Ferro (FOE) 10-K24 Feb 142013 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'FOE	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FERRO CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000035214	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
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	'	86,718,915	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$595,503,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,635,406	$1,744,613	$2,130,853
Cost of sales	1,305,682	1,455,043	1,728,048
Gross profit	329,724	289,570	402,805
Selling, general and administrative expenses	176,282	297,755	330,450
Restructuring and impairment charges	41,733	225,724	17,030
Other expense (income):	'	'	'
Interest expense	27,333	26,461	27,190
Interest earned	-271	-311	-285
Losses on extinguishment of debt	0	'	45
Foreign currency losses, net	4,183	2,186	4,758
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	-15,269	3,095	2,527
Income (loss) before income taxes	95,733	-265,340	21,090
Income tax expense	14,867	108,850	18,132
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	80,866	-374,190	2,958
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income tax	-8,421	1,156	2,176
Net income (loss)	72,445	-373,034	5,134
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	503	1,234	730
Income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation	71,942	-374,268	4,404
Dividends on preferred stock	0	'	-165
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	71,942	-374,268	4,239
Amounts attributable to Ferro Corporation:	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	80,363	-375,424	2,228
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income tax	-8,421	1,156	2,176
Income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation	$71,942	($374,268)	$4,404
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,484	86,288	86,119
Incremental common shares attributable to convertible preferred stock, performance shares, deferred stock units, and stock options	1,013	'	659
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	87,497	86,288	86,778
Basic earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.93	($4.35)	$0.02
From discontinued operations	($0.10)	$0.01	$0.03
Total	$0.83	($4.34)	$0.05
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'
From continuing operations	$0.92	($4.35)	$0.02
From discontinued operations	($0.10)	$0.01	$0.03
Total	$0.82	($4.34)	$0.05

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$72,445	($373,034)	$5,134
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-7,459	-4,253	-3,473
Postretirement benefit liabilities	-705	-910	-220
Other	7	-25	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	-8,157	-5,188	-3,693
Total comprehensive income (loss)	64,288	-378,222	1,441
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	732	3,295	930
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation	$63,556	($381,517)	$511

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$28,328	$29,576
Accounts receivable, net	287,925	306,463
Inventories	190,216	200,824
Deferred income taxes	6,584	7,995
Other receivables	25,775	31,554
Other current assets	16,561	10,802
Current assets of discontinued operations	'	6,289
Total current assets	555,389	593,503
Other assets	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	297,104	309,374
Goodwill	63,473	62,975
Amortizable intangible assets, net	13,027	14,410
Deferred income taxes	19,451	21,554
Other non-current assets	59,748	61,941
Other assets of discontinued operations	'	15,346
Total assets	1,008,192	1,079,103
Current liabilities	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	44,230	85,152
Accounts payable	153,877	182,024
Accrued payrolls	44,509	31,643
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	71,115	76,384
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	'	1,300
Total current liabilities	313,731	376,503
Other liabilities	'	'
Long-term debt, less current portion	267,469	261,624
Postretirement and pension liabilities	120,527	216,167
Other non-current liabilities	32,622	18,135
Total liabilities	734,349	872,429
Equity	'	'
Common stock, par value $1 per share; 300.0 million shares authorized and 93.4 million shares issued at December 31, 2013 and 2012; 86.7 million and 86.5 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	93,436	93,436
Paid-in capital	318,055	321,652
Accumulated deficit	-14,664	-86,606
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,493	16,650
Common shares in treasury, at cost	-143,802	-151,605
Total Ferro Corporation shareholders' equity	261,518	193,527
Noncontrolling interests	12,325	13,147
Total equity	273,843	206,674
Total liabilities and equity	$1,008,192	$1,079,103

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	86.7	86.5

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

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		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]
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2010		$574,180	($164,257)	$93,436	$323,015	$283,423	$27,792	[1]	$10,771
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		'	7,242	'	'	'	'		'
Net (loss) income		5,134	'	'	'	4,404	'		730
Other comprehensive (loss) income		-3,693	'	'	'	'	-3,893	[1]	200
Cash dividends on preferred shares	[2]	-165	'	'	'	-165	'		'
Stock-based compensation transactions		8,507	10,640	'	-2,133	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation transactions, shares		'	-377	'	'	'	'		'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-1,469	'	'	'	'	'		-1,469
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2011		582,494	-153,617	93,436	320,882	287,662	23,899	[1]	10,232
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		'	6,865	'	'	'	'		'
Net (loss) income		-373,034	'	'	'	-374,268	'		1,234
Other comprehensive (loss) income		-5,188	'	'	'	'	-7,249	[1]	2,061
Stock-based compensation transactions		2,782	2,012	'	770	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation transactions, shares		'	97	'	'	'	'		'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-380	'	'	'	'	'		-380
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2012		206,674	-151,605	93,436	321,652	-86,606	16,650	[1]	13,147
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		'	6,962	'	'	'	'		'
Net (loss) income		72,445	'	'	'	71,942	'		503
Other comprehensive (loss) income		-7,928	'	'	'	'	-8,157	[1]	229
Stock-based compensation transactions		4,206	7,803	'	-3,597	'	'		'
Stock-based compensation transactions, shares		'	-232	'	'	'	'		'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-1,554	'	'	'	'	'		-1,554
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2013		$273,843	($143,802)	$93,436	$318,055	($14,664)	$8,493	[1]	$12,325
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		'	6,730	'	'	'	'		'

[1]	Accumulated translation adjustments were $6,621, $14,080, and $20,394 and accumulated postretirement benefit liability adjustments were $1,942, $2,647, and $3,557 at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, all net of tax.
[2]	Dividends per share of convertible preferred stock were $0.8125 in 2011.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accumulated translation adjustments	$20,394	$6,621	$14,080
Accumulated postretirement benefit liability adjustments	$3,557	$1,942	$2,647
Dividends per share of convertible preferred stock	$0.81	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$72,445		($373,034)		$5,134
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'		'
(Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses	-15,604		505		-244
Depreciation and amortization	50,028		57,384		63,493
Restructuring and impairment charges	20,581		221,596		7,472
Losses on extinguishment of debt	0		'		45
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	4,074		5,217		2,349
Retirement benefits	-97,053		339		8,337
Deferred income taxes	7,853		107,575		20,575
Non-cash foreign currency (losses) gains	-13,028		-6,815		12,443
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'		'		'
Accounts receivable	16,224		-5,258		-13,444
Inventories	18,056		22,287		-29,790
Deposits for precious metals	'		'		28,086
Other receivables and other current assets	-826		13,192		-19,673
Accounts payable	-27,963		-18,359		4,715
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-6,939		4,409		-31,205
Other operating activities	-9,384		-5,380		-5,060
Net cash provided by operating activities	18,464		23,658		53,233
Cash flows from investing activities	'		'		'
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets	-34,220		-58,685		-72,713
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses	50,173		3,043		6,441
Other investing activities	1,215		334		1,145
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	17,168		-55,308		-65,127
Cash flows from financing activities	'		'		'
Net (repayments) borrowings under loans payable	-5,884	[1]	39,934	[1]	8,661	[1]
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	449,268		395,576		646,834
Payments on revolving credit facility	-442,659		-400,687		-639,128
Extinguishment of Convertible Senior Notes	-35,066		'		-725
Redemption of convertible preferred stock	'		'		-9,427
Cash dividends	'		'		-165
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	666		107		1,053
Other financing activities	-3,040		1,527		-1,199
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-36,715		36,457		5,904
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-165		1,778		-54
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,248		6,585		-6,044
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	29,576		22,991		29,035
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	28,328		29,576		22,991
Cash paid during the period for:	'		'		'
Interest	26,775		26,468		25,920
Income taxes	$5,815		$4,657		$22,060

[1]	(1) Includes cash flows related to our domestic accounts receivable program, international accounts receivable sales programs as well as loans payable to banks.

Our_Business

Our Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Our Business	'
	1	Our Business
	Ferro Corporation (“Ferro,” “we,” “us” or “the Company”) produces performance materials for a broad range of manufacturers in diversified industries throughout the world. Our products are classified as performance materials, rather than commodities, because they are formulated to perform specific and important functions both in the manufacturing processes and in the finished products of our customers. We use inorganic and organic chemical processes, polymer science and materials science to develop and produce these performance materials. Performance materials require a high degree of technical service on an individual customer basis. The value of our products stems from the results and performance they achieve in actual use. We manage our diverse businesses through six business units that are differentiated from one another by product type. We have grouped these units by their product group below:


	Performance Materials		Performance Chemicals

	• Tile Coating Systems		• Polymer Additives

	• Porcelain Enamel		• Specialty Plastics

	• Performance Colors and Glass

	• Pigments, Powders and Oxides
	We produce our products primarily in the United States (“U.S.”), Europe-Middle East-Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America.
	We sell our products directly to customers and through the use of agents or distributors throughout the world. Our products are sold principally in the U.S., Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America. Our customers manufacture products to serve a variety of end markets, including building and renovation, electronics, automobiles, appliances, household furnishings, packaging, and industrial products.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and the accounts of its subsidiaries. When we consolidate our financial statements, we eliminate intercompany transactions, accounts and profits. When we exert significant influence over an investee but do not control it, we account for the investment and the investment income using the equity method. These investments are reported in the other non-current assets section of our balance sheet. We consolidate five legal entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests, either directly or indirectly through our subsidiaries. These entities have non-controlling interest ownerships ranging from 5% to 49%.

When we acquire a subsidiary, its financial results are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. When we dispose of a subsidiary, its financial results are included in our consolidated financial statements until the date of the disposition. In the event that a disposal group meets the criteria for discontinued operations, prior periods are adjusted to reflect the disposition.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions in the Preparation of Financial Statements

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which requires us to make estimates and to use judgments and assumptions that affect the timing and amount of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses recorded and disclosed. The more significant estimates and judgments relate to revenue recognition, restructuring and cost reduction programs, goodwill, asset impairment, income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefits, inventories, and environmental liabilities. Actual outcomes could differ from our estimates, resulting in changes in revenues or costs that could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial results of our operations outside of the U.S. are recorded in local currencies, which generally are also the functional currencies for financial reporting purposes. The results of operations outside of the U.S. are translated from these functional currencies into U.S. dollars using the average monthly currency exchange rates. We use the average currency exchange rate for these results of operations as a reasonable approximation of the results had specific currency exchange rates been used for each individual transaction. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded as incurred as other expense (income) in the consolidated statements of operations. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates at the balance sheet dates, and we record the resulting foreign currency translation adjustment as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity.

Revenue Recognition

We typically recognize sales when we ship goods to our customers and when all of the following criteria are met:

•

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

•

The selling price is fixed or determinable;

•

Collection is reasonably assured; and

•

Title and risk of loss has passed to our customers.

In order to ensure the revenue recognition in the proper period, we review material sales contracts for proper cut-off based upon the business practices and legal requirements of each country. For sales of all products, including those containing precious metals, we report revenues gross along with their corresponding cost of sales to arrive at gross profit. We record revenues this way because we act as the principal in the transactions into which we enter.

The amount of shipping and handling fees invoiced to our customers at the time our product is shipped is included in net sales. Credit memos issued to customers for sales returns, discounts allowed and sales adjustments are recorded when they are incurred as a reduction of sales.

Additionally, we provide certain of our customers with incentive rebate programs to promote customer loyalty and encourage greater product sales. We accrue customer rebates over the rebate periods based upon estimated attainments of the provisions in the rebate agreements using available information and record these rebate accruals as reductions of sales.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Expenditures for company-sponsored research and development activities were approximately $ 26.9 million for 2013 and $30.0 million for 2012, and $30.4 million for 2011.

Restructuring Programs

We expense costs associated with exit and disposal activities designed to restructure operations and reduce ongoing costs of operations when we incur the related liabilities or when other triggering events occur. After the appropriate level of management having the authority approves the detailed restructuring plan and the appropriate criteria for recognition are met, we establish accruals for employee termination costs. The accruals are estimates that are based upon factors including statutory and union requirements, affected employees’ lengths of service, contract provisions, salary level, and health care benefit choices. We also analyze the carrying value of affected long-lived assets for impairment and reductions in their remaining estimated useful lives. In addition, we record the fair value of any new or remaining obligations when existing operating lease contracts are terminated or abandoned as a result of our exit and disposal activities.

Asset Impairment

The Company’s long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and amortizable intangible assets. We review property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. The following are examples of such events or changes in circumstances:

•

An adverse change in the business climate or market price of a long-lived asset or asset group;

•

An adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is used or in its physical condition;

•

Current operating losses for a long-lived asset or asset group combined with a history of such losses or projected or forecasted losses that demonstrate that the losses will continue; or

•

A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise significantly disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life.

The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets is not recoverable if the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. In the event of impairment, we recognize a loss for the excess of the recorded value over fair value. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of cash inflows and outflows several years into the future and only takes into consideration technological advances known at the time of review.

We review goodwill for impairment annually using a measurement date of October 31st, primarily due to the timing of our annual budgeting process, or more frequently in the event of an impairment indicator. The fair value of each reporting unit that has goodwill is estimated using the average of both the income approach and the market approach, which we believe provides a reasonable estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value, unless facts or circumstances exist which indicate a more representative fair value. The income approach is a discounted cash flow model, which uses projected cash flows attributable to the reporting unit, including an allocation of certain corporate expenses based primarily on a proportional sales method. We use historical results, trends and our projections of market growth, internal sales efforts and anticipated cost structure assumptions to estimate future cash flows. Using a risk-adjusted, weighted-average cost of capital, we discount the cash flow projections to the measurement date. The market approach estimates a price reasonably expected to be paid by a market participant in the purchase of the reporting units based on a comparison to similar businesses. If the fair value of any of the reporting units were determined to be less than its carrying value, we would obtain comparable market values or independent appraisals of its net assets.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of our risk management activities, we employ derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign currency forward contracts, to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, or assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. We also purchase portions of our energy and precious metal requirements under fixed price forward purchase contracts designated as normal purchase contracts.

We record derivatives on our balance sheet as either assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of December 31, 2013, we did not have any derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges. The ineffective portion, if any, in the change in value of these derivatives is immediately recognized in earnings. For derivatives that are not designated as hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in current earnings. We use derivatives only to manage well-defined risks and do not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits

We recognize postretirement and other employee benefits as employees render the services necessary to earn those benefits. We determine defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations with the assistance of actuarial calculations performed by third parties. The calculations and the resulting amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements are affected by assumptions including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the annual rate of change in compensation for plan-eligible employees, estimated changes in costs of healthcare benefits, and other factors. We evaluate the assumptions used on an annual basis.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations.

We recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These instruments are carried at cost.

Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Ferro sells its products to customers in diversified industries throughout the world. No customer or related group of customers represents greater than 10% of net sales or accounts receivable. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and require collateral principally for export sales, when industry practices allow and as market conditions dictate, subject to our ability to negotiate secured terms relative to competitive offers. We regularly analyze significant customer accounts and provide for uncollectible accounts based on historical experience, customer payment history, the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer, economic conditions and specific circumstances, as appropriate. Changes in these factors could result in additional allowances. Customer accounts we conclude to be uncollectible or to require excessive collection costs are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Historically, write-offs of uncollectible accounts have been within our expectations. Detailed information about the allowance for doubtful accounts is provided below:

2013

2012

2011

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts

12,428

14,353

10,443

Bad debt expense

4,074

5,202

2,349

We have receivables sales programs in place for the U.S. where we sell our receivables to various purchasers. Due to the terms of such programs, these programs are recorded similar to secured borrowings on our balance sheet. The underlying receivables are derecognized when collection occurs, at which time repayment of the borrowings is made to the purchasers. The cash flows for the underlying receivables are categorized as operating activities. The related cash flows for the secured borrowings are categorized as financing activities and presented net as the turnover of such activities is quick, the amounts are large, and the maturities are short, generally three months or less. These programs accelerate cash collections at favorable financing costs. In December 2013, the international factoring program expired and was not renewed.

Inventories

We value inventory at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined utilizing the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. We periodically evaluate the net realizable value of inventories based primarily upon their age, but also upon assumptions of future usage in production, customer demand and market conditions. Inventories have been reduced to the lower of cost or realizable value by allowances for slow moving or obsolete goods.

We maintain raw materials on our premises that we do not own, including precious metals consigned from financial institutions and customers, and raw materials consigned from vendors. Although we have physical possession of the goods, their value is not reflected on our balance sheet because we do not have title.

We obtain precious metals under consignment agreements with financial institutions for periods of one year or less. These precious metals are primarily silver, gold, platinum, and palladium and are used in the production of certain products for our customers. Under these arrangements, the financial institutions own the precious metals, and accordingly, we do not report these precious metals as inventory on our consolidated balance sheet although they physically are in our possession. These agreements are cancelable by either party at the end of each consignment period, however, because we have access to a number of consignment arrangements with available capacity, our consignment needs can be shifted among the other participating institutions in order to ensure our supply. In certain cases, these financial institutions require cash deposits to provide additional collateral beyond the value of the underlying precious metals. The financial institutions charge us fees for these consignment arrangements, and these fees are recorded as cost of sales.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We record property, plant and equipment at historical cost. In addition to the original purchased cost, including transportation, installation and taxes, we capitalize expenditures that increase the utility or useful life of existing assets. For constructed assets, we capitalize interest costs incurred during the period of construction. We expense repair and maintenance costs, including the costs of major planned overhauls of equipment, as incurred. We depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis, generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:

Buildings

20 to 40 years

Machinery and equipment

5 to 15 years

Other Capitalized Costs

We capitalize the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use after the preliminary project stage has been completed, and management, with the relevant authority, authorizes and commits to funding a computer software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. External direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use computer software, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the project, and interest costs incurred when developing computer software for internal use are capitalized within other non-current assets. Capitalization ceases when the project is substantially complete, generally after all substantial testing is completed. We expense training costs and data conversion costs as incurred. We amortize software on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, which has historically been in a range of 1 to 12 years.

Environmental Liabilities

As part of the production of some of our products, we handle, process, use and store hazardous materials. As part of these routine processes, we expense recurring costs associated with control and disposal of hazardous materials as they are incurred. Occasionally we are subject to ongoing, pending or threatened litigation related to the handling of these materials or other matters. If, based on available information, we believe that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount, we accrue for environmental remediation and other contingent liabilities. We disclose material contingencies if the likelihood of the potential loss is reasonably possible but the amount is not reasonably estimable.

In estimating the amount to be accrued for environmental remediation, we use assumptions about:

•

Remediation requirements at the contaminated site;

•

The nature of the remedy;

•

Existing technology;

•

The outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies;

•

Other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites; and

•

The number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.

We actively monitor the status of sites, and, as assessments and cleanups proceed, we update our assumptions and adjust our estimates as necessary. Because we are uncertain about the timing of related payments, we do not discount the estimated remediation costs.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2013, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, and ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. These pronouncements are codified in 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, 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.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustments upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investments in a Foreign Entity, which is codified in ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. This pronouncement clarifies the application of Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Overall, and Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters — Translation of Financial Statements, to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity, and the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. The pronouncement is effective for our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2014. We do not expect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
Inventories	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	3	Inventories


			December 31,
			2013		2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Raw materials		$	58,765	$	64,923
	Work in process			30,266		35,028
	Finished goods			101,185		100,873
	Total		$	190,216	$	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 $3.0 million for 2013, $6.5 million for 2012, and $9.5 million for 2011. We had on hand precious metals owned by participants in our precious metals consignment program of $30.8 million at December 31, 2013, and $112.2 million at December 31, 2012, measured at fair value based on market prices for identical assets. The decline in precious metals is primarily the result of the sale of both our solar pastes and metal powders operations during 2013.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	4	Property, Plant and Equipment



			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Land		$	12,388		$	14,179
	Buildings			211,084			228,348
	Machinery and equipment			678,392			706,008
	Construction in progress			20,889			18,961
	Total property, plant and equipment			922,753			967,496
	Total accumulated depreciation			(625,649	)		(658,122	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	297,104		$	309,374

	Depreciation expense was $44.9 million for 2013, $49.5 million for 2012, and $53.7 million for 2011. Noncash investing activities for capital expenditures, consisting of new capital leases during the year and unpaid capital expenditure liabilities at year end, were $8.8 million for 2013, $5.6 million for 2012, and $19.0 million for 2011.

	In 2013, we tested certain property, plant, and equipment held for use for impairment under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. Triggered by a change in expected use of one of our Performance Coatings operating facilities in Suzhou, China in the fourth quarter of 2013, we performed the two step impairment analysis as prescribed by ASC Topic 360. As that analysis indicated that the carrying value of those assets were no longer recoverable, we estimated the fair value of the assets within the asset group using adjusted market prices for similar assets, a level 3 classification in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of the analysis, assets held for use with a carrying value of $20.5 million were written down to $13.0 million. The impairment charge of $7.5 million is included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations.

	In the first quarter of 2013, prior to the sale of Ferro Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc, we recorded an impairment loss of $8.7 million, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations on our statements of operations. Refer to Note 16 for additional detail regarding the sale of the reportable segment.

	In 2012, due to deterioration in our forecast for our solar assets, we tested certain property, plant, and equipment held for use for impairment under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We estimated the fair value of these assets using discounted cash flow models, Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. As a result, assets held for use with a carrying value of $38.9 million were written off, and the impairment charge of $38.9 million is included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations. Further, additional assets with a carrying value of $12.5 million were written down to $4.6 million under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The $7.9 million impairment charge is included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations.

	In 2011, assets held for use with a carrying value of $4.4 million were written off, and the impairment charge of $4.4 million is included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations. Various operational challenges indicated possible impairment of the property, plant and equipment at our facilities in Argentina and Belgium. The impairment charges by segment were $2.6 million in Performance Coatings and $1.8 million in Polymer Additives. We estimated the fair values of these assets using discounted cash flow models.



			Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using				Total Gains
	Description		Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	(Losses)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets held for use:
	2013		$ 13,000		$ —	$ —		$ 13,000	$ (7,484)
	2012		—		—	—		—	-38,942
	2011		—		—	—		—	-4,436

	The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:

	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

	Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	5	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

	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 change in the operating segments resulted in a change in reporting units and consequently a change in the allocation of goodwill. The goodwill previously recorded within the Color and Glass Performance Materials segment was allocated between the Pigments, Powders and Oxides and Performance Colors and Glass Segments based on relative fair value at the time of the change in operating segments. The Performance Coatings, Polymer Additives and Specialty Plastics segments remain unchanged.

	Details and activity of goodwill by segment follow:



			Electronic				Performance				Color and				Pigments,				Performance			Total
			Materials				Coatings				Glass				Powders and				Colors and
											Performance				Oxides				Glass
											Materials
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011:
	Gross goodwill		$	152,950			$	45,841			$	62,079			$	—			$	—		$	260,870
	Accumulated impairment losses			—				(45,269	)			—				—				—			(45,269	)
				152,950				572				62,079				—				—			215,601
	Impairments			(153,566	)			—				—				—							(153,566	)
	Other adjustments			(1	)			—				(21	)			—				—			(22	)
	Foreign currency adjustment			617				3				342				—				—			962
	Balance at December 31, 2012:
	Gross goodwill			153,566				45,844				62,400				—				—			261,810
	Accumulated impairment losses			(153,566	)			(45,269	)			—											(198,835	)
				—				575				62,400				—				—			62,975
	Segment reorganization(1)			—				—				(62,400	)			9,435				52,965			—
	Other adjustments			—				—								(3	)			(15	)		(18	)
	Foreign currency adjustment			—				11				—				76				429			516
	Balance at December 31, 2013:
	Gross goodwill			—				45,855				—				9,508				53,379			108,742
	Accumulated impairment losses			—				(45,269	)			—				—				—			(45,269	)
			$	—			$	586			$	—			$	9,508			$	53,379		$	63,473


	-1	Reallocation of goodwill based on changes in reportable segments. Refer to footnote 19 for additional detail.

	The significant assumptions and ranges of assumptions we used in our impairment analysis of goodwill follow:



	Significant Assumptions		2013				2012
	Weighted-average cost of capital			12.0% - 12.5%				12.0% - 15.5%
	Residual growth rate			3.00%				3.00%

	During the fourth quarter of 2013 we performed our annual goodwill impairment testing. The test involved comparing the fair value of our new reporting units to their carrying value as of the measurement date of October 31, 2013. We performed step 1 of the annual impairment test as defined in ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The result of that test was that there were no indicators of impairment.

	During 2012, deterioration in our forecast for our Electronic Materials reporting unit indicated that the carrying value of the Electronic Materials reporting unit exceeded its fair value. We estimated this fair value using the average of both the income approach and the market approach, resulting in a full impairment of its goodwill with an impairment charge of $153.6 million being included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations.

	During 2011, our Tile Coating Systems reporting unit in our Performance Coatings segment experienced a decline in profitability, as well as a reduction in anticipated profitability levels, thereby decreasing the reporting unit’s fair value below its carrying value. As a result, a measurement of the reporting unit’s fair value indicated a full impairment of its goodwill. We estimated its fair value using the average of both the income approach and the market approach. An impairment loss of $3.9 million for the Performance Coatings segment has been included in restructuring and impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.



			Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using												Total Gains
	Description		Fair Value		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				(Losses)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Goodwill:
	2012		$ —			$ —				$ —				$ —				$ (153,566)
	2011		—			—				—				—				(3,881)



	Details of amortizable intangible assets follow:



		Estimated				December 31,
		Economic Life				2013				2012
						(Dollars in thousands)
Gross amortizable intangible assets:
Patents			10 - 16 years			$	5,634			$	5,560
Land rights			20 - 40 years				5,172				5,078
Technological know-how and other			5 - 30 years				15,996				16,710
Total gross amortizable intangible assets							26,802				27,348
Accumulated amortization:
Patents							(4,880	)			(4,659	)
Land rights							(2,529	)			(2,391	)
Technological know-how and other							(6,366	)			(5,888	)
Total accumulated amortization							(13,775	)			(12,938	)
Amortizable intangible assets, net						$	13,027			$	14,410

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we began to explore options related to the sale of an intangible asset associated with our grinding fluids operations, and determined it was more likely than not that the intangible asset would be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously determined useful life. At December 31, 2013, the net book value of the intangible asset was approximately $2.1 million and it had a remaining useful life of approximately 11 years. We performed the analysis required under ASC Topic 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, and concluded under step 1 that the carrying value of the intangible asset was not recoverable. Further analysis under step 2 resulted in an impairment of $2.1 million. The fair value of the asset was determined utilizing the market approach based on bona fide third party offers for the asset, a level 3 classification in the fair value hierarchy.



Description		Fair Value				Fair Value Measurements Using												Total Gains
Description		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				(Losses)
		(Dollars in thousands)
Amortizable intangible asset:
2013		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(2,102)

We amortize amortizable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was $2.5 million for 2013, $1.9 million for 2012, and $1.0 million for 2011. Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is expected to be approximately $1.6 million annually for 2014 through 2016 and approximately $1.0 million annually for 2017 and 2018.

Debt_and_Other_Financing

Debt and Other Financing	12 Months Ended
Debt and Other Financing	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt and Other Financing	'
	6	Debt and Other Financing

	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt at December 31st consisted of the following:



			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Loans payable to banks		$	2,062		$	2,477
	Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program			41,000			40,000
	International accounts receivable sales programs			—			6,122
	Current portion of long-term debt			1,168			36,553
	Total loans payable and current portion of long-term debt		$	44,230		$	85,152

	Long-term debt at December 31st consisted of the following:



			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			9,204			2,596
	Capitalized lease obligations (see Note 14)			5,816			6,433
	Other notes			3,617			4,731
	Total long-term debt			268,637			298,177
	Current portion			(1,168	)		(36,553	)
	Long-term debt, less current portion		$	267,469		$	261,624

	The annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years after December 31, 2013, were as follows:



			(Dollars in
			thousands)
	2014		$	1,555
	2015			10,955
	2016			1,407
	2017			1,235
	2018			251,063
	Thereafter			4,673
	Total maturities of long-term debt			270,888
	Imputed interest and executory costs on capitalized lease obligations			(2,251	)
	Total long-term debt		$	268,637

	Receivable Sales Programs

	We have an asset securitization program for Ferro’s U.S. trade accounts receivable. We sell undivided variable percentage 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. The purchasers have no recourse to Ferro’s other assets for failure of payment of the receivables as a result of the lack of creditworthiness, or financial inability to pay, of the related obligor. In May 2013, we extended the maturity of this credit facility through May 2014. At December 31, 2013, advances received of $41.0 million were secured by $63.8 million of accounts receivable. After reductions for any non-qualifying receivables and outstanding letters of credit, we had additional borrowings available under the program of $0.6 million at December 31, 2013, and $9.0 million at December 31, 2012. During the third quarter 2013, we amended the agreement to account for changes in the underlying funding source for the securitization process. 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 December 31, 2013, the interest rate was 0.6%.

	Ferro Finance Corporation (“FFC”), a wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary, holds Ferro’s U.S. trade accounts receivable. The program contains operating covenants that limit FFC’s ability to engage in certain activities, including borrowings, creation of liens, mergers, and investing in other companies. The program also requires FFC and Ferro to provide periodic financial statements and reports on the accounts receivable and limits our ability to make significant changes in receivable collection practices. In addition, FFC is required to maintain a minimum tangible net worth. The program is subject to customary termination events, including nonperformance, deterioration in the quality of the accounts receivable pool, and cross-default provisions with Ferro’s 2013 revolving credit facility (described below) and other debt obligations with principal outstanding of at least $5 million. If a termination event occurs and is not cured, the program may be terminated or a third party may be selected to act as administrator in collecting the accounts receivable.

	In 2011, we entered into 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. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the international factoring programs expired and were not renewed. Ferro had no commitments supporting these programs at December 31, 2013, and $18.5 million at December 31, 2012. There were no advances at December 31, 2013, and $6.1 million at December 31, 2012 was secured by $9.3 million of accounts receivables at December 31, 2012. Additional borrowings available under the programs was $0.2 million at December 31, 2012. The interest rates under these programs are based on EURIBOR rates plus 1.75%.

	7.875% Senior Notes

	In 2010, we issued $250 million of 7.875% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued at par and bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

	The Senior Notes mature on August 15, 2018. We may 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 1.0% 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; or (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, without limitation, 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 December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Senior Notes’ indenture.

	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes

In 2008, Ferro issued $172.5 million of 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

The 6.50% Convertible Notes were repaid at maturity on August 15, 2013. The principal amount outstanding at maturity was $35.1 million.

Revolving Credit Facilities

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 2012, we amended the 2010 Credit Facility (the “2012 Amended Credit Facility”) primarily to provide additional operating flexibility.

In March 2013, we again 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 to the levels stated below.


	•		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 borrowings and outstanding letters of credit secured by these facilities, we had $235.3 million of additional borrowings available at December 31, 2013, and $343.2 million at December 31, 2012. 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 December 31, 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. The covenants include requirements for a leverage ratio, an interest coverage ratio, and capital expenditures as follows:


	•		The leverage ratio must be less than (i) 4.25 to 1.00 the first, second and third quarters of 2013 and (ii) 4.00 to 1.00 in the fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, (iii) 3.75 to 1.00 for the second and third quarters of 2014, and (iv) 3.50 to 1.00 thereafter. In the leverage ratio, the numerator is total debt, which consists of borrowings and certain letters of credit outstanding on the 2013 Amended Credit Facility and our international facilities, the principal amount outstanding on our senior notes, capitalized lease obligations, and amounts outstanding on our domestic receivables sales programs. The denominator is the sum of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), and as adjusted for certain special charges over the last four fiscal quarters.


	•		The interest coverage ratio must be not less than (i) 3.00 for the first quarter of 2013 and thereafter. In the interest coverage ratio, the numerator is EBITDA and the denominator is cash paid for interest expense and certain other financing expenses.


	•		Capital expenditures are limited to (i) $20.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, (ii) $35.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2012, (iii) $50.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2012. Currently, (i) $65.0 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2013, and (ii) $65.0 million for the 2013 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter. Certain unused capital expenditures will be permitted to be carried forward to the following fiscal year.

Our ability to meet these covenants is primarily driven by our EBITDA; our total debt; our interest payments; and our capital expenditures. Our total debt is primarily driven by cash flow items, including net income before amortization, depreciation, and other noncash charges; our capital expenditures; requirements for deposits from participants in our precious metals consignment program; our customers’ ability to make payments for purchases and the timing of such payments; and our ability to manage inventory and other working capital items. Our interest payments are driven by our debt level, external fees, and interest rates, primarily the Prime rate and LIBOR. Our capital expenditures are driven by our desire to invest in growth opportunities, to maintain existing property, plant and equipment, and to meet environmental, health and safety requirements. At December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2013 Amended Credit Facility.

Our ability to pay common stock dividends is limited by certain covenants in our 2013 Amended Credit Facility and the bond indenture governing the Senior Notes. The covenant in our 2013 Amended Credit Facility is the more limiting of the two covenants and limits our ability to make restricted payments, which include, but are not limited to, common stock dividends and the repurchase of equity interests. We are not permitted to make restricted payments in excess of $30 million in any calendar year. However, if we make less than $30 million of restricted payments in any calendar year, the unused amount can be carried over for restricted payments in future years, provided that the maximum amount of restricted payments in any calendar year does not exceed $60 million.

Other Financing Arrangements

We maintain other lines of credit to provide global flexibility for Ferro’s short-term liquidity requirements. These facilities are uncommitted lines for our international operations and totaled $17.1 million at December 31, 2013, and $21.5 million at December 31, 2012. The unused portions of these lines provided additional liquidity of $10.1 million at December 31, 2013, and $9.1 million at December 31, 2012.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	7	Financial Instruments

	The following financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented at carrying amount, fair value and classification within the fair value hierarchy:



			December 31, 2013														December 31, 2012
			Carrying			Fair Value											Carrying			Fair Value
			Amount			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Amount			Fair Value
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	28,328		$	28,328		$	28,328		$	—		$	—	$	29,576		$	29,576
	Loans payable			(43,062	)		(43,062	)		—			(43,062	)		—		(48,599	)		(48,599	)
	7.875% Senior Notes			(250,000	)		(266,250	)		(266,250	)		—			—		(250,000	)		(231,500	)
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts			—			—			—			—			—		(34,417	)		(34,803	)
	Revolving credit facility			(9,204	)		(9,496	)		—			(9,496	)		—		(2,596	)		(2,634	)
	Other long-term notes			(3,617	)		(2,988	)		—			(2,988	)		—		(4,731	)		(3,937	)
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net			(2,255	)		(2,255	)		—			(2,255	)		—		(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 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 value of the 7.875% Senior Notes is based on trades in an active market. At December 31, 2013, the quoted market price was $106.50 per $100 reflecting a yield of 6.23%. The fair value of the 6.50% Convertible Notes was historically based on third-party estimated bid prices. The fair values of the revolving credit facility and the other long-term notes are based on the present value of expected future cash flows and assumptions about current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the Company that market participants would use in pricing the debt.

	Derivative Instruments

	Foreign currency forward contracts. We manage foreign currency risks principally by entering into forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions. These forward contracts are not formally designated as hedges. 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 consolidated statements of operations. Net foreign currency loss was approximately $4.2 million in 2013, $2.2 million in 2012, and $4.8 million in 2011, 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, such as timing of transactions. We incurred net losses of $8.1 million in 2013, and recognized net gains of $0.5 million in 2012 respectively, arising from the change in fair value of our financial instruments, which offset the related net gains and losses on international trade transactions of approximately the same amounts. The fair values of these contracts are based on market prices for comparable contracts. The notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts was $244.9 million at December 31, 2013, and $250.7 million at December 31, 2012.



	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations of foreign currency forward contracts:



			Amount of (Loss) Gain						Location of (Loss) Gain in Income
			Recognized in Income
			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$		(8,060)	$	474		Foreign currency losses, net

	The following table presents the fair value on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31st of foreign currency forward contracts:



			2013			2012			Balance Sheet Location
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Asset derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	186		$	—		Other current assets
	Foreign currency forward contracts			—			213		Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Total fair value		$	186		$	213
	Liability derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	(2,441	)	$	(4,971	)	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Total fair value		$	(2,441)		$	(4,971)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8	Income Taxes
	Income tax (benefit) expense is based on our earnings (losses) before income taxes as presented in the following table:


			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	U.S.		$	98,839			$	(218,314	)		$	23,862
	Foreign			(3,106	)			(47,026	)			(2,772	)
	Total		$	95,733			$	(265,340	)		$	21,090
	Our income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:


			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal		$	(10,370)			$	(1,825)			$	(11,250)
	Foreign			17,219				2,525				8,704
	State and local			165				575				517
	Total current			7,014				1,275				(2,029	)
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal			12,145				77,875				18,380
	Foreign			(4,292	)			21,399				2,944
	State and local			—				8,301				(1,163	)
	Total deferred			7,853				107,575				20,161
	Total income tax expense		$	14,867			$	108,850			$	18,132
	In addition, income tax (benefit) expense that we allocated directly to Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity is detailed in the following table:


			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		$	—			$	144			$	38
	Postretirement benefit liability adjustments			(244	)			(140	)			(139	)
	Stock options exercised			—				249				(1,184	)
	Total income tax (benefit) expense allocated to Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity		$	(244)			$	253			$	(1,285)

	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate follows:


			2013				2012				2011
	U.S. federal statutory income tax rate			35	%			35	%			35	%
	Adjustment of valuation allowance			(28.4	)			(68.9	)			52.8
	State taxes			0.1				2				3.7
	Goodwill dispositions and impairments			(0.2	)			(4.2	)			3.5
	Uncertain tax positions			0.3				(0.1	)			3.3
	Foreign tax rate difference			0.3				(1.0	)			0.2
	Research and development credit			—				0.2				(10.9	)
	Domestic production activities deduction			—				—				(5.8	)
	Net adjustment of prior-year accrual			1.6				(1.0	)			(1.9	)
	U.S. tax cost of foreign dividends			1.3				(0.2	)			(0.2	)
	Stock options			—				—				(0.4	)
	Medicare subsidy			—				—				(0.2	)
	Book to tax difference on sale of asset			(2.4	)			—
	Expired tax credits			7.2				(1.5	)			—
	Miscellaneous			0.7				(1.3	)			6.9
	Effective tax rate			15.5	%			(41.0	)%			86	%
	We have refundable income taxes of $3.6 million at December 31, 2013, and $9.8 million at December 31, 2012, classified as other receivables on our balance sheets. We also have income taxes payable of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013, and $2.5 million at December 31, 2012, classified as accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our balance sheets.

	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31st were:


			2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
Pension and other benefit programs		$	31,545			$	68,522
Foreign operating loss carryforwards			62,256				66,993
Domestic operating loss carryforwards			17,484				—
Foreign tax credit carryforwards			30,322				29,188
Other credit carryforwards			16,294				14,259
Capitalized research costs			3,578				5,409
Accrued liabilities			18,066				16,414
State operating loss carryforwards			8,956				4,258
Allowance for doubtful accounts			3,062				2,937
Property, equipment and intangibles — depreciation and amortization			9,932				18,613
Capitalized interest			4,903				4,712
Inventories			3,756				5,656
Other			7,979				10,103
Total deferred tax assets			218,133				247,064
Deferred tax liabilities:
Convertible debt instruments			—				227
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries			1,795				1,363
Other			357				767
Total deferred tax liabilities			2,152				2,357
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance			215,981				244,707
Valuation allowance			(193,984	)			(216,882	)
Net deferred tax assets		$	21,997			$	27,825
The amounts of foreign operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credit carryforwards, and other credit carryforwards included in the table of temporary differences are net of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits.

At December 31, 2013, we had $21.1 million of tax benefits from state operating loss carryforwards and $71.9 million from foreign operating loss carryforwards, some of which can be carried forward indefinitely and others expire in one to twenty years. At December 31, 2013, we had $62.0 million of tax benefits from tax credit carryforwards, some of which can be carried forward indefinitely. These operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards expire as follows:


		Operating Loss				Tax Credit
		Carryforwards				Carryforwards
		(Dollars in thousands)
Expiring in:
2014		$	5,108			$	4,901
2015-2019			20,567				32,516
2020-2024			2,889				13,360
2025-2029			7,146				7,864
2030-2034			17,623				1,314
2035-Indefinitely			39,716				2,068
Total		$	93,049			$	62,023
We assess the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated by jurisdiction is cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future income.
Based on this assessment, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $194.0 million in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax asset that more likely than not will be realized. The decrease in valuation allowances in 2013 was driven by release of valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets that were utilized or expired in the current year offset by additions to operating losses in certain jurisdictions where it is not more likely than not that these assets will be realized.
We classified net deferred income tax assets as of December 31st as detailed in the following table:


		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Current assets		$	6,584			$	7,995
Non-current assets			19,451				21,554
Current liabilities			(1,660	)			(950	)
Non-current liabilities			(2,378	)			(774	)
Net deferred tax assets		$	21,997			$	27,825

Activity and balances of unrecognized tax benefits are summarized below:


		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year		$	28,686			$	32,131			$	33,455
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year			3,701				4,567				1,886
Additions for tax positions of prior years			8,524				560				487
Reductions for tax positions of prior years			(153	)			(354	)			(167	)
Reductions as a result of expiring statutes of limitations			(449	)			(5,272	)			(2,455	)
Foreign currency translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated reserves			292				222				(449	)
Settlements with taxing authorities			(1,862	)			(3,168	)			(626	)
Balance at end of year		$	38,739			$	28,686			$	32,131
Additions for tax positions of prior years for 2013 in the above table are primarily comprised of immaterial prior period adjustments recorded in the current year. The impact in the 2013 income tax provision for these prior period adjustments is $3.4 million.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective rate was $13.2 million at December 31, 2013, and $12.9 million at December 31, 2012. The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. The Company recognized $1.3 million of expense in 2013, $0.3 million of benefit in 2012, and $0.3 million of benefit in 2011 for interest, net of tax, and penalties. The Company accrued $2.3 million at December 31, 2013, and $1.3 million at December 31, 2012, for payment of interest, net of tax, and penalties.
We anticipate that $6.6 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, may be reversed within the next 12 months. These liabilities relate to international tax issues and are expected to reverse due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations periods and the anticipation of the closure of tax examinations.
The Company conducts business globally, and, as a result, the U.S. parent company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the U.S. parent company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. With few exceptions, we are not subject to U.S. federal, foreign, or state and local income tax examinations for years before 2004.
At December 31, 2013, we provided $1.8 million for deferred income taxes on $12.3 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. We have not provided deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of approximately $101.7 million, since we intend to indefinitely reinvest the earnings and it is not practicable to estimate the additional taxes that might be payable on the eventual remittance of such earnings.

Contingent_Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingent Liabilities	'
	9	Contingent Liabilities

	The Company had bank guarantees and standby letters of credit issued by financial institutions that totaled $10.1 million at December 31, 2013, and $9.7 million at December 31, 2012. These agreements primarily relate to Ferro’s insurance programs, foreign energy purchase contracts and foreign tax payments. If the Company fails to perform its obligations, the guarantees and letters of credit may be drawn down by their holders, and we would be liable to the financial institutions for the amounts drawn.

	We have recorded environmental liabilities of $9.7 million at December 31, 2013, and $9.6 million at December 31, 2012, for costs associated with the remediation of certain of our properties that have been contaminated. The balance at December 31, 2013 was primarily comprised of liabilities related to a non-operating facility in Brazil, and for environmental obligations that we retained related to a site in the United States from the sale of our North American and Asian metal powders product lines during the fourth quarter of 2013. 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.

	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Supreme Court in Argentina ruled unfavorably related to certain export taxes associated with a divested operation. As a result of this ruling, we recorded a $6.8 million liability. The liability that has been recorded at December 31, 2013 represents our estimate of the amount that is probable and estimable.

	There are various lawsuits and claims pending against the Company and its consolidated 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	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefits	'

	10	Retirement Benefits

	Defined Benefit Pension Plans



			U.S. Plans												Non-U.S. Plans
			2013				2012				2011				2013				2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	19			$	16			$	16			$	2,095			$	1,995		$	2,095
	Interest cost			18,123				19,469				20,468				4,927				5,344			5,525
	Expected return on plan assets			(24,730	)			(20,631	)			(20,601	)			(2,994	)			(3,022	)		(3,137	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			13				48				73				29				2			(142	)
	Mark-to-market actuarial net (gains) losses			(63,405	)			20,125				49,866				(2,506	)			9,529			4,578
	Curtailment and settlement effects			—				—				—				(632	)			(2,524	)		23
	Special termination benefits			—				—				—				96				2			3
	Total net periodic benefit (income) cost		$	(69,980)			$	19,027			$	49,822			$	1,015			$	11,326		$	8,945
	Weighted-average assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.3	%			5.1	%			5.85	%			4	%			5.01	%		5.51	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A				N/A				N/A				2.89	%			3.03	%		3.44	%
	Expected return on plan assets			8.2	%			8.2	%			8.5	%			4.45	%			4.86	%		5.6	%

	In 2013, the mark-to-market actuarial net gain for U.S. plans consisted of actuarial gains of $38.0 million primarily due to an increase in the discount rate, in addition to $25.6 million of gains from actual returns on plan assets exceeding expected returns. The mark-to-market actuarial net gains for non-U.S. plans consisted of actuarial gains of $0.6 million, primarily due to an increase in the discount rate, in addition to $1.9 million of gains from actual returns on plan assets exceeding expectations. Also in 2013, we recorded curtailment gains related to the cessation of retirement benefit accumulations in Japan.

	In 2012, the mark-to-market actuarial net loss for U.S. plans consisted of actuarial losses of $39.0 million primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by $18.9 million of gains from actual returns on plan assets exceeding expectations. The mark-to-market actuarial net loss for non-U.S. plans consisted of actuarial losses of $15.7 million primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by $6.2 million of gains from actual returns on plan assets exceeding expectations. Also in 2012, we recorded curtailment gains related to the cessation of retirement benefit accumulations in the Netherlands. The affected employees in the Netherlands now receive benefits through a defined contribution plan.

	For U.S. plans in 2011, the improvement through December 2010 in the valuation of pension investments increased the amount of our expected return on plan assets. The mark-to-market actuarial net loss consisted of actuarial losses of $32.6 million primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate and $17.3 million of losses from expected returns exceeding actual returns on plan assets. For non-U.S. plans in 2011, curtailments and settlements in 2010 decreased benefit obligations, which reduced interest cost. These curtailments and settlements also decreased plan assets, which reduced expected returns. The mark-to-market actuarial net loss consisted of actuarial losses of $5.7 million primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate, partially offset by $0.9 million of gains from actual returns on plan assets exceeding expectations.



			U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	428,584			$	392,820			$	126,967			$	110,674
	Service cost			19				16				2,095				1,995
	Interest cost			18,123				19,469				4,927				5,344
	Curtailments			—				—				(369	)			(1,617	)
	Settlements			—				—				(2,175	)			(2,984	)
	Special termination benefits			—				—				97				2
	Plan participants’ contributions			—				—				27				133
	Benefits paid			(22,179	)			(22,693	)			(4,063	)			(5,176	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(37,829	)			38,972				(619	)			15,691
	Exchange rate effect			—				—				2,839				2,905
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	129,726			$	126,967
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	129,726			$	119,777
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	302,575			$	261,715			$	70,004			$	62,554
	Actual return on plan assets			50,306				39,479				4,924				9,309
	Employer contributions			23,968				24,074				3,749				3,903
	Plan participants’ contributions			—				—				27				133
	Benefits paid			(22,179	)			(22,693	)			(4,063	)			(5,176	)
	Effect of settlements			—				—				(2,175	)			(2,984	)
	Exchange rate effect			—				—				1,144				2,265
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	354,670			$	302,575			$	73,610			$	70,004
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
	Other non-current assets		$	—			$	—			$	6,909			$	5,024
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(542	)			(365	)			(1,946	)			(1,906	)
	Postretirement and pension liabilities			(31,506	)			(125,644	)			(61,081	)			(60,082	)
	Funded status		$	(32,048	)		$	(126,009	)		$	(56,118	)		$	(56,964	)



		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		2013				2012				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate			5.25	%			4.3	%			4.12	%			4	%
Rate of compensation increase			N/A				N/A				2.88	%			2.83	%
Pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Benefit obligations		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	91,116			$	89,017
Plan assets			354,670				302,575				28,089				27,029
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligations		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	90,882			$	88,783
Accumulated benefit obligations			386,718				428,584				85,565				82,462
Plan assets			354,670				302,575				27,868				26,824

Activity and balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension plans are summarized below:



		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		2013				2012				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Prior service (cost) credit:
Balance at beginning of year		$	(55	)		$	(103	)		$	(103	)		$	954
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs			13				48				(328	)			(780	)
Exchange rate effects			—				—				(229	)			(277	)
Balance at end of year		$	(42	)		$	(55	)		$	(660	)		$	(103	)
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014		$	(12	)						$	(63	)

The overall investment objective for defined benefit pension plan assets is to achieve the highest level of investment return that is compatible with prudent investment practices, asset class risk and current and future benefit obligations of the plans. Based on the potential risks and expected returns of various asset classes, the Company establishes asset allocation ranges for major asset classes. For U.S. plans, the target allocations are 35% fixed income, 60% equity, and 5% other investments. For non-U.S. plans, the target allocations are 75% fixed income, 24% equity, and 1% other investments. The Company invests in funds and with asset managers that track broad investment indices. The equity funds generally capture the returns of the equity markets in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Asia-Pacific and also reflect various investment styles, such as growth, value, and large or small capitalization. The fixed income funds generally capture the returns of government and investment-grade corporate fixed income securities in the U.S. and Europe and also reflect various durations of these securities.

We base the expected return on plan assets at the beginning of the year on the weighted-average expected return for the target asset allocations of the major asset classes held by each plan. In determining the expected return, the Company considers both historical performance and an estimate of future long-term rates of return. The Company consults with and considers the opinion of its actuaries in developing appropriate return assumptions.



The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, by asset category are as follows:



		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. plans:
Fixed income:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	7,574			$	—			$	—			$	7,574
Guaranteed deposits			—				2,054				—				2,054
U.S. government agencies			15,048				—				—				15,048
Mutual funds			84,650				—				—				84,650
Commingled funds							1,328				468				1,796
Equities:
U.S. common stocks			3,632				—				—				3,632
Mutual funds			222,363				—				—				222,363
Commingled funds			—				1,875				—				1,875
Real estate			—				—				15,678				15,678
Total		$	333,267			$	5,257			$	16,146			$	354,670
Non-U.S. plans:
Fixed income:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	686			$	—			$	—			$	686
Guaranteed deposits			—				2,614				22,985				25,599
Mutual funds			497				—				—				497
Commingled funds			—				22,896				—				22,896
Other			4,181				—				—				4,181
Equities:
Mutual funds			465				—				—				465
Commingled funds			—				18,369				—				18,369
Real estate			—				—				484				484
Other assets			232				—				201				433
Total		$	6,061			$	43,879			$	23,670			$	73,610



The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2012, by asset category are as follows:



		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. plans:
Fixed income:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	7			$	—			$	—			$	7
Guaranteed deposits			—				2,208				—				2,208
U.S. government agencies			18,256				—				—				18,256
Mutual funds			84,041				—				—				84,041
Commingled funds			—				1,400				675				2,075
Equities:
U.S. common stocks			1,775				—				—				1,775
Mutual funds			184,528				—				—				184,528
Commingled funds			—				1,710				—				1,710
Real estate			—				—				7,975				7,975
Total		$	288,607			$	5,318			$	8,650			$	302,575
Non-U.S. plans:
Fixed income:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,071			$	—			$	—			$	1,071
Guaranteed deposits			—				3,561				20,589				24,150
Mutual funds			373				—				—				373
Commingled funds			—				22,218				—				22,218
Other			3,636				—				—				3,636
Equities:
Mutual funds			403				—				—				403
Commingled funds			—				17,152				—				17,152
Real estate			—				—				605				605
Other assets			177				—				219				396
Total		$	5,660			$	42,931			$	21,413			$	70,004

The Company’s U.S. pension plans held 0.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $3.6 million at December 31, 2013, and 0.4 million shares with a market value of $1.8 million at December 31, 2012.

Level 3 assets consist primarily of guaranteed deposits and real estate investments. The guaranteed deposits in Level 3 are in the form of contracts with insurance companies that secure the payment of benefits and are valued based on discounted cash flow models using the same discount rate used to value the related plan liabilities. The real estate investments in Level 3 are in the form of commingled funds invested in non-public real estate development and investment companies and are valued based on estimated capitalization factors applied to the earnings streams from portfolio properties and fee income, discounted cash flows of development projects, and estimated market values of undeveloped land, all of which are reduced by reported liabilities and appropriate taxes.



A rollforward of Level 3 assets is presented below. Transfers into Level 3 during 2012 represent the correction of the classification within the fair value hierarchy of certain guaranteed deposits that were previously classified within Level 2. Unrealized gains included in earnings were $3.6 million in 2013 and $5.1 million in 2012.



		Guaranteed				Real estate				Commingled				Other assets				Total
		deposits				Real estate				funds				Other assets				Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	—			$	831			$	647			$	363			$	1,841
Transfers into Level 3			16,520				—				—				—				16,520
Purchases			598				8,072				—				48				8,718
Sales			(1,977	)			(349	)			—				(170	)			(2,496	)
Gains (losses) included in earnings			5,057				11				28				(28	)			5,068
Exchange rate effect			391				15				—				6				412
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	20,589			$	8,580			$	675			$	219			$	30,063
Purchases			—				6,540				—				7				6,547
Sales			—				(75	)			(216	)			(15	)			(306	)
Gains (losses) included in earnings			2,396				1,176				9				21				3,602
Exchange rate effect			—				(58	)			—				(32	)			(90	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	22,985			$	16,163			$	468			$	200			$	39,816

We expect to contribute approximately $22.5 million to our U.S. pension plans and $2.7 million to our non-U.S. pension plans in 2014.

We estimate that future pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, will be as follows:



		U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans
		(Dollars in thousands)
2014		$	22,582			$	5,463
2015			23,051				5,041
2016			23,511				5,107
2017			24,309				6,144
2018			24,718				6,187
2019-2023			130,643				30,424



Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans



		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Net periodic benefit cost:
Interest cost		$	1,139			$	1,585			$	1,929
Amortization of prior service credit			(115	)			(130	)			(401	)
Mark-to-market actuarial net losses			(3,904	)			(2,743	)			(2,684	)
Total net periodic benefit cost		$	(2,880	)		$	(1,288	)		$	(1,156	)
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate			3.85	%			4.85	%			5.45	%
Current trend rate for health care costs			7.5	%			7.7	%			7.9	%
Ultimate trend rate for health care costs			4.5	%			4.5	%			4.5	%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached			2028				2028				2028

A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effect:



		1-Percentage-				1-Percentage-
		Point Increase				Point Decrease
		(Dollars in thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	78			$	(68)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation			1,523				-1,342



		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	30,943			$	34,286
Interest cost			1,139				1,585
Benefits paid			(2,367	)			(2,185	)
Actuarial gain			(3,904	)			(2,743	)
Benefit obligation at end of year		$	25,811			$	30,943
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	—			$	—
Employer contributions			2,367				2,185
Benefits paid			(2,367	)			(2,185	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	—			$	—
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	(2,531	)		$	(2,735	)
Postretirement and pension liabilities			(23,280	)			(28,208	)
Funded status		$	(25,811	)		$	(30,943	)
Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate			4.9	%			3.85	%
Current trend rate for health care costs			7.3	%			7.5	%
Ultimate trend rate for health care costs			4.5	%			4.5	%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached			2028				2028

Activity and balances in accumulated other comprehensive income related to our postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans are summarized below:



		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Prior service credit:
Balance at beginning of year		$	1,130			$	1,260
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs			(115	)			(130	)
Balance at end of year		$	1,015			$	1,130
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014		$	105



The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 provides subsidies for certain drug costs to companies that provide coverage that is actuarially equivalent to the drug coverage under Medicare Part D. We estimate that future postretirement health care and life insurance benefit payments will be as follows:



		Before Medicare				After Medicare
		Subsidy				Subsidy
		(Dollars in thousands)
2014		$	2,531			$	2,239
2015			2,459				2,171
2016			2,376				2,097
2017			2,296				2,029
2018			2,207				1,953
2019-2023			9,512				8,455

Other Retirement Plans

We also have defined contribution retirement plans covering certain employees. Our contributions are determined by the terms of the plans and are limited to amounts that are deductible for income taxes. Generally, benefits under these plans vest gradually over a period of five years from date of employment. The largest plan covers salaried and most hourly employees in the U.S. In this plan, the Company contributes a percentage of eligible employee basic compensation and also a percentage of employee contributions. The expense applicable to these plans was $5.8 million, $7.6 million, and $8.1 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Serial_Convertible_Preferred_S

Serial Convertible Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Serial Convertible Preferred Stock	'
	11	Serial Convertible Preferred Stock

	We are authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of serial convertible preferred stock without par value. In 1989, Ferro issued 1,520,215 shares of 7% Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) to the Trustee of the Ferro Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) at a price of $46.375 per share for a total consideration of $70.5 million. Subsequently, all shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were allocated to participating individual employee accounts, and most of the shares were redeemed or converted by the Trustee to provide for distributions to, loans to, or withdrawals by participants or to satisfy an investment election provided to participants. In the first quarter of 2011, we redeemed in cash all outstanding Series A Preferred Stock for $9.4 million plus earned but unpaid dividends. The number of shares redeemed was 203,282 in 2011.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-based Compensation	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation	'
	12	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.



	Stock options, performance share units, deferred stock units, and restricted share awards were the only grant types outstanding at December 31, 2013. Stock options and performance share units are discussed below. Activities in other grant types were not significant.

	Stock Options

	General Information

	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013, have a term of 10 years, vest evenly over three or four years on the anniversary of the grant date, and have an exercise price equal to the per share fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. Accelerated vesting is used for options held by employees who meet both the age and years of service requirements to retire prior to the end of the vesting period. In the case of death, retirement or change in control, the stock options become 100% vested and exercisable.

	Stock Option Valuation Model and Method Information

	We estimate the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We use judgment in selecting assumptions for the model, which may significantly impact the timing and amount of compensation expense, and we base our judgments primarily on historical data. When appropriate, we adjust the historical data for circumstances that are not likely to occur in the future. We adjust the assumptions each year based upon new information.

	The following table details the determination of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options:



	Assumption		Estimation Method
	Expected life, in years		Historical stock option exercise experience
	Risk-free interest rate		Yield of U.S. Treasury Bonds with remaining maturity equal to expected life of the stock option
	Expected volatility		Historical daily price observations of the Company’s common stock over a period equal to the expected life of the stock option
	Expected dividend yield		Historical dividend rate at the date of grant

	The following table details the weighted-average grant-date fair values and the assumptions used for estimating the fair values:



			2013				2012				2011
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value			$4.01				$4.68				$10.55
	Expected life, in years			6				6				6.9
	Risk-free interest rate			1.13%—1.36	%			1.20%—1.67	%			2.67%—3.07	%
	Expected volatility			85.6%—86.4	%			81.1%—83.9	%			71.9%—73.3	%
	Expected dividend yield			0	%			0	%			0	%



	Stock Option Activity Information

	A summary of stock option activity follows:



			Number of				Weighted-				Weighted-			Aggregate
			Options				Average				Average			Intrinsic Value
							Exercise Price				Remaining
											Contractual
											Term
											(In years)			(Dollars in
											(In years)			thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			3,760,640			$	16.62
	Granted			566,400				5.59
	Exercised			(129,630	)			5.14
	Forfeited or expired			(1,537,674	)			18.33
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,659,736				13.84				5.1		$	8,383
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,736,545			$	21.19				3.3		$	2,782
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013			2,558,609			$	14.06				5		$	7,844

We calculated the aggregate intrinsic value in the table above by taking the total pretax difference between our common stock’s closing market value per share on the last trading day of the year and the stock option exercise price for each grant and multiplying that result by the number of shares that would have been received by the option holders had they exercised all their in-the-money stock options.

Information related to stock options exercised follows:



		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		$	666			$	107			$	1,053
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			859				122				2,060
Income tax benefit related to stock options exercised			301				43				721

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Information

A summary of amounts recorded and to be recorded for stock-based compensation related to stock options follows:



		2013				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses		$	1,679			$	2,446			$	4,462
Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense			588				856				1,562
Total fair value of stock options vested			2,228				3,973				7,736
Unrecognized compensation cost			1,282				1,976				6,117
Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years			0.9				1.6				1.2



Performance Share Units

General Information

Performance share units, expressed as shares of the Company’s common stock, are earned only if the Company meets specific performance targets over a three-year period. The grants have a duration of three years. No performance share units were granted in 2011.

The Plan allows us to pay up to 200% of the vesting-date fair value. We pay half of the earned value in cash and half in unrestricted shares of common stock. The portions of the grants that will be paid in cash are treated as liabilities, and therefore, we remeasure our liability and the related compensation expense at the balance sheet date, based on fair value. We treat the portions of the grants that will be settled with common stock as equity awards, and therefore, the amount of stock-based compensation we record over the performance period is based on the fair value on the grant date. The compensation expense and number of shares expected to vest for all performance share units are adjusted for the achievement of the performance share units’ performance conditions, based upon our best estimate using available facts and circumstances.

Performance Share Unit Valuation Model and Method Information

The estimated fair value for performance share units granted in 2013 is based on the closing price of company’s stock on the date of issuance and recorded based on achievement of target performance metrics. As of December 31, 2013 we have 0.5 million performance shares outstanding associated with our 2013 grant.

We estimated fair value of performance share units granted in 2012 based on assumptions underlying the Black-Scholes methodology to produce a Monte-Carlo simulation model. We use judgment in selecting assumptions for the model, which may significantly impact the timing and amount of compensation expense, and we base our judgments primarily on historical data. When appropriate, we adjust the historical data for circumstances that are not likely to occur in the future. We adjust the assumptions each year based upon new information.

The weighted average grant date fair value of our performance share units was $5.69 for shares granted in 2013 and $10.22 for shares granted in 2012. All performance share units are currently expensed at target and are evaluated each reporting period for likelihood of achieving the performance criteria.

Performance Share Unit Activity Information

A summary of performance share unit activity follows:



		Number of				Weighted-
		Units				Average
						Remaining
						Contractual
						Term
						(In years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012			305,200
Granted			511,230
Forfeited or expired			(55,100	)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013			761,330				1.7
Expected to vest at December 31, 2013			761,330				1.7



Stock-Based Compensation Expense Information

A summary of amounts recorded and to be recorded for stock-based compensation related to performance share units follows:



		2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses		$	3,277			$	611
Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense			1,147				214
Unrecognized compensation cost			4,681				1,584
Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years			1.7				2

Directors’ Deferred Compensation

Separate from the Plan, the Company has established the Ferro Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, permitting its non-employee directors to voluntarily defer all or a portion of their compensation. The voluntarily deferred amounts are placed in individual accounts in a benefit trust known as a “rabbi trust” and invested in the Company’s common stock with dividends reinvested in additional shares. All disbursements from the trust are made in the Company’s common stock. The stock held in the rabbi trust is classified as treasury stock in shareholders’ equity and the deferred compensation obligation that is required to be settled in shares of Company’s common stock is classified as paid-in capital. The rabbi trust held 0.2 million shares, valued at $2.7 million, at December 31, 2013, and 0.3 million shares, valued at $3.9 million, at December 31, 2012.

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	'
	13	Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs

	Our restructuring and cost reduction programs have been developed with the objectives of leveraging our global scale, realigning and lowering our cost structure and optimizing capacity utilization. Through 2013, we have made significant progress against these objectives by completing various actions that were initiated in 2012, as well as achieving significant progress on our Global Cost Reduction Program that was initiated in 2013.

	In 2013, 2012, and 2011, total charges resulting from these activities were $32.1 million, $25.5 million, and $9.0 million, respectively, of which zero in 2013 and 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011, was recorded in cost of sales related to accelerated depreciation of assets to be disposed. The remainder was reported as restructuring and impairment charges. Descriptions of these restructuring programs follow:

	Global Cost Reduction Program

	In 2013, we initiated a Global Cost Reduction Program that was designed to address 3 key areas of the company — (1) business realignment, (2) operational efficiency and (3) corporate and back office functions. Business realignment was targeted at right-sizing our commercial management organizations globally. The operational efficiency component of the program was designed to improve the efficiency of our plant operations across our global footprint, as well as supply chain. Corporate and back office is principally comprised of work that we are doing with our strategic partners in the areas of finance and accounting and information technology outsourcing, and procurement.

	Performance Coatings Restructuring Program

	In 2012, we developed and initiated restructuring programs related to our Performance Coatings business in Europe. As a result of these programs, the Company eliminated positions within the Performance Coatings sales, technical service, product development, manufacturing, supply chain and general administration organizations throughout Europe. The programs are subject to required consultations with employee representatives at the affected sites and other local legal requirements.

	European Manufacturing Restructuring Program

	In July 2006, we announced a multi-year, multi-phase program to restructure our European Manufacturing. Activities related to that program continued through 2012; however the majority of the programs activities were completed in prior years. Major activities are listed below:


		•		Manufacturing facilities in Casiglie, Italy, and Castanheira do Ribatejo, Portugal, were closed. Manufacturing capacity was transferred to Almazora, Spain, and Aveiro, Portugal. Our Casiglie facility was sold in 2013.


		•		Manufacturing facility in Limoges, France, was closed. The site was sold in 2012.


		•		Manufacturing facility in Burslem, United Kingdom, was partially closed, and production was transferred to Frankfurt, Germany, and Almazora, Spain.


		•		Manufacturing facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was closed. The site was sold in 2013.


		•		Manufacturing facility in Nules, Spain was closed and production was transferred to Almazora, Spain. The site was sold in 2013.


		•

	Electronic Materials Restructuring Program

	In 2010, we announced the closure of the Uden, Netherlands, facility due to excess capacity for production of dielectric and industrial ceramic products. Major activities are listed below:


		•		Manufacturing facility in Uden, Netherlands, was closed, and the site was sold in 2012.


		•		Certain production from Uden, Netherlands, was transferred to Penn Yan, New York, and St. Dizier, France.



	We have summarized the charges associated with these restructuring programs by major type of charges below:



			Employee			Other Costs				Asset			Total
			Severance			Other Costs				Impairment			Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Expected restructuring charges:
	European manufacturing restructuring		$	3,494		$	3,418			$	16,646		$	23,558
	Performance Coatings restructuring			4,062			—				—			4,062
	Electronic Materials restructuring			—			(1	)			1,439			1,438
	Global Cost Reduction Program			23,626			9,499							33,125
	Other restructuring programs			1,252			3,300				637			5,189
	Total expected restructuring charges		$	32,434		$	16,216			$	18,722		$	67,372
	Restructuring charges incurred:
European manufacturing restructuring		$	3,222		$	3,317			$	2,352		$	8,891
Electronic Materials restructuring			—			(1	)			1,439			1,438
Other restructuring programs			—			(1,640	)			18			(1,622	)
Charges incurred in 2011		$	3,222		$	1,676			$	3,809		$	8,707
European manufacturing restructuring		$	272		$	101			$	14,294		$	14,667
Performance Coatings restructuring			5,701			—				—			5,701
Other restructuring programs			1,252			3,214				619			5,085
Charges incurred in 2012		$	7,225		$	3,315			$	14,913		$	25,453
Performance Coatings restructuring		$	(1,639	)	$	—			$	—		$	(1,639	)
Global Cost Reduction Program			22,561			9,499							32,060
Other restructuring programs			—			1,726				—			1,726
Charges incurred in 2013		$	20,922		$	11,225			$	—		$	32,147
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:
European manufacturing restructuring		$	3,494		$	3,418			$	16,646		$	23,558
Performance Coatings restructuring			4,062			—				—			4,062
Electronic Materials restructuring			—			(1	)			1,439			1,438
Global Cost Reduction Program			22,561			9,499							32,060
Other restructuring programs			1,252			3,300				637			5,189
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred as of December 31, 2013		$	31,369		$	16,216			$	18,722		$	66,307



We have summarized the charges associated with the restructuring programs by segments below:



		Total			2013				2012			2011			Cumulative
		Expected													Charges To
		Charges													Date
		(Dollars in thousands)
Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	7,072		$	589			$	4,972		$	1,511		$	7,072
Performance Colors and Glass			22,556			16,673				—			4,998			21,671
Performance Coatings			18,753			1,542				16,481			715			18,738
Polymer Additives			390			382				—			8			390
Specialty Plastics			1,909			434				—			1,475			1,909
Segment Total			50,680			19,620				21,453			8,707			49,780
Corporate Restructuring Charges			16,692			12,527				4,000			—			16,527
Total Restructuring Charges		$	67,372		$	32,147			$	25,453		$	8,707		$	66,307

We have summarized the activities and accruals related to our restructuring and cost reduction programs below:



		Employee			Other				Asset			Total
		Severance			Costs				Impairment			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010		$	2,429		$	5,863			$	—		$	8,292
Restructuring charges			3,222			1,676				3,809			8,707
Cash payments			(5,461	)		(3,983	)			—			(9,444	)
Non-cash items			28			(137	)			(3,809	)		(3,918	)
Balance at December 31, 2011			218			3,419				—			3,637
Restructuring charges			7,225			3,315				14,913			25,453
Cash payments			(3,423	)		(811	)			—			(4,234	)
Non-cash items			73			216				(14,913	)		(14,624	)
Balance at December 31, 2012			4,093			6,139				—			10,232
Restructuring charges			20,922			11,225				—			32,147
Cash payments			(18,226	)		(11,607	)			—			(29,833	)
Non-cash items			210			(1,178	)						(968	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	6,999		$	4,579			$	—		$	11,578

In 2013, we did not incur restructuring related impairment charges. Other costs in the 2013 restructuring charges include $1.2 million related to lease termination costs for the corporate plane.

In 2012, we reevaluated in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, certain property, plant, and equipment that was already classified as assets held for sale. As a result, assets held for sale with a carrying value of $19.8 million were written down to their fair value of $4.9 million, and the impairment charge of $14.9 million is included in restructuring and impairment charges in our statements of operations. We estimated the fair value of these assets based on third-party appraisals. During 2012, we sold our Toccoa, Georgia, facility; our Uden, Netherlands, facility; and our Limoges, France, facility. At December 31, 2012, total assets held for sale were $3.1 million and are classified as other non-current assets due to the nature of the underlying assets, although we expect to sell these assets within the next twelve months. The assets include land and buildings at our Casiglie, Italy, facility; our Nules, Spain, facility; and our Rotterdam, Netherlands, facility. The impairment charges by segment were $10.9 million in Performance Coatings and $4.0 million in Pigments, Powders & Oxides.

Other costs in the 2012 restructuring charges include $3.2 million related to lease termination costs for the corporate plane.

In 2011, we recorded asset impairments of $3.8 million related to assets held for sale. Our review of certain idled assets in the Netherlands and France indicated that the carrying values were in excess of the respective fair values, less cost to sell, due to ongoing poor local economic conditions. We estimated the fair value of the Netherlands assets based on third-party appraisals and the fair value of the France assets using discounted cash flow models. The impairment charges of $3.8 million were included in the Pigments, Powders & Oxides segment.



Description		Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using					Total Gains
Description		Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3		(Losses)
		(Dollars in thousands)
Assets held for sale:
2012		$ 3,000		$ —	$ —		$ 3,000		$ (14,913)
2011		6,303		—	—		6,303		-3,809

We expect to make cash payments to settle the remaining liability for employee termination benefits and other costs primarily over the next twelve months, except where legal or contractual restrictions prevent us from doing so.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
Leases	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	14	Leases

	Rent expense for all operating leases was $17.9 million in 2013, $23.1 million in 2012, and $21.2 million in 2011. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is recorded as depreciation expense.

	The Company has a number of capital lease arrangements relating primarily to buildings and production equipment. Assets held under capital leases and included in property, plant and equipment at December 31st follow:



			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross amounts capitalized:
	Buildings		$	3,100		$	3,100
	Equipment			5,982			8,987
				9,082			12,087
	Accumulated amortization:
	Buildings			(3,100	)		(3,100	)
	Equipment			(2,752	)		(5,245	)
				(5,852	)		(8,345	)
	Net assets under capital leases		$	3,230		$	3,742



	At December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable leases follow:



			Capital Leases			Operating Leases
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2014		$	1,211		$	13,739
	2015			1,178			8,116
	2016			818			5,768
	2017			818			4,957
	2018			818			4,516
	Thereafter			3,224			21,061
	Net minimum lease payments			8,067		$	58,157
	Less amount representing imputed interest			2,251
	Present value of net minimum lease payments			5,816
	Less current portion			824
	Long-term obligations at December 31, 2013		$	4,992

Miscellaneous_Income_Expense_N

Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net	'
	15	Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net

	Components of miscellaneous (income) expense, net follow:



			2013			2012		2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	(Gain) loss on sale of assets		$	(24,075	)	$	432	$	278
	Argentina export tax matter			8,334			—		—
	Other, net			472			2,663		2,249
	Total miscellaneous (income) expense, net		$	(15,269	)	$	3,095	$	2,527

	In the first quarter of 2013, we sold assets associated with our solar pastes product line. The assets sold included, among other things, certain machinery and equipment, and inventory items related to open orders as well as intellectual property. The sale resulted in a gain of $9.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we sold assets related to our North American and Asian metal powders product line for a gain of $13.3 million. The transaction included the sale of manufacturing assets at the South Plainfield, New Jersey; facility. Consideration received in the sale included a favorable supply agreement for materials to be used in our ongoing operations. As the supply agreement represents significant continuing involvement with the disposed operations, the transaction did not qualify as a discontinued operation.

	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Supreme Court in Argentina ruled unfavorably related to certain export taxes associated with a divested operation. As a result of this ruling, we recorded an $8.3 million charge related to the exposures.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'

	16	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 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The impairment loss is included as an adjustment to reconcile net income to cash on the face of the statement of cash flows and included within (loss) income from 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. In 2013 we did not record a tax benefit associated with the loss from discontinued operations as a result of the full valuation allowance in the jurisdiction.


			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales		$	4,791		$	24,018		$	24,939
	Cost of sales			2,762			15,726			15,512
	Gross profit			2,029			8,292			9,427
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,181			4,903			4,861
	Restructuring and impairment charges			8,682			95			—
	Interest expense			589			1,518			1,219
	Miscellaneous income, net			(2	)		(15	)		(35	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes			(8,421	)		1,791			3,382
	Income tax expense			—			635			1,206
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		$	(8,421	)	$	1,156		$	2,176
	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:


			2012
			(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 payroll			47
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			373
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations		$	1,300

Earnings_Loss_per_Share

Earnings (Loss) per Share	12 Months Ended
Earnings (Loss) per Share	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) per Share	'
	17	Earnings (Loss) per Share

	Details of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share follow:



			2013		2012			2011
			(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders		$	71,942	$	(374,268	)	$	4,239
	Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations			8,421		(1,156	)		(2,176	)
	Total		$	80,363	$	(375,424	)	$	2,063
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			86,484		86,288			86,119
	Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders		$	0.93	$	(4.35	)	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders		$	71,942	$	(374,268	)	$	4,239
	Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations			8,421		(1,156	)		(2,176	)
	Total		$	80,363	$	(375,424	)	$	2,063
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			86,484		86,288			86,119
	Assumed exercise of stock options			309		—			225
	Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions			189		—			44
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions			132		—			390
	Assumed conversion of performance share units			383		—			—

	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			87,497		86,288			86,778
	Diluted earnings (loss) per shares attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders		$	0.92	$	(4.35	)	$	0.02

	The number of anti-dilutive or unearned shares, including shares related to contingently convertible debt, was 1.7 million, 6.4 million, and 5.2 million common shares for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	18	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of income tax, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, were as follows:


			Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
			Benefit			Adjustments			Adjustments
			Liability
			Adjustments
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	2,647		$	14,080		$	(77	)	$	16,650
	Other comprehensive (loss) before reclassifications			(274	)		(7,459	)		—			(7,733	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			(431	)		—			7			(424	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income			(705	)		(7,459	)		7			(8,157	)
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	1,942		$	6,621		$	(70	)	$	8,493

Reporting_for_Segments

Reporting for Segments	12 Months Ended
Reporting for Segments	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reporting for Segments	'
	19	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 under ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, for continuing to report as one segment. These operating segments will now be reported as the Pigments, Powders and Oxides and the Performance Colors and Glass segments. As discussed in Note 16, our pharmaceuticals business that comprised the Pharmaceuticals segment was sold in the first quarter of 2013, 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.


			2013				2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	190,326			$	279,025		$	601,542
	Performance Colors and Glass			390,007				386,538			417,752
	Performance Coatings			591,975				587,698			602,566
	Polymer Additives			292,568				320,635			336,965
	Specialty Plastics			170,530				170,717			172,028
	Total net sales		$	1,635,406			$	1,744,613		$	2,130,853

	In 2013, 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. Assets by segment are not regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. Each segment’s gross profit and reconciliations to income (loss) before income taxes are presented in the table below:


			2013				2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	34,225			$	31,780		$	119,173
	Performance Colors and Glass			112,825				101,847			111,187
	Performance Coatings			132,695				111,609			120,752
	Polymer Additives			27,139				29,951			33,829
	Specialty Plastics			28,366				29,186			25,043
	Total segment gross profit			335,250				304,373			409,984
	Other cost of sales			(5,526	)			(14,803	)		(7,179	)
	Total gross profit			329,724				289,570			402,805
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			176,282				297,755			330,450
	Restructuring and impairment charges			41,733				225,724			17,030
	Other expense, net			15,976				31,431			34,235
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	95,733			$	(265,340	)	$	21,090
	Each segment’s capital expenditures for long-lived assets, including acquisitions, are detailed below:


			2013				2012			2011
			(Dollars in Thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	2,035			$	9,466		$	13,158
	Performance Colors and Glass			7,970				16,594			11,823
	Performance Coatings			7,949				14,237			22,550
	Polymer Additives			10,708				6,310			10,093
	Specialty Plastics			1,197				546			1,261
	Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets			29,859				47,153			58,885
	Unallocated corporate expenditures for long-lived assets			4,361				11,149			12,863
	Total expenditures for long-lived assets(1)		$	34,220			$	58,302		$	71,748

	-1	Excludes capital expenditures of discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $1.0 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

	We sell our products throughout the world and we attribute sales to countries based on the country where we generate the customer invoice. No single country other than the U.S. and Spain represents greater than 10% of our net sales. We have detailed net sales by geographic region in the table below:


			2013				2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	United States		$	644,354			$	740,578		$	997,181
	Spain			270,449				258,210			340,588
	Other international			720,603				745,825			793,084
	Total net sales		$	1,635,406			$	1,744,613		$	2,130,853
	None of our operations in countries other than the U.S. and Spain owns greater than 10% of consolidated long-lived assets. We have detailed long-lived assets that consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and amortizable intangible assets by geographic region at December 31st in the table below:


			2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	United States		$	143,670			$	154,605
	Spain			67,820				70,707
Other international			162,114				161,447
Total long-lived assets		$	373,604			$	386,759

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted For Under the Equity Method	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted For Under the Equity Method	'
	20	Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted For Under the Equity Method
	At December 31, 2013, our percentage of ownership interest in these affiliates ranged from 36% to 50%. Because we exert significant influence over these affiliates, but we do not control them, our investments have been accounted for under the equity method. Investment income from these equity method investments, which is reported in miscellaneous (income) expense, net was $0.1 million in 2013, $0.9 million in 2012, and $3.0 million in 2011. The balance of our equity method investments, which is reported in other non-current assets, was $17.4 million at December 31, 2013, and $18.0 million at December 31, 2012. In 2013 we sold our joint venture interest located in Thailand.
	The income that we record for these investments is equal to our proportionate share of the affiliates’ income and our investments are equal to our proportionate share of the affiliates’ shareholders’ equity based on our ownership percentage. We have summarized below condensed income statement and balance sheet information for the combined equity method investees:


			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales		$	62,419		$	91,545		$	104,377
	Gross profit			4,572			21,328			26,206
	Income from continuing operations			1,859			3,510			7,735
	Net income			1,266			2,388			5,644


			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Current assets		$	45,685		$	57,962
	Non-current assets			23,862			26,483
	Current liabilities			(20,701	)		(19,027	)
	Non-current liabilities			(8,874	)		(554	)
	We had the following transactions with our equity-method investees:


			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Sales		$	5,347		$	4,630		$	8,893
	Purchases			9,342			8,093			9,655
	Dividends and interest received			426			1,324			1,162
	Commissions and royalties received			400			436			402
	Commissions and royalties paid			37			77			77

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	'
	21	Quarterly Data (Unaudited)



			Net Sales		Gross Profit		Net Income			Net Income			Earnings (Loss) Attributable to
							(Loss)			(Loss)			Ferro Corporation Common
										Attributable			Shareholders Per Common
										to Ferro			Share
										Corporation			Basic			Diluted
			(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2012
	Quarter 1		$	460,425	$	85,721	$	3,970		$	3,846		$	0.04		$	0.04
	Quarter 2			475,546		85,818		2,206			1,876			0.02			0.02
	Quarter 3			408,865		60,710		(315,738	)		(316,114	)		(3.66	)		(3.66	)
	Quarter 4 as adjusted			399,777		57,321		(63,472	)		(63,876	)		(0.74	)		(0.74	)
	Total		$	1,744,613	$	289,570	$	(373,034	)	$	(374,268	)	$	(4.34	)	$	(4.34	)
	2013
	Quarter 1		$	417,524	$	79,237	$	520		$	883		$	0.01		$	0.01
	Quarter 2			435,455		87,654		(1,982	)		(2,130	)		(0.02	)		(0.02	)
	Quarter 3			408,104		84,247		13,044			12,652			0.15			0.15
	Quarter 4			374,323		78,586		60,863			60,537			0.7			0.69
	Total		$	1,635,406	$	329,724	$	72,445		$	71,942		$	0.83		$	0.82

	Quarterly earnings per share amounts do not always add to the full-year amounts due to the averaging of shares.

	The fourth quarter of 2012 has been adjusted for discontinued operations associated with the sale FPL discussed in Note 16. Net sales has been reduced by $6.1 million and gross profit as been reduced by $2.0 million from amounts previously reported.



	Pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges in 2013 were $9.5 million in the first quarter, $13.4 million in the second quarter, $3.8 million in the third quarter, and $15.0 million in the fourth quarter. Pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges in 2012 were $0.3 million in the first quarter, $4.7 million in the second quarter, $198.8 million in the third quarter, and $22.0 million in the fourth quarter. Mark-to-market actuarial net gains were $69.8 million in 2013 and mark-to-market net losses were $26.9 million in 2012.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	'
	SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
	Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2011 and 2010


		Balance at		Additions Charged				Deductions			Adjustment for			Balance at
		Beginning of		(Reductions Credited) to							Differences in			End of Period
		Period		Costs and		Other					Exchange Rates
				Expenses		Accounts
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Allowance for Possible Losses on Collection of Accounts Receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	14,353		4,074		—		(6,370	)		371		$	12,428
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	10,443		5,202		—		(1,487	)		195		$	14,353
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	11,156		2,349		—		(2,782	)		(280	)	$	10,443
	Valuation Allowance on Net Deferred Tax Assets:
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	216,882		—		—		(25,568	)		2,670		$	193,984
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	37,060		178,350		—		—			1,472		$	216,882
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	26,815		11,335		—		—			(1,090	)	$	37,060

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Use of Estimates and Assumptions in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Foreign Currency Translation

Revenue Recognition

We typically recognize sales when we ship goods to our customers and when all of the following criteria are met:

•

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

•

The selling price is fixed or determinable;

•

Collection is reasonably assured; and

•

Title and risk of loss has passed to our customers.

Research and Development Expenses

Restructuring Programs

Asset Impairment

•

An adverse change in the business climate or market price of a long-lived asset or asset group;

•

An adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is used or in its physical condition;

•

Current operating losses for a long-lived asset or asset group combined with a history of such losses or projected or forecasted losses that demonstrate that the losses will continue; or

•

A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise significantly disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits

Income Taxes

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These instruments are carried at cost.

Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

2013

2012

2011

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts

12,428

14,353

10,443

Bad debt expense

4,074

5,202

2,349

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

Buildings

20 to 40 years

Machinery and equipment

5 to 15 years

Other Capitalized Costs

We capitalize the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use after the preliminary project stage has been completed and management, with the relevant authority, authorizes and commits to funding a computer software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. External direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use computer software, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the project, and interest costs incurred when developing computer software for internal use are capitalized within other non-current assets. Capitalization ceases when the project is substantially complete, generally after all substantial testing is completed. We expense training costs and data conversion costs as incurred. We amortize software on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, which has historically been in a range of 1 to 12 years.

Environmental Liabilities

In estimating the amount to be accrued for environmental remediation, we use assumptions about:

•

Remediation requirements at the contaminated site;

•

The nature of the remedy;

•

Existing technology;

•

The outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies;

•

Other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites; and

•

The number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

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 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 value of the 7.875% Senior Notes is based on trades in an active market. At December 31, 2013, the quoted market price was $106.50 per $100 reflecting a yield of 6.23%. The fair value of the 6.50% Convertible Notes was historically based on third-party estimated bid prices. The fair values of the revolving credit facility and the other long-term notes are based on the present value of expected future cash flows and 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 under ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, for continuing to report as one segment. These operating segments will now be reported as the Pigments, Powders and Oxides and the Performance Colors and Glass segments. As discussed in Note 16, our pharmaceuticals business that comprised the Pharmaceuticals segment was sold in the first quarter of 2013, 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.

2013

2012

2011

(Dollars in thousands)

Pigments, Powders and Oxides

190,326

279,025

601,542

Performance Colors and Glass

390,007

386,538

417,752

Performance Coatings

591,975

587,698

602,566

Polymer Additives

292,568

320,635

336,965

Specialty Plastics

170,530

170,717

172,028

Total net sales

1,635,406

1,744,613

2,130,853

In 2013, 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.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Detailed Information about Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Detailed information about the allowance for doubtful accounts is provided below:

2013

2012

2011

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for doubtful accounts

12,428

14,353

10,443

Bad debt expense

4,074

5,202

2,349

Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment

We depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis, generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:

Buildings

20 to 40 years

Machinery and equipment

5 to 15 years

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'

		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	58,765	$	64,923
	Work in process		30,266		35,028
	Finished goods		101,185		100,873

	Total	$	190,216	$	200,824

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Land	$	12,388		$	14,179
	Buildings		211,084			228,348
	Machinery and equipment		678,392			706,008
	Construction in progress		20,889			18,961
	Total property, plant and equipment		922,753			967,496
	Total accumulated depreciation		(625,649	)		(658,122	)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	297,104		$	309,374
Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Long Lived Assets	'

		Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using				Total Gains
	Description	Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	(Losses)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets held for use:
	2013	$ 13,000		$ —	$ —		$ 13,000	$ (7,484)
	2012	—		—	—		—	-38,942
	2011	—		—	—		—	-4,436

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Amortizable Intangible Asset	'

	Description		Fair Value				Fair Value Measurements Using												Total Gains
	Description		Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				(Losses)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Amortizable intangible asset:
	2013		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(2,102)
Details and Activity of Goodwill by Segment	'

	Details and activity of goodwill by segment follow:



			Electronic				Performance				Color and				Pigments,				Performance			Total
			Materials				Coatings				Glass				Powders and				Colors and
											Performance				Oxides				Glass
											Materials
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011:
	Gross goodwill		$	152,950			$	45,841			$	62,079			$	—			$	—		$	260,870
	Accumulated impairment losses			—				(45,269	)			—				—				—			(45,269	)
				152,950				572				62,079				—				—			215,601
	Impairments			(153,566	)			—				—				—							(153,566	)
	Other adjustments			(1	)			—				(21	)			—				—			(22	)
	Foreign currency adjustment			617				3				342				—				—			962
	Balance at December 31, 2012:
	Gross goodwill			153,566				45,844				62,400				—				—			261,810
	Accumulated impairment losses			(153,566	)			(45,269	)			—											(198,835	)
				—				575				62,400				—				—			62,975
	Segment reorganization(1)			—				—				(62,400	)			9,435				52,965			—
	Other adjustments			—				—								(3	)			(15	)		(18	)
	Foreign currency adjustment			—				11				—				76				429			516
	Balance at December 31, 2013:
	Gross goodwill			—				45,855				—				9,508				53,379			108,742
	Accumulated impairment losses			—				(45,269	)			—				—				—			(45,269	)
			$	—			$	586			$	—			$	9,508			$	53,379		$	63,473


	-1	Reallocation of goodwill based on changes in reportable segments. Refer to footnote 19 for additional detail.
Significant Assumptions and Ranges of Assumptions Used in Impairment Analysis of Goodwill	'

	The significant assumptions and ranges of assumptions we used in our impairment analysis of goodwill follow:



	Significant Assumptions		2013				2012
	Weighted-average cost of capital			12.0% - 12.5%				12.0% - 15.5%
	Residual growth rate			3.00%				3.00%
Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Goodwill	'
		Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using												Total Gains
	Description	Fair Value			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			(Losses)
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Goodwill:
	2012		$ —			$ —				$ —				$ —				$ (153,566)
	2011		—			—				—				—				(3,881)


Details of Amortizable Intangible Assets	'
	Details of amortizable intangible assets follow:


			Estimated				December 31,
			Economic Life				2013				2012
							(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross amortizable intangible assets:
	Patents			10 - 16 years			$	5,634			$	5,560
	Land rights			20 - 40 years				5,172				5,078
	Technological know-how and other			5 - 30 years				15,996				16,710

	Total gross amortizable intangible assets							26,802				27,348
	Accumulated amortization:
	Patents							(4,880	)			(4,659	)
	Land rights							(2,529	)			(2,391	)
	Technological know-how and other							(6.366	)			(5,888	)

	Total accumulated amortization							(13,775	)			(12,938	)

	Amortizable intangible assets, net						$	13,027			$	14,410

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Table

Debt and Other Financing (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Debt and Other Financing (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Loans Payable and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	'

	Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt at December 31st consisted of the following:



		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Loans payable to banks	$	2,062		$	2,477
	Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program		41,000			40,000
	International accounts receivable sales programs		—			6,122
	Current portion of long-term debt		1,168			36,553
	Total loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	44,230		$	85,152
Summary of Long-Term Debt	'

	Long-term debt at December 31st consisted of the following:



		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		9,204			2,596
	Capitalized lease obligations (see Note 14)		5,816			6,433
	Other notes		3,617			4,731
	Total long-term debt		268,637			298,177
	Current portion		(1,168	)		(36,553	)
	Long-term debt, less current portion	$	267,469		$	261,624
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	'

	The annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years after December 31, 2013, were as follows:



		(Dollars in
		thousands)
	2014	$	1,555
	2015		10,955
	2016		1,407
	2017		1,235
	2018		251,063
	Thereafter		4,673
	Total maturities of long-term debt		270,888
	Imputed interest and executory costs on capitalized lease obligations		(2,251	)
	Total long-term debt	$	268,637

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	'

	The following financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented at carrying amount, fair value and classification within the fair value hierarchy:



		December 31, 2013														December 31, 2012
		Carrying			Fair Value											Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Amount			Fair Value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	28,328		$	28,328		$	28,328		$	—		$	—	$	29,576		$	29,576
	Loans payable		(43,062	)		(43,062	)		—			(43,062	)		—		(48,599	)		(48,599	)
	7.875% Senior Notes		(250,000	)		(266,250	)		(266,250	)		—			—		(250,000	)		(231,500	)
	6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts		—			—			—			—			—		(34,417	)		(34,803	)
	Revolving credit facility		(9,204	)		(9,496	)		—			(9,496	)		—		(2,596	)		(2,634	)
	Other long-term notes		(3,617	)		(2,988	)		—			(2,988	)		—		(4,731	)		(3,937	)
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net		(2,255	)		(2,255	)		—			(2,255	)		—		(4,758	)		(4,758	)
Effect on Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Financial Performance	'

	The following table presents the effect on our consolidated statements of operations of foreign currency forward contracts:



		Amount of (Loss) Gain						Location of (Loss) Gain in Income
		Recognized in Income
		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$		(8,060)	$	474		Foreign currency losses, net
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets	'

	The following table presents the fair value on our consolidated balance sheets at December 31st of foreign currency forward contracts:



		2013			2012			Balance Sheet Location
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Asset derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	186		$	—		Other current assets
	Foreign currency forward contracts		—			213		Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Total fair value	$	186		$	213
	Liability derivatives:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(2,441	)	$	(4,971	)	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
	Total fair value	$	(2,441)		$	(4,971)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
(Losses) Earnings before Income Taxes	'

	Income tax expense (benefit) is based on our earnings (losses) before income taxes as presented in the following table:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	U.S.	$	98,839		$	(218,314	)	$	23,862
	Foreign		(3,106	)		(47,026	)		(2,772	)
	Total	$	95,733		$	(265,340	)	$	21,090
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'

	Our income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	(10,370)		$	(1,825)		$	(11,250)
	Foreign		17,219			2,525			8,704
	State and local		165			575			517
	Total current		7,014			1,275			(2,029	)
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal		12,145			77,875			18,380
	Foreign		(4,292	)		21,399			2,944
	State and local		—			8,301			(1,163	)
	Total deferred		7,853			107,575			20,161
	Total income tax expense	$	14,867		$	108,850		$	18,132
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Allocated Directly to Ferro Corporation Shareholders' Equity	'

	In addition, income tax (benefit) expense that we allocated directly to Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity is detailed in the following table:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	—		$	144		$	38
	Postretirement benefit liability adjustments		(244	)		(140	)		(139	)
	Stock options exercised		—			249			(1,184	)
	Total income tax (benefit) expense allocated to Ferro Corporation shareholders’ equity	$	(244)		$	253		$	(1,285)
Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate	'

	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate follows:



		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. federal statutory income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Adjustment of valuation allowance		(28.4	)		(68.9	)		52.8
	State taxes		0.1			2			3.7
	Goodwill dispositions and impairments		(0.2	)		(4.2	)		3.5
	Uncertain tax positions		0.3			(0.1	)		3.3
	Foreign tax rate difference		0.3			(1.0	)		0.2
	Research and development credit		—			0.2			(10.9	)
	Domestic production activities deduction		—			—			(5.8	)
	Net adjustment of prior-year accrual		1.6			(1.0	)		(1.9	)
	U.S. tax cost of foreign dividends		1.3			(0.2	)		(0.2	)
	Stock options		—			—			(0.4	)
	Medicare subsidy		—			—			(0.2	)
	Book to tax difference on sale of asset		(2.4	)		—
	Expired tax credits		7.2			(1.5	)		—
	Miscellaneous		0.7			(1.3	)		6.9
	Effective tax rate		15.5	%		(41.0	)%		86	%
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'

	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31st were:



		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Pension and other benefit programs	$	31,545		$	68,522
	Foreign operating loss carryforwards		62,256			66,993
	Domestic operating loss carryforwards		17,484			—
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		30,322			29,188
	Other credit carryforwards		16,294			14,259
	Capitalized research costs		3,578			5,409
	Accrued liabilities		18,066			16,414
	State operating loss carryforwards		8,956			4,258
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		3,062			2,937
	Property, equipment and intangibles — depreciation and amortization		9,932			18,613
	Capitalized interest		4,903			4,712
	Inventories		3,756			5,656
	Other		7,979			10,103
	Total deferred tax assets		218,133			247,064
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Convertible debt instruments		—			227
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries		1,795			1,363
	Other		357			767
	Total deferred tax liabilities		2,152			2,357
	Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		215,981			244,707
	Valuation allowance		(193,984	)		(216,882	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	21,997		$	27,825
Expirations of Operating Loss Carryforwards and Tax Credit Carryforwards	'
	These operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards expire as follows:


		Operating Loss			Tax Credit
		Carryforwards			Carryforwards
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Expiring in:
	2014	$	5,108		$	4,901
	2015-2019		20,567			32,516
	2020-2024		2,889			13,360
	2025-2029		7,146			7,864
	2030-2034		17,623			1,314
	2035-Indefinitely		39,716			2,068

	Total	$	93,049		$	62,023

Classification of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets	'

	We classified net deferred income tax assets as of December 31st as detailed in the following table:



		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current assets	$	6,584		$	7,995
	Non-current assets		19,451			21,554
	Current liabilities		(1,660	)		(950	)
	Non-current liabilities		(2,378	)		(774	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	21,997		$	27,825
Activity and Balances of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	Activity and balances of unrecognized tax benefits are summarized below:


		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	28,686		$	32,131		$	33,455
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		3,701			4,567			1,886
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		8,524			560			487
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(153	)		(354	)		(167	)
	Reductions as a result of expiring statutes of limitations		(449	)		(5,272	)		(2,455	)
	Foreign currency translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated reserves		292			222			(449	)
	Settlements with taxing authorities		(1,862	)		(3,168	)		(626	)

	Balance at end of year	$	38,739		$	28,686		$	32,131

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'

	Defined Benefit Pension Plans



			U.S. Plans												Non-U.S. Plans
			2013				2012				2011				2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	19			$	16			$	16			$	2,095		$	1,995		$	2,095
	Interest cost			18,123				19,469				20,468				4,927			5,344			5,525
	Expected return on plan assets			(24,730	)			(20,631	)			(20,601	)			(2,994	)		(3,022	)		(3,137	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			13				48				73				29			2			(142	)
	Mark-to-market actuarial net (gains) losses			(63,405	)			20,125				49,866				(2,506	)		9,529			4,578
	Curtailment and settlement effects			—				—				—				(632	)		(2,524	)		23
	Special termination benefits			—				—				—				96			2			3
	Total net periodic benefit (income) cost		$	(69,980)			$	19,027			$	49,822			$	1,015		$	11,326		$	8,945
	Weighted-average assumptions:
	Discount rate			4.3	%			5.1	%			5.85	%			4	%		5.01	%		5.51	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A				N/A				N/A				2.89	%		3.03	%		3.44	%
	Expected return on plan assets			8.2	%			8.2	%			8.5	%			4.45	%		4.86	%		5.6	%



			U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	428,584			$	392,820			$	126,967			$	110,674
	Service cost			19				16				2,095				1,995
	Interest cost			18,123				19,469				4,927				5,344
	Curtailments			—				—				(369	)			(1,617	)
	Settlements			—				—				(2,175	)			(2,984	)
	Special termination benefits			—				—				97				2
	Plan participants’ contributions			—				—				27				133
	Benefits paid			(22,179	)			(22,693	)			(4,063	)			(5,176	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(37,829	)			38,972				(619	)			15,691
	Exchange rate effect			—				—				2,839				2,905
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	129,726			$	126,967
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	129,726			$	119,777
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	302,575			$	261,715			$	70,004			$	62,554
	Actual return on plan assets			50,306				39,479				4,924				9,309
	Employer contributions			23,968				24,074				3,749				3,903
	Plan participants’ contributions			—				—				27				133
	Benefits paid			(22,179	)			(22,693	)			(4,063	)			(5,176	)
	Effect of settlements			—				—				(2,175	)			(2,984	)
	Exchange rate effect			—				—				1,144				2,265
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	354,670			$	302,575			$	73,610			$	70,004
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
	Other non-current assets		$	—			$	—			$	6,909			$	5,024
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(542	)			(365	)			(1,946	)			(1,906	)
	Postretirement and pension liabilities			(31,506	)			(125,644	)			(61,081	)			(60,082	)
	Funded status		$	(32,048	)		$	(126,009	)		$	(56,118	)		$	(56,964	)



			U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
			2013				2012				2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate			5.25	%			4.3	%			4.12	%			4	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A				N/A				2.88	%			2.83	%
Pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Benefit obligations		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	91,116			$	89,017
Plan assets			354,670				302,575				28,089				27,029
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligations		$	386,718			$	428,584			$	90,882			$	88,783
Accumulated benefit obligations			386,718				428,584				85,565				82,462
Plan assets			354,670				302,575				27,868				26,824

Activity and balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension plans are summarized below:



		U.S. Plans								Non-U.S. Plans
		2013				2012				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
Prior service (cost) credit:
Balance at beginning of year		$	(55	)		$	(103	)		$	(103	)		$	954
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs			13				48				(328	)			(780	)
Exchange rate effects			—				—				(229	)			(277	)
Balance at end of year		$	(42	)		$	(55	)		$	(660	)		$	(103	)
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014		$	(12	)						$	(63	)
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	'

	The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, by asset category are as follows:



			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	U.S. plans:
	Fixed income:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	7,574			$	—			$	—			$	7,574
	Guaranteed deposits			—				2,054				—				2,054
	U.S. government agencies			15,048				—				—				15,048
	Mutual funds			84,650				—				—				84,650
	Commingled funds							1,328				468				1,796
	Equities:
	U.S. common stocks			3,632				—				—				3,632
	Mutual funds			222,363				—				—				222,363
	Commingled funds			—				1,875				—				1,875
	Real estate			—				—				15,678				15,678
	Total		$	333,267			$	5,257			$	16,146			$	354,670
	Non-U.S. plans:
	Fixed income:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	686			$	—			$	—			$	686
	Guaranteed deposits			—				2,614				22,985				25,599
	Mutual funds			497				—				—				497
	Commingled funds			—				22,896				—				22,896
	Other			4,181				—				—				4,181
	Equities:
	Mutual funds			465				—				—				465
	Commingled funds			—				18,369				—				18,369
	Real estate			—				—				484				484
	Other assets			232				—				201				433
	Total		$	6,061			$	43,879			$	23,670			$	73,610



	The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2012, by asset category are as follows:



			Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	U.S. plans:
	Fixed income:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	7			$	—			$	—			$	7
	Guaranteed deposits			—				2,208				—				2,208
	U.S. government agencies			18,256				—				—				18,256
	Mutual funds			84,041				—				—				84,041
	Commingled funds			—				1,400				675				2,075
	Equities:
	U.S. common stocks			1,775				—				—				1,775
	Mutual funds			184,528				—				—				184,528
	Commingled funds			—				1,710				—				1,710
	Real estate			—				—				7,975				7,975
	Total		$	288,607			$	5,318			$	8,650			$	302,575
	Non-U.S. plans:
	Fixed income:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,071			$	—			$	—			$	1,071
	Guaranteed deposits			—				3,561				20,589				24,150
	Mutual funds			373				—				—				373
	Commingled funds			—				22,218				—				22,218
	Other			3,636				—				—				3,636
	Equities:
Mutual funds			403				—				—				403
Commingled funds			—				17,152				—				17,152
Real estate			—				—				605				605
Other assets			177				—				219				396
Total		$	5,660			$	42,931			$	21,413			$	70,004
Schedule of Rollforward of Level 3 Assets	'

	A rollforward of Level 3 assets is presented below. Transfers into Level 3 during 2012 represent the correction of the classification within the fair value hierarchy of certain guaranteed deposits that were previously classified within Level 2. Unrealized gains included in earnings were $3.6 million in 2013 and $5.1 million in 2012.



			Guaranteed				Real estate				Commingled				Other assets			Total
			deposits				Real estate				funds				Other assets			Total
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	—			$	831			$	647			$	363		$	1,841
	Transfers into Level 3			16,520				—				—				—			16,520
	Purchases			598				8,072				—				48			8,718
	Sales			(1,977	)			(349	)			—				(170	)		(2,496	)
	Gains (losses) included in earnings			5,057				11				28				(28	)		5,068
	Exchange rate effect			391				15				—				6			412
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	20,589			$	8,580			$	675			$	219		$	30,063
	Purchases			—				6,540				—				7			6,547
	Sales			—				(75	)			(216	)			(15	)		(306	)
	Gains (losses) included in earnings			2,396				1,176				9				21			3,602
	Exchange rate effect			—				(58	)			—				(32	)		(90	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	22,985			$	16,163			$	468			$	200		$	39,816
Future Pension Benefit Payments	'

	We estimate that future pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, will be as follows:



			U.S. Plans				Non-U.S. Plans
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2014		$	22,582			$	5,463
	2015			23,051				5,041
	2016			23,511				5,107
	2017			24,309				6,144
	2018			24,718				6,187
	2019-2023			130,643				30,424
Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans	'

	Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans



			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Interest cost		$	1,139			$	1,585			$	1,929
	Amortization of prior service credit			(115	)			(130	)			(401	)
	Mark-to-market actuarial net losses			(3,904	)			(2,743	)			(2,684	)
	Total net periodic benefit cost		$	(2,880	)		$	(1,288	)		$	(1,156	)
	Weighted-average assumptions:
	Discount rate			3.85	%			4.85	%			5.45	%
	Current trend rate for health care costs			7.5	%			7.7	%			7.9	%
	Ultimate trend rate for health care costs			4.5	%			4.5	%			4.5	%
	Year that ultimate trend rate is reached			2028				2028				2028

	A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effect:



			1-Percentage-				1-Percentage-
			Point Increase				Point Decrease
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components		$	78			$	(68)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation			1,523				-1,342



			2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	30,943			$	34,286
	Interest cost			1,139				1,585
	Benefits paid			(2,367	)			(2,185	)
	Actuarial gain			(3,904	)			(2,743	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	25,811			$	30,943
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	—			$	—
	Employer contributions			2,367				2,185
	Benefits paid			(2,367	)			(2,185	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	—			$	—
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		$	(2,531	)		$	(2,735	)
	Postretirement and pension liabilities			(23,280	)			(28,208	)
	Funded status		$	(25,811	)		$	(30,943	)
	Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate			4.9	%			3.85	%
	Current trend rate for health care costs			7.3	%			7.5	%
	Ultimate trend rate for health care costs			4.5	%			4.5	%
	Year that ultimate trend rate is reached			2028				2028

	Activity and balances in accumulated other comprehensive income related to our postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans are summarized below:



			2013				2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Prior service credit:
	Balance at beginning of year		$	1,130			$	1,260
	Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs			(115	)			(130	)
	Balance at end of year		$	1,015			$	1,130
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014		$	105


Future Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Payments	'

	We estimate that future postretirement health care and life insurance benefit payments will be as follows:



			Before Medicare				After Medicare
			Subsidy				Subsidy
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2014		$	2,531			$	2,239
	2015			2,459				2,171
	2016			2,376				2,097
	2017			2,296				2,029
	2018			2,207				1,953
	2019-2023			9,512				8,455

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'
Details of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value 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:



		2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value		$4.01			$4.68			$10.55
	Expected life, in years		6			6			6.9
	Risk-free interest rate		1.13%—1.36	%		1.20%—1.67	%		2.67%—3.07	%
	Expected volatility		85.6%—86.4	%		81.1%—83.9	%		71.9%—73.3	%
	Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity	'

	A summary of stock option activity follows:



		Number of			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
		Options			Average			Average			Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price			Remaining
								Contractual
								Term
								(In years)			(Dollars in
								(In years)			thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,760,640		$	16.62
	Granted		566,400			5.59
	Exercised		(129,630	)		5.14
	Forfeited or expired		(1,537,674	)		18.33
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,659,736			13.84			5.1		$	8,383
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		1,736,545		$	21.19			3.3		$	2,782
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		2,558,609		$	14.06			5		$	7,844
Information Related to Stock Options Exercised	'

	Information related to stock options exercised follows:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	$	666		$	107		$	1,053
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		859			122			2,060
	Income tax benefit related to stock options exercised		301			43			721
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'

	A summary of amounts recorded and to be recorded for stock-based compensation related to stock options follows:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses	$	1,679		$	2,446		$	4,462
	Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense		588			856			1,562
	Total fair value of stock options vested		2,228			3,973			7,736
	Unrecognized compensation cost		1,282			1,976			6,117
	Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years		0.9			1.6			1.2
Performance Share Units [Member]	'
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity	'

	A summary of performance share unit activity follows:



		Number of			Weighted-
		Units			Average
					Remaining
					Contractual
					Term
					(In years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		305,200
	Granted		511,230
	Forfeited or expired		(55,100	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		761,330			1.7
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2013		761,330			1.7
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'

	A summary of amounts recorded and to be recorded for stock-based compensation related to performance share units follows:



		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses	$	3,277		$	611
	Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense		1,147			214
	Unrecognized compensation cost		4,681			1,584
	Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years		1.7			2

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti1

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Charges Associated with Restructuring Programs by Major Type of Charges	'

	We have summarized the charges associated with these restructuring programs by major type of charges below:



		Employee			Other Costs			Asset			Total
		Severance			Other Costs			Impairment			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Expected restructuring charges:
	European manufacturing restructuring	$	3,494		$	3,418		$	16,646		$	23,558
	Performance Coatings restructuring		4,062			—			—			4,062
	Electronic Materials restructuring		—			(1	)		1,439			1,438
	Global Cost Reduction Program		23,626			9,499						33,125
	Other restructuring programs		1,252			3,300			637			5,189
	Total expected restructuring charges	$	32,434		$	16,216		$	18,722		$	67,372
	Restructuring charges incurred:
	European manufacturing restructuring	$	3,222		$	3,317		$	2,352		$	8,891
	Electronic Materials restructuring		—			(1	)		1,439			1,438
	Other restructuring programs		—			(1,640	)		18			(1,622	)
	Charges incurred in 2011	$	3,222		$	1,676		$	3,809		$	8,707
	European manufacturing restructuring	$	272		$	101		$	14,294		$	14,667
	Performance Coatings restructuring		5,701			—			—			5,701
	Other restructuring programs		1,252			3,214			619			5,085
	Charges incurred in 2012	$	7,225		$	3,315		$	14,913		$	25,453
	Performance Coatings restructuring	$	(1,639	)	$	—		$	—		$	(1,639	)
	Global Cost Reduction Program		22,561			9,499						32,060
	Other restructuring programs		—			1,726			—			1,726
	Charges incurred in 2013	$	20,922		$	11,225		$	—		$	32,147
	Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:
	European manufacturing restructuring	$	3,494		$	3,418		$	16,646		$	23,558
	Performance Coatings restructuring		4,062			—			—			4,062
	Electronic Materials restructuring		—			(1	)		1,439			1,438
	Global Cost Reduction Program		22,561			9,499						32,060
	Other restructuring programs		1,252			3,300			637			5,189
	Cumulative restructuring charges incurred as of December 31, 2013	$	31,369		$	16,216		$	18,722		$	66,307
Summary of Charges Associated with Restructuring Programs by Segments	'

	We have summarized the charges associated with the restructuring programs by segments below:



		Total			2013			2012			2011			Cumulative
		Expected												Charges To
		Charges												Date
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides	$	7,072		$	589		$	4,972		$	1,511		$	7,072
	Performance Colors and Glass		22,556			16,673			—			4,998			21,671
	Performance Coatings		18,753			1,542			16,481			715			18,738
	Polymer Additives		390			382			—			8			390
	Specialty Plastics		1,909			434			—			1,475			1,909
	Segment Total		50,680			19,620			21,453			8,707			49,780
	Corporate Restructuring Charges		16,692			12,527			4,000			—			16,527
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	67,372		$	32,147		$	25,453		$	8,707		$	66,307
Summary of Accruals Related to Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs	'

	We have summarized the activities and accruals related to our restructuring and cost reduction programs below:



		Employee			Other			Asset			Total
		Severance			Costs			Impairment			Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2010	$	2,429		$	5,863		$	—		$	8,292
	Restructuring charges		3,222			1,676			3,809			8,707
	Cash payments		(5,461	)		(3,983	)		—			(9,444	)
	Non-cash items		28			(137	)		(3,809	)		(3,918	)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		218			3,419			—			3,637
	Restructuring charges		7,225			3,315			14,913			25,453
	Cash payments		(3,423	)		(811	)		—			(4,234	)
	Non-cash items		73			216			(14,913	)		(14,624	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		4,093			6,139			—			10,232
	Restructuring charges		20,922			11,225			—			32,147
	Cash payments		(18,226	)		(11,607	)		—			(29,833	)
	Non-cash items		210			(1,178	)					(968	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,999		$	4,579		$	—		$	11,578
Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Long Lived Assets	'

	Description	Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements Using				Total Gains
	Description	Fair Value		Level 1	Level 2		Level 3	(Losses)
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Assets held for sale:
	2012	$ 3,000		$ —	$ —		$ 3,000	$ (14,913)
	2011	6,303		—	—		6,303	-3,809

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Assets Held under Capital Leases and Included in Property, Plant and Equipment	'

	Assets held under capital leases and included in property, plant and equipment at December 31st follow:



		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross amounts capitalized:
	Buildings	$	3,100		$	3,100
	Equipment		5,982			8,987
			9,082			12,087
	Accumulated amortization:
	Buildings		(3,100	)		(3,100	)
	Equipment		(2,752	)		(5,245	)
			(5,852	)		(8,345	)
	Net assets under capital leases	$	3,230		$	3,742
Future Minimum Lease Payments under All Non-Cancelable Leases	'

	At December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable leases follow:



		Capital Leases			Operating Leases
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	$	1,211		$	13,739
	2015		1,178			8,116
	2016		818			5,768
	2017		818			4,957
	2018		818			4,516
	Thereafter		3,224			21,061
	Net minimum lease payments		8,067		$	58,157
	Less amount representing imputed interest		2,251
	Present value of net minimum lease payments		5,816
	Less current portion		824
	Long-term obligations at December 31, 2013	$	4,992

Miscellaneous_Income_Expense_N1

Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Components of Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net	'

	Components of miscellaneous (income) expense, net follow:



		2013			2012		2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	(Gain) loss on sale of assets	$	(24,075	)	$	432	$	278
	Argentina export tax matter		8,334			—		—
	Other, net		472			2,663		2,249
	Total miscellaneous (income) expense, net	$	(15,269	)	$	3,095	$	2,527

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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. In 2013. we did not record a tax benefit associated with the loss from discontinued operations as a result of the full valuation allowance in the jurisdiction.



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	4,791		$	24,018		$	24,939
	Cost of sales		2,762			15,726			15,512
	Gross profit		2,029			8,292			9,427
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,181			4,903			4,861
	Restructuring and impairment charges		8,682			95			—
	Interest expense		589			1,518			1,219
	Miscellaneous income, net		(2	)		(15	)		(35	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		(8,421	)		1,791			3,382
	Income tax expense		—			635			1,206
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(8,421	)	$	1,156		$	2,176

	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:



		2012
		(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 payroll		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)	12 Months Ended
Earnings (Loss) per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculations of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'

	Details of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share follow:



		2013		2012			2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	71,942	$	(374,268	)	$	4,239
	Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations		8,421		(1,156	)		(2,176	)
	Total	$	80,363	$	(375,424	)	$	2,063
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,484		86,288			86,119
	Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.93	$	(4.35	)	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	71,942	$	(374,268	)	$	4,239
	Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations		8,421		(1,156	)		(2,176	)
	Total	$	80,363	$	(375,424	)	$	2,063
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		86,484		86,288			86,119
	Assumed exercise of stock options		309		—			225
	Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions		189		—			44
	Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions		132		—			390
	Assumed conversion of performance share units		383		—			—

	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		87,497		86,288			86,778
	Diluted earnings (loss) per shares attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$	0.92	$	(4.35	)	$	0.02

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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 income tax, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, were as follows:


		Postretirement			Translation			Other			Total
		Benefit			Adjustments			Adjustments
		Liability
		Adjustments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,647		$	14,080		$	(77	)	$	16,650
	Other comprehensive (loss) before reclassifications		(274	)		(7,459	)		—			(7,733	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(431	)		—			7			(424	)
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(705	)		(7,459	)		7			(8,157	)
	Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	1,942		$	6,621		$	(70	)	$	8,493

Reporting_for_Segments_Tables

Reporting for Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Reporting for Segments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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.



			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	190,326		$	279,025		$	601,542
	Performance Colors and Glass			390,007			386,538			417,752
	Performance Coatings			591,975			587,698			602,566
	Polymer Additives			292,568			320,635			336,965
	Specialty Plastics			170,530			170,717			172,028
	Total net sales		$	1,635,406		$	1,744,613		$	2,130,853
Segment's Income (Loss) and Reconciliations to (Loss) Income before Income Taxes	'

	Segment’s gross profit and reconciliations to income (loss) before income taxes are presented in the table below:



			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	34,225		$	31,780		$	119,173
	Performance Colors and Glass			112,825			101,847			111,187
	Performance Coatings			132,695			111,609			120,752
	Polymer Additives			27,139			29,951			33,829
	Specialty Plastics			28,366			29,186			25,043
	Total segment gross profit			335,250			304,373			409,984
	Other cost of sales			(5,526	)		(14,803	)		(7,179	)
	Total gross profit			329,724			289,570			402,805
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			176,282			297,755			330,450
	Restructuring and impairment charges			41,733			225,724			17,030
	Other expense, net			15,976			31,431			34,235
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	95,733		$	(265,340	)	$	21,090
Summary of Segment's Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets, Including Acquisitions	'

	Segment’s capital expenditures for long-lived assets, including acquisitions, are detailed below:



			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in Thousands)
	Pigments, Powders and Oxides		$	2,035		$	9,466		$	13,158
	Performance Colors and Glass			7,970			16,594			11,823
	Performance Coatings			7,949			14,237			22,550
	Polymer Additives			10,708			6,310			10,093
	Specialty Plastics			1,197			546			1,261
	Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets			29,859			47,153			58,885
	Unallocated corporate expenditures for long-lived assets			4,361			11,149			12,863
	Total expenditures for long-lived assets(1)		$	34,220		$	58,302		$	71,748


	-1	Excludes capital expenditures of discontinued operations of $0.4 million and $1.0 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Summary of Net Sales by Geographic Region	'

	Net sales by geographic region in the table below:



			2013			2012			2011
			(Dollars in thousands)
	United States		$	644,354		$	740,578		$	997,181
	Spain			270,449			258,210			340,588
	Other international			720,603			745,825			793,084
	Total net sales		$	1,635,406		$	1,744,613		$	2,130,853
Summary of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region	'
	long-lived assets that consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and amortizable intangible assets by geographic region at December 31st in the table below:


			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	United States		$	143,670		$	154,605
	Spain			67,820			70,707
	Other international			163,114			161,447
	Total long-lived assets		$	373,604		$	386,759

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco1

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted For Under the Equity Method (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Summarized Condensed Income Statement	'

	Condensed income statement information for the combined equity method investees:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net sales	$	62,419		$	91,545		$	104,377
	Gross profit		4,572			21,328			26,206
	Income from continuing operations		1,859			3,510			7,735
	Net income		1,266			2,388			5,644
Summarized Balance Sheet	'
	Balance sheet information for the combined equity method investees:


		2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current assets	$	45,685		$	57,962
	Non-current assets		23,862			26,483
	Current liabilities		(20,701	)		(19,027	)
	Non-current liabilities		(8,874	)		(554	)
Transactions with Equity-Method Investees	'

	We had the following transactions with our equity-method investees:



		2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Sales	$	5,347		$	4,630		$	8,893
	Purchases		9,342			8,093			9,655
	Dividends and interest received		426			1,324			1,162
	Commissions and royalties received		400			436			402
	Commissions and royalties paid		37			77			77

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Table

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Quarterly Data (Unaudited)



		Net Sales		Gross Profit		Net Income			Net Income			Earnings (Loss) Attributable to
						(Loss)			(Loss)			Ferro Corporation Common
									Attributable			Shareholders Per Common
									to Ferro			Share
									Corporation			Basic			Diluted
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2012
	Quarter 1	$	460,425	$	85,721	$	3,970		$	3,846		$	0.04		$	0.04
	Quarter 2		475,546		85,818		2,206			1,876			0.02			0.02
	Quarter 3		408,865		60,710		(315,738	)		(316,114	)		(3.66	)		(3.66	)
	Quarter 4 as adjusted		399,777		57,321		(63,472	)		(63,876	)		(0.74	)		(0.74	)
	Total	$	1,744,613	$	289,570	$	(373,034	)	$	(374,268	)	$	(4.34	)	$	(4.34	)
	2013
	Quarter 1	$	417,524	$	79,237	$	520		$	883		$	0.01		$	0.01
	Quarter 2		435,455		87,654		(1,982	)		(2,130	)		(0.02	)		(0.02	)
	Quarter 3		408,104		84,247		13,044			12,652			0.15			0.15
	Quarter 4		374,323		78,586		60,863			60,537			0.7			0.69
	Total	$	1,635,406	$	329,724	$	72,445		$	71,942		$	0.83		$	0.82

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Customer
	Entity
	Derivative
Number of legal entities consolidated	6	'	'
Expenditures for company-sponsored research and development activities	$26.90	$30	$30.40
Number of derivative instruments classified as hedges	0	'	'
Number of customers representing greater than 10% of net sales or accounts receivable	0	'	'
Percentage of net sales or accounts receivable to be considered a major customer	10.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Non-controlling interest ownerships in consolidated entities	5.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] \| Software [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Non-controlling interest ownerships in consolidated entities	49.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member] \| Software [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'12 years	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Detailed Information about Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$12,428	$14,353	$10,443
Bad debt expense	$4,074	$5,202	$2,349

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]	'
Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'20 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and equipment [Member]	'
Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]	'
Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'40 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and equipment [Member]	'
Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	'15 years

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$58,765	$64,923
Work in process	30,266	35,028
Finished goods	101,185	100,873
Total inventories	$190,216	$200,824

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Terms of precious metals consignment agreements, maximum	'1 year	'	'
Fees under precious metals consignment agreements	$3	$6.50	$9.50
Fair value of precious metals on hand under consignment agreements	$30.80	$112.20	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	$922,753	$967,496
Total accumulated depreciation	-625,649	-658,122
Property, plant and equipment, net	297,104	309,374
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	12,388	14,179
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	211,084	228,348
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	678,392	706,008
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment	$20,889	$18,961

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$44,900,000	$49,500,000	$53,700,000
Unpaid capital expenditure liabilities	8,800,000	5,600,000	19,000,000
Assets held for use at carrying value	20,500,000	'	4,400,000
Assets held for use at written down value	13,000,000	'	'
Impairment charge	7,500,000	'	'
Impairments of assets held for use	7,484,000	38,942,000	4,436,000
Assets held for use at fair value	13,000,000	'	'
Additional assets [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use at carrying value	'	12,500,000	'
Impairments of assets held for use	'	7,900,000	'
Assets held for use at fair value	'	4,600,000	'
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use at carrying value	'	38,900,000	'
Impairments of assets held for use	'	38,900,000	'
FPL [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairments of assets held for use	8,700,000	'	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairments of assets held for use	'	'	2,600,000
Polymer Additives [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairments of assets held for use	'	'	$1,800,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Long Lived Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use	$13,000	'	'
Total Gains (Losses) on assets held for use	-7,484	-38,942	-4,436
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for use	$13,000	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Details and Activity of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	$261,810,000	$260,870,000	'
Segment reorganization	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-198,835,000	-45,269,000	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	62,975,000	215,601,000	'
Impairments	'	-153,566,000	'
Other adjustments	-18,000	-22,000	'
Foreign currency adjustment	516,000	962,000	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	108,742,000	261,810,000	'
Accumulated impairment losses	-45,269,000	-198,835,000	'
Goodwill net, ending balance	63,473,000	62,975,000	'
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	153,566,000	152,950,000	'
Segment reorganization	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-153,566,000	'	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	'	152,950,000	'
Impairments	'	-153,566,000	'
Other adjustments	'	-1,000	'
Foreign currency adjustment	'	617,000	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	'	153,566,000	'
Accumulated impairment losses	'	-153,566,000	'
Goodwill net, ending balance	'	'	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	45,844,000	45,841,000	'
Segment reorganization	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-45,269,000	-45,269,000	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	575,000	572,000	'
Impairments	'	'	-3,881,000
Other adjustments	'	'	'
Foreign currency adjustment	11,000	3,000	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	45,855,000	45,844,000	45,841,000
Accumulated impairment losses	-45,269,000	-45,269,000	-45,269,000
Goodwill net, ending balance	586,000	575,000	572,000
Color and Glass Performance Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	62,400,000	62,079,000	'
Segment reorganization	-62,400,000	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	'	'	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	62,400,000	62,079,000	'
Impairments	'	'	'
Other adjustments	0	-21,000	'
Foreign currency adjustment	0	342,000	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	'	62,400,000	'
Accumulated impairment losses	'	'	'
Goodwill net, ending balance	0	62,400,000	'
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	'	'	'
Segment reorganization	9,435,000	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	'	'	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	'	'	'
Impairments	'	'	'
Other adjustments	-3,000	'	'
Foreign currency adjustment	76,000	'	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	9,508,000	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses	'	'	'
Goodwill net, ending balance	9,508,000	'	'
Performance Colors and Glass [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross goodwill, beginning balance	'	'	'
Segment reorganization	52,965,000	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	'	'	'
Goodwill net, beginning balance	'	'	'
Impairments	'	'	'
Other adjustments	-15,000	'	'
Foreign currency adjustment	429,000	'	'
Gross goodwill, ending balance	53,379,000	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses	'	'	'
Goodwill net, ending balance	$53,379,000	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Significant Assumptions and Ranges of Assumptions Used in Impairment Analysis of Goodwill (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Impaired Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Residual growth rate	3.00%	3.00%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Impaired Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-average cost of capital	12.00%	12.00%
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Impaired Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-average cost of capital	12.50%	15.50%

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill And Other Intangible Asset [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment charges	$7,500,000	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	'	-153,566,000	'
Impairment of intangible asset	2,100,000	'	'
Net book value of the intangible asset	2,100,000	'	'
Intangible asset remaining useful life	'11 years	'	'
Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets	2,500,000	1,900,000	1,000,000
Expected aggregate amortization expense 2014	1,600,000	'	'
Expected aggregate amortization expense 2015	1,600,000	'	'
Expected aggregate amortization expense 2016	1,600,000	'	'
Expected aggregate amortization expense 2017	1,000,000	'	'
Expected aggregate amortization expense 2018	1,000,000	'	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Asset [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	'	'	-3,881,000
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Asset [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	153,600,000	'
Goodwill impairment charge	'	($153,566,000)	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	($153,566,000)	'
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	-153,566,000	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Goodwill impairment charge	'	-3,881,000
Level 1 [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, Fair Value	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Details of Amortizable Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Patents [Member]

Land rights [Member]

Technological know-how and other [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Amortization Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Estimated Economic Life

'10 years

'16 years

'20 years

'40 years

'5 years

'30 years

Total gross amortizable intangible assets

$26,802

$27,348

$5,634

$5,560

$5,172

$5,078

$15,996

$16,710

Total accumulated amortization

-13,775

-12,938

-4,880

-4,659

-2,529

-2,391

-6,366

-5,888

Amortizable intangible assets, net

$13,027

$14,410

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_7

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortizable Intangible Asset (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortizable intangible asset Fair Value	'
Level 1 [Member]	'
Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortizable intangible asset Fair Value	'
Level 2 [Member]	'
Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortizable intangible asset Fair Value	'
Level 3 [Member]	'
Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortizable intangible asset Fair Value	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]	'
Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Amortizable intangible asset Total Gain or loss	($2,102)

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Loans

Debt and Other Financing - Loans Payable and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$44,230,000	$85,152,000
Loans payable to banks [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	2,062,000	2,477,000
Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	41,000,000	40,000,000
International accounts receivable sales programs [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	'	6,122,000
Current portion of long-term debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt	$1,168,000	$36,553,000

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Summa

Debt and Other Financing - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$268,637	$298,177
Current portion	-1,168	-36,553
Long-term debt, less current portion	267,469	261,624
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	250,000	250,000
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	'	34,417
Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	9,204	2,596
Capitalized lease obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	5,816	6,433
Other notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$3,617	$4,731

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Summa1

Debt and Other Financing - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt stated interest rate	7.88%	7.88%
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt stated interest rate	6.50%	6.50%

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Annua

Debt and Other Financing - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$1,555	'
2015	10,955	'
2016	1,407	'
2017	1,235	'
2018	251,063	'
Thereafter	4,673	'
Total maturities of long-term debt	270,888	'
Imputed interest and executory costs on capitalized lease obligations	-2,251	'
Total long-term debt	$268,637	$298,177

Debt_and_Other_Financing_Addit

Debt and Other Financing - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

7.875% Senior Notes [Member]

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

2013 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

Two Thousand And Fourteen Credit Facility [Member]

Two Thousand And Fifteen Credit Facility [Member]

2012 Amended Credit Facility [Member]

2010 Credit Facility [Member]

Domestic accounts receivable asset securitization program [Member]

International accounts receivable sales programs [Member]

Other financing arrangements [Member]

Prior to August 15, 2014 [Member]

Beginning August 15, 2014 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum available in form of cash or letter of credit

$50,000,000

$17,100,000

$21,500,000

Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt

44,230,000

85,152,000

44,230,000

41,000,000

40,000,000

6,122,000

Accounts receivable securing advances

63,800,000

9,300,000

Additional availability under credit facility

235,300,000

343,200,000

600,000

9,000,000

200,000

10,100,000

9,100,000

Interest rate

0.60%

Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate

0.50%

1.75%

Minimum principal outstanding of other debt obligations for credit facility cross default

5,000,000

Commitments to buy accounts receivable

18,500,000

Interest rate terms, basis

'EURIBOR

Debt amount issued

250,000,000

172,500,000

Debt stated interest rate

7.88%

6.50%

Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment

'Payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

'Interest Payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15th and August 15th of each year

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%

Maturity date

15-Aug-13

Principal amount outstanding

35,100,000

Debt facility amount

250,000,000

350,000,000

Term of credit facility

'5 years

Restructuring Add back line of credit

30,000,000

20,000,000

10,000,000

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. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate was 3.4%.

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable Federal Funds Rate plus

0.50%

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable LIBOR Rate plus

1.00%

Interest rate

3.40%

Leverage ratio

0.04

0.0425

0.0375

0.04

0.035

Interest coverage ratio

0.03

Capital expenditures

20,000,000

35,000,000

50,000,000

65,000,000

Restricted payments, Annual

30,000,000

Restricted payments, Maximum

$60,000,000

Financial_Instruments_Financia

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$28,328	$29,576	$22,991	$29,035
Loans payable	-43,062	-48,599	'	'
Carrying Amount	-268,637	-298,177	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,255	-4,758	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	28,328	29,576	'	'
Loans payable	-43,062	-48,599	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,255	-4,758	'	'
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	'	-250,000	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-266,250	-231,500	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	'	-34,417	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	-34,803	'	'
Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	-9,204	-2,596	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-9,496	-2,634	'	'
Other notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	-3,617	-4,731	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-2,988	-3,937	'	'
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Carrying Amount	-250,000	-250,000	'	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	28,328	'	'	'
Loans payable	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	'	'	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| 7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-266,250	'	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 1 [Member] \| Other notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Loans payable	-43,062	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	-2,255	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| 7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-9,496	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member] \| Other notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	-2,988	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Loans payable	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, net	'	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| 7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, Net of Unamortized Discounts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'
Level 3 [Member] \| Other notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts	'	'	'	'

Financial_Instruments_Financia1

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 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%	'

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net foreign currency loss	$4.20	$2.20	$4.80
Gain loss from the change in fair value of financial instruments	8.1	0.5	'
Notional amount	$244.90	$250.70	'
7.875% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Quoted market price	$106	'	'
Yield	6.23%	'	'
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	7.88%	7.88%	'
6.50% Convertible Senior Notes, net of unamortized discounts [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments And Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	6.50%	6.50%	'

Financial_Instruments_Effect_o

Financial Instruments - Effect on Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Financial Performance (Detail) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], Foreign Currency (Loss) Gain [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] \| Foreign Currency (Loss) Gain [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in Income	($8,060)	$474

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	$186	$213
Liability derivatives	-2,441	-4,971
Other Current Assets [Member] \| Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	186	'
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member] \| Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	'	213
Liability derivatives	($2,441)	($4,971)

Income_Taxes_Losses_Earnings_b

Income Taxes - (Losses) Earnings before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
U.S.	$98,839	($218,314)	$23,862
Foreign	-3,106	-47,026	-2,772
Income (loss) before income taxes	$95,733	($265,340)	$21,090

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
U.S. federal	($10,370)	($1,825)	($11,250)
Foreign	17,219	2,525	8,704
State and local	165	575	517
Total current	7,014	1,275	-2,029
Deferred:	'	'	'
U.S. federal	12,145	77,875	18,380
Foreign	-4,292	21,399	2,944
State and local	0	8,301	-1,163
Total deferred	7,853	107,575	20,161
Total income tax expense	$14,867	$108,850	$18,132

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens1

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Allocated Directly to Ferro Corporation Shareholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	$144	$38
Postretirement benefit liability adjustments	-244	-140	-139
Stock options exercised	'	249	-1,184
Total income tax (benefit) expense allocated to Ferro Corporation shareholders' equity	($244)	$253	($1,285)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Adjustment of valuation allowance	-28.40%	-68.90%	52.80%
State taxes	0.10%	2.00%	3.70%
Goodwill dispositions and impairments	-0.20%	-4.20%	3.50%
Uncertain tax positions	0.30%	-0.10%	3.30%
Foreign tax rate difference	0.30%	-1.00%	0.20%
Research and development credit	'	0.20%	-10.90%
Domestic production activities deduction	'	'	-5.80%
Net adjustment of prior-year accrual	1.60%	-1.00%	-1.90%
U.S. tax cost of foreign dividends	1.30%	-0.20%	-0.20%
Stock options	'	'	-0.40%
Medicare subsidy	'	'	-0.20%
Book to tax difference on sale of asset	-2.40%	'	'
Expired tax credits	7.20%	-1.50%	'
Miscellaneous	0.70%	-1.30%	6.90%
Effective tax rate	15.50%	-41.00%	86.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Refundable income taxes	$3,600,000	$9,800,000	'
Income taxes payable	1,000,000	2,500,000	'
State operating loss carryforwards	8,956,000	4,258,000	'
Foreign operating loss carryforwards	71,900,000	'	'
Minimum duration of operating loss carryforwards that expire	'1 year	'	'
Maximum duration of operating loss carryforwards that expire	'20 years	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforwards	62,023,000	'	'
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	193,984,000	216,882,000	'
Impact on income tax provision for prior period adjustments	3,400,000	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	13,200,000	12,900,000	'
Expense (benefit) for interest, net of tax, and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	1,300,000	300,000	300,000
Accrued amount for payment of interest, net of tax, and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	2,300,000	1,300,000	'
Anticipated reversal within next 12 months of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	6,600,000	'	'
Deferred income taxes provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,795,000	1,363,000	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries not indefinitely reinvested	12,300,000	'	'
Undistributed earning of foreign subsidiaries indefinitely reinvested	$101,700,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Pension and other benefit programs	$31,545	$68,522
Foreign operating loss carryforwards	62,256	66,993
Domestic operating loss carryforwards	17,484	'
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	30,322	29,188
Other credit carryforwards	16,294	14,259
Capitalized research costs	3,578	5,409
Accrued liabilities	18,066	16,414
State operating loss carryforwards	8,956	4,258
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,062	2,937
Property, equipment and intangibles - depreciation and amortization	9,932	18,613
Capitalized interest	4,903	4,712
Inventories	3,756	5,656
Other	7,979	10,103
Total deferred tax assets	218,133	247,064
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Convertible debt instruments	'	227
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	1,795	1,363
Other	357	767
Total deferred tax liabilities	2,152	2,357
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	215,981	244,707
Valuation allowance	-193,984	-216,882
Net deferred tax assets	$21,997	$27,825

Income_Taxes_Expirations_of_Op

Income Taxes - Expirations of Operating Loss Carryforwards and Tax Credit Carryforwards (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$93,049
Tax Credit Carryforwards	62,023
Expiring in 2014 [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,108
Tax Credit Carryforwards	4,901
Expiring in 2015-2019 [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	20,567
Tax Credit Carryforwards	32,516
Expiring in 2020-2024 [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,889
Tax Credit Carryforwards	13,360
Expiring in 2025-2029 [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	7,146
Tax Credit Carryforwards	7,864
Expiring in 2030-2034 [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	17,623
Tax Credit Carryforwards	1,314
Expiring in 2035-Indefinitely [Member]	'
Income Tax And Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	39,716
Tax Credit Carryforwards	$2,068

Income_Taxes_Classification_of

Income Taxes - Classification of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Current assets	$6,584	$7,995
Non-current assets	19,451	21,554
Current liabilities	-1,660	-950
Non-current liabilities	-2,378	-774
Net deferred tax assets	$21,997	$27,825

Income_Taxes_Activity_and_Bala

Income Taxes - Activity and Balances of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$28,686	$32,131	$33,455
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,701	4,567	1,886
Additions for tax positions of prior years	8,524	560	487
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-153	-354	-167
Reductions as a result of expiring statutes of limitations	-449	-5,272	-2,455
Foreign currency translation of non-U.S. dollar denominated reserves	292	222	-449
Settlements with taxing authorities	-1,862	-3,168	-626
Balance at end of year	$38,739	$28,686	$32,131

Contingent_Liabilities_Additio

Contingent Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amount of bank guarantees and standby letters of credit issued by financial institutions	$10.10	$9.70
Undiscounted remediation liability associated with environmentally contaminated non-operating facility	9.7	9.6
Litigation settlement contingent liability	$6.80	'

Retirement_Benefits_Defined_Be

Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Mark-to-market actuarial net (gains) losses	($69,800)	($26,900)	'
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:	'	'	'
Other non-current assets	59,748	61,941	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-71,115	-76,384	'
Postretirement and pension liabilities	-120,527	-216,167	'
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	428,584	392,820	'
Service cost	19	16	16
Interest cost	18,123	19,469	20,468
Benefits paid	-22,179	-22,693	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-37,829	38,972	32,600
Benefit obligation at end of year	386,718	428,584	392,820
Net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Service cost	19	16	16
Interest cost	18,123	19,469	20,468
Expected return on plan assets	-24,730	-20,631	-20,601
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	13	48	73
Mark-to-market actuarial net (gains) losses	-63,405	20,125	49,866
Total net periodic benefit (income) cost	-69,980	19,027	49,822
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	386,718	428,584	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	302,575	261,715	'
Actual return on plan assets	50,306	39,479	'
Employer contributions	23,968	24,074	'
Benefits paid	-22,179	-22,693	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	354,670	302,575	261,715
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-542	-365	'
Postretirement and pension liabilities	-31,506	-125,644	'
Funded status	-32,048	-126,009	'
Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	525.00%	430.00%	'
Discount rate	4.30%	5.10%	5.85%
Expected return on plan assets	8.20%	8.20%	8.50%
Pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'	'
Benefit obligations	386,718	428,584	'
Plan assets	354,670	302,575	'
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligations	386,718	428,584	'
Accumulated benefit obligations	386,718	428,584	'
Plan assets	354,670	302,575	'
Prior service (cost) credit:	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	-55	-103	'
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs	13	48	'
Balance at end of year	-42	-55	-103
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014	-12	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	126,967	110,674	'
Service cost	2,095	1,995	2,095
Interest cost	4,927	5,344	5,525
Curtailments	-369	-1,617	'
Settlements	-2,175	-2,984	'
Special termination benefits	97	2	'
Plan participants' contributions	27	133	'
Benefits paid	-4,063	-5,176	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-619	15,691	5,700
Exchange rate effect	2,839	2,905	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	129,726	126,967	110,674
Net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Service cost	2,095	1,995	2,095
Interest cost	4,927	5,344	5,525
Expected return on plan assets	-2,994	-3,022	-3,137
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	29	2	-142
Mark-to-market actuarial net (gains) losses	-2,506	9,529	4,578
Curtailment and settlement effects	-632	-2,524	23
Special termination benefits	96	2	3
Total net periodic benefit (income) cost	1,015	11,326	8,945
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	129,726	119,777	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	70,004	62,554	'
Actual return on plan assets	4,924	9,309	'
Employer contributions	3,749	3,903	'
Plan participants' contributions	27	133	'
Benefits paid	-4,063	-5,176	'
Effect of settlements	-2,175	-2,984	'
Exchange rate effect	1,144	2,265	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	73,610	70,004	62,554
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:	'	'	'
Other non-current assets	6,909	5,024	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-1,946	-1,906	'
Postretirement and pension liabilities	-61,081	-60,082	'
Funded status	-56,118	-56,964	'
Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	412.00%	400.00%	'
Discount rate	4.00%	5.01%	5.51%
Rate of compensation increase	288.00%	283.00%	'
Rate of compensation increase	2.89%	3.03%	3.44%
Expected return on plan assets	4.45%	4.86%	5.60%
Pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'	'
Benefit obligations	91,116	89,017	'
Plan assets	28,089	27,029	'
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligations	90,882	88,783	'
Accumulated benefit obligations	85,565	82,462	'
Plan assets	27,868	26,824	'
Prior service (cost) credit:	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	-103	954	'
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs	-328	-780	'
Exchange rate effects	229	-277	'
Balance at end of year	-660	-103	954
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014	($63)	'	'

Retirement_Benefits_Additional

Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of company common stock	86.7	86.5	'
Unrealized gains	$600,000	$5,100,000	'
Defined contribution plan vesting period	'5 years	'	'
Defined contribution retirement plans expense	5,800,000	7,600,000	8,100,000
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Actuarial gains	-37,829,000	38,972,000	32,600,000
Gains (losses) from returns on plan assets	25,600,000	18,900,000	17,300,000
Shares of company common stock	0.3	0.4	'
Market value of shares held of company common stock	3,600,000	1,800,000	'
Expected contribution to pension plans	22,500,000	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	35.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	60.00%	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Other investments [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	5.00%	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Actuarial gains	-619,000	15,691,000	5,700,000
Gains (losses) from returns on plan assets	1,900,000	6,200,000	900,000
Expected contribution to pension plans	$2,700,000	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	75.00%	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equity [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	24.00%	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Other investments [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Target allocation percentage for fixed income, equity and other investments	1.00%	'	'

Retirement_Benefits_Fair_Value

Retirement Benefits - Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	$354,670	$302,575	$261,715
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	7,574	7	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	2,054	2,208	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| U.S. government agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	15,048	18,256	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	84,650	84,041	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	1,796	2,075	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	3,632	1,775	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equities: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	222,363	184,528	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equities: Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	1,875	1,710	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	15,679	7,975	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	334,267	288,607	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	7,574	7	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. government agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	15,048	18,256	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed income: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	84,650	84,041	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	3,632	1,775	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Equities: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	222,363	184,528	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	5,257	5,318	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	2,054	2,208	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. government agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	1,328	1,400	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Equities: Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	1,875	1,710	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	16,146	8,650	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. government agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	468	675	'
U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Real estate [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	15,678	7,975	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	73,610	70,004	62,554
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	686	1,071	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	25,599	24,150	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	497	373	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	22,896	22,218	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equities: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	465	403	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Equities: Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	18,369	17,152	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Real estate [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	484	605	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Fixed income: Other [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	4,181	3,636	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Other assets [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	433	396	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	6,061	5,660	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed income: Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	686	1,071	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed income: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	497	373	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	0	'	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Equities: Mutual funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	465	403	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Fixed income: Other [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	4,181	3,636	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Other assets [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	232	177	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	43,879	42,931	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	2,614	3,561	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	22,896	22,218	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Equities: Commingled funds [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	18,369	17,152	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	23,670	21,413	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	22,985	20,589	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Real estate [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	484	605	'
Non-U.S. Plans [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Other assets [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total fair value of plan assets	$201	$219	'

Retirement_Benefits_Schedule_o

Retirement Benefits - Schedule of Rollforward of Level 3 Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$30,063	$1,841
Transfers into Level 3	'	16,520
Purchases	6,547	8,718
Sales	-306	-2,496
Gains (losses) included in earnings	3,602	5,068
Exchange rate effect	-90	412
Ending Balance	39,816	30,063
Guaranteed deposits [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'
Transfers into Level 3	'	16,520
Purchases	'	598
Sales	'	-1,977
Gains (losses) included in earnings	'	5,057
Exchange rate effect	'	391
Ending Balance	22,985	20,589
Real estate [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	8,580	831
Transfers into Level 3	'	'
Purchases	6,540	8,072
Sales	-75	-349
Gains (losses) included in earnings	1,176	11
Exchange rate effect	-58	15
Ending Balance	16,163	8,580
Commingled funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	675	647
Transfers into Level 3	'	'
Purchases	'	'
Sales	-216	'
Gains (losses) included in earnings	9	28
Ending Balance	468	675
Other assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	219	363
Transfers into Level 3	'	'
Purchases	239	48
Sales	-15	-170
Gains (losses) included in earnings	21	-28
Exchange rate effect	-32	6
Ending Balance	$200	$219

Retirement_Benefits_Future_Pen

Retirement Benefits - Future Pension Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Plans [Member]	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'
2014	$22,582
2015	23,051
2016	23,511
2017	24,309
2018	24,718
2019-2023	130,643
Non-U.S. Plans [Member]	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'
2014	5,463
2015	5,041
2016	5,107
2017	6,144
2018	6,187
2019-2023	$30,424

Retirement_Benefits_Postretire

Retirement Benefits - Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Mark-to-market actuarial net losses	($69,800)	($26,900)	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-71,115	-76,384	'
Postretirement and pension liabilities	-120,527	-216,167	'
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, Percentage Point Increase	78	'	'
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, Percentage Point Decrease	-68	'	'
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, Percentage Point Increase	1,523	'	'
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, Percentage Point Decrease	-1,342	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	30,943	34,286	'
Interest cost	1,139	1,585	1,929
Service cost	0	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit	-115	-130	-401
Benefits paid	-2,367	-2,185	'
Mark-to-market actuarial net losses	-3,904	-2,743	-2,684
Actuarial gain	-3,904	-2,743	'
Total net periodic benefit (income) cost	-2,880	-1,288	-1,156
Benefit obligation at end of year	25,811	30,943	34,286
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	'	'	'
Employer contributions	2,367	2,185	'
Benefits paid	-2,367	-2,185	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-2,531	-2,735	'
Postretirement and pension liabilities	-23,280	-28,208	'
Funded status	-25,811	-30,943	'
Discount rate	4.90%	3.85%	'
Discount rate	3.85%	4.85%	5.45%
Current trend rate for health care costs	7.30%	7.50%	'
Current trend rate for health care costs	7.50%	7.70%	7.90%
Ultimate trend rate for health care costs	4.50%	4.50%	'
Ultimate trend rate for health care costs	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached	'2028	'2028	'
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached	'2028	'2028	'2028
Prior service credit:	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	1,130	1,260	'
Amounts recognized as net periodic benefit costs	-115	-130	'
Balance at end of year	1,015	1,130	1,260
Estimated amounts to be amortized in 2014	$105	'	'

Retirement_Benefits_Future_Pos

Retirement Benefits - Future Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefit Payments (Detail) (United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Pension Postretirement And Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]	'
Before Medicare Subsidy 2014	$2,531
Before Medicare Subsidy 2015	2,459
Before Medicare Subsidy 2016	2,376
Before Medicare Subsidy 2017	2,296
Before Medicare Subsidy 2018	2,207
Before Medicare Subsidy 2019-2023	9,512
After Medicare Subsidy, 2014	2,239
After Medicare Subsidy, 2015	2,171
After Medicare Subsidy, 2016	2,097
After Medicare Subsidy, 2017	2,029
After Medicare Subsidy, 2018	1,953
After Medicare Subsidy, 2019-2023	$8,455

Serial_Convertible_Preferred_S1

Serial Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Serial convertible preferred stock authorized	'	2,000,000	'
Par value of serial convertible preferred stock authorized	'	'	'
7% Series A ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares issued	'	1,520,215	'
Price per share	'	$46.38	'
Consideration for stock issued	'	$70.50	'
Value of shares redeemed	$9.40	'	'
Number of shares redeemed	'	'	203,282

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares of common stock reserved under plan	4,400,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Term of stock option or unit granted	'10 years	'	'
Stock option vesting period option one	'3 years	'	'
Stock option vesting period option two	'4 years	'	'
Percentage of stock options to become vested and exercisable	100.00%	'	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$4.01	$4.68	$10.55
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Term of stock option or unit granted	'3 years	'	'
Performance share units granted	511,230	'	0
Maximum payout percentage	200.00%	'	'
Performance shares outstanding	500,000	'	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$5.69	$10.22	'
Directors' Deferred Compensation [Member] \| Common Shares in Treasury [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock held in rabbi trust	200,000	300,000	'
Value of common stock held in rabbi trust	$2.70	$3.90	'

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 $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$4.01	$4.68	$10.55
Expected life, in years	'6 years	'6 years	'6 years 10 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.13%	1.20%	2.67%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.36%	1.67%	3.07%
Expected volatility, minimum	85.60%	81.10%	71.90%
Expected volatility, maximum	86.40%	83.90%	73.30%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Performance Share Units Activity [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Options/Units, Beginning balance	3,760,640	'
Number of Options/Units, Granted	566,400	'
Number of Options/Units, Exercised	-129,630	'
Number of Options/Units, Forfeited or expired	-1,537,674	'
Number of Options/Units, Ending balance	2,659,736	'
Number of Options/Units, Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,736,545	'
Number of Options/Units, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013	2,558,609	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	16.62	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, option, Granted	5.59	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	5.14	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired	18.33	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	13.84	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2013	21.19	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013	14.06	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	8,383	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2013	2,782	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013	7,844	'
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Performance Share Units Activity [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at December 31, 2013	'3 years 3 months 18 days	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013	'5 years	'
Number of Units, Beginning balance	305,200	'
Number of Units, Granted	511,230	0
Number of Units, Forfeited or expired	-55,100	'
Number of Units, Ending balance	761,330	'
Number of Units, Expected to vest at December 31, 2013	761,330	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term, Expected to vest at December 31, 2013	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'

StockBased_Compensation_Inform

Stock-Based Compensation - Information Related to Stock Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	$666	$107	$1,053
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	859	122	2,060
Income tax benefit related to stock options exercised	$301	$43	$721

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses	$1,679	$2,446	$4,462
Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense	588	856	1,562
Total fair value of stock options vested	2,228	3,973	7,736
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,282	1,976	6,117
Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years	'10 months 24 days	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'1 year 2 months 12 days
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses	3,277	611	'
Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense	1,147	214	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$4,681	$1,584	'
Expected weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation, in years	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'2 years	'

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti2

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Charges from restructuring and cost reduction activities	$32,100,000	$25,500,000	$9,000,000
Restructuring changes recorded in cost of sales	0	0	300,000
Restructuring charges	32,147,000	25,453,000	8,707,000
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	'	3,800,000
Lease Termination Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,200,000	3,200,000	'
Assets Held For Sale [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale at carrying value	'	19,800,000	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	'	4,900,000	'
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	14,900,000	'
Assets Held For Sale [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	'	3,000,000	6,303,000
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	14,913,000	3,809,000
Total assets held for sale	'	3,100,000	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,542,000	16,481,000	715,000
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	10,900,000	'
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	4,000,000	'
Color and Glass Performance Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment charges of long lived assets	'	'	$3,800,000

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti3

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Summary of Charges Associated with Restructuring Programs by Major Type of Charges (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	$67,372	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	32,147	25,453	8,707
Restructuring charges incurred	32,147	25,453	8,707
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	66,307	'	'
European manufacturing restructuring [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	23,558	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,667	8,891
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,667	8,891
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	23,558	'	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	4,062	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	-1,639	5,701	'
Restructuring charges incurred	-1,639	5,701	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	4,062	'	'
Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	1,438	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	1,438
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	1,438
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	1,438	'	'
Global Cost Reduction program [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	33,125	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	32,060	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	32,060	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	32,060	'	'
Other restructuring programs [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	5,189	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	1,726	5,085	-1,622
Restructuring charges incurred	1,726	5,085	-1,622
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	5,189	'	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	32,434	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	20,922	7,225	3,222
Restructuring charges incurred	20,922	7,225	3,222
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	31,369	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] \| European manufacturing restructuring [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	3,494	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	272	3,222
Restructuring charges incurred	'	272	3,222
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	3,494	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	4,062	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	-1,639	5,701	'
Restructuring charges incurred	-1,639	5,701	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	4,062	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] \| Global Cost Reduction program [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	23,626	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	22,561	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	22,561	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	22,561	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] \| Other restructuring programs [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	1,252	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	1,252	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	1,252	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	1,252	'	'
Other Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	16,216	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	11,225	3,315	1,676
Restructuring charges incurred	11,225	3,315	1,676
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	16,216	'	'
Other Costs [Member] \| European manufacturing restructuring [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	3,418	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	101	3,317
Restructuring charges incurred	'	101	3,317
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	3,418	'	'
Other Costs [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Other Costs [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	-1	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	-1
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	-1
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	-1	'	'
Other Costs [Member] \| Global Cost Reduction program [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	9,499	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	9,499	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	9,499	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	9,499	'	'
Other Costs [Member] \| Other restructuring programs [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	3,300	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	1,726	3,214	-1,640
Restructuring charges incurred	1,726	3,214	-1,640
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	3,300	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	18,722	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,913	3,809
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,913	3,809
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	18,722	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member] \| European manufacturing restructuring [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	16,646	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,294	2,352
Restructuring charges incurred	'	14,294	2,352
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	16,646	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member] \| Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member] \| Electronic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	1,439	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	1,439
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	1,439
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	1,439	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member] \| Global Cost Reduction program [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	'	'	'
Asset Impairment [Member] \| Other restructuring programs [Member]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring charges:	'	'	'
Total expected restructuring charges	637	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	'	619	18
Restructuring charges incurred	'	619	18
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred:	'	'	'
Cumulative restructuring charges incurred	$637	'	'

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti4

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Summary of Charges Associated with Restructuring Programs by Segments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	$67,372	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	32,147	25,453	8,707
Cumulative Charges To Date	66,307	'	'
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	7,072	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	589	4,972	1,511
Cumulative Charges To Date	7,072	'	'
Performance Colors and Glass [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	22,556	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	16,673	'	4,998
Cumulative Charges To Date	21,671	'	'
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	18,753	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	1,542	16,481	715
Cumulative Charges To Date	18,738	'	'
Polymer Additives [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	390	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	382	'	8
Cumulative Charges To Date	390	'	'
Specialty Plastics [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	1,909	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	434	'	1,475
Cumulative Charges To Date	1,909	'	'
Segment Total [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	50,680	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	19,620	21,453	8,707
Cumulative Charges To Date	49,780	'	'
Corporate Restructuring Charges [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Expected Charges	16,692	'	'
Restructuring charges incurred	12,527	4,000	'
Cumulative Charges To Date	$16,527	'	'

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti5

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Summary of Accruals Related to Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$10,232	$3,637	$8,292
Restructuring charges	32,147	25,453	8,707
Cash payments	-29,833	-4,234	-9,444
Non-cash items	-968	-14,624	-3,918
Ending Balance	11,578	10,232	3,637
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	4,093	218	2,429
Restructuring charges	20,922	7,225	3,222
Cash payments	-18,226	-3,423	-5,461
Non-cash items	210	73	28
Ending Balance	6,999	4,093	218
Other Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	6,139	3,419	5,863
Restructuring charges	11,225	3,315	1,676
Cash payments	-11,607	-811	-3,983
Non-cash items	-1,178	216	-137
Ending Balance	4,579	6,139	3,419
Asset Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	14,913	3,809
Cash payments	'	'	'
Non-cash items	'	-14,913	-3,809
Ending Balance	'	'	'

Restructuring_and_Cost_Reducti6

Restructuring and Cost Reduction Programs - Summary of Fair Value and Impairment of Long Lived Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Total Gains (Losses) on assets held for sale	'	($3,800)
Assets Held For Sale [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	4,900	'
Total Gains (Losses) on assets held for sale	-14,900	'
Assets Held For Sale [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	3,000	6,303
Total Gains (Losses) on assets held for sale	-14,913	-3,809
Assets Held For Sale [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	'	'
Assets Held For Sale [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	'	'
Assets Held For Sale [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for sale at fair value	$3,000	$6,303

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense for all operating leases	$17.90	$23.10	$21.20

Leases_Assets_Held_under_Capit

Leases - Assets Held under Capital Leases and Included in Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gross amounts capitalized:	'	'
Gross amounts capitalized	$9,082	$12,087
Net assets under capital leases	3,230	3,742
Accumulated amortization	-5,852	-8,345
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Gross amounts capitalized:	'	'
Gross amounts capitalized	3,100	3,100
Accumulated amortization	-3,100	-3,100
Equipment [Member]	'	'
Gross amounts capitalized:	'	'
Gross amounts capitalized	5,982	8,987
Accumulated amortization	($2,752)	($5,245)

Leases_Future_Minimum_Lease_Pa

Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments under All Non-Cancelable Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Capital Leases, 2014	$1,211
Capital Leases, 2015	1,178
Capital Leases, 2016	818
Capital Leases, 2017	818
Capital Leases, 2018	818
Capital Leases, Thereafter	3,224
Capital Leases, Total minimum lease payments	8,067
Capital Leases, Less amount representing imputed interest	2,251
Capital Leases, Present value of net minimum lease payments	5,816
Capital Leases, Less current portion	824
Capital Leases, Long-term obligations at December 31, 2013	4,992
Operating Leases, 2014	13,739
Operating Leases, 2015	8,116
Operating Leases, 2016	5,768
Operating Leases, 2017	4,957
Operating Leases, 2018	4,516
Operating Leases, Thereafter	21,061
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments	$58,157

Miscellaneous_Expense_Net_Comp

Miscellaneous Expense, Net - Components of Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Offsetting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
(Gain) loss on sale of assets	$9,000	($24,075)	$432	$278
Argentina export tax matter	'	8,334	'	'
Other, net	'	472	2,663	2,249
Total miscellaneous (income) expense, net	'	($15,269)	$3,095	$2,527

Miscellaneous_Expense_Net_Addi

Miscellaneous Expense, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Offsetting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of business	'	($9,000,000)	$24,075,000	($432,000)	($278,000)
Gain on assets sold	-13,300,000	'	'	'	'
Legal charges paid	$8,300,000	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013
	Dec. 31, 2011	FPL [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Cash payment on sale of pharmaceuticals business	'	$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	3,800,000	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	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	($8,421)	$1,156	$2,176
FPL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-6,100	4,791	24,018	24,939
Cost of sales	'	2,762	15,726	15,512
Gross profit	-2,000	2,029	8,292	9,427
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	1,181	4,903	4,861
Restructuring and impairment charges	'	8,682	95	'
Interest expense	'	589	1,518	1,219
Miscellaneous income, net	'	-2	-15	-35
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes	'	-8,421	1,791	3,382
Income tax expense	'	'	635	1,206
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	($8,421)	$1,156	$2,176

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets and Liabilities from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Current assets of discontinued operations	$6,289
Other assets of discontinued operations	15,346
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	1,300
FPL [Member]	'
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
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 payroll	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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$71,942	($374,268)	$4,239
Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations	8,421	-1,156	-2,176
Total	80,363	-375,424	2,063
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,484	86,288	86,119
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$0.93	($4.35)	$0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	71,942	-374,268	4,239
Adjustment for income (loss) from discontinued operations	8,421	-1,156	-2,176
Total	$80,363	($375,424)	$2,063
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	86,484	86,288	86,119
Assumed exercise of stock options	309	'	225
Assumed satisfaction of deferred stock unit conditions	189	'	44
Assumed satisfaction of restricted share conditions	132	'	390
Assumed conversion of performance share units	383	'	'
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	87,497	86,288	86,778
Diluted earnings (loss) per shares attributable to Ferro Corporation common shareholders	$0.92	($4.35)	$0.02

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	$2,647	$3,557	'
Other comprehensive (loss)before reclassifications, Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	-274	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	-431	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	-705	'	'
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments	1,942	2,647	3,557
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments	14,080	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss)before reclassifications, Translation Adjustments	-7,459	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments	'	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Translation Adjustments	-7,459	'	'
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Translation Adjustments	6,621	14,080	'
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments	-77	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss)before reclassifications, Other Adjustments	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments	7	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income, Other Adjustments	7	'	'
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Other Adjustments	-70	-77	'
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	16,650	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss)before reclassifications	-7,733	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-424	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-8,157	-5,188	-3,693
Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	8,493	16,650	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	($8,157)	'	'

Reporting_for_Segments_Net_Sal

Reporting for Segments - Net Sales to External Customers by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$374,323	$408,104	$435,455	$417,524	$399,777	$408,865	$475,546	$460,425	$1,635,406	$1,744,613	$2,130,853
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	190,326	279,025	601,542
Color and Glass Performance Materials [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	390,007	386,538	417,752
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	591,975	587,698	602,566
Polymer Additives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	292,568	320,635	336,965
Specialty Plastics [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$170,530	$170,717	$172,028

Reporting_for_Segments_Segment

Reporting for Segments - Segment's Income (Loss) and Reconciliations to (Loss) Income before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$335,250	$304,373	$409,984
Other cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,526	-14,803	-7,179
Gross profit	78,586	84,247	87,654	79,237	57,321	60,710	85,818	85,721	329,724	289,570	402,805
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	176,282	297,755	330,450
Restructuring and impairment charges	13,200	3,800	13,400	9,500	22,000	198,800	4,700	300	41,733	225,724	17,030
Other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,976	31,431	34,235
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	95,733	-265,340	21,090
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,225	31,780	119,173
Color and Glass Performance Materials [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	112,825	101,847	111,187
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	132,695	111,609	120,752
Polymer Additives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,139	29,951	33,829
Specialty Plastics [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$28,366	$29,186	$25,043

Reporting_for_Segments_Summary

Reporting for Segments - Summary of Segment's Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets, Including Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	$29,859	$47,153	$58,885
Unallocated corporate expenditures for long-lived assets	4,361	11,149	12,863
Total expenditures for long-lived assets	34,220	58,302	71,748
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	2,035	9,466	13,158
Color and Glass Performance Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	7,970	16,594	11,823
Performance Coatings [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	7,949	14,237	22,550
Polymer Additives [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	10,708	6,310	10,093
Specialty Plastics [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total segment expenditures for long-lived assets	$1,197	$546	$1,261

Reporting_for_Segments_Summary1

Reporting for Segments - Summary of Segment's Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets, Including Acquisitions (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditure for discontinued operations	$0.40	$1

Reporting_for_Segments_Additio

Reporting for Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Country
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of countries other than the U.S. and Spain representing greater than 10% of net sales	0
Maximum percentage of net sales held by single country	10.00%
Number of countries other than the U.S. and Spain representing greater than 10% of long-lived assets	0
Maximum percentage of consolidated long-lived assets held by single country	10.00%

Reporting_for_Segments_Summary2

Reporting for Segments - Summary of Net Sales by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	$374,323	$408,104	$435,455	$417,524	$399,777	$408,865	$475,546	$460,425	$1,635,406	$1,744,613	$2,130,853
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	644,354	740,578	997,181
Spain [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	270,449	258,210	340,588
Other international [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$720,603	$745,825	$793,084

Reporting_for_Segments_Summary3

Reporting for Segments - Summary of Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-lived assets	$373,604	$386,759
United States [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-lived assets	143,670	154,605
Spain [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-lived assets	67,820	70,707
Other international [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total long-lived assets	$162,114	$161,447

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco2

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted for Under the Equity Method - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment income from equity-method investments	$0.10	$0.90	$3
Equity-method investments	$17.40	$18	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	36.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco3

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted for Under the Equity Method - Summarized Condensed Income Statement (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$62,419	$91,545	$104,377
Gross profit	4,572	21,328	26,206
Income from continuing operations	1,859	3,510	7,735
Net income	$1,266	$2,388	$5,644

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco4

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted for Under the Equity Method - Summarized Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'
Current assets	$45,685	$57,962
Non-current assets	23,862	26,483
Current liabilities	-20,701	-19,027
Non-current liabilities	($8,874)	($554)

Unconsolidated_Affiliates_Acco5

Unconsolidated Affiliates Accounted for Under the Equity Method - Transactions with Equity-Method Investees (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Sales	$5,347	$4,630	$8,893
Purchases	9,342	8,093	9,655
Dividends and interest received	426	1,324	1,162
Commissions and royalties received	400	436	402
Commissions and royalties paid	$37	$77	$77

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Summa

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$374,323	$408,104	$435,455	$417,524	$399,777	$408,865	$475,546	$460,425	$1,635,406	$1,744,613	$2,130,853
Gross profit	78,586	84,247	87,654	79,237	57,321	60,710	85,818	85,721	329,724	289,570	402,805
Net income (loss)	60,863	13,044	-1,982	520	-63,472	-315,738	2,206	3,970	72,445	-373,034	5,134
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Ferro Corporation	$60,537	$12,652	($2,130)	$883	($63,876)	($316,114)	$1,876	$3,846	$71,942	($374,268)	$4,404
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Ferro Corporation Common Shareholders Per Common Share, Basic	$0.70	$0.15	($0.02)	$0.01	($0.74)	($3.66)	$0.02	$0.04	$0.83	($4.34)	$0.05
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Ferro Corporation Common Shareholders Per Common Share, Diluted	$0.69	$0.15	($0.02)	$0.01	($0.74)	($3.66)	$0.02	$0.04	$0.82	($4.34)	$0.05

Quarterly_Data_Unaudited_Addit

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax restructuring and impairment charges	$13,200	$3,800	$13,400	$9,500	$22,000	$198,800	$4,700	$300	$41,733	$225,724	$17,030
Mark-to-market actuarial net losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	69,800	26,900	'
FPL [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	-6,100	'	'	'	4,791	24,018	24,939
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	($2,000)	'	'	'	$2,029	$8,292	$9,427

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Possible Losses on Collection of Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$14,353	$10,443	$11,156
Additions Charged (Reductions Credited) to Costs and Expenses	4,074	5,202	2,349
Additions Charged (Reductions Credited) to Other Accounts	'	'	'
Deductions	-6,370	-1,487	-2,782
Adjustment for Differences in Exchange Rates	371	195	-280
Balance at End of Period	12,428	14,353	10,443
Valuation Allowance on Net Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	216,882	37,060	26,815
Additions Charged (Reductions Credited) to Costs and Expenses	'	178,350	11,335
Additions Charged (Reductions Credited) to Other Accounts	'	'	'
Deductions	-25,568	'	'
Adjustment for Differences in Exchange Rates	2,670	1,472	-1,090
Balance at End of Period	$193,984	$216,882	$37,060