Ferro (FOE) 10-Q 23 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	FERRO CORP
Entity Central Index Key	35214
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	86,601,495

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$408,104	$408,865	$1,261,083	$1,344,836
Cost of sales	323,857	348,155	1,009,945	1,112,587
Gross profit	84,247	60,710	251,138	232,249
Selling, general and administrative expenses	59,078	63,863	184,986	202,675
Restructuring and impairment charges	3,834	198,695	26,738	203,734
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	6,766	6,716	21,034	19,566
Interest earned	-48	-57	-171	-192
Foreign currency losses, net	1,308	869	4,016	792
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	-209	797	-9,493	3,038
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,518	-210,173	24,028	-197,364
Income tax expense	474	105,447	4,025	113,115
Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,044	-315,620	20,003	-310,479
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		-118	-8,421	917
Net income (loss)	13,044	-315,738	11,582	-309,562
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	392	376	177	830
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$12,652	($316,114)	$11,405	($310,392)
Basic earnings (loss):
From continuing operations	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.23	($3.61)
From discontinued operations			($0.10)	$0.01
Total	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.13	($3.60)
Diluted earnings (loss):
From continuing operations	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.23	($3.61)
From discontinued operations			($0.10)	$0.01
Total	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.13	($3.60)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$13,044	($315,738)	$11,582	($309,562)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	4,226	3,321	-3,820	-2,940
Postretirement benefit liabilities	-34	1,044	-171	-311
Total comprehensive income (loss)	17,236	-311,373	7,591	-312,813
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	415	442	323	845
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation	$16,821	($311,815)	$7,268	($313,658)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$35,853	$29,576
Accounts receivable, net	331,847	306,463
Inventories	195,617	200,824
Deferred income taxes	8,011	7,995
Other receivables	32,371	31,554
Other current assets	14,571	10,802
Current assets of discontinued operations		6,289
Total current assets	618,270	593,503
Other assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	299,619	309,374
Goodwill	63,234	62,975
Amortizable intangible assets, net	12,268	14,410
Deferred income taxes	20,527	21,554
Other non-current assets	55,444	61,941
Other assets of discontinued operations		15,346
Total assets	1,069,362	1,079,103
Current liabilities
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	59,665	85,152
Accounts payable	183,044	182,024
Accrued payrolls	44,081	31,643
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	67,514	76,384
Current liabilities of discontinued operations		1,300
Total current liabilities	354,304	376,503
Other liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion	278,119	261,624
Postretirement and pension liabilities	199,922	216,167
Other non-current liabilities	20,316	18,135
Total liabilities	852,661	872,429
Equity
Common stock, par value $1 per share; 300.0 million shares authorized; 93.4 million shares issued; 86.6 and 86.5 million shares outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively	93,436	93,436
Paid-in capital	320,216	321,652
Retained deficit	-75,201	-86,606
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,513	16,650
Common shares in treasury, at cost	-147,608	-151,605
Total Ferro Corporation shareholders' equity	203,356	193,527
Noncontrolling interests	13,345	13,147
Total equity	216,701	206,674
Total liabilities and equity	$1,069,362	$1,079,103

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized	300	300
Common stock, issued	93.4	93.4
Common stock, outstanding	86.6	86.5

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares in Treasury [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$582,494	($153,617)	$93,436	$320,882	$287,662	$23,899	$10,232
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		6,865
Net (loss) income	-309,562				-310,392		830
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-3,251					-3,266	15
Stock-based compensation transactions	4,843	588		4,255
Stock-based compensation transactions, shares		32
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-380						-380
Ending Balances at Sep. 30, 2012	274,144	-153,029	93,436	325,137	-22,730	20,633	10,697
Ending Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2012		6,897
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	206,674	-151,605	93,436	321,652	-86,606	16,650	13,147
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		6,962
Net (loss) income	11,582				11,405		177
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-3,991					-4,137	146
Stock-based compensation transactions	2,561	3,997		-1,436
Stock-based compensation transactions, shares		-129
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-125						-125
Ending Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$216,701	($147,608)	$93,436	$320,216	($75,201)	$12,513	$13,345
Ending Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2013		6,833

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$3,003		$19,536
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-21,187		-46,245
Proceeds from sale of assets	16,034		2,386
Proceeds from sale of stock of Ferro Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc.	16,912
Dividends received from affiliates	1,119		96
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	12,878		-43,763
Cash flows from financing activities
Net borrowings under loans payable	9,223	[1]	22,087	[1]
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	368,317		323,151
Principal payments on revolving credit facility	-351,404		-319,926
Extinguishment of convertible senior notes	-35,066
Other financing activities	-734		760
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-9,664		26,072
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	60		-19
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	6,277		1,826
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,576		22,991
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	35,853		24,817
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	25,484		25,343
Income taxes	$2,905		$3,130
[1]	Includes cash flows related to our domestic accounts receivable program, international accounts receivable sales programs as well as loans payable to banks.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferro Corporation (“Ferro,” “we,” “us” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q, and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Prior periods have been adjusted for the presentation of discontinued operations.
	Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results expected in subsequent quarters or for the full year ending December 31, 2013.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Accounting Standards Adopted in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	On January 1, 2013, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, (“ASU 2011-11”) and ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, (“ASU 2013-01”). These pronouncements are codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 210, Balance Sheet, and contain new disclosure requirements about a company’s right of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial and derivative instruments. Adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	On January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2013-02”), which is codified in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. This pronouncement adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	3. Inventories
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	59,272	$	64,923
	Work in process		35,716		35,028
	Finished goods		100,629		100,873
	Total inventories	$	195,617	$	200,824
	In the production of some of our products, we use precious metals, some of which we obtain from financial institutions under consignment agreements with terms of one year or less. The financial institutions retain ownership of the precious metals and charge us fees based on the amounts we consign. These fees were $0.7 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were $2.5 million and $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We had on hand precious metals owned by participants in our precious metals consignment program of $89.5 million at September 30, 2013, and $112.2 million at December 31, 2012, measured at fair value based on market prices for identical assets and net of credits.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	4. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $686.5 million at September 30, 2013, and $658.1 million at December 31, 2012. Unpaid capital expenditure liabilities, which are noncash investing activities, were $6.6 million at September 30, 2013, and $7.3 million at September 30, 2012.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	5. Debt
	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt consisted of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Loans payable to banks		$	3,247		$	2,477
	Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program			48,000			40,000
	International accounts receivable sales programs			5,554			6,122
	Current portion of long-term debt			2,864			36,553
	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt		$	59,665		$	85,152
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	7.875% Senior Notes		$	250,000		$	250,000
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts			—			34,417
	Revolving credit facility			19,509			2,596
	Capital lease obligations			6,053			6,433
	Other notes			5,421			4,731
	Total long-term debt			280,983			298,177
	Current portion of long-term debt			(2,864	)		(36,553	)
	Long-term debt, less current portion		$	278,119		$	261,624
	Receivable Sales Programs
	We have an asset securitization program for Ferro’s U.S. trade accounts receivable. We sell interests in our domestic receivables to various purchasers, and we may obtain up to $50.0 million in the form of cash or letters of credit. Advances received under this program are accounted for as borrowings secured by the receivables and included in net cash provided by financing activities. In the second quarter of 2013, we extended the maturity of this credit facility through May 2014. At September 30, 2013, advances received of $48.0 million were secured by $77.6 million of accounts receivable, and based on available and qualifying receivables, $2.0 million of additional borrowings were available under the program. During the third quarter of 2013 we amended the agreement. The interest rate under the amended agreement is the sum of (A) either (1) LIBOR rates or (2) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate and (B) a fixed margin. At September 30, 2013, the interest rate was 0.6%.
	We also have several international programs to sell with recourse trade accounts receivable to financial institutions. Advances received under these programs are accounted for as borrowings secured by the receivables and included in net cash provided by financing activities. At September 30, 2013, the commitments supporting these programs totaled $18.9 million, the advances received of $5.6 million were secured by $8.7 million of accounts receivable, and based on available and qualifying receivables, $0.2 million of additional borrowings were available under the programs. The interest rates under these programs are based on EURIBOR rates plus 1.75%. At September 30, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate was 1.9%.
	7.875% Senior Notes
	The 7.875% Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”) were issued in 2010 at par, bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15th and August 15th, and mature on August 15, 2018. We may also redeem some or all of the Senior Notes prior to August 15, 2014, at a price equal to the principal amount plus a defined applicable premium. The applicable premium on any redemption date is the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the note or the excess of (1) the present value at such redemption date of the redemption price of the note at August 15, 2014, plus all required interest payments due on the note through August 15, 2014, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (2) the principal amount of the note. In addition, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes beginning August 15, 2014, at prices ranging from 100% to 103.938% of the principal amount.
	The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with any other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The Senior Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for high-yield debt securities, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, create liens, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase our common stock and sell assets outside the ordinary course of business. At September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Senior Notes’ indenture.
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes
	The 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Convertible Notes”) were repaid at maturity on August 15, 2013. The principal amount outstanding at maturity was $35.1 million.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	In 2010, we entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with a group of lenders for a five-year, $350 million multi-currency senior revolving credit facility (the “2010 Credit Facility”). In March 2013, we amended the 2010 Credit Facility (the “2013 Amended Credit Facility”) to provide additional operating flexibility. The primary effects of the 2013 Amended Credit Facility were to:
		•		Decrease the Revolving Loan Commitment Amount from $350.0 million to $250.0 million;
		•		Amend the calculation of EBITDA to provide for a restructuring expense add-back attributable to the Company’s restructuring programs of $30.0 million in 2013, $20.0 million in 2014 and $10.0 million in 2015, with no aggregate limit on restructuring expense;
		•		Increase the maximum permitted leverage ratio such that for (i) the first, second and third quarters of 2013, it shall increase from 3.50 to 4.25; (ii) the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, it shall increase from 3.50 to 4.00; (iii) the second and third quarters of 2014, it shall increase from 3.50 to 3.75; and (iv) the fourth quarter of 2014 and thereafter, it will be 3.50; and
		•		Amend the requirements for Permitted Acquisitions such that for the Company to consummate a Permitted Acquisition the Company must have minimum liquidity of $100.0 million and the Company’s Secured Leverage Ratio must be less than 1.50.
	The 2013 Amended Credit Facility matures on August 24, 2015, and is secured by substantially all of Ferro’s assets. After reductions for outstanding letters of credit, we had $225.0 million of additional borrowings available at September 30, 2013. The interest rate under the 2013 Amended Credit Facility is the sum of (A) either (1) LIBOR or (2) the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, the Prime Rate, or LIBOR plus 1.0% and (B) a variable margin based on the Company’s leverage. At September 30, 2013, the interest rate was 3.4%.
	Under the 2013 Amended Credit Facility, we are subject to a number of financial covenants, including limitations on the payment of common stock dividends. At September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2013 Amended Credit Facility.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	6. Financial Instruments
	The following financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented at their respective carrying amount, fair value and classification within the fair value hierarchy:
		September 30, 2013
		Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	35,853		$	35,853		$	35,853	$	—		$	—
	Loans payable		(56,801	)		(56,801	)		—		(56,801	)		—
	7.875% Senior Notes		(250,000	)		(262,500	)		—		(262,500	)		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		(19,509	)		(19,936	)		—		(19,936	)		—
	Other long-term notes payable		(5,421	)		(4,511	)		—		(4,511	)		—
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net		(2,467	)		(2,467	)		—		(2,467	)		—
		December 31, 2012
		Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,576		$	29,576		$	29,576	$	—		$	—
	Loans payable		(48,599	)		(48,599	)		—		(48,599	)		—
	7.875% Senior Notes		(250,000	)		(231,500	)		—		(231,500	)		—
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		(34,417	)		(34,803	)		—		(34,803	)		—
	Revolving credit facility		(2,596	)		(2,634	)		—		(2,634	)		—
	Other long-term notes payable		(4,731	)		(3,937	)		—		(3,937	)		—
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net		(4,758	)		(4,758	)		—		(4,758	)		—
	The fair values of cash and cash equivalents are based on the fair values of identical assets. The fair values of short-term loans payable are based on the present value of expected future cash flows and approximate their carrying amounts due to the short periods to maturity. The fair values of the Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes are based on third-party estimated bid prices. The fair values of the Revolving Credit Facility and the other long-term notes payable are based on the present value of expected future cash flows, assumptions about current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the Company that market participants would use in pricing the debt.
	Foreign currency forward contracts. We manage foreign currency risks principally by entering into forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions, the majority of which are intercompany. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are netted with gains and losses from currency fluctuations on transactions arising from international trade and reported as foreign currency losses, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, net foreign currency loss was approximately $1.3 million and $4.0 million, respectively, which is primarily comprised of the foreign exchange impact on transactions in countries where it is not economically feasible for us to enter into hedging arrangements and hedging inefficiencies, including timing of transactions, etc. Net losses arising from the change in fair value of our financial instruments of $2.7 million and $6.7 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, offset related net gains on the underlying intercompany transactions of approximately the same amounts. The fair values of these contracts are based on market prices for comparable contracts. We had foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts of $231.3 million at September 30, 2013, and $250.7 million at December 31, 2012.
	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of our foreign currency forward contracts:
		Amount of Loss
		Recognized in
		Earnings
		2013			2012			Location of Loss in Earnings
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,652	)	$	(4,148	)	Foreign currency losses, net
	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of our foreign currency forward contracts:
		Amount of (Loss)
		Gain Recognized in
		Earnings
		2013			2012			Location of (Loss) Gain in Earnings
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(6,652	)	$	5,385		Foreign currency losses, net
	The following table presents the fair values on our consolidated balance sheets of foreign currency forward contracts:
		September 30,			December 31,			Balance Sheet Location
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Asset derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		211			213		Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Liability derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		(2,678	)		(4,971	)	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	7. Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $4.0 million, or 16.8% of pre-tax income. In the first nine months of 2012, we recorded income tax expense of $113.1 million, or (57.3)% of pre-tax income. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the reserve for a significant portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets, that was recorded in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the expected usage of tax assets in 2013.

Contingent_Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent Liabilities	8. Contingent Liabilities
	We have recorded environmental liabilities of $8.2 million at September 30, 2013, and $9.6 million at December 31, 2012, for costs associated with the remediation of certain of our properties that have been contaminated, primarily a non-operating facility in Brazil. The costs include legal and consulting fees, site studies, the design and implementation of remediation plans, post-remediation monitoring and related activities. The ultimate liability could be affected by numerous uncertainties, including the extent of contamination found, the required period of monitoring and the ultimate cost of required remediation.
	There are various lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and its subsidiaries. We do not currently expect the ultimate liabilities, if any, and expenses related to such lawsuits and claims to materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	9. Retirement Benefits
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost of our U.S. pension plans (including our unfunded nonqualified plans), non-U.S. pension plans, and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, follow:
		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S. Pension Plans						Other Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	4		$	4		$	519		$	493		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		4,485			4,867			1,224			1,313			285			396
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,181	)		(5,158	)		(742	)		(748	)		—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		3			12			7			—			(29	)		(33	)
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(1,689	)	$	(275	)	$	1,008		$	1,058		$	256		$	363
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, follow:
		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S. Pension Plans						Other Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	12		$	12		$	1,577		$	1,496		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		13,455			14,602			3,672			3,990			855			1,189
	Expected return on plan assets		(18,543	)		(15,473	)		(2,229	)		(2,253	)		—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		9			36			21			1			(87	)		(98	)
	Curtailment and settlement effects		—			—			—			(2,394	)		—			—
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(5,067	)	$	(823	)	$	3,041		$	840		$	768		$	1,091
	Net periodic benefit credit for our U.S. pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased from the effects of a lower discount rate and larger plan asset balances resulting in increased expected returns. Net periodic benefit cost for our non-U.S. pension plans increased due to the non-recurring credit recognized in the second quarter of 2012, resulting from curtailment of retirement benefit accumulations in the Netherlands. The affected employees in the Netherlands now receive benefits through a defined contribution plan.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	10. Stock-Based Compensation
	On May 22, 2013, our shareholders approved the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 22, 2013, subject to shareholder approval. The Plan’s purpose is to promote the Company’s long-term financial interests and growth by attracting, retaining and motivating high quality key employees and directors, motivating such employees and directors to achieve the Company’s short- and long-range performance goals and objectives, aligning their interests with those of its shareholders. The Plan reserves 4,400,000 shares of common stock to be issued for grants of several different types of long-term incentives including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, performance shares, other common stock based awards, and dividend equivalent rights.
	The 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Previous Plan”) was replaced by the Plan, and no future grants may be made under the Previous Plan. However, any outstanding awards or grants made under the Previous Plan will continue until the end of their specified terms.
	In 2013, our Board of Directors granted 0.6 million stock options, 0.5 million performance share units and 0.4 million deferred stock units under The Previous Plan and The Plan. The following table details the weighted-average grant-date fair values and the assumptions used for estimating the fair values of stock option grants made during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Stock Options
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$	4.01
	Expected life, in years		6
	Risk-free interest rate		1.2% - 1.4	%
	Expected volatility		83.9% - 86.4	%
	The weighted average grant date fair value of our performance share units was $5.69. These shares are currently expensed at target and are evaluated each reporting period for likelihood of achieving the performance criteria.
	We measure the fair value of deferred stock units based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of the grant. The weighted-average fair value per unit for grants made during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $5.70.
	We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2013, unearned compensation cost related to the unvested portion of all stock-based awards was approximately $8.4 million and is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the respective grants, through the first quarter of 2016.

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	11. Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs
	In the first quarter of 2013, we developed and initiated various restructuring programs across the organization with the objectives of realigning the business and lowering our cost structure. Specifically, the programs relate to our European operations, certain corporate functions, improvement of operational efficiencies, and the exit of the solar pastes product line. As a result of the restructuring actions, the Company expects to incur charges of approximately $40 million, the majority of which will be for severance costs and require future cash expenditures. The programs are subject to required consultations with employee representatives at the affected sites and other local legal requirements. Charges associated with these programs were $3.8 million and $26.7 million for the three and the nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The cumulative charges incurred to date associated with these programs are $37.0 million.
	The activities and accruals related to our restructuring and cost reduction programs are summarized below:
		Employee			Other			Asset			Total
		Severance			Costs			Impairment
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	4,093		$	6,139					$	10,232
	Restructuring charges		19,647			7,094			(3	)		26,738
	Cash payments		(14,715	)		(7,671	)					(22,386	)
	Non-cash items		92			(820	)		3			(725	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	9,117		$	4,742		$	—		$	13,859
	We expect to make cash payments to settle the remaining liability for employee termination benefits and other costs over the next twelve months, except where legal or contractual restrictions prevent us from doing so.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	12. Discontinued Operations
	During the first quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of the stock of our pharmaceuticals business, Ferro Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc. (“FPL”), which was previously reported within the Pharmaceuticals reportable segment. Consideration was comprised of a $16.9 million cash payment, and the transaction also included an earn-out incentive of up to $8.0 million based on achieving certain earnings targets over a two-year period. In March 2013, prior to the sale, an impairment loss of $8.7 million associated with the long lived assets of FPL was recorded under ASC Topic 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. The write down was determined by estimating the fair value of the assets less cost to sell of $14.8 million using the market approach considering a bona fide purchase offer, a level three measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The operations of FPL have been segregated from continuing operations and are included in discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense has been allocated to the discontinued operation based on the ratio of net assets of FPL to consolidated net assets excluding debt.
		Three months ended
		September 30,
		2012
	Net sales	$	5,975
	Cost of sales		4,346
	Gross profit		1,629
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,246
	Restructuring charges		95
	Interest expense		385
	Miscellaneous income, net		(5	)
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(92	)
	Income tax expense		26
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(118	)
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	4,791		$	17,899
	Cost of sales		2,762			11,641
	Gross profit		2,029			6,258
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,181			3,631
	Restructuring and impairment charges		8,682			95
	Interest expense		589			1,123
	Miscellaneous income, net		(2	)		(11	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		(8,421	)		1,420
	Income tax expense		—			503
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(8,421	)	$	917
	The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of FPL at December 31, 2012, which are presented separately on the condensed consolidated balance sheet:
		(Dollars in
		thousands)
	Inventories	$	6,267
	Other current assets		22
	Current assets of discontinued operations		6,289
	Property, plant and equipment, net		15,346
	Other assets of discontinued operations		15,346
	Accounts payable		880
	Accrued payrolls		47
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		373
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$	1,300

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	13. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Details of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are shown below:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		As adjusted			2013		As adjusted
				2012					2012
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	12,652	$	(316,114	)	$	11,405	$	(310,392	)
	Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		—		118			8,421		(917	)
	Total	$	12,652	$	(315,996	)	$	19,826	$	(311,309	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,426		86,296			86,464		86,274
	Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.15	$	(3.66	)	$	0.23	$	(3.61	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	12,652	$	(316,114	)	$	11,405	$	(310,392	)
	Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		—		118			8,421		(917	)
	Total	$	12,652	$	(315,996	)	$	19,826	$	(311,309	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,426		86,296			86,464		86,274
	Assumed exercise of stock options		200		—			112		—
	Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions		77		—			63		—
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted stock unit conditions		120		—			84		—
	Assumed satisfaction of performance stock unit conditions		375		—			247		—
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions		52		—			63		—
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		87,250		86,296			87,033		86,274
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.15	$	(3.66	)	$	0.23	$	(3.61	)
	The number of anti-dilutive or unearned shares, including shares related to contingently convertible debt, was 2.0 million and 2.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and 7.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
		Benefit Liability			Adjustments			Adjustments
		Adjustments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,510		$	5,911		$	(77	)	$	8,344
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		—			4,203			—			4,203
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(34	)		—			—			(34	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(34	)		4,203			—			4,169
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,476		$	10,114		$	(77	)	$	12,513
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
		Benefit Liability			Adjustments			Adjustments
		Adjustments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,647		$	14,080		$	(77	)	$	16,650
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		—			(3,966	)		—			(3,966	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(171	)		—			—			(171	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		(171	)		(3,966	)		—			(4,137	)
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,476		$	10,114		$	(77	)	$	12,513

Reporting_for_Segments

Reporting for Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reporting for Segments	15. Reporting for Segments
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reorganized its operating segments to reflect the current structure under which performance is evaluated, strategic decisions are made and resources are allocated. The new structure aligns the continuing product lines of our former Electronic Materials segment with our continuing operating segments. Under the new structure, we will continue to report Specialty Plastics, Polymer Additives and Performance Coatings, which aggregates our Tile Coating Systems and Porcelain Enamel operating segments, consistent with the manner in which they have historically been reported. The Glass Systems and Performance Pigments and Colors operating segments that aggregated into the historically reported Color and Glass Performance Materials segment, now include our continuing product lines that were historically reported within the Electronic Materials segment, and as a result of such inclusion, fail to meet the aggregation criteria for continuing to report as one segment. These operating segments will now be reported as the Pigments, Powders and Oxides, and Performance Colors and Glass segments. As discussed in Note 12, our pharmaceuticals business that comprised the Pharmaceuticals segment was sold in the first quarter, and is reported as a discontinued operation.
	Net sales to external customers by segment are presented in the table below. Sales between segments were not material.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			As adjusted			2013			As adjusted
					2012						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	47,647		$	64,053		$	155,948		$	219,398
	Performance Colors and Glass		94,059			86,398			298,633			294,806
	Performance Coatings		151,873			137,228			445,969			447,065
	Polymer Additives		71,599			79,881			229,266			251,055
	Specialty Plastics		42,926			41,305			131,267			132,512
	Total net sales	$	408,104		$	408,865		$	1,261,083		$	1,344,836
	In the first quarter, in conjunction with the changes to operating segments, we changed the profitability metric utilized by management to evaluate segment performance. The metric that was utilized historically was segment income, and segment gross profit is the metric that is now utilized. We measure segment gross profit for internal reporting purposes by excluding certain other cost of sales, which includes costs associated with facilities that have been idled or closed. Each segment’s gross profit and a reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			As adjusted			2013			As adjusted
					2012						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	8,390		$	7,231		$	25,882		$	28,363
	Performance Colors and Glass		28,713			21,086			87,203			77,220
	Performance Coatings		36,410			23,858			100,237			85,328
	Polymer Additives		6,251			8,907			20,616			26,871
	Specialty Plastics		6,881			6,984			22,116			23,207
	Other cost of sales		(2,398	)		(7,356	)		(4,916	)		(8,740	)
	Total gross profit		84,247			60,710			251,138			232,249
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		59,078			63,863			184,986			202,675
	Restructuring and impairment charges		3,834			198,695			26,738			203,734
	Other expense, net		7,817			8,325			15,386			23,204
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,518		$	(210,173	)	$	24,028		$	(197,364	)

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen1

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Adopted	Accounting Standards Adopted in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	On January 1, 2013, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, (“ASU 2011-11”) and ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, (“ASU 2013-01”). These pronouncements are codified in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 210, Balance Sheet, and contain new disclosure requirements about a company’s right of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial and derivative instruments. Adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	On January 1, 2013, we adopted FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, (“ASU 2013-02”), which is codified in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. This pronouncement adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The fair values of cash and cash equivalents are based on the fair values of identical assets. The fair values of short-term loans payable are based on the present value of expected future cash flows and approximate their carrying amounts due to the short periods to maturity. The fair values of the Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes are based on third-party estimated bid prices. The fair values of the Revolving Credit Facility and the other long-term notes payable are based on the present value of expected future cash flows, assumptions about current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the Company that market participants would use in pricing the debt.
Segment Reporting	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reorganized its operating segments to reflect the current structure under which performance is evaluated, strategic decisions are made and resources are allocated. The new structure aligns the continuing product lines of our former Electronic Materials segment with our continuing operating segments. Under the new structure, we will continue to report Specialty Plastics, Polymer Additives and Performance Coatings, which aggregates our Tile Coating Systems and Porcelain Enamel operating segments, consistent with the manner in which they have historically been reported. The Glass Systems and Performance Pigments and Colors operating segments that aggregated into the historically reported Color and Glass Performance Materials segment, now include our continuing product lines that were historically reported within the Electronic Materials segment, and as a result of such inclusion, fail to meet the aggregation criteria for continuing to report as one segment. These operating segments will now be reported as the Pigments, Powders and Oxides, and Performance Colors and Glass segments. As discussed in Note 12, our pharmaceuticals business that comprised the Pharmaceuticals segment was sold in the first quarter, and is reported as a discontinued operation.
	Net sales to external customers by segment are presented in the table below. Sales between segments were not material.
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		As adjusted		2013		As adjusted
				2012				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)				(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	47,647	$	64,053	$	155,948	$	219,398
	Performance Colors and Glass		94,059		86,398		298,633		294,806
	Performance Coatings		151,873		137,228		445,969		447,065
	Polymer Additives		71,599		79,881		229,266		251,055
	Specialty Plastics		42,926		41,305		131,267		132,512
	Total net sales	$	408,104	$	408,865	$	1,261,083	$	1,344,836
	In the first quarter, in conjunction with the changes to operating segments, we changed the profitability metric utilized by management to evaluate segment performance. The metric that was utilized historically was segment income, and segment gross profit is the metric that is now utilized. We measure segment gross profit for internal reporting purposes by excluding certain other cost of sales, which includes costs associated with facilities that have been idled or closed.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	59,272	$	64,923
	Work in process		35,716		35,028
	Finished goods		100,629		100,873
	Total inventories	$	195,617	$	200,824

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans Payable and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Loans payable to banks	$	3,247		$	2,477
	Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program		48,000			40,000
	International accounts receivable sales programs		5,554			6,122
	Current portion of long-term debt		2,864			36,553
	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	59,665		$	85,152
Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	7.875% Senior Notes	$	250,000		$	250,000
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		—			34,417
	Revolving credit facility		19,509			2,596
	Capital lease obligations		6,053			6,433
	Other notes		5,421			4,731
	Total long-term debt		280,983			298,177
	Current portion of long-term debt		(2,864	)		(36,553	)
	Long-term debt, less current portion	$	278,119		$	261,624

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	The following financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented at their respective carrying amount, fair value and classification within the fair value hierarchy:
		September 30, 2013
		Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	35,853		$	35,853		$	35,853	$	—		$	—
	Loans payable		(56,801	)		(56,801	)		—		(56,801	)		—
	7.875% Senior Notes		(250,000	)		(262,500	)		—		(262,500	)		—
	Revolving Credit Facility		(19,509	)		(19,936	)		—		(19,936	)		—
	Other long-term notes payable		(5,421	)		(4,511	)		—		(4,511	)		—
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net		(2,467	)		(2,467	)		—		(2,467	)		—
		December 31, 2012
		Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	29,576		$	29,576		$	29,576	$	—		$	—
	Loans payable		(48,599	)		(48,599	)		—		(48,599	)		—
	7.875% Senior Notes		(250,000	)		(231,500	)		—		(231,500	)		—
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		(34,417	)		(34,803	)		—		(34,803	)		—
	Revolving credit facility		(2,596	)		(2,634	)		—		(2,634	)		—
	Other long-term notes payable		(4,731	)		(3,937	)		—		(3,937	)		—
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net		(4,758	)		(4,758	)		—		(4,758	)		—
Effect on Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Financial Performance	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of our foreign currency forward contracts:
		Amount of Loss Recognized in
		Earnings
		2013			2012			Location of Loss in Earnings
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,652	)	$	(4,148	)	Foreign currency losses, net
	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of our foreign currency forward contracts:
		Amount of (Loss) Gain
		Recognized in Earnings
		2013			2012			Location of (Loss) Gain in Earnings
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(6,652	)	$	5,385		Foreign currency losses, net
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table presents the fair values on our consolidated balance sheets of foreign currency forward contracts:
		September 30,			December 31,			Balance Sheet Location
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Asset derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		211			213		Accrued expenses and
								other current liabilities
	Liability derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		(2,678	)		(4,971	)	Accrued expenses and
								other current liabilities

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Periodic Benefit (Credit) Cost	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost of our U.S. pension plans (including our unfunded nonqualified plans), non-U.S. pension plans, and postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, follow:
		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S. Pension Plans						Other Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	4		$	4		$	519		$	493		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		4,485			4,867			1,224			1,313			285			396
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,181	)		(5,158	)		(742	)		(748	)		—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		3			12			7			—			(29	)		(33	)
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(1,689	)	$	(275	)	$	1,008		$	1,058		$	256		$	363
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, follow:
		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S. Pension Plans						Other Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Service cost	$	12		$	12		$	1,577		$	1,496		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost		13,455			14,602			3,672			3,990			855			1,189
	Expected return on plan assets		(18,543	)		(15,473	)		(2,229	)		(2,253	)		—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		9			36			21			1			(87	)		(98	)
	Curtailment and settlement effects		—			—			—			(2,394	)		—			—
	Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(5,067	)	$	(823	)	$	3,041		$	840		$	768		$	1,091

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Details of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Values and Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values	The following table details the weighted-average grant-date fair values and the assumptions used for estimating the fair values of stock option grants made during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Stock Options
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$	4.01
	Expected life, in years		6
	Risk-free interest rate		1.2% - 1.4	%
	Expected volatility		83.9% - 86.4	%

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti1

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Accruals Related to Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	The activities and accruals related to our restructuring and cost reduction programs are summarized below:
		Employee			Other Costs			Asset			Total
		Severance						Impairment
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	4,093		$	6,139					$	10,232
	Restructuring charges		19,647			7,094			(3	)		26,738
	Cash payments		(14,715	)		(7,671	)					(22,386	)
	Non-cash items		92			(820	)		3			(725	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	9,117		$	4,742		$	—		$	13,859

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Discontinued Operations	The operations of FPL have been segregated from continuing operations and are included in discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense has been allocated to the discontinued operation based on the ratio of net assets of FPL to consolidated net assets excluding debt.
		Three months ended
		September 30,
		2012
	Net sales	$	5,975
	Cost of sales		4,346
	Gross profit		1,629
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,246
	Restructuring charges		95
	Interest expense		385
	Miscellaneous income, net		(5	)
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(92	)
	Income tax expense		26
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(118	)
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	4,791		$	17,899
	Cost of sales		2,762			11,641
	Gross profit		2,029			6,258
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,181			3,631
	Restructuring and impairment charges		8,682			95
	Interest expense		589			1,123
	Miscellaneous income, net		(2	)		(11	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		(8,421	)		1,420
	Income tax expense		—			503
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(8,421	)	$	917
	The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of FPL at December 31, 2012, which are presented separately on the condensed consolidated balance sheet:
		(Dollars in
		thousands)
	Inventories	$	6,267
	Other current assets		22
	Current assets of discontinued operations		6,289
	Property, plant and equipment, net		15,346
	Other assets of discontinued operations		15,346
	Accounts payable		880
	Accrued payrolls		47
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		373
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$	1,300

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Details of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are shown below:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		As adjusted			2013		As adjusted
				2012					2012
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	12,652	$	(316,114	)	$	11,405	$	(310,392	)
	Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		—		118			8,421		(917	)
	Total	$	12,652	$	(315,996	)	$	19,826	$	(311,309	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,426		86,296			86,464		86,274
	Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.15	$	(3.66	)	$	0.23	$	(3.61	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	12,652	$	(316,114	)	$	11,405	$	(310,392	)
	Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		—		118			8,421		(917	)
	Total	$	12,652	$	(315,996	)	$	19,826	$	(311,309	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,426		86,296			86,464		86,274
	Assumed exercise of stock options		200		—			112		—
	Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions		77		—			63		—
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted stock unit conditions		120		—			84		—
	Assumed satisfaction of performance stock unit conditions		375		—			247		—
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions		52		—			63		—
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		87,250		86,296			87,033		86,274
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.15	$	(3.66	)	$	0.23	$	(3.61	)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, Net of Tax	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
		Benefit Liability			Adjustments			Adjustments
		Adjustments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,510		$	5,911		$	(77	)	$	8,344
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		—			4,203			—			4,203
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(34	)		—			—			(34	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(34	)		4,203			—			4,169
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,476		$	10,114		$	(77	)	$	12,513
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
		Benefit Liability			Adjustments			Adjustments
		Adjustments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,647		$	14,080		$	(77	)	$	16,650
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		—			(3,966	)		—			(3,966	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(171	)		—			—			(171	)
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		(171	)		(3,966	)		—			(4,137	)
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,476		$	10,114		$	(77	)	$	12,513

Reporting_for_Segments_Tables

Reporting for Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net Sales to External Customers by Segment	Net sales to external customers by segment are presented in the table below. Sales between segments were not material.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			As adjusted			2013			As adjusted
					2012						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	47,647		$	64,053		$	155,948		$	219,398
	Performance Colors and Glass		94,059			86,398			298,633			294,806
	Performance Coatings		151,873			137,228			445,969			447,065
	Polymer Additives		71,599			79,881			229,266			251,055
	Specialty Plastics		42,926			41,305			131,267			132,512
	Total net sales	$	408,104		$	408,865		$	1,261,083		$	1,344,836
Each Segment's Gross Profit and Reconciliation to Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	Each segment’s gross profit and a reconciliation to income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			As adjusted			2013			As adjusted
					2012						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)						(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	8,390		$	7,231		$	25,882		$	28,363
	Performance Colors and Glass		28,713			21,086			87,203			77,220
	Performance Coatings		36,410			23,858			100,237			85,328
	Polymer Additives		6,251			8,907			20,616			26,871
	Specialty Plastics		6,881			6,984			22,116			23,207
	Other cost of sales		(2,398	)		(7,356	)		(4,916	)		(8,740	)
	Total gross profit		84,247			60,710			251,138			232,249
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		59,078			63,863			184,986			202,675
	Restructuring and impairment charges		3,834			198,695			26,738			203,734
	Other expense, net		7,817			8,325			15,386			23,204
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	13,518		$	(210,173	)	$	24,028		$	(197,364	)

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$59,272	$64,923
Work in process	35,716	35,028
Finished goods	100,629	100,873
Total inventories	$195,617	$200,824

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Terms of precious metals consignment agreements, maximum			1 year
Fees under precious metals consignment agreements	$0.70	$1.40	$2.50	$5
Fair value of precious metals on hand under consignment agreements	$89.50		$89.50		$112.20

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation	$686.50		$658.10
Unpaid capital expenditure liabilities	$6.60	$7.30

Debt_Loans_Payable_and_Current

Debt - Loans Payable and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$59,665	$85,152
Loans Payable to Banks [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	3,247	2,477
Domestic Accounts Receivable Asset Securitization Program [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	48,000	40,000
International Accounts Receivable Sales Programs [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	5,554	6,122
Current Portion of Long-term Debt [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$2,864	$36,553

Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Detail

Debt - Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$280,983	$298,177
Current portion of long-term debt	-2,864	-36,553
Long-term debt, less current portion	278,119	261,624
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	250,000	250,000
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt		34,417
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	19,509	2,596
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	6,053	6,433
Other Long-term Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$5,421	$4,731

Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Parenthetic

Debt - Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate	6.50%	6.50%
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate	7.88%	7.88%

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Domestic Accounts Receivable Asset Securitization Program [Member]

Domestic Accounts Receivable Asset Securitization Program [Member]

International Accounts Receivable Sales Programs [Member]

International Accounts Receivable Sales Programs [Member]

6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]

6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]

2010 Credit Facility [Member]

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

First, Second and Third Quarter 2013 [Member]

Fourth Quarter 2013 and First Quarter 2014 [Member]

Second and Third Quarter 2014 [Member]

Fourth Quarter 2014 and Thereafter [Member]

Prior to August 15, 2014 [Member]

Beginning August 15, 2014 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable Federal Funds Rate plus

0.50%

0.50%

Interest rate

0.60%

Maximum available in form of cash or letters of credit

$50,000,000

Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt

59,665,000

85,152,000

48,000,000

40,000,000

5,554,000

6,122,000

Accounts receivable securing advances

77,600,000

8,700,000

Additional availability under program

2,000,000

200,000

225,000,000

Commitments supporting international programs

18,900,000

Interest rate terms, basis

EURIBOR

Weighted-average interest rate

1.90%

Interest rate terms, rates plus

1.75%

Debt stated interest rate

6.50%

6.50%

7.88%

7.88%

Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment

Interest payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15th and August 15th

Maturity date

15-Aug-13

15-Aug-18

Redemption Terms

We may also redeem some or all of the Senior Notes prior to August 15, 2014, at a price equal to the principal amount plus a defined applicable premium. The applicable premium on any redemption date is the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the note or the excess of (1) the present value at such redemption date of the redemption price of the note at August 15, 2014, plus all required interest payments due on the note through August 15, 2014, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (2) the principal amount of the note. In addition, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes beginning August 15, 2014, at prices ranging from 100% to 103.938% of the principal amount.

Minimum premium percentage of principal amount

1.00%

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable Treasury Rate

0.50%

Percentage of principal amount redemption price, minimum

100.00%

Percentage of principal amount redemption price, maximum

103.94%

Principal amount outstanding

35,100,000

Debt facility amount

350,000,000

250,000,000

Term of credit facility

5 years

Restructuring expenses related to credit facility 2013

30,000,000

Restructuring expenses related to credit facility 2014

20,000,000

Restructuring expenses related to credit facility 2015

10,000,000

Leverage ratio minimum

3.5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Leverage ratio maximum

4.25

4

3.75

Minimum liquidity for permitted acquisitions

$100,000,000

Leverage ratio

1.5

Maturity date

24-Aug-15

Interest rate terms

The interest rate under the 2013 Amended Credit Facility is the sum of (A) either (1) LIBOR or (2) the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, the Prime Rate, or LIBOR plus 1.0% and (B) a variable margin based on the Company's leverage.

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable LIBOR Rate plus

1.00%

Interest rate

3.40%

Financial_Instruments_Financia

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$35,853	$29,576
Loans payable	-56,801	-48,599
7.875% Senior Notes	-250,000	-250,000
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		-34,417
Revolving credit facility	-19,509	-2,596
Other long-term notes payable	-5,421	-4,731
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,467	-4,758
Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	35,853	29,576
Loans payable	-56,801	-48,599
7.875% Senior Notes	-262,500	-231,500
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		-34,803
Revolving credit facility	-19,936	-2,634
Other long-term notes payable	-4,511	-3,937
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,467	-4,758
Level 1 [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	35,853	29,576
Loans payable
7.875% Senior Notes
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts
Revolving credit facility
Other long-term notes payable
Foreign currency forward contracts, net
Level 2 [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans payable	-56,801	-48,599
7.875% Senior Notes	-262,500	-231,500
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		-34,803
Revolving credit facility	-19,936	-2,634
Other long-term notes payable	-4,511	-3,937
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,467	-4,758
Level 3 [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans payable
7.875% Senior Notes
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts
Revolving credit facility
Other long-term notes payable
Foreign currency forward contracts, net

Financial_Instruments_Financia1

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate	7.88%	7.88%
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate	6.50%	6.50%
Total Fair Value [Member] | 7.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate	7.88%	7.88%
Total Fair Value [Member] | 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Debt stated interest rate		6.50%

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
			Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Net foreign currency loss			$1,300,000	$4,000,000
Net losses arising from the change in fair value			2,700,000	6,700,000
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contract	$231,300,000	$250,700,000

Financial_Instruments_Effect_o

Financial Instruments - Effect on Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Financial Performance (Detail) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in Earnings	$1,300		$4,000
Foreign Currency (Loss) Gain [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in Earnings	($2,652)	($4,148)	($6,652)	$5,385

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member], Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	$211	$213
Liability derivatives	($2,678)	($4,971)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$474	$105,447	$4,025	$113,115
Effective income tax rate			16.80%	-57.30%

Contingent_Liabilities_Additio

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Undiscounted remediation liability associated with environmentally contaminated non-operating facility	$8.20	$9.60

Retirement_Benefits_Net_Period

Retirement Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit (Credit) Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$4	$4	$12	$12
Interest cost	4,485	4,867	13,455	14,602
Expected return on plan assets	-6,181	-5,158	-18,543	-15,473
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	3	12	9	36
Curtailment and settlement effects
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	-1,689	-275	-5,067	-823
Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	519	493	1,577	1,496
Interest cost	1,224	1,313	3,672	3,990
Expected return on plan assets	-742	-748	-2,229	-2,253
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	7		21	1
Curtailment and settlement effects				-2,394
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	1,008	1,058	3,041	840
Other Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost
Interest cost	285	396	855	1,189
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-29	-33	-87	-98
Curtailment and settlement effects
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$256	$363	$768	$1,091

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock reserved under plan	4,400,000
Recognized stock-based compensation expense	$4.40	$5.70
Unearned compensation cost related to the unvested portion of all stock-based awards	$8.40
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share based compensation units granted	500,000
Weighted average grant date fair value	$5.69
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share based compensation units granted	400,000
Weighted average grant date fair value	$5.70
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share based compensation units granted	600,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation - Details of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Values and Assumptions Used for Estimating Fair Values (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$4.01
Expected life, in years	6 years
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.40%
Expected volatility, maximum	86.40%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.20%
Expected volatility, minimum	83.90%

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti2

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance costs			$40,000,000
Restructuring charges on new programs	3,834,000	198,695,000	26,738,000	203,734,000
Cumulative Charges To Date			$37,000,000
Period expected for cash payments for employee benefits and other costs			Over the next twelve months

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti3

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Summary of Accruals Related to Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$10,232
Restructuring charges	3,834	198,695	26,738	203,734
Cash payments			-22,386
Non-cash items			-725
Ending Balance	13,859		13,859
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			4,093
Restructuring charges			19,647
Cash payments			-14,715
Non-cash items			92
Ending Balance	9,117		9,117
Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,139
Restructuring charges			7,094
Cash payments			-7,671
Non-cash items			-820
Ending Balance	4,742		4,742
Asset Impairment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance
Restructuring charges			-3
Cash payments
Non-cash items			3
Ending Balance

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
		Ferro Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash payment on sale of pharmaceuticals business	$16,912,000	$16,900,000
Earn-out incentive payment payable over two years		8,000,000
Period of earn-out incentive payment		2 years
Impairment loss associated with long lived assets of FPL		8,700,000
Write down determined by estimating fair value of assets less cost to sell		$14,800,000

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summary of (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net sales		$5,975	$4,791	$17,899
Cost of sales		4,346	2,762	11,641
Gross profit		1,629	2,029	6,258
Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,246	1,181	3,631
Restructuring charges		95
Restructuring and impairment charges			8,682	95
Interest expense		385	589	1,123
Miscellaneous income, net		-5	-2	-11
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		-92	-8,421	1,420
Income tax expense		26		503
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		($118)	($8,421)	$917

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets and Liabilities from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Inventories	$6,267
Other current assets	22
Current assets of discontinued operations	6,289
Property, plant and equipment, net	15,346
Other assets of discontinued operations	15,346
Accounts payable	880
Accrued payrolls	47
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	373
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	$1,300

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Calcul

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$12,652	($316,114)	$11,405	($310,392)
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		118	8,421	-917
Total	12,652	-315,996	19,826	-311,309
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,426	86,296	86,464	86,274
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.23	($3.61)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	12,652	-316,114	11,405	-310,392
Adjustment for loss (income) from discontinued operations		118	8,421	-917
Total	$12,652	($315,996)	$19,826	($311,309)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,426	86,296	86,464	86,274
Assumed exercise of stock options	200		112
Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions	77		63
Assumed satisfaction of restricted stock unit conditions	120		84
Assumed satisfaction of performance stock unit conditions	375		247
Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions	52		63
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	87,250	86,296	87,033	86,274
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$0.15	($3.66)	$0.23	($3.61)

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Additi

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	2	7.5	2.4	7.5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	$2,510		$2,647
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	-34	1,044	-171	-311
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	-34		-171
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	2,476		2,476
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments	5,911		14,080
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Translation Adjustments	4,203		-3,966
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Translation Adjustments	4,203		-3,966
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments	10,114		10,114
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments	-77		-77
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, Other Adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Other Adjustments
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments	-77		-77
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	8,344		16,650
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,203		-3,966
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-34		-171
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income			-3,991	-3,251
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,513		12,513
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	$4,169		($4,137)

Reporting_for_Segments_Net_Sal

Reporting for Segments - Net Sales to External Customers by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	$408,104	$408,865	$1,261,083	$1,344,836
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	47,647	64,053	155,948	219,398
Performance Colors and Glass [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	94,059	86,398	298,633	294,806
Performance Coatings [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	151,873	137,228	445,969	447,065
Polymer Additives [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	71,599	79,881	229,266	251,055
Specialty Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	$42,926	$41,305	$131,267	$132,512

Reporting_for_Segments_Each_Se

Reporting for Segments - Each Segment's Gross Profit and Reconciliation to Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Other cost of sales	($2,398)	($7,356)	($4,916)	($8,740)
Total gross profit	84,247	60,710	251,138	232,249
Selling, general and administrative expenses	59,078	63,863	184,986	202,675
Restructuring and impairment charges	3,834	198,695	26,738	203,734
Other expense, net	7,817	8,325	15,386	23,204
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,518	-210,173	24,028	-197,364
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	8,390	7,231	25,882	28,363
Performance Colors and Glass [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	28,713	21,086	87,203	77,220
Performance Coatings [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	36,410	23,858	100,237	85,328
Polymer Additives [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	6,251	8,907	20,616	26,871
Specialty Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross profit	$6,881	$6,984	$22,116	$23,207