Preformed Line Products (PLPC) 10-K 12 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 06, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	PLPC
Entity Registrant Name	PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS CO
Entity Central Index Key	80035
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,396,004
Entity Public Float			$143,235,709

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$29,643	$24,291
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,370 ($2,136 in 2013)	67,942	67,587
Inventories - net	80,037	73,835
Deferred income taxes	7,249	7,022
Prepaids	6,926	6,112
Prepaid taxes	2,241	3,733
Other current assets	6,625	3,154
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	200,663	185,734
Property, plant and equipment - net	102,531	100,461
Patents and other intangibles - net	14,121	11,787
Goodwill	17,792	13,873
Deferred income taxes	5,773	3,416
Other assets	13,087	17,135
TOTAL ASSETS	353,967	332,406
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes payable to banks	1,809	1,105
Current portion of long-term debt	116	195
Trade accounts payable	22,332	21,750
Accrued compensation and amounts withheld from employees	9,876	10,787
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	13,021	11,118
Accrued profit-sharing and other benefits	5,151	5,086
Dividends payable	1,220	1,098
Income taxes payable and deferred income taxes	1,802	1,076
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	55,327	52,215
Long-term debt, less current portion	31,749	13,054
Unfunded pension obligation	12,503	5,027
Income taxes payable	1,735	1,556
Deferred income taxes	3,283	3,621
Other noncurrent liabilities	6,445	4,603
PLPC Shareholders' equity:
Common shares - $2 par value per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 5,397,138 and 5,391,074 issued and outstanding, net of 819,424 and 779,279 treasury shares at par, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	10,794	10,782
Common shares issued to rabbi trust, 292,609 and 253,156 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-11,790	-9,306
Deferred compensation liability	11,790	9,306
Paid-in capital	22,795	21,082
Retained earnings	244,470	238,168
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-35,134	-17,702
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	242,925	252,330
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$353,967	$332,406

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less allowances	$2,370	$2,136
Common stock, par value	$2	$2
Common stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	5,397,138	5,391,074
Common stock, shares outstanding	5,397,138	5,391,074
Treasury shares, at par	819,424	779,279
Common stock, shares issued to rabbi trust	292,609	253,156

Statements_of_Consolidated_Inc

Statements of Consolidated Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$388,185	$409,776	$439,192
Cost of products sold	267,237	278,875	294,754
GROSS PROFIT	120,948	130,901	144,438
Costs and expenses
Selling	35,655	35,704	37,093
General and administrative	42,563	44,557	46,222
Research and engineering	16,302	14,708	15,447
Other operating expenses - net	5,190	3,922	1,554
Goodwill impairment	0	862	0
Total costs and expenses	99,710	99,753	100,316
OPERATING INCOME	21,238	31,148	44,122
Other income (expense)
Interest income	483	618	648
Interest expense	-658	-450	-597
Other income	347	478	654
Total other income (expense)	172	646	705
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	21,410	31,794	44,827
Income taxes	8,549	11,207	15,541
NET INCOME	$12,861	$20,587	$29,286
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net income	$2.39	$3.84	$5.50
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Net income	$2.39	$3.77	$5.45
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.80	$0.60	$1
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - basic	5,377	5,361	5,324
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding - diluted	5,382	5,467	5,371

Statements_of_Consolidated_Com

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income	$12,861	$20,587	$29,286
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-12,330	-8,457	1,680
Recognized net actuarial loss	10	306	466
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations	-5,112	4,113	-2,670
Gain on pension curtailment	0	0	3,899
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-17,432	-4,038	3,375
Less: Other comprehensive income, net of tax attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	19
Comprehensive income (loss)	($4,571)	$16,549	$32,680

Statements_of_Consolidated_Cas

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$12,861	$20,587	$29,286
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	12,857	12,088	11,564
Provision for accounts receivable allowances	1,211	837	1,416
Provision for inventory reserves	2,244	2,672	1,981
Deferred income taxes	-1,697	-1,105	-2,927
Share-based compensation expense	1,542	3,057	3,080
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	-97	-357	-197
Goodwill impairment	0	862	0
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment	115	-57	-141
Other - net	26	11	1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (excluding impact of acquired assets):
Accounts receivable	-2,435	-10,273	5,047
Inventories	-5,704	3,040	1,290
Trade accounts payables and accrued liabilities	6,716	-3,906	-3,196
Income taxes payable	-882	-4,670	3,381
Other - net	-1,501	-1,247	-200
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	25,256	21,539	50,385
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	-17,663	-21,034	-21,043
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-14,975	0	-5,173
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	142	532	1,965
Restricted cash and purchase of fixed-term deposits	-797	-3,642	0
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-33,293	-24,144	-24,251
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in notes payable to banks	941	922	-1,734
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	75,774	73,638	70,058
Payments of long-term debt	-57,123	-69,884	-89,060
Dividends paid	-4,412	-2,305	-6,492
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	97	357	197
Earn-out consideration payments	0	-513	-1,148
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	166	1,519	549
Purchase of common shares for treasury	-104	-2,881	-333
Purchase of common shares for treasury from related parties	-2,130	-4,030	-2,457
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	13,209	-3,177	-30,420
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	180	1,953	280
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,352	-3,829	-4,006
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	24,291	28,120	32,126
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	$29,643	$24,291	$28,120

Statements_of_Consolidated_Sha

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares [Member]	Common Shares Issued to Rabbi Trust [Member]	Deferred Compensation Liability [Member]	Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]	Unrecognized Pension Benefit Cost [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$212,858	$10,667	($3,812)	$3,812	$12,718	$206,512	($9,020)	($8,019)
Net income	29,286					29,286
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	19					19
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,680						1,680
Recognized net actuarial loss, net of tax provision of $284, $187 and $6 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	466							466
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations, net of tax (benefit) provision of $1,627, $2,506 and $3,115 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-2,670							-2,670
Gain on pension curtailment, net of tax provision of $2,376	3,899							3,899
Comprehensive income (loss)	32,680
Share-based compensation	2,891				3,080	-189
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	197				197
Purchase of 50,334 and 89,807 and 40,145 common shares for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-2,790	-101				-2,689
Issuance of 20,365 and 34,575 and 3,531 common shares for 2012 and 2013 and 2014 respectively	550	41			509
Restricted shares awards of 74,276, 68,369 and 42,678 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0	149			-149
Common shares issued to rabbi trust of 74,996, 69,120 and 43,592 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0		-2,710	2,710
Cash dividends declared - $1.00, $0.60 and $0.80 per share for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-5,317					-5,317
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	241,069	10,756	-6,522	6,522	16,355	227,622	-7,340	-6,324
Net income	20,587					20,587
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-8,457						-8,457
Recognized net actuarial loss, net of tax provision of $284, $187 and $6 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	306						0	306
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations, net of tax (benefit) provision of $1,627, $2,506 and $3,115 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	4,113						0	4,113
Gain on pension curtailment, net of tax provision of $2,376	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	16,549
Share-based compensation	2,957				3,057	-100
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	357				357
Purchase of 50,334 and 89,807 and 40,145 common shares for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-6,911	-180				-6,731
Issuance of 20,365 and 34,575 and 3,531 common shares for 2012 and 2013 and 2014 respectively	1,519	69			1,450
Restricted shares awards of 74,276, 68,369 and 42,678 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0	137			-137
Common shares issued to rabbi trust of 74,996, 69,120 and 43,592 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0		-2,784	2,784
Cash dividends declared - $1.00, $0.60 and $0.80 per share for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-3,210					-3,210
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	252,330	10,782	-9,306	9,306	21,082	238,168	-15,797	-1,905
Net income	12,861					12,861
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-12,330						-12,330
Recognized net actuarial loss, net of tax provision of $284, $187 and $6 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	10						0	10
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations, net of tax (benefit) provision of $1,627, $2,506 and $3,115 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-5,112						0	-5,112
Gain on pension curtailment, net of tax provision of $2,376	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	-4,571
Share-based compensation	1,435				1,542	-107
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	97				97
Purchase of 50,334 and 89,807 and 40,145 common shares for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-2,234	-80				-2,154
Issuance of 20,365 and 34,575 and 3,531 common shares for 2012 and 2013 and 2014 respectively	166	7			159
Restricted shares awards of 74,276, 68,369 and 42,678 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0	85			-85
Common shares issued to rabbi trust of 74,996, 69,120 and 43,592 for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	0		-2,484	2,484
Cash dividends declared - $1.00, $0.60 and $0.80 per share for 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively	-4,405					-4,298
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$242,925	$10,794	($11,790)	$11,790	$22,795	$244,470	($28,127)	($7,007)

Statements_of_Consolidated_Sha1

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tax provision (benefit) for recognized net actuarial loss	$6	$187	$284
Tax provision (benefit)	-3,115	2,506	-1,627
Curtailment net of tax provision			2,376
Purchase of common shares	40,145	89,807	50,334
Issuance of common shares	3,531	34,575	20,365
Restricted shares awards	42,678	68,369	74,276
Common shares issued to rabbi trust	43,592	69,120	74,996
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.80	$0.60	$1
Common Shares [Member]
Purchase of common shares	40,145	89,807	50,334
Issuance of common shares	3,531	34,575	20,365
Restricted shares awards	42,678	68,369	74,276
Common Shares Issued to Rabbi Trust [Member]
Common shares issued to rabbi trust	43,592	69,120	74,996
Deferred Compensation Liability [Member]
Common shares issued to rabbi trust	43,592	69,120	74,996
Paid In Capital [Member]
Issuance of common shares	3,531	34,575	20,365
Restricted shares awards	42,678	68,369	74,276
Retained Earnings [Member]
Purchase of common shares	40,145	89,807	50,334
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.80	$0.60	$1
Unrecognized Pension Benefit Cost [Member]
Tax provision (benefit) for recognized net actuarial loss	6	187	284
Tax provision (benefit)	-3,115	2,506	-1,627
Curtailment net of tax provision			$2,376

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Note A - Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	Preformed Line Products Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for the energy, telecommunication, cable operators, data communication and other similar industries. The Company’s primary products support, protect, connect, terminate and secure cables and wires. The Company also provides solar hardware systems and mounting hardware for a variety of solar power applications. The Company’s customers include public and private energy utilities and communication companies, cable operators, governmental agencies, contractors and subcontractors, distributors and value-added resellers. The Company serves its worldwide markets through strategically located domestic and international manufacturing facilities.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
	Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures
	Investments in joint ventures, where the Company owns between 20% and 50%, or where the Company does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operations or financial policies, are accounted for by the equity method. As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned 25.93% in Proxisafe Ltd. (“Proxisafe”), located in Calgary, Alberta. The Company accounts for its joint venture interest in Proxisafe accounts using the equity method.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are stated at fair value and consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
	Receivable Allowances
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable is based upon the number of days the accounts are past due, the current business environment and specific information such as bankruptcy or liquidity issues of customers. The Company also maintains an allowance for future sales credits related to sales recorded during the year. The estimated allowance is based on historical sales credits issued in the subsequent year related to the prior year and any significant, preapproved open return good authorizations as of the balance sheet date.
	Inventories
	The Company uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of determining cost for the majority of its material portion of inventories in PLP-USA. All other inventories are determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory based on past usage and future demand.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 825, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of the Company’s current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which is considered to be a level two input. Based on the analysis performed, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates fair value at December 31, 2014.
	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation
	Property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives used, when purchased new, are: land improvements, ten years; buildings, forty years; building improvements, five to forty years; and machinery and equipment, three to ten years. Appropriate reductions in estimated useful lives are made for property, plant and equipment purchased in connection with an acquisition of a business or in a used condition when purchased.
	Long-Lived Assets
	The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets might be impaired and the discounted future cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than the carrying value. The Company’s cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect the Company’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is then reduced to fair value. The estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions. The Company did not record any impairment to long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	Goodwill and other intangible assets generally result from business acquisitions. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing. Intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, technology, customer backlogs, trademarks and land use rights, are generally amortized over periods from less than one year to twenty years. The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized using a projected cash flow basis method over their useful lives unless another method was demonstrated to be more appropriate. Customer relationships, technology and trademark intangibles acquired in 2014 and 2012 are amortized using a projected cash flow basis method over the period in which the economic benefits of the intangibles are consumed. Customer relationships, technology and trademarks acquired in July 2010 are being amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives. This straight-line method was more appropriate because it better reflected the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise expire compared to using a projected cash flow basis method. An evaluation of the remaining useful life of intangible assets with a determinable life is performed on a periodic basis and when events and circumstances warrant an evaluation. The Company assesses intangible assets with a determinable life for impairment consistent with its policy for assessing other long-lived assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired, or in the case of finite-lived intangible assets, when the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that would result in an impairment review primarily include operations reporting losses or a significant change in the use of an asset. Impairment charges are recognized pursuant to FASB ASC 350-20, Goodwill.
	The Company performs the annual impairment test for goodwill utilizing a combination of discounted cash flow methodology, market comparables, and an overall market capitalization reasonableness test in computing fair value by reporting unit. The Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value to assess if goodwill has been impaired. Based on the assumptions as to growth, discount rates and the weighting used for each respective valuation methodology, results of the valuations could be significantly changed. However, the Company believes that the methodologies and weightings used are reasonable and result in appropriate fair values of the reporting units.
	The Company performed its annual impairment test for goodwill as of October 1, 2014 and 2013 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value was required for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company recorded impairment for goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $.9 million. See Note J for additional information.
	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recognized when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered and based on the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue related to shipping and handling costs billed to customers is included in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs for new products are expensed as incurred and totaled $2.7 million in 2014, $2.3 million in 2013 and $2.1 million in 2012.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are computed in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. In the Consolidated Financial Statements, the benefits of a consolidated return have been reflected where such returns have or could be filed based on the entities and jurisdictions included in the financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book and tax bases of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that the Company believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	Uncertain tax positions are recorded in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
	Advertising
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $2 million in both 2014 and 2013 and $1.8 million in 2012.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates in effect during the period. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in income and expense as incurred. Aggregate transaction gains and losses for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2.9 million loss, $3.8 million loss and a less than $.1 million loss, respectively. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, the cumulative translation adjustment for that entity is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Business Combinations
	The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company does not hold derivatives for trading purposes.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2014 and it did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17 “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting.” ASU 2014-17 provides specific guidance regarding pushdown accounting for all entities including the ability of an acquired entity to elect to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon a change in control event. The Company adopted ASU 2014-17 prospectively effective November 18, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-17 had no impact to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	New Accounting Standards To Be Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” or ASU 2014-08. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation. Under the new pronouncement, a disposal of a part of an organization that has a major effect on its operations and financial results is a discontinued operation. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2014-08 prospectively for all disposals or components of the business classified as held for sale during the fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2014 and is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” or ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a matter that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, the amendment provides five steps that an entity should apply when recognizing revenue. The amendment also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. An entity can either adopt this amendment retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of initial application. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2014-15 prospectively for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other_Financial_Statement_Info

Other Financial Statement Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Other Financial Statement Information	Note B - Other Financial Statement Information
	Inventories – net
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Finished products	$	41,634		$	37,301
	Work-in-process		7,964			7,779
	Raw materials		40,423			40,251
			90,021			85,331
	Excess of current cost over LIFO cost		(4,471	)		(4,146	)
	Noncurrent portion of inventory		(5,513	)		(7,350	)
		$	80,037		$	73,835
	Costs for inventories of certain material are determined using the LIFO method and totaled approximately $27 million and $25.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Property and equipment – net
	Major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	14,173		$	12,141
	Buildings and improvements		75,587			69,963
	Machinery and equipment		144,213			141,940
	Construction in progress		3,382			7,185
			237,355			231,229
	Less accumulated depreciation		134,824			130,768
		$	102,531		$	100,461
	Depreciation of property and equipment was $11.3 million in 2014, $10.6 million in 2013 and $10 million in 2012. Machinery and equipment includes $.3 million and $.4 million of capital leases at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Legal proceedings
	From time to time, the Company may be subject to litigation incidental to its business. The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings that the Company believes would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plans	Note C - Pension Plans
	PLP-USA hourly employees of the Company who meet specific requirements as to age and length and date of service are covered by a defined benefit pension plan (“Plan”). On December 12, 2012, the Company approved a freeze on further benefit accruals under the Plan and notified the participants of the freeze on December 19, 2012. Beginning February 1, 2013, participants ceased earning additional benefits under the Plan and no new participants entered the Plan. The Plan freeze required an evaluation of the Plan’s assets and obligations as of December 31, 2012, which resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $6.3 million, which was recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) during the fourth quarter 2012. The measurement of the Plan’s assets and obligations also resulted in a reduction in the Company’s pension liability of $6.3 million. The evaluation did not have an effect on net periodic pension expense for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its Plan.
	Net periodic pension cost for the Plan consists of the following components for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	118		$	222		$	1,300
	Interest cost		1,362			1,251			1,411
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,792	)		(1,436	)		(1,186	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		16			493			750
	Net periodic pension cost (income)	$	(296	)	$	530		$	2,275
	The following tables set forth benefit obligations, plan assets and the accrued benefit cost of the Plan at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	$	27,525		$	31,590
	Service cost		118			222
	Interest cost		1,362			1,251
	Actuarial (gain) loss		7,991			(4,901	)
	Benefits paid		(803	)		(637	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	36,193		$	27,525
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year	$	22,499		$	18,406
	Actual return on plan assets		1,555			3,154
	Employer contributions		439			1,576
	Benefits paid		(803	)		(637	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of the year	$	23,690		$	22,499
	Unfunded pension obligation	$	12,503		$	5,026
	In accordance with ASC 715-20, the Company recognizes the underfunded status of the Plan as a liability. The amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Plan at December 31 is comprised of the following:
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	(1,886	)	$	(6,305	)
	Reclassification adjustments:
	Pretax amortized net actuarial loss		16			493
	Tax provision		(6	)		(187	)
			10			306
	Adjustment to recognize gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations:
	Pretax gain (loss)		(8,227	)		6,619
	Tax (benefit) provision		3,115			(2,506	)
			(5,112	)		4,113
	Balance at December 31	$	(6,988	)	$	(1,886	)
	The pretax unfunded pension obligation loss of $8.2 million included an increased cost of $5.1 million resulting from a 1% decline in the discount rate used to calculate the estimated future benefit costs along with an additional loss of $2.9 million associated with the industry updates to the mortality table used. The estimated net loss for the Plan that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income into periodic benefit cost for 2015 is $.6 million. There is no prior service cost to be amortized in the future.
	The Plan had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of Plan assets as follows:
		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	36,193		$	27,525
	Fair market value of assets		23,690			22,499
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		4	%		5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		5	%		4	%		4.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a			2.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		8			8			8
	The net periodic pension cost for 2014 was based on a long-term asset rate of return of 8.0%. This rate is based upon management’s estimate of future long-term rates of return on similar assets and is consistent with historical returns on such assets. Using the Plan’s current mix of assets and based on the average historical returns and expected future returns for such mix, an expected long-term rate-of-return of 8.0% is justified.
	At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Plan assets included inputs in Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. The fair value of the Plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, by category, are as follows:
		At December 31, 2014
		Total Assets at			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
		Fair Value			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
					for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
					Assets (Level 1)
	Asset Category
	Cash	$	410		$	410		$	0		$	0
	Equity Securities		8,231			8,231			0			0
	U.S. Treasury Bonds		4,834			4,834			0			0
	Mutual Funds - Equity		6,474			6,474			0			0
	Corporate Bonds		3,741			0			3,741			0
	Total	$	23,690		$	19,949		$	3,741		$	0
		At December 31, 2013
	Total Assets at			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
	Fair Value			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
				for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
				Assets (Level 1)
Asset Category
Cash	$	1,127		$	1,127		$	0		$	0
Equity Securities		7,455			7,455			0			0
U.S. Treasury Bonds		4,161			4,161			0			0
Mutual Funds - Equity		6,776			6,776			0			0
Corporate Bonds		2,950			0			2,950			0
Mortgage-Backed Securities		30			0			30			0
Total	$	22,499		$	19,519		$	2,980		$	0
The Plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category, are as follows:
	Plan assets at
	31-Dec
	2014			2013
Asset category
Equity securities		62	%		63	%
Debt securities		36			32
Cash and equivalents		2			5
		100	%		100	%
Management seeks to maximize the long-term total return of financial assets consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA. The ability to achieve these returns is dependent upon the need to accept moderate risk to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
In recognition of the expected returns and volatility from financial assets, Plan assets are invested in the following ranges with the target allocation noted:
	Range			Target
Equities		30-80	%		60	%
Fixed Income		20-70	%		40	%
Cash Equivalents		0-10	%
Investment in these markets is projected to provide performance consistent with expected long-term returns with appropriate diversification.
The Company’s policy is to fund amounts deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Company does not expect to contribute to the Plan in 2015.
The benefits expected to be paid out of the Plan assets in each of the next five years and the aggregate benefits expected to be paid for the subsequent five years are as follows:
Year	Pension Benefits
2015	$	767,571
2016		849,366
2017		927,494
2018		1,004,453
2019		1,098,536
2020-2024		7,133,715
The Company also provides retirement benefits through various defined contribution plans including PLP-USA’s Profit Sharing Plan. Expense for these defined contribution plans was $6.1 million in 2014, $5.6 million in 2013 and $5.7 million in 2012.
Further, the Company also provides retirement benefits through the Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan. To the extent an employee’s award under PLP-USA’s Profit Sharing Plan exceeds the maximum allowable contribution permitted under existing tax laws, the excess is accrued for (but not funded) under a non-qualified Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan. The return under this Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan is calculated at a weighted average of the one-year Treasury Bill rate plus 1%. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the interest rate for the Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan was 1.12% and 1.15%, respectively. Expense for the Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan was $.5 million for 2014, $.3 million for 2013 and $.4 million and 2012. The Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan unfunded status as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3.5 million and $3 million and is included in Other noncurrent liabilities.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")	Note D – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”)
	The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of tax:
			Year Ended December 31, 2014									Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Unrecognized			Cumulative			Total			Unrecognized			Cumulative			Total
			Benefit Cost			Translation						Benefit Cost			Translation
						Adjustment									Adjustment
	Balance at January 1		$	(1,905	)	$	(15,797	)	$	(17,702	)	$	(6,324	)	$	(7,340	)	$	(13,664	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment			0			(12,330	)		(12,330	)		0			(8,457	)		(8,457	)
	Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations			(5,112	)		0			(5,112	)		4,113			0			4,113
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI:
	Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss (a)			10			0			10			306			0			306
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(5,102	)		(12,330	)		(17,432	)		4,419			(8,457	)		(4,038	)
	Balance at December 31		$	(7,007	)	$	(28,127	)	$	(35,134	)	$	(1,905	)	$	(15,797	)	$	(17,702	)
	(a)	This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs as noted in Note C – Pension Plans.

Debt_and_Credit_Arrangements

Debt and Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Arrangements	Note E - Debt and Credit Arrangements
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Short-term debt
	Secured notes
	Brazilian Real denominated (R$4,805k) at 3.38% to 3.69% (3.25% to 3.6% in 2013), due 2015	$	1,809		$	1,105
	Current portion of long-term debt		116			195
	Total short-term debt		1,925			1,300
	Long-term debt
	USD denominated at 1.29%, due 2017		31,451			12,604
	Australian dollar denominated term loans (A$1,065), at 5.59% (6.0% in 2013), due 2018, secured by land and building		414			570
	Brazilian Real denominated term loan (R$918k) at 4.5% to 8.12% secured by capital equipment		0			75
	Total long-term debt		31,865			13,249
	Less current portion		(116	)		(195	)
	Total long-term debt, less current portion		31,749			13,054
	Total debt	$	33,674		$	14,354
	The PLP-USA line of credit makes $50 million available to the Company at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.125% with a term expiring January 2017. At December 31, 2014, the interest rate on the line of credit agreement was 1.29%. There was $14.9 million available at December 31, 2014 under the line of credit net of long-term outstanding letter of credits. On January 23, 2014, the Company extended the term to January 2017. The line of credit agreement contains, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining levels of working capital, net worth and profitability. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt during the next five years are as follows: $.1 million for 2015, $.1 million for 2016, $31.6 million for 2017, less than $.1 million for 2018, and $0 thereafter.
	Interest paid was $.6 million in 2014, $.4 million in 2013 and $.9 million in 2012.
	Guarantees and Letters of Credit
	The Company has provided financial guarantees for uncompleted work and financial commitments. The terms of these guarantees vary with end dates ranging from the current year through the completion of such transactions. The guarantees would typically be triggered in the event of nonperformance. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had total outstanding guarantees of $2.4 million. Additionally, certain domestic and foreign customers require the Company to issue letters of credit or performance bonds as a condition of placing an order. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had total outstanding letters of credit of $5.5 million.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Note F - Leases
	The Company has commitments under operating leases primarily for office and manufacturing space, transportation equipment, office equipment and computer equipment. Rental expense was $3.8 million in both 2014 and 2013, and $3.7 million in 2012. Future minimum rental commitments having non-cancelable terms exceeding one year are $2.5 million in 2015, $1.5 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017, $1.2 million in 2018, $1.2 million in 2019, and an aggregate $11.3 million thereafter. One such lease is for the Company’s aircraft with a lease commitment through December 2015. Under the terms of the lease, the Company maintains the risk to make up a deficiency from market value attributable to damage, extraordinary wear and tear, excess air hours or exceeding maintenance overhaul schedules required by the Federal Aviation Administration. At the present time, the Company does not believe it has incurred any obligation for any contingent rent under the lease.
	The Company has commitments under capital leases for equipment and vehicles. Amounts recognized as capital lease obligations are reported in Accrued expense and other liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases are approximately $.1 million in 2015 and less than $.1 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and $0 in 2019. The imputed interest for the capital leases is less than $.1 million. Leased property and equipment under capital leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacements are expensed as incurred.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note G - Income Taxes
	Income before income taxes was derived from the following sources:
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	11,810		$	16,388		$	21,754
	Foreign		9,600			15,406			23,073
		$	21,410		$	31,794		$	44,827
	The components of income taxes for the year ended December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	4,718		$	6,308		$	9,663
	Foreign		5,081			5,018			7,885
	State and local		447			986			920
			10,246			12,312			18,468
	Deferred
	Federal		(425	)		(1,081	)		(1,443	)
	Foreign		(1,110	)		157			(1,310	)
	State and local		(162	)		(181	)		(174	)
			(1,697	)		(1,105	)		(2,927	)
	Income taxes	$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
	The differences between the provision for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate and the tax shown in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	U. S. federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Federal tax at statutory rate	$	7,494		$	11,128		$	15,689
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		290			583			485
	U.S. federal permanent items		208			124			332
	Domestic production activities deduction		(536	)		(372	)		(669	)
	Foreign earnings and related tax credits		700			701			1,377
	Non-U.S. tax rate variances		(1,313	)		(1,467	)		(1,175	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits		186			(770	)		310
	Valuation allowance		1,925			1,091			(337	)
	Tax credits		(184	)		(453	)		(85	)
	Other, net		(221	)		642			(386	)
		$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying value for financial statement purposes. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	1,358		$	1,463
	Inventory valuation reserves		2,849			2,581
	Benefit plan reserves		11,331			7,773
	Net operating loss carryforwards		2,751			1,244
	Tax credit carryforwards		745			0
	Other accrued expenses		2,542			2,926
	Unrealized foreign exchange		1,805			743
	Gross deferred tax assets		23,381			16,730
	Valuation allowance		(3,614	)		(1,420	)
	Net deferred tax assets		19,767			15,310
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and other basis differences		(5,814	)		(5,533	)
	Intangibles		(3,706	)		(2,828	)
	Undistributed foreign earnings		(444	)		(61	)
	Other		(65	)		(71	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(10,029	)		(8,493	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	9,738		$	6,817
					2013
		2014
	Change in net deferred tax assets:
	Deferred income tax benefit	$	1,697		$	1,105
	Items of other comprehensive income (loss)		3,108			(2,692	)
	Currency translation		141			263
	Deferred tax balances from business acquisition		(2,025	)		0
	Total change in net deferred tax assets	$	2,921		$	(1,324	)
	Deferred taxes are recorded at a rate at which such items are expected to reverse, based on currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company has $2.6 million of foreign net operating loss carryfowards of which $1 million will expire between the years 2017 and 2024.
	The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to determine if it is more likely than not sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets by jurisdiction. Based on this evaluation, the Company has established a valuation allowance of $3.6 million at December 31, 2014 in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized. The total increase in valuation allowance during the year was $2.2 million, of which $1.9 million impacts the income tax provision.
The Company has not established a deferred tax liability associated with approximately $131 million of its undistributed foreign earnings at December 31, 2014 as these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. These earnings would be taxable upon the sale or liquidation of these foreign subsidiaries, or upon the remittance of such earnings. While the measurement of the unrecognized U.S. income taxes with respect to these earnings is not practicable, foreign tax credits would be available to offset some or all of such earnings that would be remitted as dividends.
Income taxes paid net of refunds were approximately $7.7 million in 2014, $19.9 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2012.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014, with few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31:
	2014			2013			2012
Balance at January 1	$	608		$	1,361		$	1,015
Additions for tax positions of prior years		186			0			511
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		0			(588	)		0
Expiration of statutes of limitations		0			(165	)		(165	)
Balance at December 31	$	794		$	608		$	1,361
Accrued interest and penalties are not included in the above unrecognized tax balances. The Company records accrued interest as well as penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of the provision for income taxes. The Company recognized less than $.1 million, net of the amount lapsed through expiring statutes, during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Company had approximately $.6 million accrued for the payment of interest at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Company had approximately $.3 million accrued for the payment of penalties at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. If recognized, approximately $.2 million, $0, and $.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits would affect the tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The Company may decrease its unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $.6 million within the next twelve months due to effective settlement.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Note H – Share-Based Compensation
	The 1999 Stock Option Plan
	Activity in the Company’s 1999 Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
		Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise Price			Remaining			Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		13,000		$	39.95
	Exercised		(1,000	)	$	22.1
	Outstanding (exercisable and vested) at December 31, 2014		12,000		$	41.44			2.8		$	158
	There were 1,000, 19,150 and 17,757 in stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was less than $.1 million, $.6 million and $.6 million, respectively. Cash received for the exercise of stock options during 2014 and 2013 was less than $.1 million and $.8 million, respectively.
	The Company recorded compensation expense related to the stock options currently vesting of $0 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and less than $.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. All compensation cost has been recognized as of December 31, 2012.
	The excess tax benefits from share-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0, $.2 million and $.1 million, respectively, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in financing activities, and represents the reduction in income taxes otherwise payable during the period, attributable to the actual gross tax benefits in excess of the expected tax benefits for options exercised in the current period.
	Long Term Incentive Plan of 2008
	Under the Preformed Line Products Company Long Term Incentive Plan of 2008 (the “LTIP”), certain employees, officers and directors are eligible to receive awards of options and restricted shares. The purpose of this LTIP is to give the Company a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees and directors and to provide an incentive to those individuals to increase shareholder value through long-term incentives directly linked to the Company’s performance. The total number of Company common shares reserved for awards under the LTIP is 900,000. Of the 900,000 common shares, 800,000 common shares have been reserved for restricted share awards and 100,000 common shares have been reserved for share options. The LTIP expires on April 17, 2018.
	Restricted Share Awards
	For all of the participants except the CEO, a portion of the restricted share award is subject to time-based cliff vesting and a portion is subject to vesting based upon the Company’s performance over a three-year period. All of the CEO’s restricted shares are subject to vesting based upon the Company’s performance over a three-year period.
	The restricted shares are offered at no cost to the employees; however, the participant must remain employed with the Company until the restrictions lapse. The fair value of restricted share awards is based on the market price of a common share on the grant date. The Company currently estimates that no awards will be forfeited. Dividends declared are accrued in cash.
	A summary of the restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards
		Performance			Service			Total			Weighted-Average
		and Service			Required			Restricted			Grant-Date
		Required						Awards			Fair Value
	Nonvested as of January 1, 2014		89,459			10,202			99,661		$	65.86
	Granted		40,676			4,799			45,475			63.95
	Vested		(38,090	)		(4,588	)		(42,678	)		60.77
	Forfeited		(3,537	)		0			(3,537	)		60.77
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014		88,508			10,413			98,921		$	67.36
	For time-based restricted shares, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award in General and administrative expense in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income. Compensation expense related to the time-based restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $.3 million annually for each year. As of December 31, 2014, there was $.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based restricted share awards that is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining period of approximately 1.6 years.
	For the performance-based awards, the number of restricted shares in which the participants will vest depends on the Company’s level of performance measured by growth in pretax income and sales over a requisite performance period. Depending on the extent to which the performance criterion is probable of being satisfied under the LTIP, the participants are eligible to earn common shares over the vesting period. Performance-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1 million, $2.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, a $.2 million reduction in performance-based compensation expense was recorded related to the 2012 performance-based RSU grant, due to lower results for growth in pretax income, resulting in a forfeiture of 3,537 RSU’s granted in 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2014, a $1.3 million reduction in performance-based compensation expense was recorded related to the 2013 performance-based RSU grant, due to changes in estimates for growth in pretax income. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining performance-based restricted share awards compensation expense of $2.1 million is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 1.9 years.
	The excess tax benefits from service and performance-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $.1 million for each year, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in financing activities, and represents the reduction in income taxes otherwise payable during the period, attributable to the actual gross tax benefits in excess of the expected tax benefits for restricted shares vested in the current period.
	In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the LTIP), vesting of the restricted shares will be accelerated and all restrictions will lapse. Unvested performance-based awards are based on a maximum potential payout. Actual shares awarded at the end of the performance period may be less than the maximum potential payout level depending on achievement of performance-based award objectives.
	To satisfy the vesting of its restricted share awards, the Company has reserved new shares from its authorized but unissued shares. Any additional granted awards will also be issued from the Company’s authorized but unissued shares. Under the LTIP, there are 384,398 common shares currently available for additional restricted share grants.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company maintains a trust, commonly referred to as a rabbi trust, in connection with the Company’s deferred compensation plan. This plan allows for two deferrals. First, Directors make elective deferrals of Director fees payable and held in the rabbi trust. The deferred compensation plan allows the Directors to elect to receive Director fees in shares of common stock of the Company at a later date instead of fees paid each quarter in cash. Second, this plan allows certain Company employees to defer LTIP restricted shares for future distribution in the form of common shares. Assets of the rabbi trust are consolidated, and the value of the Company’s stock held in the rabbi trust is classified in Shareholders’ equity and generally accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock. The Company recognizes the original amount of the deferred compensation (fair value of the deferred stock award at the date of grant) as the basis for recognition in common shares issued to the rabbi trust. Changes in the fair value of amounts owed to certain employees or Directors are not recognized as the Company’s deferred compensation plan does not permit diversification and must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of the Company’s common shares. As of December 31, 2014, 292,609 LTIP shares have been deferred and are being held by the rabbi trust.
	Share Option Awards
	The LTIP plan permits the grant of 100,000 options to buy common shares of the Company to certain employees at not less than fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, there were 21,500 shares remaining available for issuance under the LTIP. Options issued to date under the Plan vest 50% after one year following the date of the grant, 75% after two years, and 100% after three years and expire from five to ten years from the date of grant. Shares issued as a result of stock option exercises will be funded with the issuance of new shares.
	The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating fair values of options. The Black-Scholes model requires assumptions regarding the volatility of the Company’s stock, the expected life of the stock award and the Company’s dividend yield. The company utilizes historical data in determining these assumptions. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. zero coupon Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures have been estimated to be zero.
	There were 35,500, 0, and 8,000 options granted for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair values for the stock options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		2014			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.3	%		1.4	%
	Dividend yield		1.7	%		1.9	%		1.9	%
	Expected life (years)		5			6			6
	Expected volatility		42.9	%		47	%		47.1	%
	Activity in the Company’s LTIP plan for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
		Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise Price			Remaining			Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		17,000		$	54.2
	Granted		35,500		$	60.47
	Exercised		(1,250	)	$	52.1
	Forfeited		(3,500	)	$	65.15
	Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014		47,750		$	58.11			8.8		$	114
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		13,000		$	53.79			7.1		$	22
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2014 and 2012 was $20.83 and $21.76, respectively. There were 1,250, 14,250 and 1,250 stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was less than $.1 million and $.4 million, respectively. Cash received for the exercise of stock options during 2014 and 2013 was $.1 million and $.6 million, respectively.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded compensation expense related to the stock options currently vesting of $.3 million, $.1 million and $.3 million, respectively. The total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized at December 31, 2014 is expected to be a combined total of $.5 million over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.
	The excess tax benefits from share based awards for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was less than $.1 million, $.1 million and $0, respectively, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in financing activities, and represents the reduction in income taxes otherwise payable during the period, attributable to the actual gross tax benefits in excess of the expected tax benefits for options exercised in the current period.

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Sh

Computation of Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Earnings Per Share	Note I - Computation of Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share were computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings per share were calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive shares of common stock that were outstanding during the years presented.
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31 was as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator
	Net income	$	12,861	$	20,587	$	29,286
	Denominator
	Determination of shares (in thousands)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		5,377		5,361		5,324
	Dilutive effect - share-based awards		5		106		47
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		5,382		5,467		5,371
	Earnings per common share attributable to PLPC shareholders
	Basic	$	2.39	$	3.84	$	5.5
	Diluted	$	2.39	$	3.77	$	5.45
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 25,000, 1,500 and 17,750 stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 52,368, 0 and 37,985 restricted share units, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect of the exercise would have been anti-dilutive.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Note J - Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	The Company’s finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Gross Carrying			Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amortization
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Patents	$	4,823		$	(4,730	)	$	4,824		$	(4,434	)
	Land use rights		1,247			(164	)		1,380			(153	)
	Trademark		1,888			(814	)		1,590			(680	)
	Customer backlog		605			(605	)		578			(578	)
	Technology		3,432			(734	)		2,751			(538	)
	Customer relationships		13,104			(3,931	)		10,133			(3,086	)
		$	25,099		$	(10,978	)	$	21,256		$	(9,469	)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	17,792					$	13,873
	The Company performs its annual impairment test for goodwill utilizing a combination of discounted cash flow methodology, market comparables and an overall market capitalization reasonableness test in computing fair value by reporting unit. The Company then compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value to assess if goodwill has been impaired. Based on the assumptions as to growth, discount rates and the weighting used for each respective valuation methodology, results of the valuations could be significantly different. The Company believes that the methodologies and weightings used are reasonable and result in appropriate fair values of the reporting units.
	The Company performed its annual impairment test for goodwill as of October 1, 2014 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value was required.
	The Company performed its annual impairment tests for goodwill as of October 1, 2013. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded two non-cash goodwill impairment charges within the Asia-Pacific reporting segment totaling $.9 million. The goodwill impairment testing revealed that the carrying values of these two businesses exceeded their fair values. The goodwill impairment charges were due to a combination of factors including reported net losses in 2013, forecasted net losses in 2014, reduction in future discounted cash flow, higher market discount rates and changes in the utility and solar markets.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		The Americas			EMEA			Asia-Pacific			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,078		$	1,819		$	10,640		$	15,537
	Impairment		0			0			(862	)		(862	)
	Curency translation		0			(65	)		(737	)		(802	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		3,078			1,754			9,041			13,873
	Additions		4,909			0			0			4,909
	Curency translation		(237	)		(226	)		(527	)		(990	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	7,750		$	1,528		$	8,514		$	17,792
	The Company’s only intangible asset with an indefinite life is goodwill. The Company’s goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Of the $1.7 million decrease in goodwill in 2013, $.8 million is related to foreign currency translation and $.9 million is due to goodwill impairment. The increase in goodwill of $3.9 million in 2014 is related to the acquisition by the Company of Helix resulting in an incremental $4.9 million of goodwill which was partially offset by a $1 million decline related to foreign currency translation.
	The aggregate amortization expense for other intangibles with finite lives, ranging from 4 to 82 years, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $1.3 million for 2015, $1.1 million for 2016, $1.1 million for 2017, $1 million for 2018 and $1 million for 2019. The weighted-average remaining amortization period is approximately 21.6 years. The weighted-average remaining amortization period by intangible asset class; patents, 2.3 years; land use rights, 61.1 years; trademark, 10.6 years; technology, 16.9 years and customer relationships, 15.2 years.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	Note K – Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying value of the Company’s current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable and short-term debt, approximates its fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flows analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements that are considered to be Level 2 inputs. There have been no transfers in or out of Level 2 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	Long-term debt and related current maturities	$	31,876	$	31,865	$	13,279	$	13,249
	As part of the January 31, 2012 Purchase Agreement to acquire Australian Electricity Systems PTY Ltd (AES), the Company recorded an additional earn-out consideration payment of $1.2 million. This amount represented the fair value of the potential earn-out consideration based on AES achieving a financial performance target over the twelve months ended June 30, 2012. The Company finalized the AES contingent consideration arrangement to $.4 million in 2012 which was paid to the former owner in April 2013.
	Also, the Company acquired all the assets of Forma Line Industries CC on March 1, 2012 located in South Africa. As part of the Purchase Agreement for this acquisition, the Company entered into a one-year earn-out contingent consideration arrangement that ended on March 1, 2013. The fair value of this contingent consideration arrangement was $.1 million and was paid in March 2013.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note L – Segment Information
	The Company designs, manufactures and sells hardware employed in the construction and maintenance of telecommunication, energy and other utility networks, data communication products and mounting hardware for solar power applications. Principal products include cable anchoring, control hardware and splice enclosures which are sold primarily to customers in North and South America, Europe, South Africa and Asia Pacific.
	The Company reports its segments in four geographic regions: PLP-USA, The Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) and Asia-Pacific in accordance with accounting standards codified in FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Each segment distributes a full range of the Company’s primary products. The PLP-USA segment is comprised of U.S. operations manufacturing the Company’s traditional products primarily supporting domestic energy and telecommunications products. The other three segments, The Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific support the Company’s energy, telecommunications, data communication and solar products in each respective geographical region.
	The segment managers responsible for each region report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker and are accountable for the financial results and performance of their entire segment for which they are responsible. The business components within each segment are managed to maximize the results of the entire company rather than the results of any individual business component of the segment.
	The amount of each segment’s performance reported to the chief operating decision maker is for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segment and assessing its performance. The Company evaluates segment performance and allocates resources based on several factors primarily based on sales and income from continuing operations, net of tax.
	The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note A in the Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements. No single customer accounts for more than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues. It is not practical to present revenues by product line. U.S. net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $152.6 million, $163 million and $179.4 million, respectively. U.S. long-lived assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $41.1 million and $38.4 million, respectively.
	The following table presents a summary of the Company’s reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Financial results for the PLP-USA segment include the elimination of all segments’ intercompany profits in inventory.
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	PLP-USA	$	137,564		$	144,054		$	162,027
	The Americas		90,871			91,497			92,584
	EMEA		65,446			61,543			66,272
	Asia-Pacific		94,304			112,682			118,309
	Total net sales	$	388,185		$	409,776		$	439,192
	Intersegment sales
	PLP-USA	$	12,721		$	12,939		$	8,537
	The Americas		5,908			6,204			7,501
	EMEA		1,848			2,080			4,582
	Asia-Pacific		11,921			10,491			14,766
	Total intersegment sales	$	32,398		$	31,714		$	35,386
	Interest income
	PLP-USA	$	0		$	0		$	3
	The Americas		129			290			283
	EMEA		223			215			209
	Asia-Pacific		131			113			153
	Total interest income	$	483		$	618		$	648
	Interest expense
	PLP-USA	$	(427	)	$	(305	)	$	(437	)
	The Americas		(130	)		(41	)		(58	)
	EMEA		(54	)		(68	)		(50	)
	Asia-Pacific		(47	)		(36	)		(52	)
	Total interest expense	$	(658	)	$	(450	)	$	(597	)
	Income taxes
	PLP-USA	$	5,053		$	6,286		$	9,581
	The Americas		453			2,585			2,722
	EMEA		2,122			2,052			2,769
	Asia-Pacific		921			284			469
	Total income taxes	$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
	Net income (loss)
	PLP-USA	$	7,933		$	10,875		$	13,290
	The Americas		1,947			5,896			6,763
	EMEA		6,192			6,047			6,840
	Asia-Pacific		(3,211	)		(2,231	)		2,393
	Total net income	$	12,861		$	20,587		$	29,286
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Expenditure for long-lived assets
	PLP-USA	$	7,536		$	12,262		$	6,702
	The Americas		4,925			3,107			2,781
	EMEA		1,375			2,573			2,816
	Asia-Pacific		3,827			3,092			8,744
	Total expenditures for long-lived assets	$	17,663		$	21,034		$	21,043
	Depreciation and amortization
	PLP-USA	$	4,140		$	3,793		$	3,520
	The Americas		2,845			2,444			2,565
	EMEA		1,790			1,792			1,714
	Asia-Pacific		4,082			4,059			3,765
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	12,857		$	12,088		$	11,564
		As of December 31
		2014			2013
	Identifiable assets
	PLP-USA	$	99,850		$	90,414
	The Americas		85,017			73,200
EMEA		51,691			51,345
Asia-Pacific		117,093			117,129
		353,651			332,088
Corporate assets		316			318
Total identifiable assets	$	353,967		$	332,406
Long-lived assets
PLP-USA	$	39,848		$	36,888
The Americas		20,734			19,168
EMEA		12,504			14,467
Asia-Pacific		29,445			29,938
Total long-lived assets	$	102,531		$	100,461

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note M -Related Party Transactions
	On March 20, 2014, the Company purchased 2,098 common shares of the Company from Robert G. Ruhlman, at a price per share of $62.99, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Ruhlman is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On August 14, 2014, the Company purchased 34,106 Common Shares of the Company from a trust for the benefit of Barbara P. Ruhlman and a foundation of which Barbara P. Ruhlman, Robert G. Ruhlman, Randall M. Ruhlman and Bernard Karr are officers, at a price per share of $54.83. Barbara P. Ruhlman is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the mother of Robert G. Ruhlman and Randall M. Ruhlman, both of whom are also members of the Board of Directors. Robert G. Ruhlman is Chairman, President and CEO of the Company. The purchase was consummated pursuant to Share Purchase Agreements both dated August 14, 2014, between the Company and the foundation. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	Ryan Ruhlman has worked for the Company for over ten years, recently being promoted to the role of Director, Marketing and Business Development. He is the son of Robert G. Ruhlman, President and CEO of the Company, and received $153,273 in reportable compensation for 2014 of which $39,100 is attributable to his 2014 award of stock options, in line with the Company’s compensation for mid-level managers.
	On May 8, 2013, the Company purchased 2,500 common shares of the Company from Ryan Ruhlman, at a price per share of $76.98, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. On November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 3,200 common shares of the Company from Ryan Ruhlman, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Ruhlman is the son of Robert G. Ruhlman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On May 8, 2013, the Company purchased 3,000 common shares of the Company from David C. Sunkle, at a price per share of $76.98, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Additionally, on November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 1,000 common shares of the Company from David C. Sunkle, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Sunkle is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On May 9, 2013, the Company purchased 9,757 Common Shares of the Company from a foundation of which Barbara P. Ruhlman, Robert G. Ruhlman, Randall M. Ruhlman and Bernard Karr are officers, at a price per share of $76.87. Barbara P. Ruhlman is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the mother of Robert G. Ruhlman and Randall M. Ruhlman, both of whom are also members of the Board of Directors. Robert G. Ruhlman is Chairman, President and CEO of the Company. The purchase was consummated pursuant to a Shares Purchase Agreement dated May 9, 2013, between the Company and the foundation. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 25,000 common shares of the Company from Robert G. Ruhlman, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Ruhlman is Chairman, President and CEO of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 2,750 common shares of the Company from Dennis F. McKenna, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. McKenna is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 2,500 common shares of the Company from J. Cecil Curlee, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Curlee is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	On November 12, 2013, the Company purchased 1,750 common shares of the Company from Caroline S. Vaccariello, at a price per share of $78.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mrs. Vaccariello is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	In August 2012, the Company purchased 30,410 common shares of the Company from a trust for the benefit of Barbara P. Ruhlman and a foundation of which Barbara P. Ruhlman, Robert G. Ruhlman and Randall M. Ruhlman are officers, at a price per share of $54.92, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Barbara P. Ruhlman is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the mother of Robert G. Ruhlman and Randall M. Ruhlman, both of whom are also members of the Board of Directors. Robert G. Ruhlman is Chairman, President and CEO of the Company. The purchase was consummated pursuant to two Shares Purchase Agreements both dated August 14, 2012, one between the Company and the trust and the other between the Company and the foundation. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved these transactions.
	In August 2012, the Company purchased 4,100 common shares of the Company from Dennis F. McKenna, at a price per share of $55.91, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. McKenna is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	In December 2012, the Company purchased 7,408 common shares of the Company from William H. Haag, at a price per share of $54.71, which was calculated from a 30-day average of market price. Mr. Haag is an Officer of the Company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	The Company’s Australian subsidiary utilizes information technology services from X Information Technology (“XIT”). For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, PLP-Australia incurred a total of $0, $0 and $.7 million for these expenses, respectively. XIT was once owned and operated by Paul Cascun, Regional IT Manager, a current PLP employee. Prior to his employment at PLP, Mr. Cascun sold his shares in XIT to his sister who now owns and operates the company. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	The Company’s New Zealand subsidiary, Electropar currently leases two parcels of property, on which it has its corporate office, manufacturing and warehouse space. The entities leasing the property to Electropar are owned, in part, by Grant Wallace a Director. For each year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Electropar incurred a total of $.3 million annually for such lease expense. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	The Company’s DPW operation rents two properties owned by RandReau Properties, LLC and RaRe Properties, LLC., which are owned by Kevin Goodreau, Vice President of Business Development – Solar Division, and Jeffrey Randall, Vice President of Product Design – Solar Division. For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, DPW paid rent expense of $.2 million, $.3 million and $.3 million, respectively, for the properties. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.
	The Company’s Belos operation hires temporary employees through a temporary work agency, Flex-Work Sp. Z.o.o., which is 50% owned by Agnieszka Rozwadowska. Agnieszka Rozwadowska is the wife of Piotr Rozwadowski, the Managing Director of the Belos operation located in Poland. For the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Belos incurred a total of $.5 million, $.3 million and $.7 million, respectively, for such temporary labor expense. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approved this transaction.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Note N -Business Combinations
	On January 31, 2014, the Company acquired Helix Uniformed Limited (Helix), located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From an accounting perspective, the acquisition is not considered material. The acquisition of Helix will diversify the Company’s business in Canada, expand its manufacturing footprint and enhance its engineering capabilities. The results of Helix are included in The Americas reportable segment. The values related to the acquisition have been finalized.
	The Company acquired Australian Electricity Systems PTY Ltd (AES) on January 31, 2012. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of AES for $6.3 million Australian dollars including acquired cash of $1.8 million Australian dollars, net of customary post-working capital adjustments of $.5 million Australian dollars. As part of the purchase agreement to acquire AES, the Company recorded on January 31, 2012 a $1.1 million Australian dollars earn-out consideration payment. This amount represented the fair value of the earn-out consideration based on AES achieving a financial performance target over the twelve months ended June 30, 2012. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement was determined by estimating the (probability-weighted) expected earn-out payment discounted to present value and is considered a level three input. The parties agreed this contingent consideration was $.4 million which was included in the Accrued expenses and other liabilities line on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012. The Company paid this $.4 million consideration to the former owner in April 2013. The acquisition of AES was immaterial to the Company. AES is reported as part of the Company’s Asia-Pacific segment.

Product_Warranty_Reserve

Product Warranty Reserve	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Product Warranty Reserve	Note O – Product Warranty Reserve
	The Company records an accrual for estimated warranty costs to Costs of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These amounts are recorded in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company records and accounts for its warranty reserve based on specific claim incidents. Should the Company become aware of a specific potential warranty claim for which liability is probable and reasonably estimable, a specific charge is recorded and accounted for accordingly. Adjustments are made quarterly to the accruals as claim information changes.
	The following is a rollforward of the product warranty reserve:
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	1,140		$	1,229		$	824
	Additions charged to income		(45	)		443			1,384
	Warranty usage		(133	)		(475	)		(983	)
	Currency translation		(70	)		(57	)		4
	Balance at December 31	$	892		$	1,140		$	1,229

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	Note P - Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
	The following table summarizes our results of operations for each of the quarters in 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter ended
		March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	2014
	Net sales	$	89,925	$	99,981	$	102,100	$	96,179
	Gross profit		27,448		31,197		32,455		29,848
	Income before income taxes		4,137		7,606		5,294		4,373
	Net income		2,738		5,080		2,555		2,488
	Net income, basic	$	0.51	$	0.94	$	0.48	$	0.46
	Net income, diluted	$	0.5	$	0.94	$	0.48	$	0.46
	2013
	Net sales	$	98,689	$	111,716	$	100,828	$	98,543
	Gross profit		31,299		37,549		31,660		30,393
	Income before income taxes		6,917		10,680		8,544		5,653
	Net income		4,965		6,386		6,104		3,132
	Net income, basic	$	0.92	$	1.19	$	1.14	$	0.59
	Net income, diluted	$	0.91	$	1.17	$	1.12	$	0.58

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Year Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	(Thousands of dollars)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014:		Balance at		Additions			Deductions			Other			Balance at
			beginning		charged to						additions or			end of
			of period		costs and						deductions (a)			period
					expenses
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,441	$	803		$	(260	)	$	(41	)	$	1,943
	Reserve for credit memos			672		408			(652	)		0			428
	Slow-moving and obsolete inventory reserves			8,075		2,244			(701	)		(435	)		9,183
	Accrued product warranty			1,140		(45	)		(133	)		(70	)		892
	Foreign net operating loss tax carryforwards			1,420		2,553			(232	)		(127	)		3,614
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:		Balance at		Additions			Deductions			Other			Balance at
			beginning		charged to						additions or			end of
			of period		costs and						deductions (a)			period
					expenses
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,395	$	419		$	(368	)	$	(5	)	$	1,441
	Reserve for credit memos			644		418			(390	)		0			672
	Slow-moving and obsolete inventory reserves			6,773		2,672			(1,006	)		(364	)		8,075
	Accrued product warranty			1,229		443			(475	)		(57	)		1,140
	U.S. tax capital loss			2,034		0			(49	)		(1,985	)		0
	Foreign net operating loss tax carryforwards			295		1,310			(115	)		(70	)		1,420
	For the year ended December 31, 2012:		Balance at		Additions			Deductions			Other			Balance at
			beginning		charged to						additions or			end of
			of period		costs and						deductions (a)			period
					expenses
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,258	$	774		$	(651	)	$	14		$	1,395
	Reserve for credit memos			369		642			(367	)		0			644
	Slow-moving and obsolete inventory reserves			5,875		1,981			(828	)		(255	)		6,773
	Accrued product warranty			824		1,384			(983	)		4			1,229
	U.S. tax capital loss			2,053		0			(19	)		0			2,034
	Foreign net operating loss tax carryforwards			1,062		0			(760	)		(7	)		295
	(a)	Other additions or deductions relate to translation adjustments and 2013 reflects the expiration of U.S. capital loss and certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards and 2014 reflects the expiration of certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations
	Preformed Line Products Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for the energy, telecommunication, cable operators, data communication and other similar industries. The Company’s primary products support, protect, connect, terminate and secure cables and wires. The Company also provides solar hardware systems and mounting hardware for a variety of solar power applications. The Company’s customers include public and private energy utilities and communication companies, cable operators, governmental agencies, contractors and subcontractors, distributors and value-added resellers. The Company serves its worldwide markets through strategically located domestic and international manufacturing facilities.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures	Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures
	Investments in joint ventures, where the Company owns between 20% and 50%, or where the Company does not have control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operations or financial policies, are accounted for by the equity method. As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned 25.93% in Proxisafe Ltd. (“Proxisafe”), located in Calgary, Alberta. The Company accounts for its joint venture interest in Proxisafe accounts using the equity method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents are stated at fair value and consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
Receivable Allowances	Receivable Allowances
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable is based upon the number of days the accounts are past due, the current business environment and specific information such as bankruptcy or liquidity issues of customers. The Company also maintains an allowance for future sales credits related to sales recorded during the year. The estimated allowance is based on historical sales credits issued in the subsequent year related to the prior year and any significant, preapproved open return good authorizations as of the balance sheet date.
Inventories	Inventories
	The Company uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of determining cost for the majority of its material portion of inventories in PLP-USA. All other inventories are determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory based on past usage and future demand.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 825, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of the Company’s current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which is considered to be a level two input. Based on the analysis performed, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates fair value at December 31, 2014.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation
	Property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives used, when purchased new, are: land improvements, ten years; buildings, forty years; building improvements, five to forty years; and machinery and equipment, three to ten years. Appropriate reductions in estimated useful lives are made for property, plant and equipment purchased in connection with an acquisition of a business or in a used condition when purchased.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets might be impaired and the discounted future cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than the carrying value. The Company’s cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect the Company’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is then reduced to fair value. The estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions. The Company did not record any impairment to long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	Goodwill and other intangible assets generally result from business acquisitions. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing. Intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, technology, customer backlogs, trademarks and land use rights, are generally amortized over periods from less than one year to twenty years. The Company’s intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized using a projected cash flow basis method over their useful lives unless another method was demonstrated to be more appropriate. Customer relationships, technology and trademark intangibles acquired in 2014 and 2012 are amortized using a projected cash flow basis method over the period in which the economic benefits of the intangibles are consumed. Customer relationships, technology and trademarks acquired in July 2010 are being amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives. This straight-line method was more appropriate because it better reflected the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise expire compared to using a projected cash flow basis method. An evaluation of the remaining useful life of intangible assets with a determinable life is performed on a periodic basis and when events and circumstances warrant an evaluation. The Company assesses intangible assets with a determinable life for impairment consistent with its policy for assessing other long-lived assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired, or in the case of finite-lived intangible assets, when the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that would result in an impairment review primarily include operations reporting losses or a significant change in the use of an asset. Impairment charges are recognized pursuant to FASB ASC 350-20, Goodwill.
	The Company performs the annual impairment test for goodwill utilizing a combination of discounted cash flow methodology, market comparables, and an overall market capitalization reasonableness test in computing fair value by reporting unit. The Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value to assess if goodwill has been impaired. Based on the assumptions as to growth, discount rates and the weighting used for each respective valuation methodology, results of the valuations could be significantly changed. However, the Company believes that the methodologies and weightings used are reasonable and result in appropriate fair values of the reporting units.
	The Company performed its annual impairment test for goodwill as of October 1, 2014 and 2013 and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value was required for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company recorded impairment for goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $.9 million. See Note J for additional information.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Sales are recognized when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered and based on the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue related to shipping and handling costs billed to customers is included in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.
Research and Development	Research and Development
	Research and development costs for new products are expensed as incurred and totaled $2.7 million in 2014, $2.3 million in 2013 and $2.1 million in 2012.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are computed in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. In the Consolidated Financial Statements, the benefits of a consolidated return have been reflected where such returns have or could be filed based on the entities and jurisdictions included in the financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book and tax bases of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that the Company believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
	Uncertain tax positions are recorded in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
Advertising	Advertising
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $2 million in both 2014 and 2013 and $1.8 million in 2012.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the date of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates in effect during the period. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in income and expense as incurred. Aggregate transaction gains and losses for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2.9 million loss, $3.8 million loss and a less than $.1 million loss, respectively. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign entity, the cumulative translation adjustment for that entity is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations
	The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company does not hold derivatives for trading purposes.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2014 and it did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17 “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting.” ASU 2014-17 provides specific guidance regarding pushdown accounting for all entities including the ability of an acquired entity to elect to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon a change in control event. The Company adopted ASU 2014-17 prospectively effective November 18, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-17 had no impact to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
New Accounting Standards to be Adopted	New Accounting Standards To Be Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” or ASU 2014-08. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation. Under the new pronouncement, a disposal of a part of an organization that has a major effect on its operations and financial results is a discontinued operation. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2014-08 prospectively for all disposals or components of the business classified as held for sale during the fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2014 and is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” or ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a matter that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, the amendment provides five steps that an entity should apply when recognizing revenue. The amendment also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. An entity can either adopt this amendment retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of initial application. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2014-15 prospectively for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating what impact, if any, its adoption will have to the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other_Financial_Statement_Info1

Other Financial Statement Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventories - Net	Inventories – net
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Finished products	$	41,634		$	37,301
	Work-in-process		7,964			7,779
	Raw materials		40,423			40,251
			90,021			85,331
	Excess of current cost over LIFO cost		(4,471	)		(4,146	)
	Noncurrent portion of inventory		(5,513	)		(7,350	)
		$	80,037		$	73,835
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net	Major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	14,173		$	12,141
	Buildings and improvements		75,587			69,963
	Machinery and equipment		144,213			141,940
	Construction in progress		3,382			7,185
			237,355			231,229
	Less accumulated depreciation		134,824			130,768
		$	102,531		$	100,461

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Net periodic pension cost for the Plan consists of the following components for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	118		$	222		$	1,300
	Interest cost		1,362			1,251			1,411
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,792	)		(1,436	)		(1,186	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		16			493			750
	Net periodic pension cost (income)	$	(296	)	$	530		$	2,275
Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following tables set forth benefit obligations, plan assets and the accrued benefit cost of the Plan at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	$	27,525		$	31,590
	Service cost		118			222
	Interest cost		1,362			1,251
	Actuarial (gain) loss		7,991			(4,901	)
	Benefits paid		(803	)		(637	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	36,193		$	27,525
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year	$	22,499		$	18,406
	Actual return on plan assets		1,555			3,154
	Employer contributions		439			1,576
	Benefits paid		(803	)		(637	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of the year	$	23,690		$	22,499
	Unfunded pension obligation	$	12,503		$	5,026
Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Pension Plan	In accordance with ASC 715-20, the Company recognizes the underfunded status of the Plan as a liability. The amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Plan at December 31 is comprised of the following:
		2014			2013
	Balance at January 1	$	(1,886	)	$	(6,305	)
	Reclassification adjustments:
	Pretax amortized net actuarial loss		16			493
	Tax provision		(6	)		(187	)
			10			306
	Adjustment to recognize gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations:
	Pretax gain (loss)		(8,227	)		6,619
	Tax (benefit) provision		3,115			(2,506	)
			(5,112	)		4,113
	Balance at December 31	$	(6,988	)	$	(1,886	)
Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	The Plan had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of Plan assets as follows:
		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	36,193		$	27,525
	Fair market value of assets		23,690			22,499
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		4	%		5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		5	%		4	%		4.5	%
	Rate of compensation increase		n/a			n/a			2.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		8			8			8
Fair Value of the Plan Assets	The fair value of the Plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, by category, are as follows:
		At December 31, 2014
		Total Assets at			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
		Fair Value			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
					for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
					Assets (Level 1)
	Asset Category
	Cash	$	410		$	410		$	0		$	0
	Equity Securities		8,231			8,231			0			0
	U.S. Treasury Bonds		4,834			4,834			0			0
	Mutual Funds - Equity		6,474			6,474			0			0
	Corporate Bonds		3,741			0			3,741			0
	Total	$	23,690		$	19,949		$	3,741		$	0
		At December 31, 2013
		Total Assets at			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
		Fair Value			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
					for Identical			Inputs (Level 2)			Inputs (Level 3)
					Assets (Level 1)
	Asset Category
	Cash	$	1,127		$	1,127		$	0		$	0
	Equity Securities		7,455			7,455			0			0
	U.S. Treasury Bonds		4,161			4,161			0			0
	Mutual Funds - Equity		6,776			6,776			0			0
	Corporate Bonds		2,950			0			2,950			0
	Mortgage-Backed Securities		30			0			30			0
	Total	$	22,499		$	19,519		$	2,980		$	0
Weighted-Average Asset Allocations of Plan Assets	The Plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category, are as follows:
		Plan assets at
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Asset category
	Equity securities		62	%		63	%
	Debt securities		36			32
	Cash and equivalents		2			5
			100	%		100	%
Weighted-Average Target Allocations of Plan Assets	In recognition of the expected returns and volatility from financial assets, Plan assets are invested in the following ranges with the target allocation noted:
		Range			Target
	Equities		30-80	%		60	%
	Fixed Income		20-70	%		40	%
	Cash Equivalents		0-10	%
Aggregate Benefits Expected to be Paid Out of Plan Assets	The benefits expected to be paid out of the Plan assets in each of the next five years and the aggregate benefits expected to be paid for the subsequent five years are as follows:
	Year	Pension Benefits
	2015	$	767,571
	2016		849,366
	2017		927,494
	2018		1,004,453
	2019		1,098,536
	2020-2024		7,133,715

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Total Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax	The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of tax:
			Year Ended December 31, 2014									Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Unrecognized			Cumulative			Total			Unrecognized			Cumulative			Total
			Benefit Cost			Translation						Benefit Cost			Translation
						Adjustment									Adjustment
	Balance at January 1		$	(1,905	)	$	(15,797	)	$	(17,702	)	$	(6,324	)	$	(7,340	)	$	(13,664	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
	Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment			0			(12,330	)		(12,330	)		0			(8,457	)		(8,457	)
	Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations			(5,112	)		0			(5,112	)		4,113			0			4,113
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI:
	Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss (a)			10			0			10			306			0			306
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(5,102	)		(12,330	)		(17,432	)		4,419			(8,457	)		(4,038	)
	Balance at December 31		$	(7,007	)	$	(28,127	)	$	(35,134	)	$	(1,905	)	$	(15,797	)	$	(17,702	)
	(a)	This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs as noted in Note C – Pension Plans.

Debt_and_Credit_Arrangements_T

Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Arrangements
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Short-term debt
	Secured notes
	Brazilian Real denominated (R$4,805k) at 3.38% to 3.69% (3.25% to 3.6% in 2013), due 2015	$	1,809		$	1,105
	Current portion of long-term debt		116			195
	Total short-term debt		1,925			1,300
	Long-term debt
	USD denominated at 1.29%, due 2017		31,451			12,604
	Australian dollar denominated term loans (A$1,065), at 5.59% (6.0% in 2013), due 2018, secured by land and building		414			570
	Brazilian Real denominated term loan (R$918k) at 4.5% to 8.12% secured by capital equipment		0			75
	Total long-term debt		31,865			13,249
	Less current portion		(116	)		(195	)
	Total long-term debt, less current portion		31,749			13,054
	Total debt	$	33,674		$	14,354

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Before Income Taxes	Income before income taxes was derived from the following sources:
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	11,810		$	16,388		$	21,754
	Foreign		9,600			15,406			23,073
		$	21,410		$	31,794		$	44,827
Components of Income Taxes	The components of income taxes for the year ended December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	4,718		$	6,308		$	9,663
	Foreign		5,081			5,018			7,885
	State and local		447			986			920
			10,246			12,312			18,468
	Deferred
	Federal		(425	)		(1,081	)		(1,443	)
	Foreign		(1,110	)		157			(1,310	)
	State and local		(162	)		(181	)		(174	)
			(1,697	)		(1,105	)		(2,927	)
	Income taxes	$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
Differences Between the Provision for Income Taxes at the U.S. Federal Statutory Rate and the Tax	The differences between the provision for income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate and the tax shown in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended December 31 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	U. S. federal statutory tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Federal tax at statutory rate	$	7,494		$	11,128		$	15,689
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		290			583			485
	U.S. federal permanent items		208			124			332
	Domestic production activities deduction		(536	)		(372	)		(669	)
	Foreign earnings and related tax credits		700			701			1,377
	Non-U.S. tax rate variances		(1,313	)		(1,467	)		(1,175	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits		186			(770	)		310
	Valuation allowance		1,925			1,091			(337	)
	Tax credits		(184	)		(453	)		(85	)
	Other, net		(221	)		642			(386	)
		$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to the Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued compensation and benefits	$	1,358		$	1,463
	Inventory valuation reserves		2,849			2,581
	Benefit plan reserves		11,331			7,773
	Net operating loss carryforwards		2,751			1,244
	Tax credit carryforwards		745			0
	Other accrued expenses		2,542			2,926
	Unrealized foreign exchange		1,805			743
	Gross deferred tax assets		23,381			16,730
	Valuation allowance		(3,614	)		(1,420	)
	Net deferred tax assets		19,767			15,310
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and other basis differences		(5,814	)		(5,533	)
	Intangibles		(3,706	)		(2,828	)
	Undistributed foreign earnings		(444	)		(61	)
	Other		(65	)		(71	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(10,029	)		(8,493	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	9,738		$	6,817
					2013
		2014
	Change in net deferred tax assets:
	Deferred income tax benefit	$	1,697		$	1,105
	Items of other comprehensive income (loss)		3,108			(2,692	)
	Currency translation		141			263
	Deferred tax balances from business acquisition		(2,025	)		0
	Total change in net deferred tax assets	$	2,921		$	(1,324	)
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	608		$	1,361		$	1,015
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		186			0			511
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		0			(588	)		0
	Expiration of statutes of limitations		0			(165	)		(165	)
	Balance at December 31	$	794		$	608		$	1,361

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Restricted Share Awards	A summary of the restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards
		Performance			Service			Total			Weighted-Average
		and Service			Required			Restricted			Grant-Date
		Required						Awards			Fair Value
	Nonvested as of January 1, 2014		89,459			10,202			99,661		$	65.86
	Granted		40,676			4,799			45,475			63.95
	Vested		(38,090	)		(4,588	)		(42,678	)		60.77
	Forfeited		(3,537	)		0			(3,537	)		60.77
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014		88,508			10,413			98,921		$	67.36
Weighted-Average Assumptions for Estimating Fair Values	The fair values for the stock options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		2014			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.3	%		1.4	%
	Dividend yield		1.7	%		1.9	%		1.9	%
	Expected life (years)		5			6			6
	Expected volatility		42.9	%		47	%		47.1	%
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Activity in Company's Plan	Activity in the Company’s LTIP plan for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
		Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise Price			Remaining			Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		17,000		$	54.2
	Granted		35,500		$	60.47
	Exercised		(1,250	)	$	52.1
	Forfeited		(3,500	)	$	65.15
	Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014		47,750		$	58.11			8.8		$	114
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		13,000		$	53.79			7.1		$	22
Stock Options [Member]
Activity in Company's Plan	Activity in the Company’s 1999 Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
		Shares			Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise Price			Remaining			Value
					per Share			Contractual
								Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014		13,000		$	39.95
	Exercised		(1,000	)	$	22.1
	Outstanding (exercisable and vested) at December 31, 2014		12,000		$	41.44			2.8		$	158

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Sh1

Computation of Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31 was as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Numerator
	Net income	$	12,861	$	20,587	$	29,286
	Denominator
	Determination of shares (in thousands)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		5,377		5,361		5,324
	Dilutive effect - share-based awards		5		106		47
	Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding		5,382		5,467		5,371
	Earnings per common share attributable to PLPC shareholders
	Basic	$	2.39	$	3.84	$	5.5
	Diluted	$	2.39	$	3.77	$	5.45

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The Company’s finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Gross Carrying			Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amortization
	Finite-lived intangible assets
	Patents	$	4,823		$	(4,730	)	$	4,824		$	(4,434	)
	Land use rights		1,247			(164	)		1,380			(153	)
	Trademark		1,888			(814	)		1,590			(680	)
	Customer backlog		605			(605	)		578			(578	)
	Technology		3,432			(734	)		2,751			(538	)
	Customer relationships		13,104			(3,931	)		10,133			(3,086	)
		$	25,099		$	(10,978	)	$	21,256		$	(9,469	)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Goodwill	$	17,792					$	13,873
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		The Americas			EMEA			Asia-Pacific			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,078		$	1,819		$	10,640		$	15,537
	Impairment		0			0			(862	)		(862	)
	Curency translation		0			(65	)		(737	)		(802	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		3,078			1,754			9,041			13,873
	Additions		4,909			0			0			4,909
	Curency translation		(237	)		(226	)		(527	)		(990	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	7,750		$	1,528		$	8,514		$	17,792

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets1

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt	Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value
	Long-term debt and related current maturities	$	31,876	$	31,865	$	13,279	$	13,249

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Reportable Segment	The following table presents a summary of the Company’s reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Financial results for the PLP-USA segment include the elimination of all segments’ intercompany profits in inventory.
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	PLP-USA	$	137,564		$	144,054		$	162,027
	The Americas		90,871			91,497			92,584
	EMEA		65,446			61,543			66,272
	Asia-Pacific		94,304			112,682			118,309
	Total net sales	$	388,185		$	409,776		$	439,192
	Intersegment sales
	PLP-USA	$	12,721		$	12,939		$	8,537
	The Americas		5,908			6,204			7,501
	EMEA		1,848			2,080			4,582
	Asia-Pacific		11,921			10,491			14,766
	Total intersegment sales	$	32,398		$	31,714		$	35,386
	Interest income
	PLP-USA	$	0		$	0		$	3
	The Americas		129			290			283
	EMEA		223			215			209
	Asia-Pacific		131			113			153
	Total interest income	$	483		$	618		$	648
	Interest expense
	PLP-USA	$	(427	)	$	(305	)	$	(437	)
	The Americas		(130	)		(41	)		(58	)
	EMEA		(54	)		(68	)		(50	)
	Asia-Pacific		(47	)		(36	)		(52	)
	Total interest expense	$	(658	)	$	(450	)	$	(597	)
	Income taxes
	PLP-USA	$	5,053		$	6,286		$	9,581
	The Americas		453			2,585			2,722
	EMEA		2,122			2,052			2,769
	Asia-Pacific		921			284			469
	Total income taxes	$	8,549		$	11,207		$	15,541
	Net income (loss)
	PLP-USA	$	7,933		$	10,875		$	13,290
	The Americas		1,947			5,896			6,763
	EMEA		6,192			6,047			6,840
	Asia-Pacific		(3,211	)		(2,231	)		2,393
	Total net income	$	12,861		$	20,587		$	29,286
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Expenditure for long-lived assets
	PLP-USA	$	7,536		$	12,262		$	6,702
	The Americas		4,925			3,107			2,781
	EMEA		1,375			2,573			2,816
	Asia-Pacific		3,827			3,092			8,744
	Total expenditures for long-lived assets	$	17,663		$	21,034		$	21,043
	Depreciation and amortization
	PLP-USA	$	4,140		$	3,793		$	3,520
	The Americas		2,845			2,444			2,565
	EMEA		1,790			1,792			1,714
	Asia-Pacific		4,082			4,059			3,765
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	12,857		$	12,088		$	11,564
		As of December 31
		2014			2013
	Identifiable assets
	PLP-USA	$	99,850		$	90,414
	The Americas		85,017			73,200
	EMEA		51,691			51,345
	Asia-Pacific		117,093			117,129
			353,651			332,088
	Corporate assets		316			318
	Total identifiable assets	$	353,967		$	332,406
	Long-lived assets
PLP-USA	$	39,848		$	36,888
The Americas		20,734			19,168
EMEA		12,504			14,467
Asia-Pacific		29,445			29,938
Total long-lived assets	$	102,531		$	100,461

Product_Warranty_Reserve_Table

Product Warranty Reserve (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Roll Forward of Product Warranty Reserve	The following is a rollforward of the product warranty reserve:
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1	$	1,140		$	1,229		$	824
	Additions charged to income		(45	)		443			1,384
	Warranty usage		(133	)		(475	)		(983	)
	Currency translation		(70	)		(57	)		4
	Balance at December 31	$	892		$	1,140		$	1,229

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations	The following table summarizes our results of operations for each of the quarters in 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter ended
		March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	2014
	Net sales	$	89,925	$	99,981	$	102,100	$	96,179
	Gross profit		27,448		31,197		32,455		29,848
	Income before income taxes		4,137		7,606		5,294		4,373
	Net income		2,738		5,080		2,555		2,488
	Net income, basic	$	0.51	$	0.94	$	0.48	$	0.46
	Net income, diluted	$	0.5	$	0.94	$	0.48	$	0.46
	2013
	Net sales	$	98,689	$	111,716	$	100,828	$	98,543
	Gross profit		31,299		37,549		31,660		30,393
	Income before income taxes		6,917		10,680		8,544		5,653
	Net income		4,965		6,386		6,104		3,132
	Net income, basic	$	0.92	$	1.19	$	1.14	$	0.59
	Net income, diluted	$	0.91	$	1.17	$	1.12	$	0.58

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$0	$862,000	$0
Research and development costs	2,700,000	2,300,000	2,100,000
Minimum percentage of ownership in investments for consolidation	50.00%
Advertising cost	2,000,000	2,000,000	1,800,000
Aggregate foreign currency transaction gain and losses	-2,900,000	-3,800,000
Land and Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	10 years
Building [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	40 years
Proxisafe [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Company acquired investment in Proxisafe Ltd	25.93%
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	20 years
Aggregate foreign currency transaction gain and losses			($100,000)
Maximum [Member] | Building Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of Property, Plant and Equipment	10 years

Other_Financial_Statement_Info2

Other Financial Statement Information - Inventories - Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished products	$41,634	$37,301
Work-in-process	7,964	7,779
Raw materials	40,423	40,251
Inventory, gross	90,021	85,331
Excess of current cost over LIFO cost	-4,471	-4,146
Noncurrent portion of inventory	-5,513	-7,350
Inventories - net	$80,037	$73,835

Other_Financial_Statement_Info3

Other Financial Statement Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost of inventories for certain materials using LIFO method	$27	$25.10
Depreciation of property and equipment	11.3	10.6	10
Capital leases of machinery and equipment	$0.30	$0.40

Other_Financial_Statement_Info4

Other Financial Statement Information - Property, Plant and Equipment - Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Gross	$237,355	$231,229
Less accumulated depreciation	134,824	130,768
Property and equipment - Net	102,531	100,461
Land and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Gross	14,173	12,141
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Gross	75,587	69,963
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Gross	144,213	141,940
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Gross	$3,382	$7,185

Pension_Plans_Additional_Infor

Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pretax curtailment gain			$6,300,000
Pension liability			6,300,000
Estimated net loss for the PLP-USA pension plan	600,000
Prior service cost	0
Pretax unfunded pension obligation loss	8,200,000
Increased cost resulting from a 1% decline in the discount rate	5,100,000
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Contribution to pension plan	0
Expense for contribution plan	6,100,000	5,600,000	5,700,000
Weighted average of one year treasury bill	1.00%
Interest rate for the supplemental profit sharing plan	1.12%	1.15%
Expense for the supplemental profit sharing plan	500,000	300,000	400,000
Supplemental profit sharing plan unfunded status	3,500,000	3,000,000
Additional Loss [Member]
Pension And Other Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pretax unfunded pension obligation loss	$2,900,000

Pension_Plans_Components_of_Ne

Pension Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$118	$222	$1,300
Interest cost	1,362	1,251	1,411
Expected return on plan assets	-1,792	-1,436	-1,186
Recognized net actuarial loss	16	493	750
Net periodic pension cost (income)	($296)	$530	$2,275

Pension_Plans_Projected_Benefi

Pension Plans - Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	$27,525	$31,590
Service cost	118	222	1,300
Interest cost	1,362	1,251	1,411
Actuarial (gain) loss	7,991	-4,901
Benefits paid	-803	-637
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	36,193	27,525	31,590
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year	22,499	18,406
Actual return on plan assets	1,555	3,154
Employer contributions	439	1,576
Benefits paid	-803	-637
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year	23,690	22,499	18,406
Unfunded pension obligation	$12,503	$5,026

Pension_Plans_Amount_Recognize

Pension Plans - Amount Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Pension Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation Income Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	($1,886)	($6,305)
Pretax amortized net actuarial loss	16	493	750
Tax provision	-6	-187	-284
Net of reclassification adjustments	10	306	466
Pretax gain (loss)	-8,227	6,619
Tax (benefit) provision	3,115	-2,506	1,627
Net of tax adjustment to recognize (loss) gain on unfunded pension obligations	-5,112	4,113	-2,670
Ending Balance	($6,988)	($1,886)	($6,305)

Pension_Plans_Accumulated_Bene

Pension Plans - Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$36,193	$27,525
Fair market value of assets	$23,690	$22,499

Pension_Plans_WeightedAverage_

Pension Plans - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.00%	5.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%

Pension_Plans_WeightedAverage_1

Pension Plans - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.00%	4.00%	4.50%
Rate of compensation increase			2.50%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Pension_Plans_Fair_Value_of_th

Pension Plans - Fair Value of the Company's Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	$23,690	$22,499	$18,406
Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	410	1,127
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	8,231	7,455
U.S. Treasury Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	4,834	4,161
Mutual Funds-Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	6,474	6,776
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	3,741	2,950
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets		30
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	19,949	19,519
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	410	1,127
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	8,231	7,455
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	4,834	4,161
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | Mutual Funds-Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	6,474	6,776
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level1) [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets		0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	3,741	2,980
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds-Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	3,741	2,950
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets		30
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mutual Funds-Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair market value of assets		$0

Pension_Plans_WeightedAverage_2

Pension Plans - Weighted-Average Asset Allocations of Plan Assets (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average asset allocations of pension plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average asset allocations of pension plan assets	62.00%	63.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average asset allocations of pension plan assets	36.00%	32.00%
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average asset allocations of pension plan assets	2.00%	5.00%

Pension_Plans_WeightedAverage_3

Pension Plans - Weighted-Average Target Allocations of Plan Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation range, Minimum	30.00%
Target plan asset allocation range, Maximum	80.00%
Target plan asset allocations	60.00%
Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation range, Minimum	20.00%
Target plan asset allocation range, Maximum	70.00%
Target plan asset allocations	40.00%
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation range, Minimum	0.00%
Target plan asset allocation range, Maximum	10.00%

Pension_Plans_Aggregate_Benefi

Pension Plans - Aggregate Benefits Expected to be Paid Out of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$767,571
2016	849,366
2017	927,494
2018	1,004,453
2019	1,098,536
2020-2024	$7,133,715

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") - Summary of Total Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($17,702)	($13,664)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment	-12,330	-8,457
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations	-5,112	4,113	-2,670
Amounts reclassified from AOCI:
Recognized net actuarial loss	10	306	466
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-17,432	-4,038	3,375
Ending Balance	-35,134	-17,702	-13,664
Unrecognized Pension Benefit Cost [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-1,905	-6,324
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations	-5,112	4,113	-2,670
Amounts reclassified from AOCI:
Recognized net actuarial loss	10	306	466
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,102	4,419
Ending Balance	-7,007	-1,905	-6,324
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-15,797	-7,340
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications:
Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment	-12,330	-8,457
Gain (loss) on unfunded pension obligations	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI:
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-12,330	-8,457
Ending Balance	($28,127)	($15,797)

Debt_and_Credit_Arrangements_D

Debt and Credit Arrangements - Debt and Credit Arrangements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt	$116	$195
Short-term debt	1,925	1,300
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt	31,865	13,249
Total long-term debt	31,865	13,249
Less current portion	-116	-195
Total long-term debt, less current portion	31,749	13,054
Total debt	33,674	14,354
Australian Dollar Denominated Term Loans Long-term Debt [Member]
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt	414	570
Total long-term debt	414	570
Brazilian Real Denominated Term Loan Long-Term Debt [Member]
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt	0	75
Total long-term debt	0	75
USD Denominated Long-term Debt [Member]
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt	31,451	12,604
Total long-term debt	31,451	12,604
Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]
Short-term debt
Short-term debt	$1,809	$1,105

Debt_and_Credit_Arrangements_D1

Debt and Credit Arrangements - Debt and Credit Arrangements (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]	Australian Dollar Denominated Term Loans Long-term Debt [Member]	Australian Dollar Denominated Term Loans Long-term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Term Loan Long-Term Debt [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
	BRL	AUD		BRL	Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Term Loan Long-Term Debt [Member]	USD Denominated Long-term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Secured Notes Short Term Debt [Member]	Brazilian Real Denominated Term Loan Long-Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate		5.59%	6.00%		3.38%	3.25%	4.50%	1.29%	3.69%	3.60%	8.12%
Debt instrument, face amount	4,805	1,065		918

Debt_and_Credit_Arrangements_A

Debt and Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit	$50
PLP-USA line of credit maturity date	2017-01
Interest rate of LIBOR plus	1.13%
Interest rate for Line of credit	1.29%
Line of credit remaining borrowing capacity	14.9
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for 2015	0.1
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for 2016	0.1
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for 2017	31.6
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt there after	0
Interest paid	0.6	0.4	0.9
Total outstanding guarantees	2.4
Letter of credit outstanding	5.5
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for 2018	$0.10

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Line Items]
Rental expense	$3.80	$3.80	$3.70
Future minimum rental commitments, 2015	2.5
Future minimum rental commitments, 2016	1.5
Future minimum rental commitments, 2017	1.3
Future minimum rental commitments, 2018	1.2
Future minimum rental commitments, 2019	1.2
Future minimum rental commitments, Thereafter	11.3
Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases, 2015	0.1
Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases, 2019	0
Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases, 2016	0.1
Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases, 2017	0.1
Future minimum rental commitments for capital leases, 2018	0.1
Imputed interest maximum amount	$0.10

Income_Taxes_Income_Before_Inc

Income Taxes - Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States									$11,810	$16,388	$21,754
Foreign									9,600	15,406	23,073
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$4,373	$5,294	$7,606	$4,137	$5,653	$8,544	$10,680	$6,917	$21,410	$31,794	$44,827

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$4,718	$6,308	$9,663
Foreign	5,081	5,018	7,885
State and local	447	986	920
Current, Total	10,246	12,312	18,468
Deferred
Federal	-425	-1,081	-1,443
Foreign	-1,110	157	-1,310
State and local	-162	-181	-174
Deferred Total	-1,697	-1,105	-2,927
Income taxes	$8,549	$11,207	$15,541

Income_Taxes_Differences_Betwe

Income Taxes - Differences Between the Provision for Income Taxes at the U.S. Federal Statutory Rate and the Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U. S. federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Federal tax at statutory rate	$7,494	$11,128	$15,689
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	290	583	485
U.S. federal permanent items	208	124	332
Domestic production activities deduction	-536	-372	-669
Foreign earnings and related tax credits	700	701	1,377
Non-U.S. tax rate variances	-1,313	-1,467	-1,175
Unrecognized tax benefits	186	-770	310
Valuation allowance	1,925	1,091	-337
Tax credits	-184	-453	-85
Other, net	-221	642	-386
Income taxes	$8,549	$11,207	$15,541

Income_Taxes_Tax_Effects_of_Te

Income Taxes - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to the Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and benefits	$1,358	$1,463
Inventory valuation reserves	2,849	2,581
Benefit plan reserves	11,331	7,773
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,751	1,244
Tax credit carryforwards	745	0
Other accrued expenses	2,542	2,926
Unrealized foreign exchange	1,805	743
Gross deferred tax assets	23,381	16,730
Valuation allowance	-3,614	-1,420
Net deferred tax assets	19,767	15,310
Depreciation and other basis differences	-5,814	-5,533
Intangibles	-3,706	-2,828
Undistributed foreign earnings	-444	-61
Other	-65	-71
Deferred tax liabilities	-10,029	-8,493
Net deferred tax assets	9,738	6,817
Deferred income tax benefit	1,697	1,105	2,927
Items of other comprehensive income (loss)	3,108	-2,692
Currency translation	141	263
Deferred tax balances from business acquisition	-2,025	0
Total change in net deferred tax assets	$2,921	($1,324)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards expiration period start year	2017
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards expiration period end year	2024
Valuation allowance	$3,614,000	$1,420,000
Impact of valuation allowances on Income tax provision	1,900,000
Net increase in valuation allowance from the prior year	2,200,000
Deferred tax liability not established by the company	131,000,000
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	7,700,000	19,900,000	16,000,000
Recognized accrued interest and penalties lapsed	100,000	100,000	100,000
Payment of interest accrued	600,000	600,000	600,000
Accrued penalties payment	300,000	300,000	300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	200,000	0	700,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within next fiscal year due to effective settlement	600,000
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Country [Member]
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	2,600,000
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Country [Member]
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	$1,000,000

Income_Taxes_Changes_in_Unreco

Income Taxes - Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$608	$1,361	$1,015
Additions for tax positions of prior years	186	0	511
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	-588	0
Expiration of statutes of limitations	0	-165	-165
Balance at December 31	$794	$608	$1,361

ShareBased_Compensation_Activi

Share-Based Compensation - Activity in Company's Plan (Detail) (1999 Stock Option Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
1999 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Number of Shares	13,000
Exercised, Number of Shares	-1,000
Outstanding (exercisable and vested) at December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	12,000
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$39.95
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$22.10
Outstanding (exercisable and vested) at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$41.44
Outstanding (exercisable and vested), Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 9 months 18 days
Outstanding (exercisable and vested), Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$158

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Forfeiture of restricted stock based unit	3,537
Excess tax benefits from restricted share awards	$97,000	$357,000	$197,000
Deferred shares and held by the rabbi trust	292,609	253,156
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares reserved for awards	800,000
Shares remaining to be issued	384,398
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation arrangement share based payment award vesting period	3 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised, Number of Shares	1,000	19,150	17,757
Compensation expenses	0	0
Excess tax benefits	0	200,000	100,000
Common shares reserved for awards	100,000
Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expenses	300,000	300,000	300,000
Compensation cost expected to be recognized over period	400,000
Weighted-average period	1 year 7 months 6 days
Performance-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from restricted share awards	100,000	100,000	100,000
Maximum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options	100,000	600,000	600,000
Cash received for the exercise of stock options awards	100,000	800,000
Compensation expenses			100,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares reserved for awards	900,000
LTIP expiry date	17-Apr-18
Long Term Incentive Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares reserved for awards	100,000
Shares remaining to be issued	21,500
Long Term Incentive Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option issued under plan vest and expire	10 years
Long Term Incentive Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option issued under plan vest and expire	5 years
Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised, Number of Shares	1,250	14,250	1,250
Cash received for the exercise of stock options awards	100,000	600,000
Compensation expenses	300,000	100,000	300,000
Weighted-average period	2 years 6 months
Option issued under plan vest	50.00%
Option issued under plan vest and granted after 2 years	75.00%
Option issued under plan vest and granted after 3 years	100.00%
Estimated Forfeitures	0
Granted, Number of Shares	35,500	0	8,000
Weighted average grant date fair value options granted	$20.83		$21.76
Expected compensation cost related to unvested awards not yet recognized	500,000
Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of stock options	100,000	400,000
Excess tax benefits	100,000	100,000	0
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of deferrals	2
Performance-Based RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost expected to be recognized over period	2,100,000
Weighted-average period	1 year 10 months 24 days
Performance-based compensation expense	1,000,000	2,700,000	2,500,000
Forfeiture of restricted stock based unit	3,537
Performance-Based RSUs [Member] | Performance Based RSU Grant 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based compensation expense	200,000
Performance-Based RSUs [Member] | Performance Based RSU Grant 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based compensation expense	$1,300,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Share Awards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested as of January 1, 2014	99,661
Granted	45,475
Vested	-42,678
Forfeited	-3,537
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014	98,921
Nonvested as of January 1, 2014, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$65.86
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$63.95
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$60.77
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$60.77
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$67.36
Performance Required [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested as of January 1, 2014	89,459
Granted	40,676
Vested	-38,090
Forfeited	-3,537
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014	88,508
Service Required [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested as of January 1, 2014	10,202
Granted	4,799
Vested	-4,588
Forfeited	0
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014	10,413

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted-Average Assumptions for Estimating Fair Values (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	1.30%	1.40%
Dividend yield	1.70%	1.90%	1.90%
Expected life (years)	5 years	6 years	6 years
Expected volatility	42.90%	47.00%	47.10%

ShareBased_Compensation_Activi1

Share-Based Compensation - Activity in Company's Plan - Long Term Incentive Plan (Detail) (Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Number of Shares	17,000
Granted, Number of Shares	35,500	0	8,000
Exercised, Number of Shares	-1,250	-14,250	-1,250
Forfeited, Number of Shares	-3,500
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	47,750
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Number of Shares	13,000
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$54.20
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$60.47
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$52.10
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$65.15
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$58.11
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	$53.79
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$114
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$22

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Sh2

Computation of Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator
Net income	$2,488	$2,555	$5,080	$2,738	$3,132	$6,104	$6,386	$4,965	$12,861	$20,587	$29,286
Determination of shares
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									5,377	5,361	5,324
Dilutive effect - share-based awards									5	106	47
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding									5,382	5,467	5,371
Earnings per common share attributable to PLPC shareholders
Basic	$0.46	$0.48	$0.94	$0.51	$0.59	$1.14	$1.19	$0.92	$2.39	$3.84	$5.50
Diluted	$0.46	$0.48	$0.94	$0.50	$0.58	$1.12	$1.17	$0.91	$2.39	$3.77	$5.45

Computation_of_Earnings_Per_Sh3

Computation of Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Restricted share units excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	25,000	1,500	17,750
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Restricted share units excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	52,368	0	37,985

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$25,099	$21,256
Accumulated Amortization	-10,978	-9,469
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill	17,792	13,873	15,537
Patents [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	4,823	4,824
Accumulated Amortization	-4,730	-4,434
Land Use Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,247	1,380
Accumulated Amortization	-164	-153
Trademark [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,888	1,590
Accumulated Amortization	-814	-680
Customer Backlog [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	605	578
Accumulated Amortization	-605	-578
Technology [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	3,432	2,751
Accumulated Amortization	-734	-538
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	13,104	10,133
Accumulated Amortization	($3,931)	($3,086)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Increase(decrease) in goodwill impairment adjustments due	$0	$862,000	$0
Increase (decrease) in goodwill	3,900,000	-1,700,000
Decrease in goodwill related to foreign currency translation	-990,000	-802,000
Incremental of goodwill related to business acquisition	4,909,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	1,600,000	1,500,000	1,500,000
2015	1,300,000
2016	1,100,000
2017	1,100,000
2018	1,000,000
2019	1,000,000
Remaining amortization period	21 years 7 months 6 days
Patents [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period	2 years 3 months 18 days
Land Use Rights [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period	61 years 1 month 6 days
Trademark [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period	10 years 7 months 6 days
Technology [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period	16 years 10 months 24 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period	15 years 2 months 12 days
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Actual [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Actual [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	82 years
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Schedule Of Acquired Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset By Major Class [Line Items]
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment				0
Increase(decrease) in goodwill impairment adjustments due		862,000			900,000
Decrease in goodwill related to foreign currency translation	-527,000	-737,000
Incremental of goodwill related to business acquisition	$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles4

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$13,873	$15,537
Additions	4,909
Impairment	0	-862	0
Currency translation	-990	-802
Ending Balance	17,792	13,873	15,537	13,873
The Americas [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3,078	3,078
Additions	4,909
Impairment		0
Currency translation	-237	0
Ending Balance	7,750	3,078		3,078
EMEA [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,754	1,819
Additions	0
Impairment		0
Currency translation	-226	-65
Ending Balance	1,528	1,754		1,754
Asia-Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	9,041	10,640
Additions	0
Impairment		-862		-900
Currency translation	-527	-737
Ending Balance	$8,514	$9,041		$9,041

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets2

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value liabilities Level 2	$0
Additional earn-out consideration payment				1,200,000
Forma Line Industries CC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued liability additional earn out consideration payment		100,000
Period of earn-out contingent consideration		1 year
Australian Electricity Systems PTY Ltd [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Accrued liability additional earn out consideration payment			$400,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets3

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt and related current maturities, Fair Value	$31,876	$13,279
Long-term debt and related current maturities, Carrying Value	$31,865	$13,249

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Customer
	Segment
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment	4
Number of major customers accounted for revenue	0
Net sales	$388,185	$409,776	$439,192
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	152,600	163,000	179,400
Long-lived assets	$41,100	$38,400

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales
Net sales									$388,185	$409,776	$439,192
Interest income
Interest income									483	618	648
Interest expense
Interest expense									-658	-450	-597
Income taxes
Income taxes									8,549	11,207	15,541
Net income
Net income	2,488	2,555	5,080	2,738	3,132	6,104	6,386	4,965	12,861	20,587	29,286
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									17,663	21,034	21,043
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									12,857	12,088	11,564
Identifiable assets
Assets	353,967				332,406				353,967	332,406
Operating Segments [Member] | PLP-USA [Member]
Net sales
Net sales									137,564	144,054	162,027
Interest income
Interest income									0	0	3
Interest expense
Interest expense									-427	-305	-437
Income taxes
Income taxes									5,053	6,286	9,581
Net income
Net income									7,933	10,875	13,290
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									7,536	12,262	6,702
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									4,140	3,793	3,520
Identifiable assets
Assets	99,850				90,414				99,850	90,414
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets	39,848				36,888				39,848	36,888
Operating Segments [Member] | The Americas [Member]
Net sales
Net sales									90,871	91,497	92,584
Interest income
Interest income									129	290	283
Interest expense
Interest expense									-130	-41	-58
Income taxes
Income taxes									453	2,585	2,722
Net income
Net income									1,947	5,896	6,763
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									4,925	3,107	2,781
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									2,845	2,444	2,565
Identifiable assets
Assets	85,017				73,200				85,017	73,200
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets	20,734				19,168				20,734	19,168
Operating Segments [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Net sales
Net sales									65,446	61,543	66,272
Interest income
Interest income									223	215	209
Interest expense
Interest expense									-54	-68	-50
Income taxes
Income taxes									2,122	2,052	2,769
Net income
Net income									6,192	6,047	6,840
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									1,375	2,573	2,816
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									1,790	1,792	1,714
Identifiable assets
Assets	51,691				51,345				51,691	51,345
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets	12,504				14,467				12,504	14,467
Operating Segments [Member] | Asia-Pacific [Member]
Net sales
Net sales									94,304	112,682	118,309
Interest income
Interest income									131	113	153
Interest expense
Interest expense									-47	-36	-52
Income taxes
Income taxes									921	284	469
Net income
Net income									-3,211	-2,231	2,393
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									3,827	3,092	8,744
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									4,082	4,059	3,765
Identifiable assets
Assets	117,093				117,129				117,093	117,129
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets	29,445				29,938				29,445	29,938
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Net sales
Net sales									388,185	409,776	439,192
Interest income
Interest income									483	618	648
Interest expense
Interest expense									-658	-450	-597
Income taxes
Income taxes									8,549	11,207	15,541
Net income
Net income									12,861	20,587	29,286
Expenditure for long-lived assets
Expenditure for long-lived assets									17,663	21,034	21,043
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization									12,857	12,088	11,564
Identifiable assets
Assets	353,651				332,088				353,651	332,088
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets	102,531				100,461				102,531	100,461
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Intersegment sales
Intersegment sales									32,398	31,714	35,386
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | PLP-USA [Member]
Intersegment sales
Intersegment sales									12,721	12,939	8,537
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | The Americas [Member]
Intersegment sales
Intersegment sales									5,908	6,204	7,501
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | EMEA [Member]
Intersegment sales
Intersegment sales									1,848	2,080	4,582
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Asia-Pacific [Member]
Intersegment sales
Intersegment sales									11,921	10,491	14,766
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Identifiable assets
Assets	$316				$318				$316	$318

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 14, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	9-May-13	Mar. 20, 2014	Nov. 12, 2013	8-May-13
	Lease
	Property
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares	40,145	89,807	50,334
Compensation payment received	$153,273
Ryan Ruhlman employee years of service	10 years
Compensation attributable to stock option	39,100
Service expense	0	0	700,000
Related party transactions number of property leased	2
Related party transaction lease expenses	300,000	300,000	300,000
Related party transactions number of property rented	2
Rent Expenses	200,000	300,000	300,000
Labor expense	$500,000	$300,000	$700,000
Ownership percentage owned by related party	50.00%
Trust [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares				34,106	30,410
Common shares price per share				$54.83	$54.92
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased					30 days
Mckenna [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares					4,100
Common shares price per share					$55.91
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased					30 days
Haag [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares						7,408
Common shares price per share			$54.71			$54.71
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased						30 days
Ruhlman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares							9,757
Common shares price per share							$76.87
Robert G Ruhlman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares								2,098	25,000
Common shares price per share								$62.99	$78.91
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased								30 days	30 days
Dennis F Mckenna [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares									2,750
Common shares price per share									$78.91
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased									30 days
J Cecil Curlee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares									2,500
Common shares price per share									$78.91
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased									30 days
Caroline S Vaccariello [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares									1,750
Common shares price per share									$78.91
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased									30 days
Ryan Ruhlman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares									3,200	2,500
Common shares price per share									$78.91	$76.98
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased									30 days	30 days
David C Sunkle [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares									1,000	3,000
Common shares price per share									$78.91	$76.98
Number of trading days to be considered for average price of stock repurchased									30 days	30 days

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (Australian Electricity [Member])	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
	AUD	USD ($)	USD ($)	AUD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of outstanding equity				6.3
Business combination working capital adjustment	0.5
cash acquired from acquisition	1.8
Additional earn-out consideration payment as of purchase price				1.1
Contingent consideration liability			0.4
Contingent consideration paid		$0.40

Product_Warranty_Reserve_Roll_

Product Warranty Reserve - Roll Forward of Product Warranty Reserve (Detail) (Warranty Reserves [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Warranty Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	$1,140	$1,229	$824
Additions charged to income	-45	443	1,384
Warranty usage	-133	-475	-983
Currency translation	-70	-57	4
End of period balance	$892	$1,140	$1,229

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information - Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net sales	$96,179	$102,100	$99,981	$89,925	$98,543	$100,828	$111,716	$98,689
Gross profit	29,848	32,455	31,197	27,448	30,393	31,660	37,549	31,299	120,948	130,901	144,438
Income before income taxes	4,373	5,294	7,606	4,137	5,653	8,544	10,680	6,917	21,410	31,794	44,827
Net income	$2,488	$2,555	$5,080	$2,738	$3,132	$6,104	$6,386	$4,965	$12,861	$20,587	$29,286
Net income, basic	$0.46	$0.48	$0.94	$0.51	$0.59	$1.14	$1.19	$0.92	$2.39	$3.84	$5.50
Net income, diluted	$0.46	$0.48	$0.94	$0.50	$0.58	$1.12	$1.17	$0.91	$2.39	$3.77	$5.45

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$1,441	$1,395	$1,258
Additions charged to costs and expenses	803	419	774
Deductions	-260	-368	-651
Other additions or deductions	-41	-5	14
Balance at end of period	1,943	1,441	1,395
Reserve for Credit Memos [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	672	644	369
Additions charged to costs and expenses	408	418	642
Deductions	-652	-390	-367
Other additions or deductions	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	428	672	644
Slow-Moving and Obsolete Inventory Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	8,075	6,773	5,875
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,244	2,672	1,981
Deductions	-701	-1,006	-828
Other additions or deductions	-435	-364	-255
Balance at end of period	9,183	8,075	6,773
Accrued Product Warranty [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,140	1,229	824
Additions charged to costs and expenses	-45	443	1,384
Deductions	-133	-475	-983
Other additions or deductions	-70	-57	4
Balance at end of period	892	1,140	1,229
U.S.Tax Capital Loss [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period		2,034	2,053
Additions charged to costs and expenses		0	0
Deductions		-49	-19
Other additions or deductions		-1,985	0
Balance at end of period		0	2,034
Foreign Net Operating Loss Tax Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,420	295	1,062
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,553	1,310	0
Deductions	-232	-115	-760
Other additions or deductions	-127	-70	-7
Balance at end of period	$3,614	$1,420	$295