering event occurs using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	CTS tests indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually and when an impairment triggering event occurs using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The impairment recognized for the year ending December 31, 2012 was immaterial.
	Generally, CTS amortizes the cost of other finite-lived intangibles over a straight-line basis using their estimated useful lives except for the cost of customer list intangibles acquired in the Tusonix, Inc. ("Tusonix"), Fordahl S.A. ("Fordahl"), Valpey-Fisher Corporation ("Valpey-Fisher") and D&R Technologies, LLC ("D&R") acquisitions, which are amortized using a 150% double-declining balance method over their estimated useful lives. CTS assesses useful lives based on the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to CTS' cash flows. CTS reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	ASU 2014-12, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period"
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amended guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition.
	Current U.S. GAAP does not contain explicit guidance on whether to treat a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. The amendments in this update provide explicit guidance for those awards.
	The amendments are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments either prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date, or retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)"
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance in this ASU affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts or lease contracts). The new revenue recognition guidance more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
	To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
	Step 1:		Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
	Step 2:		Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
	Step 3:		Determine the transaction price.
	Step 4:		Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
	Step 5:		Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
	The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. These provisions of this guidance are still being evaluated. The impact on CTS' financial statements has not yet been determined.
	ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity"
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The ASU is aimed at reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations by focusing on strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. In another change from current U.S. GAAP, the guidance permits companies to have continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The new definition of a discontinued operation more closely aligns U.S. GAAP with IFRS.
	The ASU requires the reclassification of assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation in the statement of financial position for all prior periods presented. The standard expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation, an entity's continuing involvement with a discontinued operation following the disposal date and retained equity method investments in a discontinued operation.
	The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year. The ASU is applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issue. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	ASU 2014-06, "Technical Corrections and Improvements Related to Glossary Terms"
	In March 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-06, Technical Corrections and Improvements Related to Glossary Terms. The new guidance is designed to clarify the Master Glossary of the Codification, consolidate multiple instances of the same into a single definition and make minor improvements to the Master Glossary. The FASB said the amendments are not expected to result in substantial changes to the application of existing guidance. These provisions are effective upon issuance. These provisions will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events: CTS has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of net sales to significant customers as a percentage of total net sales
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Customer A		10.8	%		8.4	%		10.6	%
Summary of Molds, Dies and Other Tools
		As of December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in Other current assets	$	2,991		$	3,059
Summary of customer reimbursement receivable
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Reimbursement received from customers	$	1,400		$	2,087		$	3,186
Summary of foreign currency gain (loss) recorded in the statement of operations
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency (loss) gain — continuing operations	$	(4,130	)	$	1,625		$	113
	Foreign currency (loss) gain — discontinued operations	$	—		$	(290	)	$	700
Stock Options [Member]
Summary of antidilutive stock options
		Year Ended December 31,
	(units)	2014			2013			2012
	Antidilutive stock options and units		—			—			346

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable
Components of Accounts Receivable
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	56,994		$	62,797
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(100	)		(130	)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	56,894		$	62,667

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Summary of Inventories
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	11,728		$	10,310
	Work-in-process		7,297			7,492
	Raw materials		15,562			19,021
	Less: Inventory reserves		(6,700	)		(4,597	)
	Inventories, net	$	27,887		$	32,226

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment.
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment Assets
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	3,044		$	3,938
	Buildings and improvements		67,269			69,740
	Machinery and equipment		185,999			193,179
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(184,898	)		(191,988	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	71,414		$	74,869
Summary of Depreciation Expense
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Continuing operations	$	12,781		$	12,322		$	11,424
	Discontinued operations	$	—		$	3,162		$	5,163

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets, and Funded Status	The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the Pension Plans domestic and foreign locations plan at that measurement dates.
			Domestic						Foreign
			Pension Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	284,365		$	264,828		$	16,168		$	15,150
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at January 1		$	264,828		$	274,497		$	16,028		$	16,220
	Service cost			192			2,435			83			110
	Interest cost			12,214			11,046			608			536
	Benefits paid			(19,021	)		(13,526	)		(1,024	)		(1,297	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)			26,152			(5,473	)		1,468			295
	Loss due to curtailment			—			(4,151	)		—			—
	Foreign exchange impact and other			—			—			(995	)		163
	Projected benefit obligation at December 31		$	284,365		$	264,828		$	16,168		$	16,027
	Change in plan assets:
	Assets at fair value at January 1		$	314,211		$	265,622		$	14,867		$	13,369
	Actual return on assets			13,961			62,012			(2,258	)		209
	Company contributions			5,302			103			4,478			2,307
	Benefits paid			(19,021	)		(13,526	)		(1,024	)		(1,297	)
	Foreign exchange impact and other			—			—			(935	)		279
	Assets at fair value at December 31		$	314,453		$	314,211		$	15,128		$	14,867
	Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)		$	30,088		$	49,383		$	(1,040	)	$	(1,160	)
	The measurement dates for the other post retirement plan were December 31, 2014 and 2013. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and the funded status of the other post retirement plan at that measurement dates.
			Other
			Postretirement
			Benefit Plan
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	5,194		$	4,916
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at January 1		$	4,916		$	5,666
	Service cost			4			7
	Interest cost			230			223
	Actuarial loss (gain)			223			(798	)
	Benefits paid			(179	)		(182	)
	Projected benefit obligation at December 31		$	5,194		$	4,916
	Change in plan assets:
	Assets at fair value at January 1		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on assets			—			—
	Company contributions			179			182
	Benefits paid			(179	)		(182	)
	Other			—			—
	Assets at fair value at December 31		$	—		$	—
	Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)		$	(5,194	)	$	(4,916	)
Components of Prepaid (Accrued) Cost	The components of the prepaid (accrued) cost of the domestic and foreign pension plans, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
			Domestic						Foreign
			Pension Plans						Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Prepaid pension asset		$	31,581		$	55,839		$	518		$	557
	Other accrued liabilities			—			(4,814	)		—			—
	Post retirement obligations			(1,493	)		(1,642	)		(1,558	)		(1,717	)
			$	30,088		$	49,383		$	(1,040	)	$	(1,160	)
	The components of the (accrued) cost of the other postretirement benefit plan, net are classified in the following lines in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
			Other
			Postretirement
			Benefit Plan
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Other accrued liabilities		$	(342	)	$	(341	)
	Other long-term obligations			(4,852	)		(4,575	)
			$	(5,194	)	$	(4,916	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	CTS has also recorded the following amounts to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the domestic and foreign pension plans, net of tax:
			Domestic Plans
												Foreign Plans
						Prior
						Service
	($ in thousands)		Unrecognized			Cost			Total			Unrecognized
			Loss									Loss
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	115,933		$	679		$	116,612		$	4,492
	Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			(4,509	)		(277	)		(4,786	)		(298	)
	Settlements and curtailments			(428	)		(402	)		(830	)		—
	Net actuarial (loss) gain			(31,778	)		—			(31,778	)		451
	Foreign exchange impact			—			—			—			(3	)
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	79,218		$	—		$	79,218		$	4,642
	Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			(3,523	)		—			(3,523	)		(183	)
	Settlements and curtailments			(106	)		—			(106	)		—
	Net actuarial gain/(loss)			20,605			—			20,605			4,290
	Foreign exchange impact			—			—			—			(259	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	96,194		$	—		$	96,194		$	8,490
	CTS has also recorded the following amounts to Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss for other postretirement benefit plan, net of tax:
	($ in thousands)		Unrecognized
			(Gain) loss
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	(261	)
	Net actuarial loss			(494	)
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	(755	)
	Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax			98
	Net actuarial gain			140
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(517	)
Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets	The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for those Pension Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets is shown below:
			As of December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	4,612		$	10,098
	Accumulated benefit obligation			3,860			4,807
	Fair value of plan assets			1,562			1,923
Net Pension Income or Postretirement Expense	Net pension expense (income) includes the following components:
			Year Ended									Year Ended
			December 31,									December 31,
			Domestic Pension Plans									Foreign Pension Plans
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	192		$	2,435		$	2,735		$	83		$	110		$	125
	Interest cost			12,214			11,046			11,935			608			536			571
	Expected return on plan assets(1)			(20,833	)		(20,217	)		(21,506	)		(677	)		(474	)		(445	)
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Prior service cost			—			498			605			—			—			—
	Loss			5,644			7,245			6,062			231			378			296
	Additional cost due to early retirement			172			692			282			—			—			—
	Curtailment loss			—			651			—			—			—			—
	Net expense/(income)		$	(2,611	)	$	2,350		$	113		$	245		$	550		$	547
	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions(2)
	Benefit obligation assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.07	%		4.84	%		4.06	%		3.13	%		3.85	%		3.46	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		3	%		3	%		0.48	%		0.56	%		0.69	%
	Pension expense/(income) assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.84	%		4.06	%		4.91	%		3.85	%		3.46	%		3.86	%
	Expected return on plan assets(1)			7.5	%		7.75	%		8	%		4.06	%		3.1	%		3	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		3	%		3	%		0.57	%		0.69	%		0.72	%
	-1	Expected return on plan assets is net of expected investment expenses and certain administrative expenses.
	-2	During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews its actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.
	Net postretirement expense includes the following components:
			Other Postretirement
			Benefit Plan
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	4		$	7		$	9
	Interest cost			230			223			255
	Amortization of unrecognized:
	Gain			(158	)		—			(40	)
	Net (income)/expense		$	76		$	230		$	224
	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions(1)
	Benefit obligation assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.07	%		4.84	%		4.06	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%		0	%
	Pension income/postretirement Expense assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.84	%		4.06	%		4.91	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%		0	%
	-1	During the fourth quarter of each year, CTS reviews its actuarial assumptions in light of current economic factors to determine if the assumptions need to be adjusted.
Asset Allocation and Target Allocation Plan
			Target Allocations			Percentage of Plan Assets
						at December 31,
	Asset Category		2015			2014			2013
	Equity securities(1)			60	%		60	%		67	%
	Debt securities			25	%		25	%		20	%
	Other			15	%		15	%		13	%
	Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
	-1	Equity securities include CTS common stock in the amounts of approximately $26,000,000 (8% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2014 and approximately $29,000,000 (9% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2013.
Summary of Fair Values of Pension Plan	The following table summarizes the fair values of CTS' pension plan assets:
			As of December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013
	Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	174,153		$	175,293
	Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			14,050			16,866
	Equity funds — International LP(1)			15,636			15,711
	Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			13,077			12,454
	Corporate Bonds(2)			47,417			50,199
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			5,889			9,994
	Debt securities issued by U.S., state and local governments(5)			14,484			10,487
	Partnerships(7)			11,239			9,010
	Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			5,367			11,147
	International hedge funds(4)			11,679			10,958
	Mortgage-backed securities(8)			3,796			5,176
	Fixed annuities(9)			12,475			1,620
	Other asset-backed securities			319			163
	Total fair value of plan assets		$	329,581		$	329,078
Summary of Categories in Fair Value Hierarchy	The fair values at December 31, 2014 are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
			in Active			Other			Unobservable
			Markets			Observable			Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	174,153		$	—		$	—		$	174,153
	Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			14,048			2			—			14,050
	Equity funds — International LP(1)			—			15,636			—			15,636
	Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			—			13,077			—			13,077
	Corporate Bonds(2)			—			47,417			—			47,417
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			5,889			—			—			5,889
	Debt securities issued by U.S. and U.K., state and local governments(5)			—			14,484			—			14,484
	Partnerships(7)			—			—			11,239			11,239
	Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			—			—			5,367			5,367
	International hedge funds(4)			—			—			11,679			11,679
	Mortgage-backed securities(8)			—			3,796			—			3,796
	Fixed annuity contracts(9)			—			—			12,475			12,475
	Other asset-backed securities			—			319			—			319
	Total		$	194,090		$	94,731		$	40,760		$	329,581
	The fair values at December 31, 2013 are classified within the following categories in the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant			Total
			in Active			Other			Unobservable
			Markets			Observable			Inputs
			(Level 1)			Inputs			(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Equity securities — U.S. holdings(1)		$	175,293		$	—		$	—		$	175,293
	Equity securities — non-U.S. holdings(1)			16,866			—			—			16,866
	Equity funds — International LP(1)			—			15,711			—			15,711
	Equity funds — U.S. LP(1)			—			12,454			—			12,454
	Corporate Bonds(2)			—			50,199			—			50,199
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			9,994			—			—			9,994
	Debt securities issued by U.S. and U.K., state and local governments(5)			—			10,487			—			10,487
	Partnerships(7)			—			—			9,010			9,010
	Long/short equity-focused hedge funds(6)			—			—			11,147			11,147
	International hedge funds(4)			—			—			10,958			10,958
	Mortgage-backed securities(8)			—			5,176			—			5,176
	Fixed annuity contracts(9)			—			—			1,620			1,620
	Other asset-backed securities			—			163			—			163
	Total		$	202,153		$	94,190		$	32,735		$	329,078
	-1	Comprised of common stocks of companies in various industries. The Pension Plan fund manager may shift investments from value to growth strategies or vice-versa, from small cap to large cap stocks or vice-versa, in order to meet the Pension Plan's investment objectives, which are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to volatility, and protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power.
	-2	Comprised of investment grade securities of companies in various industries.
	-3	Comprised of investment grade short-term investment funds.
	-4	This fund allocates its capital across several direct hedge-fund organizations. This fund invests with hedge funds that employ "non-directional" strategies. These strategies do not require the direction of the markets to generate returns. The majority of these hedge funds generate returns by the occurrence of key events such as bankruptcies, mergers, spin-offs, etc.
	-5	Comprised of investment grade securities that are backed by the U.S., state or local governments.
	-6	The hedge fund manager utilizes fundamental research and invests in equities both long (seeking price appreciation) and short (expectation that the stock will fall) instruments.
	-7	Comprised of partnerships that invest in various U.S. and international industries.
	-8	Comprised of investment grade securities in which approximately $941,224 and $1,148,218 are backed by the U.S. government for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the remainder by commercial real estate.
	-9	Comprised of fixed annuity contracts purchased at market value when plan participants retire.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
	($ in thousands)		Domestic			Foreign			Other
			Pension			Pension			Postretirement
			Plans			Plans			Benefit Plan
	2015		$	15,652		$	413		$	342
	2016			16,532			558			336
	2017			16,763			421			329
	2018			16,873			555			322
	2019			17,124			651			315
	Thereafter			86,449			4,217			1,459
Summary of 401K and Other Plan Expense	Expenses related to defined contribution plans include the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	401(k) and other plan expense		$	3,719		$	4,651		$	5,078
International Hedge Fund [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 Hedge Fund Asset Within Fair Value Hierarchy	The table below reconciles the Level 3 international hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Amount
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2012		$	10,395
	Capital contributions			—
	Realized and unrealized gain			563
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013		$	10,958
	Capital contributions			—
	Realized and unrealized gain			721
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014		$	11,679
Long-biased hedge fund [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 Hedge Fund Asset Within Fair Value Hierarchy	The table below reconciles the Level 3 long/short equity-focused hedge fund assets within the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Amount
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2012		$	9,937
	Capital contributions			4,650
	Capital distributions			(4,697	)
	Realized and unrealized gain			1,257
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2013		$	11,147
	Capital contributions			—
	Capital distributions			(6,178	)
	Realized and unrealized gain			398
	Fair value of Level 3 hedge fund assets at December 31, 2014		$	5,367
Partnership [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 Hedge Fund Asset Within Fair Value Hierarchy	The table below reconciles the Level 3 partnership assets within the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Amount
	Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at January 1, 2013		$	6,330
	Capital contributions			2,462
	Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets			—
	Realized and unrealized gain			822
	Capital distributions			(604	)
	Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2013			9,010
	Capital contributions			2,570
	Net ordinary gain attributable to partnership assets			—
	Realized and unrealized gain			1,733
	Capital distributions			(2,074	)
	Fair value of Level 3 partnership assets at December 31, 2014		$	11,239
Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 Hedge Fund Asset Within Fair Value Hierarchy	The table below reconciles the Level 3 fixed annuity contracts within the fair value hierarchy:
	($ in thousands)		Amount
	Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at January 1, 2013		$	1,681
	Purchases			—
	Benefits paid			(108	)
	Net gain			47
	Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2013			1,620
	Purchases			11,530
	Benefits paid			(117	)
	Net loss			(558	)
	Fair value of Level 3 fixed annuity contracts at December 31, 2014		$	12,475

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Summary of Intangible Assets
		As of
		December 31, 2014
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Amount
		Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	51,804		$	(24,415	)	$	27,389
	Patents		10,319			(10,319	)		—
	Other intangibles		12,270			(3,757	)		8,513
	Other intangible assets, net	$	74,393		$	(38,491	)	$	35,902
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014				$	4,190
		As of
		December 31, 2013
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Amount
		Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer lists/relationships	$	51,804		$	(21,490	)	$	30,314
	Patents		10,319			(10,319	)		—
	Other intangibles		12,270			(2,492	)		9,778
	Other intangible assets, net	$	74,393		$	(34,301	)	$	40,092
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2013				$	5,002
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012				$	2,118
Summary of Amortization Expense
	($ in thousands)	Amortization
		expense
	2015	$	3,949
	2016		3,647
	2017		3,569
	2018		3,484
	2019		3,475
	Thereafter		17,778
	Total amortization expense	$	35,902
Summary of Reconciliation of Goodwill
	($ in thousands)	Total
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2012	$	32,547
	2013 reduction — sale of EMS business		(500	)
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2013		32,047
	Impairment charge		—
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2014	$	32,047

Costs_Associated_with_Exit_and1

Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve Activity
	($ in thousands)        June 2013 Plan and April 2014 Plan
	Restructuring liability at January 1, 2014	$	3,100
	Restructuring and restructuring-related charges, excluding asset impairments and write-offs		7,442
	Cost paid		(6,638	)
	Restructuring liability at December 31, 2014	$	3,904
April 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Restructuring Related Charges of Actual Costs
	($ in thousands)        April 2014 Plan	Planned			Actual costs
		Costs			incurred through
					December 31,
					2014
	Inventory write-down	$	250		$	—
	Equipment relocation		500			—
	Other charges		350			—
	Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold	$	1,100		$	—
	Workforce reduction	$	4,100		$	3,470
	Asset impairment charge		—			—
	Other charges, including pension termination costs		500			—
	Restructuring and impairment charges	$	4,600		$	3,470
	Total restructuring, impairment and restructuring-related charges	$	5,700		$	3,470
June 2013 Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Restructuring Related Charges of Actual Costs
	($ in thousands)        June 2013 Plan	Planned			Actual costs
		Costs			incurred through
					December 31,
					2014
	Inventory write-down	$	800		$	1,143
	Equipment relocation		900			1,767
	Other charges		100			602
	Restructuring-related charges, included in cost of goods sold	$	1,800		$	3,512
	Workforce reduction	$	10,150		$	8,431
	Asset impairment charge		3,000			4,258
	Other charges, including pension termination costs		7,650			1,123
	Restructuring and impairment charges	$	20,800		$	13,812
	Total restructuring and restructuring-related charges	$	22,600		$	17,324

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities.
Components of Accrued Liabilities
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued product related costs	$	5,216	$	5,429
	Accrued income taxes		3,346		2,666
	Accrued property and other taxes		2,547		1,718
	Dividends payable		1,336		1,342
	Remediation reserves		3,918		5,116
	Other accrued liabilities		8,993		10,975
	Total accrued liabilities	$	25,356	$	27,246

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies
Summary of Remediation Reserve Activity
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	5,116		$	3,847
	Remediation expense		1,521			2,133
	Remediation payments		(2,719	)		(864	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	3,918		$	5,116

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases
Schedule of future minimum non-cancelable operating lease payments
	($ in thousands)	Operating
		Leases
	2015	$	4,700
	2016		3,600
	2017		3,400
	2018		2,800
	2019		1,400
	Thereafter		955
	Total minimum lease obligations	$	16,855
Summary of operating lease rent expense
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Rent expense	$	4,300	$	3,936	$	3,435

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt
Summary of Long-Term Debt
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revolving credit facility due in 2017	$	75,000		$	75,000
	Weighted average interest rate		1.5	%		1.9	%
	Amount available	$	122,535		$	122,400
	Total credit facility	$	200,000		$	200,000
	Standby letters of credit	$	2,465		$	2,600
	Commitment fee percentage per annum		0.25			0.30
Summary of Interest Rate Swaps Activity Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Before Tax
		For the Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Unrealized (loss) gain	$	(510	)	$	289		$	(1,607	)
	Realized gain reclassified to interest expense	$	488		$	319		$	—
Summary of Interest Rate Swaps Included on Balance Sheets
		As of
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Accrued liabilities	$	640		$	392
	Other long-term obligations	$	380		$	604

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings/(Loss)	The components of AOCI for 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		As of			Gain (Loss)			Gain (Loss)		As of
		December 31,			Recognized			reclassified		December 31,
		2013			in OCI			from AOCI		2014
								to income
	Changes in fair market value of hedges:
	Gross	$	(998	)	$	(510	)	$	488	$	(1,020	)
	Income tax (benefit)		(402	)		(167	)		185		(384	)
	Net		(596	)		(343	)		303		(636	)
	Changes in unrealized pension cost:
	Gross		(138,133	)		(37,043	)		5,885		(169,291	)
	Income tax (benefit)		(55,028	)		(12,267	)		2,171		(65,124	)
	Net		(83,105	)		(24,776	)		3,714		(104,167	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment:
	Gross		949			(704	)		—		245
	Income tax (benefit)		(855	)		530			—		(325	)
	Net		1,804			(1,234	)		—		570
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(81,897	)	$	(26,353	)	$	4,017	$	(104,233	)
	The components of AOCI for 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		As of			Gain (Loss)			Gain (Loss)		As of
		December 31,			recognized			reclassified		December 31,
		2012			in OCI			from AOCI		2013
								to income
	Changes in fair market value of hedges:
	Gross	$	(1,606	)	$	289		$	319	$	(998	)
	Income tax (benefit)		(626	)		101			123		(402	)
	Net		(980	)		188			196		(596	)
	Changes in unrealized pension cost:
	Gross		(199,241	)		51,642			9,466		(138,133	)
	Income tax (benefit)		(78,398	)		19,821			3,549		(55,028	)
	Net		(120,843	)		31,821			5,917		(83,105	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment:
	Gross		575			374			—		949
	Income tax (benefit)		(644	)		(211	)		—		(855	)
	Net		1,219			585			—		1,804
	Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(120,604	)	$	32,594		$	6,113	$	(81,897	)

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Share Count and Par Value Data Related to Shareholders' Equity
		As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Preferred Stock
	Par value per share	$	No par value		$	No par value
	Shares authorized		25,000,000			25,000,000
	Shares outstanding		—			—
	Common Stock
	Par value per share	$	No par value		$	No par value
	Shares authorized		75,000,000			75,000,000
	Shares issued		56,101,700			55,808,008
	Shares outstanding		33,392,060			33,558,864
	Treasury stock
	Shares held		22,709,640			22,249,144
Summary of Common Shares Outstanding
		As of
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the year		33,558,864			33,433,128
	Repurchases		(460,496	)		(419,190	)
	Stock option issuances		101,350			266,043
	Restricted share issuances		192,342			278,883
	Restricted share forfeitures		—			—
	Shares withheld for tax obligations		—			—
	Balance at the end of the period		33,392,060			33,558,864
Common Stock [Member]
Potentially Dilutive Securities Earnings Per Share
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Potentially dilutive securities		—			634			—

EquityBased_compensation_Table

Equity-Based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity-Based Compensation
Summary of Equity-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes the compensation expense included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) related to equity-based compensation plans:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Service-Based RSUs	$	1,771		$	2,879	$	2,939
	Performance-Based RSUs		479			674		242
	Market-Based RSUs		410			666		918
	Total	$	2,660		$	4,219	$	4,099
	Income tax benefit	$	1,000		$	1,600	$	1,600
Schedule of Unrecognized Equity-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs by type and the weighted-average period in which the expense is to be recognized:
	($ in thousands)	Unrecognized			Weighted-
		compensation			average
		expense at			period
		December 31,
		2014
	Service-Based RSUs	$	1,106		1.3 years
	Performance-Based RSUs		875		1.4 years
	Market-Based RSUs		634		1.3 years
	Total	$	2,615
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
	The following table summarizes the status of these plans as of December 31, 2014:
		2014 Plan			2009 Plan		2004 Plan			2001 Plan
	Awards originally available		1,500,000			3,400,000		6,500,000			2,000,000
	Stock options outstanding		—			—		5,200			—
	RSUs outstanding		42,300			374,442		101,223			—
	Options exercisable		—			—		5,200			—
	Awards available for grant		1,457,700			1,616,398		106,423			—
Summary of Changes of Stock Options	A summary of the status of stock options as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
		Options			Weighted-
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		123,000		$	12.78
	Exercised		(115,100	)	$	12.84
	Expired		(2,700	)	$	11.04
	Forfeited		—		$	—
	Outstanding at end of period		5,200		$	12.35
	Exercisable at end of period		5,200		$	12.35
Summary of Status of Stock Options
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014
	Intrinsic values of stock options exercised	$	831,000
	Weighted average remaining contractual life		0.9 years
	Aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and options exercisable	$	29,000
Summary of Service-Based Restricted Stock Units	A summary of the status of RSUs is presented below:
		Units			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
					Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Grant Date		Remaining		Value
					Fair Value		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		630,288		$	10.36
	Granted		259,315			9
	Converted		(289,677	)		5.68
	Forfeited		(81,961	)		11.86
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		517,965		$	12.06	11.1 years		$	9,235,000
	Convertible at December 31, 2014		283,823		$	10.07	19.2 years		$	5,061,000
Schedule of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value and Intrinsic Value of RSU's
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$	9.00		$	10.97	$	9.83
	Intrinsic value of RSUs converted	$	5,670,000		$	4,535,000	$	2,700,000
Summary of Changes of Nonvested RSU's	A summary of the nonvested RSUs is presented below:
		RSUs			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014		369,565		$	11.05
	Granted		259,315			9
	Vested		(312,777	)		6.57
	Forfeited		(81,961	)		11.86
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		234,142			14.48
Summary of Fair Value of Restricted Stock Units Vested
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013		2012
	Fair value of RSUs vested	$	2,055		$	3,700	$	2,600
Schedule of Components of Performance-Based RSU's	Performance-Based RSUs include the following components:
	Grant Date	Target			Vesting		Vesting		Units
		Units			Year		Dependency		Awarded
	February 8, 2012		45,850			2014	Sales growth			—
	February 8, 2012		39,300			2014	Cash flow			69,600
	February 11, 2013		77,700			2016	Sales growth			—
	February 11, 2013		66,600			2016	Cash flow			—
	February 14, 2014		25,085			2017	Sales growth			—
	February 14, 2014		21,500			2017	Cash flow			—
Schedule of Components of Market-Based RSU's	Market-Based RSUs include the following components:
	Grant Date	Target			Vesting		Number of			Units
		Units			Year		Peer Group			Awarded
							Companies
	February 8, 2012		45,850			2014		28			63,800
	February 11, 2013		77,700			2016		20			—
	February 11, 2013		32,500			2016		20			—
	February 14, 2014		25,085			2017		15			—

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements

Non-Financial Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring

Description

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss for

($ in thousands)

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2014

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2014

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Property, plant and equipment, net

—

—

—

—

$

433

Summary of Financial Liability Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014:

($ in thousands)

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2014

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2014

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

$

1,020

$

—

$

1,020

$

—

$

488

The table below summarizes the financial liability that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and the loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013:

($ in thousands)

Carrying

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

Loss for

Value at

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Year Ended

December 31,

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

December 31,

2013

Identical

Inputs

(Level 3)

2013

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

$

998

$

—

$

998

$

—

$

319

Reconciliation of Recurring Financial Liability Related to Interest Rate Swaps

($ in thousands)

Interest Rate

Swaps

Balance at January 1, 2013

$

(1,606

)

Total gains for the period:

Included in earnings

319

Included in other comprehensive earnings

289

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

(998

)

Total gains (losses) for the period:

Included in earnings

488

Included in other comprehensive earnings

(510

)

Balance at December 31, 2014

$

(1,020

)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Earnings Before Income Taxes
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	19,205		$	(5,396	)	$	(6,184	)
	Non-U.S.		20,143			23,459			20,628
	Total	$	39,348		$	18,063		$	14,444
Significant Components of Income Tax Provision/(Benefit)
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	508		$	661		$	39
	State		437			671			534
	Non-U.S.		6,981			4,804			5,839
	Total Current		7,926			6,136			6,412
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,436			7,091			(1,423	)
	State		154			877			(350	)
	Non-U.S.		1,310			1,962			(3,687	)
	Total Deferred		4,900			9,930			(5,460	)
	Total provision for Income Taxes	$	12,826		$	16,066		$	952
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Postretirement benefits	$	1,953		$	1,877
	Inventory reserves		1,567			1,934
	Loss carry-forwards		23,095			36,373
	Credit carry-forwards		16,903			15,028
	Nondeductible accruals		6,336			6,126
	Research expenditures		30,088			28,606
	Prepaid charges		45			727
	Foreign exchange loss		1,009			—
	Other		4,102			5,476
	Gross deferred tax assets		85,098			96,147
	Depreciation		11,073			11,168
	Pensions		9,462			19,177
	Unrealized foreign exchange gain		—			350
	Subsidiaries' unremitted earnings		—			2,774
	Other		—			696
	Gross deferred tax liabilities		20,535			34,165
	Net deferred tax assets		64,563			61,982
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(12,938	)		(14,323	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	51,625		$	47,659
Schedule of current and long-term deferred tax assets and current and long-term deferred tax liabilities
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Current Deferred Tax Assets	$	8,708		$	9,426
	Current Deferred Tax Liabilities		(8	)		(138	)
	Total Current Deferred Tax Assets		8,700			9,288
	Non-current Deferred Tax Assets		43,120			38,620
	Non-current Deferred Tax Liabilities		(195	)		(249	)
	Total Non-current Deferred Tax Assets		42,925			38,371
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	51,625		$	47,659
Reconciliation of Effective Income Taxes Rate
		2014			2013			2012
	Taxes at the U.S. statutory rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		0.72	%		0.95	%		(0.02	)%
	Non-U.S. income taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate		(7.57	)%		(9.86	)%		(8.99	)%
	Benefit of scheduled tax credits		(1.32	)%		(3.88	)%		—	%
	Foreign source income		3.47	%		60.94	%		5.64	%
	Non-deductible expenses		2.79	%		(2.42	)%		(0.97	)%
	Non-U.S. adjustments to valuation allowances		(0.43	)%		8.18	%		(5.72	)%
	Nontaxable foreign gain		—	%		—	%		(11.47	)%
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits		—	%		0.69	%		(8.97	)%
	Other		(0.08	)%		(0.65	)%		2.09	%
	Effective income tax rate		32.58	%		88.95	%		6.59	%
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	($ in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	4,043		$	4,130
	Increase related to current year tax positions		40			35
	Increase related to prior year tax positions		5			35
	Decrease as a result of lapse of statute of limitations		(114	)		(36	)
	Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities		(14	)		(121	)
	Other Decrease		(70	)		—
	Balance at December 31	$	3,890		$	4,043

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations
Statement of Earnings of Discontinued Operation
		Year Ended
	($ in thousands)	December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net sales	$	155,055		$	272,437
	Cost of goods sold		142,589			262,571
	Insurance recovery for business interruption		—			(20,256	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		11,617			17,315
	Insurance recovery for property damage		—			(1,769	)
	Restructuring and impairment charge		1,444			2,949
	Operating (loss) earnings		(595	)		11,627
	Other expense (income), net		(345	)		871
	(Loss) earnings before income taxes		(940	)		12,498
	Income tax (benefit) expense		(162	)		5,657
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations		(778	)		6,841
	Loss on sale of EMS operations (net of tax of $3,923)		(5,148	)		—
	Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations	$	(5,926	)	$	6,841

Geographic_Data_Tables

Geographic Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Geographic Data
Schedule of Revenue and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Areas	Financial information relating to CTS' operations by geographic area were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	Net Sales from continuing operations
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	United States	$	234,323	$	223,212	$	122,986
	Singapore		11,510		13,812		14,458
	United Kingdom		—		28,167		30,981
	China		61,683		72,509		60,864
	Canada		35,145		38,061		39,186
	Czech Republic		44,424		18,117		20,213
	Other non-U.S.		16,936		15,583		15,793
	Consolidated net sales	$	404,021	$	409,461	$	304,481
	Sales are attributed to countries based upon the origin of the sale.
		Year Ended December 31,
	Long-Lived Assets
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	United States	$	33,048	$	36,664	$	45,957
	China		31,782		33,277		34,615
	United Kingdom		1,055		2,004		2,669
	Singapore		80		117		1,111
	Canada		462		478		563
	Taiwan		2,127		1,775		1,764
	Thailand		—		—		5,839
	Switzerland		—		19		714
	Other non-U.S		2,860		535		493
	Consolidated long-lived assets	$	71,414	$	74,869	$	93,725

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data
Quarterly Results of Operations	Quarterly Results of Operations
	(Unaudited)
	($ in thousands)	First		Second			Third		Fourth
	2014
	Net sales	$	100,706	$	102,980		$	99,957	$	100,378
	Gross margin		30,615		33,823			32,499		33,026
	Operating earnings		10,845		9,945			11,223		10,310
	Net earnings		5,080		6,361			8,117		6,964
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.19		$	0.24	$	0.21
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.15	$	0.19		$	0.24	$	0.21
	2013
	Net sales	$	98,062	$	105,381		$	103,632	$	102,386
	Gross margin		26,786		32,400			32,001		30,166
	Operating earnings		2,681		2,443			7,553		5,010
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations		2,988		(10,253	)		5,115		4,148
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		580		(1,082	)		1,704		(7,129	)
	Net earnings (loss)		3,568		(11,335	)		6,819		(2,981	)
	Basic earnings per share:
	Earnings (loss)from continuing operations	$	0.09	$	(0.31	)	$	0.16	$	0.12
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		0.02		(0.03	)		0.04		(0.21	)
	Total	$	0.11	$	(0.34	)	$	0.2	$	(0.09	)
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.09	$	(0.31	)	$	0.16	$	0.12
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations		0.01		(0.03	)		0.05		(0.21	)
	Total	$	0.1	$	(0.34	)	$	0.21	$	(0.09	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 02, 2013
Description of Business
Proceeds from sale of EMS business	$75,000
Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Description of Business
Proceeds from sale of EMS business		$75,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details 2)	12 Months Ended	15 Months Ended	21 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2013
		segment	segment
Description of Business
Number or reportable segments		1	2
Fiscal Calendar
Fiscal quarter, number of weeks	91 days
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Maturity period of highly liquid investments	3 months

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details 3) (Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member], Customer Concentration Risk [Member], Customer A [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Customer A [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Concentration of risk, percentage	10.80%	8.40%	10.60%

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, useful lives	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, useful lives	45 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, useful lives	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, useful lives	8 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 5) (Weighted Average [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets remaining amortization period	10 years 10 months 24 days
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets remaining amortization period	11 years 10 months 24 days
Other intangibles [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets remaining amortization period	7 years 7 months 6 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Research and Development (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Research and development expenses [Member]
Research and Development
Reimbursements received from customers	$1,400	$2,087	$3,186
Other Current Assets [Member]
Research and Development
Cost of molds, dies and other tools included in Other current assets	$2,991	$3,059

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details 7)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive stock options and units	634
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive stock options and units		346

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currencies (Details 8) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Continuing Operations [Member]
Foreign Currencies
Foreign currency (loss) gain	($4,130)	$1,625	$113
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Foreign Currencies
Foreign currency (loss) gain		($290)	$700

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles Impairment (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to be Disposed of
Goodwill, loss	$0	$0	$0
Indefinite-lived intangibles impairment recorded	$0	$0

Accounts_Receivable_Components

Accounts Receivable - Components of Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, gross	$56,994	$62,797
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current	100	130
Accounts receivable, net	$56,894	$62,667

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories
Finished goods	$11,728	$10,310
Work-in-process	7,297	7,492
Raw materials	15,562	19,021
Less: Inventory reserves	-6,700	-4,597
Inventories, net	$27,887	$32,226

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment
Accumulated depreciation	($184,898)	($191,988)
Net property, plant and equipment	71,414	74,869	93,725
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment gross	3,044	3,938
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment gross	67,269	69,740
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment gross	$185,999	$193,179

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment - Depreciation Expense (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Continuing Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation expense	$12,781	$12,322	$11,424
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation expense		$3,162	$5,163

Retirement_Plans_Additional_In

Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans
Noncontributory benefit pension plans covering active employees	13.00%
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax	$6,700,000
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Retirement Plans
Curtailment loss		651,000
Expected contribution to be made by CTS	400,000
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Plans
Expected contribution to be made by CTS	$4,600,000

Retirement_Plans_Reconciliatio

Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets, and Funded Status (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in plan assets:
Ending Balance	$329,581	$329,078
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Retirement Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation	284,365	264,828
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Beginning Balance	264,828	264,828	274,497
Service cost	192	2,435	2,735
Interest cost	12,214	11,046	11,935
Benefits paid	-19,021	-13,526
Actuarial loss (gain)	26,152	-5,473
Loss due to curtailment		-4,151
Ending Balance	284,365	264,828	264,828
Change in plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	284,365	264,828
Beginning Balance	314,211	314,211	265,622
Actual return on assets	13,961	62,012
Company contributions	5,302	103
Benefits paid	-19,021	-13,526
Ending Balance	314,453	314,211	314,211
Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)	30,088	49,383
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation	16,168	15,150
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Beginning Balance	16,027	16,028	16,220
Service cost	83	110	125
Interest cost	608	536	571
Benefits paid	-1,024	-1,297
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,468	295
Foreign exchange impact and other	-995	163
Ending Balance	16,168	16,027	16,028
Change in plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	16,168	15,150
Beginning Balance	14,867	14,867	13,369
Actual return on assets	-2,258	209
Company contributions	4,478	2,307
Benefits paid	-1,024	-1,297
Foreign exchange impact and other	-935	279
Ending Balance	15,128	14,867	14,867
Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)	-1,040	-1,160
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans
Accumulated benefit obligation	5,194	4,916
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Beginning Balance	4,916	4,916	5,666
Service cost	4	7	9
Interest cost	230	223	255
Benefits paid	-179	-182
Actuarial loss (gain)	223	-798
Ending Balance	5,194	4,916	4,916
Change in plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	5,194	4,916
Company contributions	179	182
Benefits paid	-179	-182
Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations)	($5,194)	($4,916)

Retirement_Plans_Components_of

Retirement Plans - Components of Prepaid (Accrued) Cost (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Retirement Plans
Prepaid pension asset	$31,581	$55,839
Other accrued liabilities		-4,814
Post retirement obligations	-1,493	-1,642
Components of prepaid (accrued) cost, net	30,088	49,383
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Plans
Prepaid pension asset	518	557
Post retirement obligations	-1,558	-1,717
Components of prepaid (accrued) cost, net	-1,040	-1,160
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans
Other accrued liabilities	-342	-341
Post retirement obligations	-4,852	-4,575
Components of prepaid (accrued) cost, net	($5,194)	($4,916)

Retirement_Plans_Accumulated_O

Retirement Plans - Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance	$79,218	$116,612
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax	-3,523	-4,786
Settlements and curtailments	-106	-830
Net actuarial gain/(loss)	20,605	-31,778
Ending balance	96,194	79,218
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance	79,218	115,933
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax	-3,523	-4,509
Settlements and curtailments	-106	-428
Net actuarial gain/(loss)	20,605	-31,778
Ending balance	96,194	79,218
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance		679
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax		-277
Settlements and curtailments		-402
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance	4,642	4,492
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax	-183	-298
Net actuarial gain/(loss)	4,290	451
Foreign exchange impact	-259	-3
Ending balance	8,490	4,642
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance	-755	-261
Amortization of retirement benefits, net of tax	98
Net actuarial gain/(loss)	140	-494
Ending balance	($517)	($755)

Retirement_Plans_Projected_ben

Retirement Plans - Projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retirement Plans
Projected benefit obligation	$4,612	$10,098
Accumulated benefit obligation	3,860	4,807
Fair value of plan assets	$1,562	$1,923

Retirement_Plans_Net_Pension_I

Retirement Plans - Net Pension Income or Postretirement Expense (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Net pension expense (income)
Service cost	$192	$2,435	$2,735
Interest cost	12,214	11,046	11,935
Expected return on plan assets	-20,833	-20,217	-21,506
Amortization of unrecognized:
Prior service cost		498	605
Loss	5,644	7,245	6,062
Additional cost due to early retirement	172	692	282
Curtailment loss		651
Net expense/(income)	-2,611	2,350	113
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions
Discount rate	4.07%	4.84%	4.06%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Pension expense/(income) assumptions:
Discount rate	4.84%	4.06%	4.91%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.75%	8.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Net pension expense (income)
Service cost	83	110	125
Interest cost	608	536	571
Expected return on plan assets	-677	-474	-445
Amortization of unrecognized:
Loss	231	378	296
Net expense/(income)	245	550	547
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions
Discount rate	3.13%	3.85%	3.46%
Rate of compensation increase	0.48%	0.56%	0.69%
Pension expense/(income) assumptions:
Discount rate	3.85%	3.46%	3.86%
Expected return on plan assets	4.06%	3.10%	3.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.57%	0.69%	0.72%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Net pension expense (income)
Service cost	4	7	9
Interest cost	230	223	255
Amortization of unrecognized:
Loss	-158		-40
Net expense/(income)	$76	$230	$224
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions
Discount rate	4.07%	4.84%	4.06%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Pension expense/(income) assumptions:
Discount rate	4.84%	4.06%	4.91%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Retirement_Plans_Pension_Plan_

Retirement Plans - Pension Plan Asset Allocation (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans
Target allocations	100.00%
Percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Retirement Plans
Target allocations	60.00%
Percentage of plan assets	60.00%	67.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Retirement Plans
Percentage of plan assets	8.00%	9.00%
CTS common stock included in pension plan assets, Amount	26,000,000	29,000,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Retirement Plans
Target allocations	25.00%
Percentage of plan assets	25.00%	20.00%
Other [Member]
Retirement Plans
Target allocations	15.00%
Percentage of plan assets	15.00%	13.00%

Retirement_Plans_Summary_of_Fa

Retirement Plans - Summary of Fair Values of Pension Plan (Details 8) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	$329,581	$329,078
Equity Securities [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	174,153	175,293
Equity Securities [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	14,050	16,866
Equity Funds [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	13,077	12,454
Equity Funds [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	15,636	15,711
Corporate Bond [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	47,417	50,199
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	5,889	9,994
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	14,484	10,487
Partnership [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	11,239	9,010
Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	5,367	11,147
Hedge Funds, Global Opportunity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	11,679	10,958
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	3,796	5,176
Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	12,475	1,620
Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total fair value of plan assets	$319	$163

Retirement_Plans_Summary_of_Ca

Retirement Plans - Summary of Categories in Fair Value Hierarchy (Details 9) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	$329,581	$329,078
Equity Securities [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	174,153	175,293
Equity Securities [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	14,050	16,866
Equity Funds [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	13,077	12,454
Equity Funds [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	15,636	15,711
Corporate Bond [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	47,417	50,199
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	5,889	9,994
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	14,484	10,487
Partnership [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	11,239	9,010
Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	5,367	11,147
Hedge Funds, Global Opportunity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	11,679	10,958
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	3,796	5,176
Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	12,475	1,620
Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	319	163
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	194,090	202,153
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	174,153	175,293
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	14,048	16,866
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	5,889	9,994
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	94,731	94,190
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	2
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | UNITED STATES
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	13,077	12,454
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | Outside United States of America [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	15,636	15,711
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bond [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	47,417	50,199
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	14,484	10,487
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	3,796	5,176
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	319	163
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	40,760	32,735
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Partnership [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	11,239	9,010	6,330
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	5,367	11,147	9,937
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds, Global Opportunity [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	11,679	10,958	10,395
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Fair values of pension plan assets
Total	$12,475	$1,620	$1,681

Retirement_Plans_Summary_of_Ca1

Retirement Plans - Summary of Categories in Fair Value Hierarchy (Parenthetical) (Details 10) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair values of pension plan assets
Real estate investment grade securities	$941,224	$1,148,218

Retirement_Plans_Reconciliatio1

Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of Level 3 Hedge Fund Asset Within Fair Value Hierarchy (Details 11) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	$329,581	$329,078
Hedge Funds, Global Opportunity [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	11,679	10,958
Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	5,367	11,147
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	40,760	32,735
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds, Global Opportunity [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Beginning Balance	10,958	10,395
Realized and unrealized gain	721	563
Ending Balance	11,679	10,958
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Beginning Balance	11,147	9,937
Capital contributions		4,650
Capital distributions	-6,178	-4,697
Realized and unrealized gain	398	1,257
Ending Balance	$5,367	$11,147

Retirement_Plans_Reconciliatio2

Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of Level 3 Partnership Assets Within Fair Value Hierarchy (Details 12) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	$329,581	$329,078
Partnership [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	11,239	9,010
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	40,760	32,735
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Partnership [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Beginning Balance	9,010	6,330
Capital contributions	2,570	2,462
Realized and unrealized gain	1,733	822
Capital distributions	-2,074	-604
Ending Balance	$11,239	$9,010

Retirement_Plans_Reconciliatio3

Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of Level 3 Fixed Annuity Contracts Within Fair Value Hierarchy (Details 13) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	$329,581	$329,078
Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	12,475	1,620
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Ending Balance	40,760	32,735
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Annuitization Benefit [Member]
Reconciliation of Level 3 fund assets
Beginning Balance	1,620	1,681
Purchases	11,530
Benefits paid	-117	-108
Net gain	-558	47
Ending Balance	$12,475	$1,620

Retirement_Plans_Estimated_Fut

Retirement Plans - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details 14) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2015	$15,652
2016	16,532
2017	16,763
2018	16,873
2019	17,124
Thereafter	86,449
Foreign Pension Plans [Member]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2015	413
2016	558
2017	421
2018	555
2019	651
Thereafter	4,217
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2015	342
2016	336
2017	329
2018	322
2019	315
Thereafter	$1,459

Retirement_Plans_Defined_Contr

Retirement Plans - Defined Contribution Plans (Details 15) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plans
401(k) and other plan expense	$3,719	$4,651	$5,078

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$74,393	$74,393
Accumulated Amortization	-38,491	-34,301
Net Amount	35,902	40,092
Amortization expense	4,190	5,002	2,118
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	51,804	51,804
Accumulated Amortization	-24,415	-21,490
Net Amount	27,389	30,314
Patents [Member]
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	10,319	10,319
Accumulated Amortization	-10,319	-10,319
Other intangibles [Member]
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	12,270	12,270
Accumulated Amortization	-3,757	-2,492
Net Amount	$8,513	$9,778

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense Remaining (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortization expense remaining
2015	$3,949
2016	3,647
2017	3,569
2018	3,484
2019	3,475
Thereafter	17,778
Net Amount	$35,902	$40,092

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Reconciliation of Goodwill (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill
Beginning balance	$32,047,000	$32,547,000
Impairment charge	0	0	0
Ending balance	32,047,000	32,047,000	32,547,000
Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Goodwill
2013 reduction - sale of EMS business		($500,000)

Costs_Associated_with_Exit_and2

Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	21 Months Ended	31 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
			employee		employee	employee	employee
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	$7,876,000
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	1,935,000
Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	5,941,000
April 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	3,470,000
June 2013 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	4,406,000	11,508,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	1,935,000	1,053,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges	2,471,000	10,455,000
December 2012 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges		264,000		2,519,000
Elimination of workforce			190
December 2012 Plan [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges		0		54,000
December 2012 Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges		264,000		2,465,000
June 2012 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges				1,985,000
Elimination of workforce					250
June 2012 Plan [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges				1,013,000
June 2012 Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges				$972,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | April 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Elimination of workforce						120
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | June 2013 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Elimination of workforce							350

Costs_Associated_with_Exit_and3

Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities - Restructuring and Restructuring Related Charges of Actual Costs (Details 2) (USD $)	21 Months Ended	31 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	employee	employee	employee
April 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				$5,700,000
Actual costs incurred				3,470,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				1,100,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				4,600,000
Actual costs incurred				3,470,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Positions Eliminated	120
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Inventory write-down [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				250,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Equipment relocation [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				500,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				350,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Workforce reduction [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				4,100,000
Actual costs incurred				3,470,000
April 2014 Plan [Member] | Other Charges Including Pension Termination Costs [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				500,000
June 2013 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				22,600,000
Actual costs incurred				17,324,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Positions Eliminated		350
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Inventory write-down [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				800,000
Actual costs incurred				1,143,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Equipment relocation [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				900,000
Actual costs incurred				1,767,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Equipment relocation [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				20,800,000
Actual costs incurred				13,812,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				100,000
Actual costs incurred				602,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Workforce reduction [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				1,800,000
Actual costs incurred				3,512,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Workforce reduction [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				10,150,000
Actual costs incurred				8,431,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Asset impairments [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				3,000,000
Actual costs incurred				4,258,000
June 2013 Plan [Member] | Other Charges Including Pension Termination Costs [Member] | Operating Expense [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				7,650,000
Actual costs incurred				1,123,000
Amended June 2013 Plan [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				4,000,000
Amended June 2013 Plan [Member] | Workforce reduction [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring charges
Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Positions Eliminated			130
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Amended June 2013 Plan [Member] | UNITED KINGDOM
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				2,000,000
Foreign Pension Plans [Member] | Amended June 2013 Plan [Member] | Workforce reduction [Member]
Restructuring charges
Planned Costs				$2,000,000

Costs_Associated_with_Exit_and4

Costs Associated with Exit and Restructuring Activities - Restructuring Reserve Activity (Details 3) (June 2013 Plan and April 2014 Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
June 2013 Plan and April 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring liability at beginning	$3,100
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges	7,442
Cost paid	-6,638
Restructuring liability at ending	$3,904

Accrued_Liabilities_Components

Accrued Liabilities - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued product related costs	$5,216	$5,429
Accrued Income taxes	3,346	2,666
Accrued property and other taxes	2,547	1,718
Dividends payable	1,336	1,342
Remediation reserves	3,918	5,116	3,847
Other accrued liabilities	8,993	10,975
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total	$25,356	$27,246

Contingencies_Rollforward_of_R

Contingencies - Rollforward of Remediation Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies
Accrued liabilities start of period	$5,116	$3,847
Remediation expense	1,521	2,133
Remediation payments	-2,719	-864
Accrued liabilities end of period	$3,918	$5,116

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Details 2) (Business Interruption Caused by Flood [Member], Components and Sensors, Continuing Operations [Member], THAILAND, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Interruption Caused by Flood [Member] | Components and Sensors | Continuing Operations [Member] | THAILAND
Extraordinary items
Insurance recovery	$637,000

Leases_Minimum_future_obligati

Leases - Minimum future obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Minimum future obligations
2015	$4,700
2016	3,600
2017	3,400
2018	2,800
2019	1,400
Thereafter	955
Total minimum lease obligations	$16,855

Leases_Rent_expense_Details_2

Leases - Rent expense (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases
Rent expense	$4,300	$3,936	$3,435

Leases_Lease_terms_Details_3

Leases - Lease terms (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Sublease income
Sublease income	$503,000
Future sublease income due in 2015	503,000
Future sublease income due in 2016	$482,000

Leases_Saleleaseback_transacti

Leases - Sale-leaseback transaction (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Sale-leaseback transaction
Sale-leaseback transaction gain	$10,300,000	$10,334,000
Sale-leaseback transaction, deferred gain
Sale-leaseback transaction gain, deferred	4,500,000	4,500,000
Amortization period of deferred gain on sale	6 years
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Sale-leaseback transaction, deferred gain
Sale-leaseback transaction gain, recorded			764,625
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Sale-leaseback transaction, deferred gain
Sale-leaseback transaction gain, recorded			$2,250,237

Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Details

Debt - Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt
Revolving credit facility due in 2017	$75,000	$75,000
Weighted-average interest rate	1.50%	1.90%
Amount available	122,535	122,400
Total credit facility	200,000	200,000
Standby letters of credit	$2,465	$2,600
Commitment fee percentage per annum	0.25%	0.30%

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012
				agreement	agreement
Amortization expense
Amortization expense	$200,000	$200,000	$200,000
Interest rate swap
Number of interest rate derivatives held				4	4
Amount of swap agreement				25,000,000	50,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Interest rate swap
Number of interest rate derivatives held				4	4
Amount of swap agreement				$25,000,000	$50,000,000

Debt_Summary_of_Interest_Rate_

Debt - Summary of Interest Rate Swaps Activity Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Before Tax (Details 3) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swap activity recorded in Other comprehensive earnings before tax
Unrealized gain (loss)	($510)	$289	($1,607)
Interest Expense [Member]
Interest rate swap activity recorded in Other comprehensive earnings before tax
Realized loss reclassified to interest expense	$488	$319

Debt_Summary_of_Interest_Rate_1

Debt - Summary of Interest Rate Swaps Included on Balance Sheets (Details 4) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Interest rate swaps included on the balance sheet
Accrued liabilities	$640	$392
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Interest rate swaps included on the balance sheet
Other long-term obligations	$380	$604

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	($81,897)	($120,604)
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Net	-26,353	32,594
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Net	4,017	6,113
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	-104,233	-81,897
Defined benefit pension item [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Beginning balance	-998	-1,606
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Beginning balance	-402	-626
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	-596	-980
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Gross	-510	289
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Income tax (benefit)	-167	101
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Net	-343	188
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Gross	488	319
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Income tax (benefit)	185	123
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Net	303	196
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Ending balance	-1,020	-998
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Ending balance	-384	-402
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	-636	-596
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Beginning balance	-138,133	-199,241
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Beginning balance	-55,028	-78,398
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	-83,105	-120,843
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Gross	-37,043	51,642
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Income tax (benefit)	-12,267	19,821
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Net	-24,776	31,821
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Gross	5,885	9,466
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Income tax (benefit)	2,171	3,549
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income, Net	3,714	5,917
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Ending balance	-169,291	-138,133
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Ending balance	-65,124	-55,028
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	-104,167	-83,105
Unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Beginning balance	949	575
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Beginning balance	-855	-644
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	1,804	1,219
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Gross	-704	374
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Income tax (benefit)	530	-211
Gain (Loss) recognized in OCI, Net	-1,234	585
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Gross, Ending balance	245	949
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, Income tax (benefit), Ending balance	-325	-855
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	$570	$1,804

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Share Count and Par Value Data Related to Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common Stock
Common stock, par value per share	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	56,101,700	55,808,008
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,392,060	33,558,864	33,433,128
Treasury stock
Treasury stock, shares held	22,709,640	22,249,144

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock repurchased, Shares	460,496	419,190
Common stock repurchased, Value	$8,002,000	$6,208,000
Shares are available for future issuances	8,891,040

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Common Shares Outstanding (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Roll forward of common shares outstanding
Balance at the beginning of the year	33,558,864	33,433,128
Repurchases	-460,496	-419,190
Stock option issuances	101,350	266,043
Restricted stock issued		278,883
Balance at the end of the period	33,392,060	33,558,864

Shareholders_Equity_Potentiall

Shareholders' Equity - Potentially Dilutive Securities Earnings Per Share (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Antidilutive stock options and units	634

EquityBased_Compensation_Addit

Equity-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity-Based Compensation
Number of Equity Based Compensation Plan		5
Stock Options [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting period		4 years
Stock option contractual term		10 years
Nonvested stock options outstanding		0
Service Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting period		3 years
Number of shares issuable, against each unit of RSU		1
Service Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Certain Executives and Key Employees [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting period		1 month
Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting period		3 years
RSU's awarded and vested	8,334
Minimum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Stock option exercises, commencement period from date of grant		P1Y
Minimum [Member] | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting percent		0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting percent		0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Stock options exercisable cumulative annual installments period		10 years
Maximum [Member] | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting percent		200.00%
Maximum [Member] | Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Vesting percent		200.00%

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Equity-Based Compensation Expense (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units	$2,660	$4,219	$4,099
Service Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units	1,771	2,879	2,939
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units	479	674	242
Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units	410	666	918
RSUs [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units	2,660	4,219	4,099
Income tax benefit	$1,000	$1,600	$1,600

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa1

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Equity-Based Compensation Expense related to Non-Vested RSUs (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Service Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation cost	$1,106
Weighted average period	1 year 3 months 18 days
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation cost	875
Weighted average period	1 year 4 months 24 days
Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation cost	634
Weighted average period	1 year 3 months 18 days
RSUs [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation cost	$2,615

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa2

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2014
2014 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
Awards originally available	1,500,000
Awards available for grant	1,457,700
2009 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
Awards originally available	3,400,000
Awards available for grant	1,616,398
2004 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
Awards originally available	6,500,000
Stock options outstanding	5,200
Options exercisable	5,200
Awards available for grant	106,423
2001 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
Awards originally available	2,000,000
RSUs [Member] | 2014 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
RSU's outstanding	42,300
RSUs [Member] | 2009 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
RSU's outstanding	374,442
RSUs [Member] | 2004 Plan [Member]
Summary of Status of Equity-Based Compensation Plans
RSU's outstanding	101,223

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa3

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Status of Stock Options (Details 5) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]
Summary of Status of Stock Options
Outstanding, Options at beginning of year	123,000
Exercised, Options	-115,100
Expired, Options	-2,700
Outstanding, Options at end of period	5,200
Exercisable, Options at end of period	5,200
Outstanding, Weighted - Average Exercise Price at beginning of year	$12.78
Exercised, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$12.84
Expired, Weighted - Average Exercise Price	$11.04
Outstanding, Weighted - Average Exercise Price at end of period	$12.35
Exercisable, Weighted - Average Exercise Price at end of period	$12.35
Additional Disclosure Status of Stock Options
Intrinsic values of share options exercised	$831,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life	10 months 24 days
Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic Value at beginning of period	$29,000

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa4

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Service-Based Restricted Stock Units (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
RSUs [Member]
Summary of Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding at beginning of year	630,288
Granted	259,315
Converted	-289,677
Forfeited	-81,961
Outstanding at end of year	517,965	630,288
Convertible at end of period, RSUs	283,823
Beginning of year, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$10.36
Granted, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$9	$10.97	$9.83
Converted, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$5.68
Forfeited, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$11.86
End of year, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$12.06	$10.36
Convertible at end of period, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$10.07
Weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding units	11 years 1 month 6 days
Convertible, Weighted average remaining contractual life	19 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding value	$9,235,000
Convertible Aggregate Intrinsic Value	5,061,000
Intrinsic value of RSU's converted	5,670,000	4,535,000	2,700,000
Fair value of RSU's vested	$2,055,000	$3,700,000	$2,600,000
Nonvested RSUs [Member]
Summary of Service-Based Restricted Stock Units
Nonvested at beginning of the year, RSUs	369,565
Granted, RSUs	259,315
Vested, RSUs	-312,777
Forfeited, RSUs	-81,961
Nonvested at end of period, RSUs	234,142
Nonvested at beginning of year, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$11.05
Granted, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$9
Converted, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$6.57
Forfeited, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$11.86
Nonvested at end of period, Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value	$14.48

EquityBased_Compensation_Sched

Equity-Based Compensation - Schedule of Performance-Based RSUs (Details 7) (Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member])	Feb. 14, 2014	Feb. 11, 2013	Feb. 08, 2012
Dependent upon achievement of sales growth targets [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Target based Vesting of performance-based restricted stock unit	25,085	77,700	45,850
Dependent upon achievement of free cash flow targets [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Target based Vesting of performance-based restricted stock unit	21,500	66,600	39,300
Restricted Stock Units, awarded and vested			69,600

EquityBased_Compensation_Sched1

Equity-Based Compensation - Schedule of Market-Based RSUs (Details 8) (Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 08, 2012	Feb. 14, 2014	Feb. 12, 2013	Feb. 11, 2013	Feb. 08, 2012
		item	item	item	item
Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Equity-Based Compensation
Target based Vesting of market-based restricted stock unit	45,850	25,085	32,500	77,700	45,850
Number of enumerated peer group companies	28	15	20	20	28
Earned and awarded performance and market-based restricted stock unit	63,800

Fair_Value_Measurements_NonFin

Fair Value Measurements - Non-Financial Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets measured on a non-recurring basis
Goodwill	$32,047,000	$32,047,000	$32,547,000
Goodwill, loss	0	0	0
Intangible assets, other than goodwill	35,902,000	40,092,000
Long-lived assets	71,414,000	74,869,000	93,725,000
Restructuring and Impairment Charge [Member]
Assets measured on a non-recurring basis
long-lived assets, loss	433,000
Impairment charge		$3,770,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Liability Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details 2) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Recurring financial liability that was measured at carrying value
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge	$1,020	$998	$1,606
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge, loss	488	319
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Recurring financial liability that was measured at carrying value
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge	1,020	998
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Values [Member]
Recurring financial liability that was measured at carrying value
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge	$1,020	$998

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Recurring Financial Liability Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total gains/(losses) for the period:
Amount expected to be reclassed into earning as interest expense	$655,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Reconciliation of the recurring financial liability related to interest rate swaps
Beginning balance	-998,000	-1,606,000
Total gains/(losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	488,000	319,000
Included in other comprehensive earnings	-510,000	289,000
Ending balance	($1,020,000)	($998,000)

Income_Taxes_Earnings_Before_I

Income Taxes - Earnings Before Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings before income taxes
Earnings before income taxes	$39,348	$18,063	$14,444
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Earnings before income taxes
Earnings before income taxes	19,205	-5,396	-6,184
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Earnings before income taxes
Earnings before income taxes	$20,143	$23,459	$20,628

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Income Tax Provision/(Benefit) (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$508	$661	$39
State	437	671	534
Non-U.S.	6,981	4,804	5,839
Total Current	7,926	6,136	6,412
Deferred:
Federal	3,436	7,091	-1,423
State	154	877	-350
Non-U.S.	1,310	1,962	-3,687
Total Deferred	4,900	9,930	-5,460
Total provision for Income Taxes	$12,826	$16,066	$952

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo1

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Postretirement benefits	$1,953	$1,877
Inventory reserves	1,567	1,934
Loss carry-forwards	23,095	36,373
Credit carry-forwards	16,903	15,028
Nondeductible accruals	6,336	6,126
Research expenditures	30,088	28,606
Prepaid charges	45	727
Foreign exchange loss	1,009
Other	4,102	5,476
Gross deferred tax assets	85,098	96,147
Depreciation	11,073	11,168
Pensions	9,462	19,177
Unrealized foreign exchange gain		350
Subsidiaries' unremitted earnings		2,774
Other		696
Gross deferred tax liabilities	20,535	34,165
Net deferred tax assets	64,563	61,982
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-12,938	-14,323
Total net deferred tax assets	$51,625	$47,659

Income_Taxes_Current_and_LongT

Income Taxes - Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assests and Liabilities (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes
Current Deferred Tax Assets	$8,708	$9,426
Current Deferred Tax Liabilities	-8	-138
Total Current Deferred Tax Assets	8,700	9,288
Non-current Deferred Tax Assets	43,120	38,620
Non-current Deferred Tax Liabilities	-195	-249
Total Non current Deferred Tax Assets	42,925	38,371
Total net deferred tax assets	$51,625	$47,659

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		$12,938,000	$14,323,000
U.S. federal NOL carryforwards		43,188,000
State net operating loss and credit carry forwards included in Valuation allowance		3,682,000
Foreign tax credit carry-forwards		5,478,000
Foreign deferred tax assets and NOLs		3,778,000
Decrease in Valuation allowance		1,385,000
Decrease associated with the expiration of certain state net operating loss		1,540,000
Alternative minimum tax credit carry-forwards		2,535,000
Research and development credits		7,208,000
State NOLs		5,029,000
Net operating losses included in valuation allowance		0
Tax benefit related to research credit		594,000
Tax expense relating to earnings not indefinitely reinvested outside US		684,000
Income tax provision on foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested outside US		0
Foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested outside US		172,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits		3,890,000
Unrecognized tax benefits period		12 months
Accrued for interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax		0
UNITED KINGDOM
Income Taxes
Decrease in the Valuation Allowance Related to Foreign NOLs		1,117,000
CHINA
Income Taxes
Significant foreign NOL		13,489,000
SWITZERLAND
Income Taxes
Significant foreign NOL		7,549,000
CZECH REPUBLIC
Income Taxes
Increase in the Valuation Allowance for a Foreign Tax Credit		1,329,000
Tax credit carry forwards included in valuation allowance		1,329,000
CANADA
Income Taxes
Ongoing income tax audits, number		1
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		0
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes
Tax credit carry forwards included in valuation allowance		914,000
Net operating losses included in valuation allowance		2,768,000
State credits		1,656,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | State Administration of Taxation, China [Member]
Income Taxes
Statutory tax rate prior to 2012	25.00%
Statutory tax rate from 2012 through 2014	15.00%
Tax benefit related to the reduced statutory tax rate		1,366,000
Tax benefit related to retroactive law change			$1,087,766

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Income Taxes Rate (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of effective income taxes rate
Taxes at the U.S. statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.72%	0.95%	-0.02%
Non-U.S. income taxed at rates different than the U.S. statutory rate	-7.57%	-9.86%	-8.99%
Benefit of scheduled tax credits	-1.32%	-3.88%
Foreign source income	$3.47	$60.94	$5.64
Non-deductible expenses	2.79%	-2.42%	-0.97%
Non-U.S. adjustments to valuation allowances	-0.43%	8.18%	-5.72%
Nontaxable foreign gain	0.00%		-11.47%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	0.00%	0.69%	-8.97%
Other	-0.08%	-0.65%	2.09%
Effective income tax rate	32.58%	88.95%	6.59%

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$4,043	$4,130
Increase related to current year tax positions	40	35
Increase related to prior year tax positions	5	35
Decrease as a result of lapse of statute of limitations	-114	-36
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities	-14	-121
Other Decrease	-70
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$3,890	$4,043

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 02, 2013
		facility
		employee
Discontinued Operations
Proceeds from sale of EMS business	$75,000
Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Discontinued Operations
Proceeds from sale of EMS business		$75,000
Number of manufacturing facilities		5
Number of employees		1,000

Discontinued_Operations_Statem

Discontinued Operations - Statement of Earnings of Discontinued Operation (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
The Condensed Statement of Earnings
Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations	($7,129)	$1,704	($1,082)	$580	($5,926)	$6,841
Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
The Condensed Statement of Earnings
Net sales					155,055	272,437
Cost of goods sold					142,589	262,571
Insurance recovery for business interruption						-20,256
Selling, general and administrative expenses					11,617	17,315
Insurance recovery for property damage						-1,769
Restructuring and impairment charge					1,444	2,949
Operating (loss) earnings					-595	11,627
Other expense (income), net					-345	871
(Loss) earnings before income taxes					-940	12,498
Income tax (benefit) expense					-162	5,657
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations					-778	6,841
Loss on sale of EMS operations (net of tax of $3,923)					-5,148
Loss on sale of EMS operations, tax					3,923
Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations					($5,926)	$6,841

Discontinued_Operations_Additi1

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details 3) (Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets		$4,960,000
Goodwill		500,000
Amortization expense	$700,000	$900,000

Discontinued_Operations_Busine

Discontinued Operations - Business Interruption (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Extraordinary items
Proceeds from insurance claim	$23,353,000
THAILAND
Extraordinary items
Global insurance policy covered costs		25,000,000
Value of insurance coverage deducted		250,000
Proceeds from insurance claim	24,600,000
Insurance receivable relieved	2,400,000
Business Interruption Caused by Fire [Member] | Scotland [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Extraordinary items
Reimbursement of insurance claim	1,100,000
Insurance recovery	900,000
Value of insurance coverage deducted	100,000
Insurance receivable relieved	100,000
Business Interruption Caused by Flood [Member] | THAILAND
Extraordinary items
Proceeds from insurance claim	21,500,000
Business Interruption Caused by Flood [Member] | THAILAND | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Extraordinary items
Insurance recovery	20,000,000
Business Interruption Caused by Flood [Member] | THAILAND | Continuing Operations [Member] | Components and Sensors
Extraordinary items
Insurance recovery	637,000
Property Damage Caused by Flood [Member] | THAILAND
Extraordinary items
Proceeds from insurance claim	3,100,000
Property Damage Caused by Flood [Member] | THAILAND | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions [Member]
Extraordinary items
Insurance recovery	$1,800,000

Geographic_Data_Schedule_of_Fi

Geographic Data - Schedule of Financial Information by Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales	$100,378	$99,957	$102,980	$100,706	$102,386	$103,632	$105,381	$98,062	$404,021	$409,461	$304,481
UNITED STATES
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									234,323	223,212	122,986
SINGAPORE
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									11,510	13,812	14,458
UNITED KINGDOM
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales										28,167	30,981
CHINA
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									61,683	72,509	60,864
CANADA
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									35,145	38,061	39,186
CZECH REPUBLIC
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									44,424	18,117	20,213
Other non-U.S. [Member]
Net Sales from continuing operations
Net sales									$16,936	$15,583	$15,793

Geographic_Data_Schedule_of_Re

Geographic Data - Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Areas (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	$71,414	$74,869	$93,725
UNITED STATES
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	33,048	36,664	45,957
CHINA
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	31,782	33,277	34,615
UNITED KINGDOM
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	1,055	2,004	2,669
SINGAPORE
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	80	117	1,111
CANADA
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	462	478	563
TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	2,127	1,775	1,764
THAILAND
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets			5,839
SWITZERLAND
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets		19	714
Other non-U.S. [Member]
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets	$2,860	$535	$493

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Quart

Quarterly Financial Data - Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data
Net sales	$100,378	$99,957		$102,980	$100,706	$102,386	$103,632	$105,381	$98,062	$404,021	$409,461	$304,481
Gross margins	33,026		32,499	33,823	30,615	30,166	32,001	32,400	26,786
Operating earnings	10,310		11,223	9,945	10,845	5,010	7,553	2,443	2,681	42,323	17,687	15,061
Earnings/(loss) from continuing operations						4,148	5,115	-10,253	2,988	26,522	1,997	13,492
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations						-7,129	1,704	-1,082	580		-5,926	6,841
Net earnings (loss)	$6,964		$8,117	$6,361	$5,080	($2,981)	$6,819	($11,335)	$3,568	$26,522	($3,929)	$20,333
Basic earnings per share	$0.21		$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	($0.09)	$0.20	($0.34)	$0.11	$0.79	($0.12)	$0.60
Diluted earnings per share	$0.21		$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	($0.09)	$0.21	($0.34)	$0.10	$0.78	($0.12)	$0.59
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)						$0.12	$0.16	($0.31)	$0.09	$0.79	$0.06	$0.40
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)						($0.21)	$0.04	($0.03)	$0.02		($0.18)	$0.20
Net (loss)/earnings attributable to CTS Corporation	$0.21		$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	($0.09)	$0.20	($0.34)	$0.11	$0.79	($0.12)	$0.60
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)						$0.12	$0.16	($0.31)	$0.09	$0.78	$0.06	$0.39
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)						($0.21)	$0.05	($0.03)	$0.01		($0.18)	$0.20
Total	$0.21		$0.24	$0.19	$0.15	($0.09)	$0.21	($0.34)	$0.10	$0.78	($0.12)	$0.59

Recovered_Sheet3

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	$130	$811	$1,100
Charged/ (Credit) to Expense	-38	-130	-314
Charged to Other Accounts		-442	25
Deductions	8	-109
Balance at End of Period	$100	$130	$811