Calgon Carbon 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 05, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CALGON CARBON CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	812701
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$1,087,728,040.63
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		52,782,398
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net sales	$555,103	$547,939	$562,255
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)	363,014	366,962	392,382
Depreciation and amortization	30,470	28,938	26,320
Selling, general and administrative expenses	80,860	76,958	85,345
Research and development expenses	6,406	6,037	8,025
Restructuring (Note 2)	-252	-129	10,211
Litigation and other contingencies (Note 17)		284	111
Total costs and expenses	480,498	479,050	522,394
Income from operations	74,605	68,889	39,861
Interest income	77	136	35
Interest expense	-263	-462	-80
Other expense - net	-1,911	-1,364	-2,480
Income before income tax provision	72,508	67,199	37,336
Income tax provision (Note 15)	23,138	21,486	14,064
Net income	49,370	45,713	23,272
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (Note 13)
Foreign currency translation	-14,850	-305	1,197
Defined benefit pension plans	-11,908	15,268	-5,061
Derivatives	388	424	854
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-26,370	15,387	-3,010
Total comprehensive income	$23,000	$61,100	$20,262
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.93	$0.85	$0.41
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.92	$0.84	$0.41
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	53,042,253	53,897,834	56,304,636
Diluted (in shares)	53,940,812	54,671,029	56,835,560

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,133	$32,942
Receivables (net of allowance of $1,526 and $1,328)	95,232	96,996
Revenue recognized in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	10,763	8,090
Inventories	98,446	109,517
Deferred income taxes - current	19,827	20,787
Other current assets	15,561	13,118
Total current assets	292,962	281,450
Property, plant and equipment, net	290,586	266,849
Intangibles, net	6,281	5,602
Goodwill	26,197	26,552
Deferred income taxes - long-term	2,870	3,791
Other assets	2,765	5,834
Total assets	621,661	590,078
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	53,614	57,213
Restructuring reserve	280	535
Billings in excess of revenue recognized on uncompleted contracts	5,430	5,406
Payroll and benefits payable	14,725	14,144
Accrued income taxes	537	2,726
Short-term debt	833	2,172
Total current liabilities	75,419	82,196
Long-term debt	70,448	32,114
Deferred income taxes - long-term	31,879	30,902
Accrued pension and other liabilities	38,442	28,361
Total liabilities	216,188	173,573
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 16 and 17)
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 57,469,389 and 57,232,050 shares issued	575	572
Additional paid-in capital	176,475	170,320
Retained earnings	365,594	316,224
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-27,510	-1,140
Total shareholders' equity before treasury stock	515,134	485,976
Treasury stock, at cost, 8,196,372 and 6,242,326 shares	-109,661	-69,471
Total shareholders' equity	405,473	416,505
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$621,661	$590,078

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Receivables allowance (in dollars)	$1,526	$1,328
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	57,469,389	57,232,050
Treasury stock, shares	8,196,372	6,242,326

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$49,370	$45,713	$23,272
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	30,470	28,938	26,320
Employee benefit plan provisions	1,186	2,451	5,431
Stock-based compensation	3,748	3,128	2,434
Deferred income tax expense	9,213	4,935	443
Restructuring (income) charges (Note 2)	-252	-129	10,211
Restructuring cash payments (Note 2)	-87	-3,140	-1,616
Changes in assets and liabilities-net of effects from foreign exchange:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	-3,137	1,805	-828
Decrease (increase) in inventories	7,907	-5,269	10,320
(Increase) decrease in revenue in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts and other current assets	-5,503	8,380	-5,715
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-4,103	-14,235	4,201
Pension contributions	-3,505	-4,717	-3,913
Other items - net	-959	-1,082	2,117
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,348	66,778	72,677
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of assets (Note 2)	451
Proceeds from sale of business - net of cash (Note 2)		642
Capital expenditures	-63,459	-30,271	-60,680
Government grants received	1,209	1,709	947
Cash released from collateral			1,152
Net cash used in investing activities	-61,799	-27,920	-58,581
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of debt obligations		10,476
Reductions of debt obligations	-1,880	-5,876	-3,202
Treasury stock purchased (Note 12)	-40,190	-3,334	-577
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	2,199	4,066	1,601
Accelerated share repurchase (Note 12)			-50,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-392	-26,885	-10,174
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,966	2,808	665
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	20,191	14,781	4,587
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	32,942	18,161	13,574
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	53,133	32,942	18,161
U.S. Credit Agreement | Long-term debt
Cash flows from financing activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings (Note 9)	97,200	113,047	125,550
Revolving credit facility repayments (Note 9)	-56,750	-131,047	-81,300
Japanese working capital loan | Short-term debt
Cash flows from financing activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings (Note 9)	3,330	4,925	10,546
Revolving credit facility repayments (Note 9)	($4,301)	($19,142)	($12,792)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Shares	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Sub-Total	Treasury Stock	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$594	$174,074	$247,239	($13,517)	$408,390	($31,273)	$377,117
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	59,381,636					3,100,419
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income			23,272		23,272		23,272
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 13)				-3,010	-3,010		-3,010
Employee and director stock plans	3	4,492			4,495		4,495
Employee and director stock plans (in shares)	344,998
Accelerated share repurchase (Note 12)	-33	-9,967			-10,000	-40,000	-50,000
Accelerated share repurchase (Note 12) (in shares)	-3,276,002					3,276,002
Treasury stock purchased						-577	-577
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)						38,755
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	564	168,599	270,511	-16,527	423,147	-71,850	351,297
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	56,450,632					6,415,176
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income			45,713		45,713		45,713
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 13)				15,387	15,387		15,387
Employee and director stock plans	4	7,438			7,442		7,442
Employee and director stock plans (in shares)	441,084
Accelerated share repurchase (Note 12)	4	-5,717			-5,713	5,713
Accelerated share repurchase (Note 12) (in shares)	340,334					-340,334
Share repurchase (Note 12)						-2,991	-2,991
Share repurchase (Note 12) (in shares)						146,800
Treasury stock purchased						-343	-343
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)						20,684
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	572	170,320	316,224	-1,140	485,976	-69,471	416,505
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	57,232,050					6,242,326
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income			49,370		49,370		49,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 13)				-26,370	-26,370		-26,370
Employee and director stock plans	3	6,155			6,158		6,158
Employee and director stock plans (in shares)	237,339
Share repurchase (Note 12)						-39,725	-39,725
Share repurchase (Note 12) (in shares)						1,930,841
Treasury stock purchased						-465	-465
Treasury stock purchased (in shares)						23,205
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$575	$176,475	$365,594	($27,510)	$515,134	($109,661)	$405,473
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	57,469,389					8,196,372

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies
Summary of Accounting Policies	1. Summary of Accounting Policies
	Operations
	Calgon Carbon Corporation (the Company) is a global leader in services and solutions for purifying water and air, food, beverage, and industrial process streams. The Company’s operations are principally conducted in three business segments: Activated Carbon and Service, Equipment, and Consumer. Each of these segments includes the production, design and marketing of products and services specifically developed for the purification, separation and concentration of liquids and gases and other media. The Activated Carbon and Service segment relies on activated carbon as a base material, while the Equipment segment relies on a variety of methods and materials which involve other products in addition to activated carbon. The Consumer segment supplies activated carbon cloth for use in military, industrial, and medical applications.  The Company’s largest markets are in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The Company also has markets in Africa, Canada, India, Latin America, and in other parts of Asia.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries.  Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Foreign Currency
	Substantially all assets and liabilities of the Company’s international operations are translated at year-end exchange rates; income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments represent other comprehensive income or loss and are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax effects. Transaction gains and losses are included in Other expense-net.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue and related costs are recognized when goods are shipped or services are rendered to customers provided that ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue for major equipment projects is recognized under the percentage of completion method. The Company’s major equipment projects generally have a long project life cycle from bid solicitation to project completion. The nature of the contracts are generally fixed price with milestone billings. The Company recognizes revenue for these projects based on the fixed sales prices multiplied by the percentage of completion. In applying the percentage of completion method, a project’s percent complete as of any balance sheet date is computed as the ratio of total costs incurred to date divided by the total estimated costs at completion. As changes in the estimates of total costs at completion and/or estimated total losses on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded during the period that the change or loss is identified. The Company has a history of making reasonably dependable estimates of costs at completion on contracts that follow the percentage of completion method; however, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that actual project costs at completion could vary from estimates. The principal components of costs include material, direct labor, subcontracts, and allocated indirect costs. Indirect costs primarily consist of administrative labor and associated operating expenses, which are allocated to the respective projects on actual hours charged to the project utilizing a standard hourly rate.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The amount of allowance recorded is primarily based upon a periodic review of specific customer transactions that remain outstanding at least three months beyond their respective due dates.
	Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated service lives of the assets, which are from 15 to 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 5 to 15 years for furniture, machinery and equipment, 5 to 10 years for customer capital, 5 years for vehicles, and 5 to 10 years for computer hardware and software.  Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that substantially extend the capacity or useful life of an asset are capitalized.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. In accordance with guidance within Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment. None of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill have indefinite lives.
	The Company has elected to perform the annual impairment test of its goodwill, as required, on December 31 of each year by initially comparing the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the unit and then computing the excess of the unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and the Company recognizes such impairment accordingly. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows and other valuation methodologies that are based on projections of the amounts and timing of future revenues and cash flows, assumed discount rates and other assumptions as deemed appropriate. The Company also considers such factors as historical performance, anticipated market conditions, operating expense trends and capital expenditure requirements.
	The Company’s identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill have finite lives. Certain of these intangible assets, such as customer relationships, are amortized using an accelerated methodology while others, such as patents, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. In addition, intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, as prescribed by guidance within ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.”
	Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates long-lived assets under the provisions of ASC 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. For assets to be held and used, the Company groups a long-lived asset or assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss for an asset group reduces only the carrying amounts of a long-lived asset or assets of the group being evaluated. The loss is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro-rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group does not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value whenever that fair value is determinable without undue cost and effort. Estimates of future cash flows to test the recoverability of a long-lived asset group include only the future cash flows that are directly associated with and that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. The future cash flow estimates used by the Company exclude interest charges.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. The Company assesses its ability to realize deferred tax assets based on normalized historical performance and on projections of future taxable income in the relevant tax jurisdictions. Normalized historical performance for purposes of this assessment includes adjustments for those income and expense items that are unusual and non-recurring in nature and are not expected to affect results in future periods. Such unusual and non-recurring items include the effects of legal fees or settlements associated with specific litigation matters and restructuring costs. The Company’s projections of future taxable income considers known events, such as the passage of legislation or expected occurrences, and do not reflect a general growth assumption. The Company’s estimates of future taxable income are reviewed annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such projections should be modified.
	The Company utilizes guidance within ASC 740 “Income Taxes” regarding the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.  This guidance prescribes recognition and measurement standards for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. According to this guidance, the evaluation of a tax position is a two step process. The first step is the determination of whether a tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. The benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized only if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based upon the technical merits of the position. In step two, for those tax positions which should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
	No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries because these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. These earnings would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends, were loaned to the Company or a U.S. affiliate, or if the Company were to sell its ownership interest in the subsidiaries.
	Pensions
	Accounting for pensions involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover and discount rates. These assumptions are reviewed annually.  In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company evaluates long-term actual return information, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and future estimates of long-term investment returns.  In determining the discount rates for pension obligations, the Company evaluates long-term corporate bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency.
	Amortization of the net gain or loss as a result of experience differing from that assumed and from changes in assumptions is included as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the year.  The Company uses a 10% corridor such as if, as of the beginning of the year, the net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, the amortization is that excess divided by the average future working lifetime of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the plan or the average remaining life expectancy of the plan’s participants if the percentage of actives is less than 10% of the total population.  It should be noted that, as only the excess is amortized, this approach will not fully amortize the net gain or loss.  The Company considers participants whose benefits are frozen to be active participants, and considers the plan population to be “all or almost all” inactive when at least 90% of the population is inactive.  Under this methodology, the gain/loss amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are not expected to be fully recognized in benefit cost until the plan is terminated (or an earlier event, like a settlement, triggers recognition) because the average expected remaining service of active participants expected to benefit under the plan or the average expected remaining lifetime of inactive participants over which the amounts are amortized is redetermined each year and amounts that fall within the corridor described above are not amortized.
	Net Income per Common Share
	Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potential dilutive common shares are determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, exercise of options is assumed at the beginning of the period when the average stock price during the period exceeds the exercise price of outstanding options and common shares are assumed issued. The proceeds from exercise are assumed to be used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares to be issued are considered to be the potential dilutive common shares outstanding.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid, short-term investments made with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company applies ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. Derivative financial instruments are occasionally utilized by the Company to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates or the prices of natural gas. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments with high credit quality counterparties and diversifies its positions among such counterparties.  In addition, various master netting arrangements are in place with counterparties to facilitate settlement of gains and losses on these contracts. The Company does not net its derivative positions by counterparty for purposes of balance sheet presentation and disclosure.  Changes in the value of the derivative financial instruments are measured at the balance sheet date and recognized in current earnings or other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and meets certain other criteria. The Company does not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
	Contingencies
	The Company from time to time is subject to various legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims, including employment, product warranty and environmental matters of the nature considered normal to its business.  It is the Company’s policy to accrue for amounts related to the legal matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the loss amount is reasonably estimable.  Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense and are based upon an analysis of probable results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred.
	Government Grants
	The Company’s policy for accounting for government grants, including non-monetary grants at fair value, is to recognize them only when there is reasonable assurance that (a) the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grants and (b) the grants will be received.  A grant will be recognized as income over the period necessary to match it to the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, on a systematic basis.  Grants related to assets are presented by deducting them from the asset’s carrying amount.  A grant related to income will be deducted from the related expense.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 those estimates.
	Labor Agreements
	Collective bargaining agreements cover approximately 28% of the Company’s labor force at December 31, 2014.  Approximately 5% of the Company’s labor force is operating under collective bargaining agreements that expired on December 31, 2014 as the Company continues to work towards obtaining new agreements.  The Company’s other collective bargaining agreements expire during 2016, 2017 and 2018.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company applies ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation.” In accordance with guidance within ASC 718, compensation expense for stock options is recorded over the vesting period using the fair value on the date of grant, as calculated by the Company using the Black-Scholes model. For time vested restricted stock awards, the nonvested restricted stock grant date fair value, which is the market price of the underlying common stock, is expensed over the vesting period. For certain performance based stock awards, the initial grant date fair value of the performance stock awards that vest subject to a market condition is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the performance period.  For certain performance based stock awards that vest subject to a performance condition, the initial grant date fair value is the market price of the underlying common stock.  This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the performance period when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.  The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are more fully described in Note 11.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and customer receivables. The Company places its cash with financial institutions and invests in low-risk, highly liquid instruments. With respect to customer receivables, the Company believes that it has no significant concentration of credit risk as no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of gross annual revenues as of December 31, 2014.  The Company closely monitors the credit risk associated with its customers and to date has not experienced material losses.
	Concentration of Deposit Risk
	From time to time, the Company could have cash deposited with financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $3.1 million and zero, respectively, of cash deposits with U.S. financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  The Company’s foreign subsidiaries held cash and cash equivalents of $41.7 million and $27.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Generally, cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries are not readily available for use in the United States without adverse tax consequences.
	Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		·	Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
		·	Level 2 — Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
		·	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Excluding Derivative Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments, excluding derivative instruments, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term debt as well as accounts receivable and accounts payable. The fair value of the cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their carrying value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.
	Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities, equipment and vehicles.  Certain of the Company’s leases contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses and landlord incentives.  Renewal terms generally reflect market rates at the time of renewal.  Rent expense for noncancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or landlord incentives is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any applicable rent holidays, beginning with the lease commencement date.  The excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payment amounts and landlord incentives is recorded as a deferred liability.
	Reclassification
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.  Refer to Note 19 for reclassifications made to include amortization expense in income from operations for the Company’s segments.  In addition, the Company has also presented depreciation and amortization by segment.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date”.  ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors.  ASU 2013-04 also requires the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations to be disclosed. The new guidance is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014, and the adoption has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”.  ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent one of these items is not available at the reporting date; the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.  This new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2014-09, “Revenue (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance.  The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers 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 by applying five steps listed in the guidance.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of both quantitative and qualitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customers.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company is evaluating the provisions of this ASU and assessing the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges.
Restructuring Charges:	2. Restructuring Charges
	During the third quarter of 2012, the Company adopted a worldwide strategy to reduce costs and realign the organization structure in response to the global economic slowdown, rising raw material and maintenance costs, and delays in implementation of environmental regulations, which created a challenging business environment for the Company.  As a part of this strategy, the Company closed, and later sold its Datong, China manufacturing facility and a warehouse in Belgium, temporarily idled a reactivation facility in Blue Lake, California, and reduced headcount.  The Company also consolidated operations at certain locations and evaluated non-core businesses for potential divestiture.
	The Company recorded $(0.3) million, $(0.1) million, and $10.2 million of restructuring (income) charges as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which were all within the Activated Carbon and Service segment.  In 2014, the Company received proceeds of $0.5 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.1 million for the sale of a warehouse in Belgium.  In 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.6 million for the sale of its activated carbon manufacturing facility in Datong, China.  The gain on sale was comprised of the release of foreign currency translation adjustments of $1.0 million which was partially offset by a $0.4 million charge for the write-off of goodwill.  The 2012 restructuring charges included impairment charges of $3.6 million for the permanent closure of the Datong facility as well as $0.4 million for the closure of a warehouse in Belgium.  The Company also recorded termination benefits, including early retirement obligations, as a result of the worldwide reduction of headcount of $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  In addition, the Company incurred a $1.4 million pension settlement charge as a result of lump sum pension distributions for those participants in the early retirement program for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following table summarizes the restructuring plan and the activity in the restructuring reserve for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Employee			Asset			Gain on			Other			Total			Employees
		Termination			Write-offs			Sale						Restructuring			Impacted
		Benefits												Activity
	Restructuring charges	$	5,777		$	4,000		$	—		$	434		$	10,211		120
	Payments	(1,182		)	—			—			(434		)	(1,616		)	(53	)
	Pension settlement	(1,369		)	—			—			—			(1,369		)	—
	Non-cash charges	—			(4,000		)	—			—			(4,000		)	—
	Accrual at December 31, 2012	3,226			—			—			—			3,226			67
	Restructuring charges (income)	357			—			(578		)	92			(129		)	4
	Payments	(3,048		)	—			—			(92		)	(3,140		)	(67	)
	Non-cash charges	—			—			578			—			578			—
	Accrual at December 31, 2013	535			—			—			—			535			4
	Restructuring charges (income)	(130		)	—			(122		)	—			(252		)	—
	Payments	(87		)	—			—			—			(87		)	(2	)
	Non-cash charges	(38		)	—			122			—			84			—
	Accrual at December 31, 2014	$	280		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	280		2

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Inventories	3. Inventories
		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	26,860	$	31,603
	Finished goods	71,586		77,914
	Total	$	98,446	$	109,517
	Inventories are recorded net of reserves of $2.3 million and $1.9 million for obsolete and slow-moving items as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment	4. Property, Plant and Equipment
		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	26,209		$	27,731
	Buildings	68,046			70,433
	Machinery, equipment and customer capital	466,223			462,300
	Computer hardware and software	27,158			26,816
	Furniture and vehicles	8,570			9,749
	Construction-in-progress	29,194			27,836
		625,400			624,865
	Less accumulated depreciation	(334,814		)	(358,016		)
	Net	$	290,586		$	266,849
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012  totaled $28.2 million, $26.8 million, and $24.3 million, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Identifiabl

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
	The Company has elected to perform the annual impairment test of its goodwill, as required, on December 31 of each year.  For purposes of the test, the Company has identified reporting units, as defined within ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other,” at a regional level for the Activated Carbon and Service segment and at the technology level for the Equipment segment and has allocated goodwill to these reporting units accordingly.  The goodwill associated with the Consumer segment is not material and has not been allocated below the segment level.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Activated
		Carbon and			Equipment			Consumer
	(Dollars in thousands)	Service Segment			Segment			Segment			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	20,310		$	6,660		$	60		$	27,030
	Restructuring (Note 2)	(419		)	—			—			(419		)
	Foreign currency translation	70			(129		)	—			(59		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	19,961			6,531			60			26,552
	Foreign currency translation	(208		)	(147		)	—			(355		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	19,753		$	6,384		$	60		$	26,197
	The following is a summary of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014  and 2013, respectively:
		December 31, 2014
		Weighted
		Average		Gross									Net
		Amortization		Carrying			Foreign			Accumulated			Carrying
	(Dollars in thousands)	Period		Amount			Exchange			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents	20.0 Years		$	676		$	—		$	(636	)	$	40
	Customer Relationships	15.9 Years		10,450			(270		)	(9,198		)	982
	Product Certification	6.0 Years		9,470			(62		)	(5,182		)	4,226
	Unpatented Technology	18.4 Years		3,183			—			(2,722		)	461
	Licenses	20.0 Years		964			(117		)	(275		)	572
	Total	12.7 Years		$	24,743		$	(449	)	$	(18,013	)	$	6,281
		December 31, 2013
		Weighted
		Average		Gross									Net
		Amortization		Carrying			Foreign			Accumulated			Carrying
	(Dollars in thousands)	Period		Amount			Exchange			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents	20.0 Years		$	676		$	—		$	(592	)	$	84
	Customer Relationships	15.9 Years		10,450			(209		)	(8,777		)	1,464
	Product Certification	5.4 Years		7,905			(34		)	(5,237		)	2,634
	Unpatented Technology	18.4 Years		3,183			—			(2,457		)	726
	Licenses	20.0 Years		964			(43		)	(227		)	694
	Total	12.9 Years		$	23,178		$	(286	)	$	(17,290	)	$	5,602
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $2.2 million, $2.1 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to intangible assets.  The Company estimates amortization expense to be recognized during the next five years as follows:
	For the year ending December 31:	(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	1,757
	2016	1,530
	2017	766
	2018	569
	2019	361

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements	6. Fair Value Measurements
	The following financial instrument assets (liabilities) are presented below at carrying amount, fair value, and classification within the fair value hierarchy (refer to Notes 7 and 9 for details relating to derivative instruments and borrowing arrangements).  The only financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are derivative instruments and the acquisition earn-out liability:
		Fair Value	December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Hierarchy	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Level	Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Derivative assets	2	$	2,155		$	2,155		$	1,874		$	1,874
	Derivative liabilities	2	(861		)	(861		)	(423		)	(423		)
	Acquisition earn-out liability	2	(670		)	(670		)	(850		)	(850		)
	Short-term debt	2	(833		)	(833		)	(2,172		)	(2,172		)
	Long-term debt	2	(70,448		)	(70,448		)	(32,114		)	(32,114		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable included in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value and are excluded from the table above.  The recorded debt amounts are primarily based on the prime rate, LIBOR, or Fed Funds rate and, accordingly, the carrying value of these obligations equals fair value.  Fair value for the acquisition earn-out liability is based upon Level 2 inputs which are periodically re-evaluated for changes in future projections and the discount rate.  This liability is recorded in accrued pension and other liabilities within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments	7. Derivative Instruments
	The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign exchange option contracts to limit the exposure of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency receivables, payables, and other known and forecasted transactional exposures for periods consistent with the expected cash flow of the underlying transactions.  Management’s policy for managing foreign currency risk is to use derivatives to hedge up to 75% of the forecasted intercompany sales to its European, Canadian, and Japanese subsidiaries.  The foreign currency forward exchange and foreign exchange option contracts generally mature within eighteen months and are designed to limit exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
	The Company also uses natural gas forward contracts to limit the exposure to changes in natural gas prices.  Management’s policy for managing natural gas exposure is to use derivatives to hedge up to 75% of the forecasted natural gas requirements.  The natural gas forward contracts generally mature within twenty-four months.
	The Company accounts for its derivative instruments under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.”  Hedge effectiveness is measured on a quarterly basis and any portion of ineffectiveness as well as hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recorded directly to current earnings.  In accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” the fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts, foreign exchange option contracts, and natural gas forward contracts is determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as observable inputs.  The inputs used are from market sources that aggregate data based upon market transactions.
	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts in the consolidated balance sheets was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)			December 31
	Asset Derivatives	Balance Sheet Locations		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		$	1,665		$	850
	Natural gas contracts	Other current assets		—			189
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets		182			94
	Natural gas contracts	Other assets		—			13
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		308			728
	Total asset derivatives			$	2,155		$	1,874
	(Dollars in thousands)			December 31
	Liability Derivatives	Balance Sheet Locations		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	—		$	391
	Natural gas contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		427			—
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued pension and other liabilities		—			27
	Natural gas contracts	Accrued pension and other liabilities		372			—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		62			5
	Total liability derivatives			$	861		$	423
	The Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions:
		December 31
	(in thousands except for mmbtu)	2014			2013			2012
	Natural gas contracts (mmbtu)	810,000			525,000			235,000
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	41,237		$	44,110		$	42,399
	The use of derivatives exposes the Company to the risk that a counter party may default on a derivative contract.  The Company enters into derivative financial instruments with high credit quality counterparties and diversifies its positions among such counterparties.  The aggregate fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments in asset positions represents the maximum loss that the Company would recognize at that date if all counterparties failed to perform as contracted.  The Company has entered into various master netting arrangements with counterparties to facilitate settlement of gains and losses on these contracts.  These arrangements may allow for netting of exposures in the event of default or termination of the counterparty agreement due to breach of contract.  The Company does not net its derivative positions by counterparty for purposes of balance sheet presentation and disclosure.
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value
		of Assets			of Liabilities			of Assets			of Liabilities
	Gross derivative amounts recognized in the balance sheet	$	2,155		$	861		$	1,874		$	423
	Gross derivative amounts not offset in the balance sheet that are eligible for offsetting	(26		)	(26		)	(423		)	(423		)
	Net  amount	$	2,129		$	835		$	1,451		$	—
	Cash Flow Hedges
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
		in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	2,095		$	1,326		$	612
	Natural gas contracts	(782		)	135			(274		)
	Total	$	1,313		$	1,461		$	338
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from
		Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion) (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	484		$	1,018		$	530
	Natural gas contracts	221			(555		)	(1,595		)
	Total	$	705		$	463		$	(1,065	)
	(1) Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates as of December 31, 2014, a gain of $1.6 million is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.
	The location of the gain or (loss) reclassified into earnings related to the effective portion for derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships is cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization).
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
		in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion
		and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	—		$	198		$	(30	)
	Total	$	—		$	198		$	(30	)
	The location of the gain or (loss) recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing for derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships is other expense — net.
	Other
The Company has also entered into certain derivatives to minimize its exposure of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency receivables, payables, and other known and forecasted transactional exposures.  The Company has not qualified these contracts for hedge accounting treatment and therefore, the fair value gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in earnings as follows:
	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
	in Earnings on Derivatives
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments:	2014			2013			2012
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(511	)	$	1,256		$	963
Total	$	(511	)	$	1,256		$	963
The location of the gain or (loss) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments is other expense — net.

Product_Warranties

Product Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties
Product Warranties	8. Product Warranties
	The Company establishes a warranty reserve for equipment project sales and estimates the warranty accrual based on the history of warranty claims to total sales, adjusted for significant known claims in excess of established reserves.
	Warranty terms are based on the negotiated equipment project contract and typically are either 18 months from shipment date or 12 months from project startup date. The change in the warranty reserve, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, is as follows:
		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1	$	2,196		$	2,072
	Payments and replacement product	(1,210		)	(756		)
	Additions to warranty reserve for warranties issued during the period	647			916
	Change in the warranty reserve for pre-existing warranties	(184		)	(36		)
	Balance as of December 31	$	1,449		$	2,196

Borrowing_Arrangements

Borrowing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Borrowing Arrangements
Borrowing Arrangements	9. Borrowing Arrangements
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Short-Term Debt	2014		2013
	Borrowings under Japanese Working Capital Loan	$	833	$	1,900
	Borrowings under Chinese Credit Facility	—		272
	Total	$	833	$	2,172
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Long-Term Debt	2014		2013
	U.S. Credit Agreement Borrowings	66,700		$	26,250
	Japanese Term Loan Borrowings	3,748		5,699
	Belgian Loan Borrowings	—		165
	Total	$	70,448	$	32,114
	U. S. Credit Agreement
	On November 6, 2013, the Company entered into a new U.S. Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement).  The Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Revolver) in an amount up to $225.0 million which was originally set to expire on November 6, 2018.  On November 6, 2014, an amendment was signed to the Credit Agreement in order to extend the expiration date for one additional year and to release certain guarantors under the Credit Agreement that have nominal value.  The Company may request that the Revolver be extended for an additional one-year period.  A portion of the Revolver not in excess of $75.0 million shall be available for standby or letters of credit for trade, $15.0 million shall be available for swing loans, and $50.0 million shall be available for loans or letters of credit in certain foreign denominated currencies.  The Company may have the option to increase the Revolver in an amount not to exceed $75.0 million with the consent of the Lenders.  Availability under the Revolver is conditioned upon various customary conditions.
	The Credit Agreement also provides for senior unsecured delayed draw term loans (Delayed Draw Term Loans) in an aggregate amount up to $75.0 million which expire on November 6, 2020.  The Delayed Draw Term Loans are available for two years from the Closing Date.  The Company may only request a maximum of three Delayed Draw Term Loans with a minimum borrowing of $15.0 million and no amount repaid may be re-borrowed.  Beginning January 1, 2016, quarterly repayments are required equal to 2.5% of the outstanding balance of the Delayed Draw Term Loans, with the remaining balance due on the November 6, 2020 expiration date.
	The Company incurred issuance costs of $0.8 million for the Credit Agreement which were deferred and are being amortized over the term of the Revolver and Delayed Draw Term Loan facilities.  A quarterly nonrefundable commitment fee is payable by the Company based on the unused availability under the Revolver and the undrawn portion of the Delayed Draw Term Loans and is currently equal to 0.15%.
	The interest rate on amounts owed under the Revolver and Delayed Draw Term Loans will be, at the Company’s option, either (i) a fluctuating Base Rate or (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus in each case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s leverage ratio as set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The interest rate charged on amounts owed under swing loans will be either (i) a fluctuating Base Rate or (ii) such other interest rates as the lender and the Company may agree to from time to time.  The interest rate per annum on outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2014 ranged from 1.17% to 1.31%.
	Total outstanding borrowings under the Revolver were $21.7 million and $26.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Total availability under the Revolver as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $201.1 million and $196.6 million, respectively after considering outstanding letters of credit and borrowings.  Total outstanding borrowings under the Delayed Draw Term Loan were $45.0 million and zero as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Total availability under the Delayed Draw Term Loan as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $30.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively.  The outstanding borrowings are shown as long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheets, and borrowings and repayments are presented on a gross basis within the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows.
	Certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries unconditionally guarantee all indebtedness and obligations related to borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are unsecured.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type.  The Company is permitted to pay dividends so long as the sum of availability under the Credit Agreement and the amount of U.S. cash on hand is at least $50.0 million, and debt is less than or equal to 2.75x earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  In addition, the Credit Agreement includes limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness, additional liens, disposition of assets or subsidiaries, and transactions with affiliates.  The Company must comply with certain financial covenants including a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio as defined within the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest when due, breach of representations and warranties, certain insolvency or receivership events affecting the Company and its subsidiaries and a change in control of the Company.  If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be under no further obligations to make loans or issue letters of credit.  Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, all outstanding obligations of the Company automatically will become immediately due and payable, and other events of default will allow the agent to declare all or any portion of the outstanding obligations of the Company to be immediately due and payable.
	Japanese Loans
	Calgon Carbon Japan (CCJ) maintains a Term Loan Agreement (Japanese Term Loan) and a Working Capital Loan Agreement (Japanese Working Capital Loan).  The Company is jointly and severally liable as the guarantor of CCJ’s obligations and the Company permitted CCJ to grant a security interest and continuing lien in certain of its assets, including inventory and accounts receivable, to secure its obligations under both loan agreements.
	The Japanese Term Loan provided for a principal amount of 722.0 million Japanese Yen, or $7.7 million at inception.  This loan matured on March 31, 2013 and was repaid.  CCJ signed an agreement on May 10, 2013 to renew the Japanese Term Loan, which provides for borrowings up to 1.0 billion Japanese Yen, and bears interest based on the Uncollateralized Overnight Call Rate plus 0.6%, which totaled 0.7% per annum as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. This loan matures on May 10, 2017.  As of December 31, 2014, CCJ had 450 million Japanese Yen or $3.7 million outstanding, while as of December 31, 2013 CCJ had 600 million Japanese Yen or $5.7 million outstanding.  The outstanding borrowings are shown as long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheets, and borrowings and repayments are presented on a gross basis within the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
	The Japanese Working Capital Loan provides for borrowings up to 1.5 billion Japanese Yen, and bears interest based on the Short-term Prime Rate, which was 1.475% per annum as of December 31, 2014.  On March 17, 2014, CCJ extended the maturity date of the Japanese Working Capital Loan from April 2, 2014 to April 2, 2015.  Borrowings and repayments under the Japanese Working Capital Loan have generally occurred in short term intervals, as needed, in order to ensure adequate liquidity while minimizing outstanding borrowings.  As of December 31, 2014, CCJ had 100 million Japanese Yen or $0.8 million outstanding, while as of December 31, 2013 CCJ had 200 million Japanese Yen or $1.9 million outstanding.  The outstanding borrowings are shown as short-term debt within the consolidated balance sheets, and borrowings and repayments are presented on a gross basis within the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Chinese Credit Facility
	The Company maintained an unsecured Chinese credit facility for working capital requirements totaling 10.0 million Renminbi (RMB) or $1.6 million that matured and was terminated on July 19, 2014.  On August 14, 2014, the Company entered into an Uncommitted Revolving Loan Facility Letter (Facility Letter) which provides for an uncommitted line of credit totaling 5.0 million RMB or $0.8 million which matures on July 19, 2015.  The Company is jointly and severally liable as the guarantor under the Facility Letter.  Total outstanding borrowings under this facility were zero and 1.7 million RMB or $0.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are shown as short-term debt within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	Belgian Loan and Credit Facility
	On November 30, 2009, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (Belgian Loan) in order to help finance the expansion of the Company’s Feluy, Belgium facility.  The Company had 120 thousand Euros, or $0.2 million, of outstanding borrowings under the Belgian Loan as of December 31, 2013.  This amount was paid in full as of December 31, 2014.  No further bonds can be called on.  The interest rate on the loan was 5.35%.  The Belgian Loan was guaranteed by a mortgage mandate on the Feluy site and was subject to customary reporting requirements, though no financial covenants existed.
	The Company also maintains an unsecured Belgian credit facility totaling 2.0 million Euros. There are no financial covenants and the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Belgian credit facility as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Bank guarantees of 0.9 million Euros and 1.0 million Euros were issued as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	United Kingdom Credit Facility
	The Company maintains a United Kingdom credit facility for the issuance of various letters of credit and guarantees totaling 0.6 million British Pounds Sterling.  Bank guarantees of 0.4 million British Pounds Sterling were issued as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Maturities of Debt
	The Company intends to make principal payments on debt outstanding as of December 31, 2014 of $0.8 million in 2015, $4.5 million in 2016, $8.3 million in 2017, $4.5 million in 2018, $26.2 million in 2019 and $27.0 million thereafter.
	Interest Expense
	The Company’s interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 totaled $0.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. These amounts are net of interest costs capitalized of $0.6 million, $0.4 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Pensions

Pensions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pensions
Pensions	10. Pensions
	The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering certain union and non-union employees in the U.S. and Europe.  As of December 31, 2014, all of the plans do not allow for new employees to join the plans.  In addition, two of the U.S. plans and one of the European plans do not allow for existing participants to continue to earn benefits under the plans.  The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for all of its pension plans.
	During 2014, the Company offered an opportunity to certain eligible terminated vested participants in two of the U.S. plans to elect a lump sum payment of their respective pension benefits which were paid in the fourth quarter of 2014.  As a result, the Company incurred a settlement charge of $1.0 million in 2014 related to such elections and paid $4.4 million from plan assets.  Also in 2014, the Society of Actuaries released a new mortality table — RP-2014, and a new projection scale — MP-2014.  As a result of these new tables, the Company changed its mortality assumptions for its U.S. plans in 2014.  The Company has adopted the new RP-2014 mortality table and a modified version of the new MP-2014 projection scale for the U.S. Qualified Plans which resulted in an increase in the projected benefit obligation of approximately $5.8 million.  The projected benefit obligation also increased by approximately $12.3 million due to a change in the discount rate assumption.
	For U.S. plans, the following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 and the funded status as of December 31 for both years:
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
	Projected benefit obligations as of January 1		$	102,309		$	116,620
	Service cost		895			1,165
	Interest cost		4,815			4,423
	Actuarial loss (gain)		17,544			(14,471		)
	Benefits paid		(3,831		)	(5,428		)
	Settlement		(4,413		)	—
	Projected benefit obligations as of December 31		117,319			102,309
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets as of January 1		99,784			88,184
	Actual return on plan assets		5,329			14,186
	Employer contributions		1,526			2,842
	Benefits paid		(3,831		)	(5,428		)
	Settlement		(4,413		)	—
	Fair value of plan assets as of December 31		98,395			99,784
	Funded status as of December 31		$	(18,924	)	$	(2,525	)
	Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets:
	Noncurrent asset		$	280		$	2,470
	Current liability — Accrued benefit cost		(82		)	(82		)
	Noncurrent liability — Accrued benefit cost		(19,122		)	(4,913		)
	Net amount recognized		$	(18,924	)	$	(2,525	)
	Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist of:
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Accumulated prior service cost		$	15		$	89
	Accumulated net actuarial loss		38,606			20,752
	Net amount recognized, before tax effect		$	38,621		$	20,841
	The accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $113.3 million and $98.8 million, respectively. The amount of accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013 disclosed in the prior year of $50.2 million excluded the accumulated benefit obligation of $48.6 million for two overfunded plans and has been corrected above.
	For U.S. plans, the assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are shown in the following table:
	Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:		2014		2013
	Discount rate		4.01	%	4.88	%
	Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.00	%	3.50	%
	The following tables set forth the fair values of the Company’s U.S. pension plans assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	2,610		$	—		$	2,610		$	—
	Equity Securities
	Large Cap (a)		21,252			21,252			—			—
	Small/Mid Cap (b)		12,906			12,906			—			—
	Equities Blend (c)		826			826			—			—
	International Equity (d)		9,036			9,036			—			—
	Emerging Markets (e)		5,852			5,852			—			—
	Fixed Income Securities
	Corporate Bonds (f)		19,179			1,107			18,072			—
	Government Bonds (g)		15,045			11,968			3,077			—
	International Bonds (h)		2,588			—			2,588			—
	Mortgage/Asset Backed (i)		4,089			—			4,089			—
	Miscellaneous
	Commodities (j)		3,077			3,077			—			—
	Real Estate (k)		1,935			1,935			—			—
	Total		$	98,395		$	67,959		$	30,436		$	—
			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	2,010		$	174		$	1,836		$	—
Equity Securities
Large Cap (a)		21,139			21,139			—			—
Small/Mid Cap (b)		13,446			13,446			—			—
Equities Blend (c)		715			715			—			—
International Equity (d)		9,532			9,532			—			—
Emerging Markets (e)		6,402			6,402			—			—
Fixed Income Securities
Corporate Bonds (f)		23,563			16,489			7,074			—
Government Bonds (g)		11,490			10,820			670			—
Mortgage/Asset Backed (i)		6,140			—			6,140			—
Miscellaneous
Commodities (j)		3,383			3,383			—			—
Real Estate (k)		1,964			1,964			—			—
Total		$	99,784		$	84,064		$	15,720		$	—
	(a)		This category consists of growth and value strategies investing primarily in the common stock of large capitalization companies located in the United States.  Growth oriented strategies seek companies within the Russell 1000 Growth Universe with above average earnings, growth, and revenue expectations.  Value oriented strategies seek companies within the Russell 1000 Value Universe that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value.  These strategies are benchmarked against the Russell 1000 Growth and Value Indices, respectively.
	(b)		This category consists of growth and value strategies investing primarily in the common stock of mid and small capitalization companies located in the United States that are either undervalued relative to their intrinsic value or have above average growth and revenue expectations.  These strategies are benchmarked to the Russell 2500 Growth and Value Indices, respectively.
	(c)		This category invests in the common stock of primarily U.S. companies across the capitalization spectrum (Large, Mid, and Small Cap) that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value or represent growth opportunities.  This strategy is benchmarked to the Russell 3000 Index.
	(d)		This category consists of international equity securities represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. This strategy is benchmarked to the MSCI EAFE Index.
	(e)		This category invests in all types of capitalization companies operating in global emerging markets outside the United States. The strategy targets broad diversification across various economic sectors in 21 emerging economies.  This category is benchmarked to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
	(f)		This category invests primarily in investment grade corporate securities.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index.
	(g)		This category includes securities and mutual funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of longer duration bonds.  The funds typically invest primarily in U.S. investment grade securities.  The portfolio has an average duration that normally varies within two years (plus or minus) of the benchmark.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Long-Term Government/Credit Index.
	(h)		This category includes securities and mutual funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of longer duration foreign bonds.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Global Aggregate Index.
	(i)		This category invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities which cover the mortgage backed securities component of the Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index.  This category is benchmarked against the Barclays Mortgage-Backed Securities Index.
	(j)		This fund invests in assets of commodity linked derivative instruments and fixed income securities.  The fund is benchmarked against the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index Total Return.
	(k)		This fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity related securities of real estate companies and other real estate securities.  Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in at least three different countries and at least 40% of the total assets are in foreign securities.  This strategy is benchmarked to the Lipper Global Real Estate Funds Average.
The Company’s investment strategy is to earn the highest possible long-term total rate of return while minimizing the associated risk to ensure the preservation of the plan assets for the provision of benefits to participants and their beneficiaries.  This is accomplished by managing a diversified portfolio of fund styles, asset types, risk characteristics and investment holdings.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations, and fair value of plan assets for U.S. pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, and for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
		Projected Benefit Obligation						Accumulated Benefit Obligation
		Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets						Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	107,682		$	53,699		$	107,682		$	53,699
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	103,690		$	50,188		$	103,690		$	50,188
Fair value of plan assets		$	88,478		$	48,704		$	88,478		$	48,704
Information about the expected cash flows by year for the U.S. pension plans follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Employer contributions
2015		$	—
Benefit Payments
2015		$	6,853
2016		6,861
2017		6,215
2018		6,627
2019		7,222
2020 – 2024		35,568
The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs of the U.S. plans:
		Year Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Service cost		$	895		$	1,165		$	1,059
Interest cost		4,815			4,423			4,796
Expected return on assets		(7,541		)	(6,660		)	(6,166		)
Amortization of prior service cost		74			74			74
Net actuarial loss amortization		877			3,519			3,430
Settlement		1,025			—			1,369
Net periodic pension cost		$	145		$	2,521		$	4,562
The 2014 settlement was as a result of an opportunity for certain eligible terminated vested participants to elect a lump sum payment of their respective pension benefits.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, there was a settlement charge as a result of lump sum payments made to plan participants in 2012.
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
Current year actuarial (loss) gain		$	(19,756	)	$	21,997
Amortization of actuarial loss		877			3,519
Amortization of prior service cost		74			74
Settlement		1,025			—
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(17,780	)	$	25,590
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(17,925	)	$	23,069
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior service cost		$	15
Net actuarial loss		2,736
Total as of December 31		$	2,751
For U.S. plans, the assumptions used in the measurement of net periodic pension cost are shown in the following table:
		2014		2013		2012
Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate		4.88	%	3.92	%	4.67	%
Expected annual return on plan assets		7.75	%	7.75	%	7.75	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.50	%	4.00	%	4.00	%
The discount rates that the Company utilizes for its Qualified Plans to determine pension obligations are based on a review of long-term corporate bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency.  The expected rate of return on plan assets was determined by the Company based on a review of asset class return expectations, as well as long-term inflation assumptions.  The Company also considered historical returns on asset classes and investment mix.  The expected long-term return on the U.S. Qualified Plans’ assets is based on an asset allocation assumption of approximately 52% equity securities, 43% fixed income securities, and 5% with other investments.  The Company also takes into account the effect on its projected returns from any reasonably likely changes in its asset portfolio when applicable.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company changed a European plan to no longer allow for new employees to join the plan.  Instead, the Company will make contributions to a defined contribution plan for new employees.  Current employees in the plan have the option of remaining in the defined benefit plan or converting to the defined contribution plan.
For European plans, the following tables provide a reconciliation of changes in the plan’s benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 and the funded status as of December 31 of both years:
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
Projected benefit obligations as of January 1		$	42,367		$	42,417
Service cost		342			314
Interest cost		1,653			1,511
Employee contributions		88			103
Actuarial loss		4,097			1,178
Benefits paid		(1,781		)	(1,550		)
Settlement		—			(1,249		)
Other		—			(1,689		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(3,880		)	1,332
Projected benefit obligations as of December 31		42,886			42,367
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1		29,586			28,177
Actual return on plan assets		3,529			1,395
Employer contributions		1,979			1,875
Employee contributions		88			103
Benefits paid		(1,781		)	(1,550		)
Settlement		—			(1,249		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2,376		)	835
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31		31,025			29,586
Funded Status as of December 31		$	(11,861	)	$	(12,781	)
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheets:
Noncurrent asset		$	1,046		$	603
Current liability — Accrued benefit cost		(498		)	(561		)
Noncurrent liability — Accrued benefit cost		(12,409		)	(12,823		)
Net amount recognized		$	(11,861	)	$	(12,781	)
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist of:
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
Accumulated net actuarial loss		$	8,076		$	7,022
Net amount recognized, before tax effect		$	8,076		$	7,022
The 2013 settlement was as a result of the separation of an employee under the Belgian salaried plan.
The accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $41.3 million and $40.5 million, respectively.
For European plans, the assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations are shown in the following table:
		2014		2013
Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate		3.00	%	3.92	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.38	%	3.50	%
The following tables set forth the fair values of the Company’s European pension plans assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
					Quoted Prices
					In Active			Significant			Significant
					Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	611		$	611		$	—		$	—
Equity Securities
M&G PP Discretionary Fund (a)		4,922			4,922			—			—
Global Equity 60-40 Index (b)		5,475			5,475			—			—
Fixed Income Securities
Delta Lloyd Fixed Income (c)		3,481			—			—			3,481
Corporate Bonds (d)		5,417			5,417			—			—
Government Bonds (e)		7,628			7,628			—			—
Real Estate (f)		2,192			2,192			—			—
Insurance Reserves (g)		1,299			—			—			1,299
Total		$	31,025		$	26,245		$	—		$	4,780
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
					Quoted Prices
					In Active			Significant			Significant
					Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	542		$	542		$	—		$	—
Equity Securities
M&G PP Discretionary Fund (a)		4,498			4,498			—			—
Global Equity 60-40 Index (b)		5,667			5,667			—			—
Fixed Income Securities
Delta Lloyd Fixed Income (c)		4,207			—			—			4,207
Corporate Bonds (d)		4,779			4,779			—			—
Government Bonds (e)		6,384			6,384			—			—
Real Estate (f)		2,034			2,034			—			—
Insurance Reserves (g)		1,475			—			—			1,475
Total		$	29,586		$	23,904		$	—		$	5,682
	(a)		This fund invests in a mix of UK and overseas equity shares, bonds, property and cash. The fund is actively managed against its benchmark of the CAPS Balanced Pooled Fund Median. A prudent approach of diversification by both location and investment type is employed by the fund and both active stock selection and asset allocation are used to add value.
	(b)		This index fund invests 60% in the UK Equity Index Fund and 40% in overseas index funds. The overseas portion has a target allocation of 14% in North American funds, 14% in European funds (not including the UK), 7% in Japanese funds, and 5% in Pacific Basin funds (not including Japan).
	(c)		This category invests in 6 year Fixed Income investments with Delta Lloyd.
	(d)		This category invests in the M&G PP Discretionary Fund, the AAA Fixed interest - Over 15 Year Fund, and the M&G PP Long Dates Corporate Bond Fund. These funds, respectively, invest primarily in investment grade corporate bonds, as well as other debt instruments, including higher yielding corporate bonds, government debt, convertible and preferred stocks, money market instruments and equities; and in long-dated sterling denominated AAA-rated corporate bonds, as well as smaller holdings in gilts - both providing a fixed rate of interest.
	(e)		This category invests mainly in long term gilts through the M&G PP Super Long Index Linked Fund and the M&G PP Discretionary Fund.
	(f)		This category invests in the M&G UK Property Fund. The fund invests directly in commercial properties in the UK and is actively managed against its IPD real estate benchmark. The fund is well diversified investing in the retail, office, and industrial sectors of the market. A small portion of this category is also held in the M&G PP Discretionary Fund.
	(g)		This category invests in individual insurance policies in the name of the individual plan members.
The Company’s Level 3 investments in the Delta Lloyd fixed income fund and insurance reserves were valued using significant unobservable inputs.  Inputs to these valuations include characteristics and quantitative data relating to the assets and reserves, investment and insurance policy cost, position size, liquidity, current financial condition of the company/insurer and other relevant market data.  The following table sets forth changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs during 2014 and 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)		Delta Lloyd			Insurance
		Fixed Income			Reserves
Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	4,058		$	1,466
Purchases		814			160
Sales/Maturities		(837		)	(211		)
Foreign currency translation		172			60
Balance as of December 31, 2013		4,207			1,475
Purchases		—			163
Sales/Maturities		(259		)	(166		)
Foreign currency translation		(467		)	(173		)
Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	3,481		$	1,299
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations, and fair value of plan assets for European pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, and for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
		Projected Benefit Obligation						Accumulated Benefit Obligation
		Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets						Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
Projected benefit obligation		$	31,333		$	31,485		$	31,333		$	31,485
Accumulated benefit obligation		$	29,698		$	29,568		$	29,698		$	29,568
Fair value of plan assets		$	18,426		$	18,101		$	18,426		$	18,101
Information about the expected cash flows by year for the European pension plans follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Employer contributions
2015		$	1,860
Benefit Payments
2015		$	3,017
2016		1,817
2017		1,272
2018		1,265
2019		1,314
2020 – 2024		7,863
Total benefits expected to be paid include both the Company’s share of the benefit cost and the participants’ share of the cost, which is funded by participant contributions to the plan.
The following table provides the components of net periodic pension costs of the European plans:
		Year Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Service cost		$	342		$	314		$	148
Interest cost		1,653			1,511			1,640
Expected return on assets		(1,549		)	(1,263		)	(1,232		)
Net actuarial loss amortization		245			203			15
Settlement		—			279			—
Net periodic pension cost		$	691		$	1,044		$	571
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Year Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
Current year actuarial loss		$	(2,117	)	$	(1,046	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		245			203
Settlement		—			279
Foreign currency exchange		818			(292		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,054	)	$	(856	)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,745	)	$	(1,900	)
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost in 2015 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total net actuarial loss as of December 31		$	232
For European plans, the assumptions used in the measurement of the net periodic pension cost are shown in the following table:
		2014		2013		2012
Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
Discount rate		3.92	%	3.99	%	5.00	%
Expected annual return on plan assets		5.23	%	4.91	%	4.92	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%
The expected rate of return on plan assets was determined by the Company based on a review of asset class return expectations as well as long-term inflation assumptions.  Projected returns are based on broad equity and bond indices that the Company uses to benchmark its actual asset portfolio performance based on its targeted portfolio mix of approximately 34% equity securities, 54% fixed income securities and 12% other investments.  The Company also takes into account the effect on its projected returns from any reasonably likely changes in its asset portfolio when applicable.
The non-current portion of the U.S. and European pension liabilities of $31.5 million and $17.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in accrued pension and other liabilities.
Other
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company also sponsors a defined contribution plan for certain U.S. employees that permits employee contributions of up to 50% of eligible compensation in accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidance.  Under this defined contribution plan, the Company makes a fixed contribution of 3% of eligible employee compensation on a quarterly basis and matches contributions made by each participant in an amount equal to 50% of the employee contribution up to a maximum of 3% of employee compensation.  Employer matching and fixed contributions for non-represented employees vest immediately. Employer discretionary contributions vest after two years of service.  For each bargaining unit employee at the Catlettsburg, Kentucky facility who is a participant of the defined benefit pension plan and contributes to the defined contribution plan, the Company matches a maximum of $25.00 employee pre-tax contributions per month to the plan.  As of June 8, 2010, and continuing under the June 8, 2013 collective bargaining agreement, current employees have the option of remaining in the defined benefit plan or converting to a defined contribution plan.  The election to convert will freeze the defined benefit calculation as of such date and employees who elect to freeze their defined benefit will be eligible to receive a Company contribution to the defined contribution plan of $1.40 per actual hour worked as well as for other related hours paid but not worked.  The Company will then make additional lump sum contributions to employees of $5,000 per year that have converted on the next three anniversary dates of the voluntary conversion to the defined contribution plan.  As a result, employees that have converted will be excluded from the aforementioned $25.00 match.  For bargaining unit employees hired after June 8, 2010, the Company contributes $1.40 per actual hour worked, as well as for other related hours paid but not worked, for eligible employees.  Effective May 1, 2007, for bargaining unit employees at the Columbus, Ohio facility, the Company makes contributions to the USW 401(k) Plan of $1.15 per actual hour worked for eligible employees.  Effective August 1, 2013, for bargaining unit employees at the Neville Island, Pennsylvania facility, the Company began making contributions of $2.40 per actual hour worked to the defined contribution plan for eligible employees when their defined benefit pension plan was frozen.  Employer matching contributions for bargaining unit employees vest immediately.  Total expenses related to the defined contribution plans were $2.8 million, $2.5 million, and $1.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Multi-Employer Pension Plan
In addition to the aforementioned European plans, the Company participates in a multi-employer plan in Europe.  This multi-employer plan almost entirely relates to former employees of operations it has divested.  Benefits are distributed by the multi-employer plan.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company has a $0.9 million and $0.6 million liability recorded as a component of payroll and benefits payable within its consolidated balance sheets.  Refer to Note 17 for further information related to this multi-employer plan.

Stock_Compensation_Plans

Stock Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Compensation Plans
Stock Compensation Plans	11. Stock Compensation Plans
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had one stock-based compensation plan that was adopted in 2008 and is described below.  The former Employee Stock Option Plan and the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (Prior Plans) were terminated and superceded by the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.  The Prior Plans both had stock-based awards outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.  The Prior Plans granted stock options and restricted stock to officers, directors and other key employees of the company.  The stock options were granted at the fair market value on the grant date, became exercisable no less than six months after granted, and, in general, expire ten years after the date of grant.
	2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended
	In 2008, the Company adopted an equity incentive plan for eligible employees, service providers, and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. In 2014, the Company amended and restated the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares available for issuance from 2,000,000 to 5,000,000, and to extend the term for a period of ten years.  The plan includes a 1,500,000 share fixed sub-limit for the granting of incentive stock options.  The awards may be stock options, restricted stock units, performance units or other stock-based awards.  Stock options may be nonstatutory or incentive.  The exercise price for options and stock appreciation rights shall not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant, except if an incentive stock option is granted to a “10% employee,” as defined by the plan, then the option price may not be less than 110% of such fair market value.  Options and stock appreciation rights may be exercisable commencing with the grant date, and are no longer exercisable after the expiration of seven or ten years from the grant date.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	The following tables show a summary of the status and activity of stock options for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Employees:
								Weighted-Average
								Remaining		Aggregate
					Weighted-Average			Contractual Term		Intrinsic Value
			Shares		Exercise Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2014		702,737		$	15.7		5.63		$	3,508
	Granted		344,299		21.31
	Exercised		(143,923	)	14.8
	Forfeited		(11,893	)	17.87
	Expired		(1,003	)	13.89
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		890,217		$	17.99		5.32		$	2,742
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		890,217		$	17.99		5.32		$	2,742
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014		388,860		$	15.43		4.42		$	2,134
	Non-Employee Directors:
								Weighted-Average
					Weighted-Average			Remaining		Aggregate
					Average			Contractual Term		Intrinsic Value
			Shares		Exercise Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2014		61,922		$	6.73		2.29		$	803
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		(10,667	)	6.55
	Forfeited		—		—
	Expired		—		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014		51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664
	The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of employee stock option grants in each year:
			Year Ended December 31
			2014		2013		2012
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option		$		$		$
			4.48		4.51		5.28
	Expected dividend yield		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
	Expected volatility		21 – 22%		31%		42 – 44%
	Risk-free interest rates		1.51 – 1.73%		0.78%		0.58 – 0.90%
	Expected lives of options		4 years		4 years		4 years
	The expected dividend yield is based on the latest annualized dividend rate and the current market price of the underlying common stock at the date of grant.  The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock and the implied volatility calculated from traded options on the Company’s stock.  The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury strip rate for the expected life of the option.  For the 2011 through 2014 grants of stock options, the Company used the simplified method for determining the expected life.  This method was used since the Company granted stock options to a different population of its employees, and decreased the term from 10 to 7 years.  As a result of these changes, the Company does not believe that the historical stock option exercise data provides a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected life for the 2011 through 2014 grants.
	The total grant date fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $4.80 per share, $5.32 per share, and $5.86 per share, or $1.3 million, $1.0 million, and $0.7 million, respectively.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (i.e., the difference between the market price at exercise and the price paid by the employee or non-employee directors to exercise the option) was $1.0 million, $2.5 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.  The total amount of cash received from the exercise of options was $2.2 million, $4.1 million, and $1.6 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Restricted and Performance Based Stock Awards
	The grant date fair value of time vested restricted stock awards is the market price of the underlying common stock and is expensed over the vesting period of three years.
	Performance stock awards, based on Return on Capital (ROC), vest subject to the satisfaction of this performance condition, at the end of a three-year performance period.  The Company’s actual ROC for the performance period is compared to the target set, and the actual award payout is interpolated.  The ROC award can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award.  The grant date fair value of the ROC performance stock is the market price of the underlying common stock.  The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the performance period when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.  During 2014, $0.1 million of expense was recognized.  No expense was recognized in 2013 or 2012 as it was not considered probable that the performance condition would be achieved.
	Performance stock awards, based on Total Shareholder Return (TSR), vest subject to the satisfaction of this market condition, at the end of a three-year performance period.  The Company’s actual TSR for the performance period is compared to the results of its peer companies for the same period with the Company’s relative position in the group determined by percentile rank.  The actual award payout is determined by multiplying the target award by the performance factor percentage based upon the Company’s percentile ranking and can vest at between zero and 200 percent of the target award.  The initial grant date fair value of the TSR performance stock is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model.  The grant date fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the three-year performance period.
	The following table shows a summary of the status and activity of employee and non-employee directors’ nonvested stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2014:
					Weighted-					Weighted-				Weighted-
					Average			ROC		Average		TSR		Average
			Restricted		Grant Date			Performance		Grant Date		Performance		Grant Date
			Stock		Fair Value			Stock		Fair Value		Stock		Fair Value
			Awards		(per share)			Awards (a)		(per share)		Awards(a)		(per share)
	Nonvested as of January 1, 2014		222,753		$	15.99		58,388		$	15.83	49,514		$	18.72
	Granted		98,989		20.83			29,203		20.54		28,042		21.39
	Vested		(97,579	)	15.82			—		—		(8,376	)	15.58
	Forfeited		(4,332	)	17.41			(10,317	)	13.57		(610	)	15.58
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014		219,831		$	18.22		77,274		$	17.91	68,570		$	20.23
		(a)		The number of shares shown for the performance stock awards is based on the target number of share awards.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $20.83 per share, $17.11 per share, and $14.56 per share or $2.1 million, $2.2 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of ROC performance stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $20.54 per share, $17.09 per share, and $14.94 per share or $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. There were no ROC performance stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  In addition, the Company did not satisfy the performance condition for the ROC performance stock award that was granted in 2012 and vested in 2015.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of TSR performance stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $21.39 per share, $21.92 per share, and $15.31 per share, or $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. The total fair value of TSR performance stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $0.1 million, zero and zero, respectively.
	The following significant assumptions were used for the TSR performance stock awards:
		Year Ended December 31
		2014		2013		2012
Dividend yield		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Expected volatility		31.5%		37.8%		43.2%
Risk-free interest rates		0.68%		0.34%		0.39%
Performance period		3 years		3 years		3 years
The following table shows the historical vesting of the TSR performance stock awards:
Year		TSR		Payout		Shares
		Performance
Vested		Period		Level		Issued
2012		2009-2011		52	%	8,528
2013		2010-2012		0	%	—
2014		2011-2013		93	%	8,376
The TSR performance stock award that was granted in 2012 vested and was awarded in February 2015 at approximately 91% of the target award, based on the Company’s satisfaction of the market condition during the preceding three-year period with 13,920 shares of common stock issued.
Total Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation expense related to all stock-based compensation totaled $3.7 million, $3.1 million, and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and was recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.  The related income tax benefit was $1.2 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, there was $4.2 million of total future compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements and the weighted-average period over which this cost is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.7 years.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' Equity	12. Shareholders’ Equity
	In November 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an accelerated share repurchase of Company common stock under a share repurchase program (the Program).  On November 20, 2012, the Company paid a purchase price of $50 million and initially received 3,276,002 shares upon inception of the Program, for an average purchase price of $15.26 per share. The actual number of shares that the Company repurchased under the Program was determined based on a discount to the arithmetic mean of the volume-weighted average prices (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for each observation date over the course of the applicable calculation period which ended on September 30, 2013.  The actual number of shares repurchased was 340,334 shares less than the number of shares previously delivered, and as a result, the Company sold back that many shares to the counterparty in the form of a private placement of unregistered securities during 2013. The Company’s outstanding common shares used to calculate earnings per share were reduced by the number of repurchased shares pursuant to the Program as they are delivered to the Company, and the $50 million purchase price was recorded as a reduction in stockholders’ equity upon its payment.  In 2013, the Company increased its diluted shares outstanding to reflect the 340,334 shares that were sold back in the form of the private placement.
	In December 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the overall value of shares authorized for repurchase under its Program to $150 million, excluding the November 2012 accelerated share repurchase.  Subsequently, the Company initiated an open market share repurchase program whereby 146,800 shares were repurchased in 2013 at an average price per share of $20.37.  During 2014, the Company repurchased an additional 1,930,841 shares at an average price of $20.57 per share.  All of the aforementioned repurchases were funded from operating cash flows, cash on hand, and borrowings and the shares are initially held as treasury stock.  Subsequent to these repurchases, the Company’s remaining authorization to repurchase its common stock is approximately $107.3 million.
	The Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan in February 2005 designated to guard against (1) coercive and abusive tactics that might be used in an attempt to gain control of the Company without paying all stockholders a fair price for their shares or (2) the accumulation of a substantial block of stock without offering to pay stockholders a fair control premium. The Rights Plan will not prevent takeovers, but is designed to preserve the Board’s bargaining power and flexibility to deal with third-party acquirers and to otherwise seek to maximize value for all stockholders. The Plan awards one right for each outstanding share of common stock held by stockholders of record on February 3, 2005 and thereafter. Each right entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one unit of one ten-thousandth of a share of a newly created series of preferred stock at a purchase price of $35 per unit. The rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock (15% or more in the case of certain institutional investors) or commences a tender or exchange offer upon consummation of which such person or group would beneficially own 10% or more of the Company’s common stock (Acquiring Person). If one of those events occurs, each holder of a right (with the exception of the Acquiring Person or group) will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other of the Company’s securities) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. The rights can be redeemed by the Board of Directors under certain circumstances, in which case the rights will not be exchangeable for shares.  On February 5, 2015, the Stockholder Rights Plan expired and the Company determined that it would not be renewed.
	On February 18, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors reinstated its common stock dividend program declaring a quarterly dividend payable in the amount of $0.05 per share on March 15, 2015 to its stockholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2015.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
												Total
			Foreign			Defined						Accumulated
			Currency			Benefit						Other
			Translation			Pension Plan						Comprehensive
	(Dollars in thousands)		Adjustments			Adjustments			Derivatives			Income (Loss)
	Balance as of January 1, 2013, net of tax		$	17,098		$	(33,718	)	$	93		$	(16,527	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		727			12,913			689			14,329
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,032		)	2,355			(265		)	1,058
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(305		)	15,268			424			15,387
	Balance as of December 31, 2013, net of tax		$	16,793		$	(18,450	)	$	517		$	(1,140	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(14,850		)	(12,669		)	789			(26,730		)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		—			761			(401		)	360
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,850		)	(11,908		)	388			(26,370		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014, net of tax		$	1,943		$	(30,358	)	$	905		$	(27,510	)
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount Reclassified from						Affected Line Item in the
	Details about		Accumulated Other
			Comprehensive Income (Loss) (1)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Year Ended December 31						Statement where
	Income (Loss) Components		2014			2013			Net Income is Presented
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
	Sale of foreign subsidiary		$	—		$	1,032		Restructuring (2)
			—			1,032			Total before tax
			—			—			Tax (expense) or benefit
			$	—		$	1,032		Net of tax
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments:
	Prior-service costs		$	(74	)	$	(74	)	-3
	Actuarial losses		(1,122		)	(3,722		)	-3
			(1,196		)	(3,796		)	Total before tax
			435			1,441			Tax benefit
			$	(761	)	$	(2,355	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	484		$	1,018		Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
	Natural gas contracts		221			(555		)	Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
			705			463			Total before tax
			(304		)	(198		)	Tax expense
			$	401		$	265		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(360	)	$	(1,058	)	Net of tax
		-1		Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to income/loss.
		-2		The adjustment for 2013 relates to the Company’s sale of its activated carbon manufacturing facility in Datong, China.
		-3		These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.
	Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude income tax expense (benefit) for the earnings of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries as management believes these earnings will be reinvested for an indefinite period of time.  Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable.
	The income tax benefits associated with ASC 715 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits” included in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $17.4 million, $9.7 million and $20.0 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The income tax expense associated with the Company’s derivatives included in accumulated other comprehensive loss was $0.5 million, $0.3 million, and $29 thousand as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The following table contains the components of income tax expense (benefit) included in other comprehensive income (loss):
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Defined benefit pension plan		$	(7,202	)	$	9,840		$	(2,500	)
	Derivatives		184			358			570

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_P

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	14. Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
	Computation of basic and diluted net income per common share is performed as follows:
		For the Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	49,370	$	45,713	$	23,272
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Basic	53,042,253		53,897,834		56,304,636
	Effect of Dilutive Securities	898,559		773,195		530,924
	Diluted	53,940,812		54,671,029		56,835,560
	Basic net income per common share	$	0.93	$	0.85	$	0.41
	Diluted net income per common share	$	0.92	$	0.84	$	0.41
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were 341,174, zero, and 341,277 options, respectively, that were excluded from the dilutive calculations as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Provision_for_Income_Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes	15. Provision for Income Taxes
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed its joint committee review of the Company’s 2008 amended income tax return.  As a result of the conclusion of this examination, the Company received an income tax refund of $2.5 million including tax and interest which was recorded in other current assets within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.  The Company released net uncertain tax positions including related accrued interest and penalties of $1.4 million as a result of the conclusion of this examination, all of which impacted the Company’s effective tax rate.
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal		$	6,200		$	6,180		$	9,039
	State and local		1,587			1,739			526
	Foreign		6,138			8,632			4,056
			13,925			16,551			13,621
	Deferred
	Federal		7,506			5,950			(47		)
	State and local		488			(248		)	178
	Foreign		1,219			(767		)	312
			9,213			4,935			443
	Provision for income taxes		$	23,138		$	21,486		$	14,064
	Income before income tax provision includes income generated by operations outside the United States of $29.0 million, $29.3 million, and $10.4 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  No provision has been made for U.S. Federal, state, or additional foreign taxes related to approximately $79.0 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries which have been indefinitely reinvested.  Determination of the amount of any such unrecognized deferred income tax liability on this temporary difference is not practicable as such determination involves material uncertainties about the potential extent and timing of any distributions, the availability and complexity of calculating foreign tax credits, and the potential extent and timing of any such distributions, including withholding taxes.
	The differences between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31
			2014		2013		2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate		35	%	35	%	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		2.2		0.8		2
	Tax rate differential on foreign income		(2.9	)	(1.5	)	(2.0	)
	Nonrecurring adjustments related to sale of foreign subsidiary		—		(2.2	)	2.8
	Permanent tax differences		0.3		(1.4	)	(1.9	)
	Valuation allowance		—		1.5		1.5
	Settlement of uncertain tax positions		(1.9	)	—		—
	Tax statute expiration		(0.6	)	(0.6	)	(0.8	)
	Change in uncertain tax positions		0.1		0.3		0.6
	Other — net		(0.3	)	0.1		0.5
	Effective income tax rate		31.9	%	32	%	37.7	%
	The Company has the following gross operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2014:
			Amount
	Type		(Thousands)			Expiration Date
	Foreign tax credits		$	258		2017
	Capital loss carryforwards		765			2018
	State tax credits(1)		2,375			2023 - 2027
	Operating loss carryforwards — federal		614			2029
	Operating loss carryforwards — state(2)		16,427			2015 - 2034
	Operating loss carryforwards — foreign(3)		10,490			2018 - unlimited
		-1		Of the total state tax credit carryforwards, approximately 46% begin to expire in 2023.
		-2		Of the total state operating loss-carryforwards, approximately 92% expire in 2020 or later.
		-3		Of the total foreign tax operating loss carryforwards, approximately 77% have no expiration.
	The components of deferred taxes consist of the following:
			December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss and credit carryforwards (1) (2)		$	5,736		$	5,548
	Accruals		10,524			11,198
	Inventories		12,856			12,271
	Pensions		10,670			4,725
	Valuation allowance		(2,576		)	(988		)
	Total deferred tax assets		37,210			32,754
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment		$	39,708		$	31,951
	Goodwill and other intangible assets		6,039			5,879
	U.S. liability on Belgian and German net deferred tax assets		829			1,248
	Total deferred tax liabilities		46,576			39,078
	Net deferred tax liability(3)		$	(9,366	)	$	(6,324	)
		-1		Uncertain tax liabilities of approximately $0.3 million partially offset the net operating losses and credit carryforwards in each 2014 and 2013.
		-2		Net indirect benefits on uncertain tax liabilities of approximately $74 thousand and $1.0 million are included in the U.S. net operating loss and credit carryforwards in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		-3		A current deferred tax liability of $0.2 million is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities within the 2014 consolidated balance sheet.
	A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The valuation allowance is adjusted based on the changing facts and circumstances, such as the expected expiration of an operating loss carryforward.  The Company’s valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 of $2.6 million pertained to an uncertainty related to the realization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards, domestic capital loss carryforwards, and state tax credits.  The Company’s valuation allowance as of December 31, 2013 is $1.0 million and is as a result of domestic capital loss carryforwards and state tax credits.
	The Company has classified uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless the amount is expected to be paid within one year.  The following is a reconciliation of the unrecognized income tax benefits:
		Year Ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Balance as of January 1		$	3,435		$	4,141		$	4,078
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		—			—			53
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		—			(438		)	—
Gross increases for tax positions of current year		75			122			647
Lapse of statute of limitations		(500		)	(390		)	(637		)
Settlement of uncertain tax positions		(1,823		)	—			—
Balance as of December 31		$	1,187		$	3,435		$	4,141
As of December 31, 2014, approximately $1.0 million of the $1.2 million, and as of December 31, 2013, approximately $2.4 million of the $3.4 million, of unrecognized tax benefits would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  In 2014, the Company accrued interest and penalties of approximately $0.1 million on prior year uncertain tax positions and reversed approximately $0.1 million of interest and penalties due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and approximately $0.6 million due to the settlement of uncertain tax positions.  In 2013, the Company reversed an immaterial amount due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amount accrued for the payment of interest and penalties is approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Total uncertain tax positions recorded in accrued pension and other liabilities were approximately $1.3 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At this time, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $0.3 million of the estimated unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 will be recognized within the next twelve months based on the expiration of statutory review periods all of which will impact the effective tax rate.
On September 13, 2013, Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 162, 167 and 263(a) apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property as well as dispositions of such property and are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.  The Company has evaluated these regulations and determined they will not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
As of December 31, 2014, the following tax years remain subject to examination for the major jurisdictions where the Company conducts business:
Jurisdiction		Years
United States		2011 – 2014
Kentucky		2010 – 2014
Pennsylvania		2011 – 2014
Belgium		2011 – 2014
Canada		2010 – 2014
Germany		2010 – 2014
United Kingdom		2011 – 2014
Japan		2009 – 2014

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments
Commitments	16. Commitments
	The Company has entered into leases covering principally office, research and warehouse space, office equipment and vehicles.  Future minimum rental payments required under all operating leases that have remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are $6.9 million in 2015, $5.2 million in 2016, $5.1 million in 2017, $3.4 million in 2018, $2.7 million in 2019, and $24.4 million thereafter.  Total rental expense on all operating leases was $7.9 million, $7.6 million, and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company has in place long-term supply contracts for the purchase of raw materials, transportation, and information systems and services. The following table represents the total payments made for the purchases under the aforementioned supply contracts:
		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Raw and other materials	$	38,096	$	40,170	$	30,802
	Transportation	11,461		9,794		9,731
	Information systems and services	2,163		2,746		4,505
	Total payments	$	51,720	$	52,710	$	45,038
	Future minimum purchase requirements under the terms of the aforementioned contracts are as follows:
		Due in
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
	Raw and other materials	$	30,118	$	20,081	$	20,105	$	20,130	$	721	$	2,164
	Transportation	1,575		131		—		—		—		—
	Information systems and services	2,026		—		—		—		—		—
	Total contractual cash obligations	$	33,719	$	20,212	$	20,105	$	20,130	$	721	$	2,164

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingencies
Contingencies	17. Contingencies
	Waterlink.  In conjunction with the February 2004 purchase of substantially all of Waterlink Inc.’s (Waterlink) operating assets and the stock of Waterlink’s U.K. subsidiary, environmental studies were performed on Waterlink’s Columbus, Ohio property by environmental consulting firms that provided an identification and characterization of certain areas of contamination.  In addition, these firms identified alternative methods of remediating the property and prepared cost evaluations of the various alternatives.  The Company concluded from the information in the studies that a loss at this property was probable and recorded the liability. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the balances recorded were $0.1 million and $0.4 million as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $0.4 million and $0.4 million as a component of accrued pension and other liabilities, respectively.  Liability estimates are based on an evaluation of, among other factors, currently available facts, existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and the remediation experience of experts in groundwater remediation.  It is possible that a further change in the estimate of this obligation will occur as remediation progresses.  Remediation activities are ongoing and are currently expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
	Carbon Imports
	General Anti-Dumping Background:  On March 8, 2006, the Company and another U.S. producer of activated carbon (collectively the “Petitioners”) formally requested that the United States Department of Commerce (Commerce Department) investigate unfair pricing of certain thermally activated carbon imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
	On March 2, 2007, the Commerce Department published its final determination (subsequently amended) finding that imports of the subject merchandise from China were being unfairly priced, or dumped, and that anti-dumping duties should be imposed to offset the amount of the unfair pricing.  Following a finding by the U.S. International Trade Commission that the domestic industry was injured by unfairly traded imports of activated carbon from China, an anti-dumping order imposing these tariffs was issued by the Commerce Department and was published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2007.  All imports from China remain subject to the order.  Importers of subject activated carbon from China are required to make cash deposits of estimated anti-dumping duties at the time the goods are entered into the United States’ customs territory.  Final assessment of duties and duty deposits are subject to revision based on annual retrospective reviews conducted by the Commerce Department.
	The Company is a domestic producer, exporter from China (through its wholly-owned subsidiary Calgon Carbon (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (Calgon Carbon Tianjin)), and a U.S. importer of the activated carbon that is subject to the anti-dumping order.  As such, the Company’s involvement in the Commerce Department’s proceedings is both as a domestic producer (a “petitioner”) and as a foreign exporter (a “respondent”).
	The Company’s role as an importer, which has in the past (and may in the future) required it to pay anti-dumping duties, results in a contingent liability related to the final amount of tariffs that are ultimately assessed on the imported product following the Commerce Department’s annual review of relevant shipments and calculation of the anti-dumping duties due.  The amount of estimated anti-dumping tariffs payable on goods imported into the United States is subject to review and retroactive adjustment based on the actual amount of dumping that is found on entries made during a given annual period.  As a result of proceedings before the Commerce Department that concluded in November 2014, the Company is currently required to post a duty of $0.018 per pound when importing activated carbon from Calgon Carbon Tianjin into the United States.  The impact of the tariffs to the Company’s financial results was not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  As noted above, however, the Company’s ultimate assessment rate and future cash deposit rate on such imports could change in the future, as a result of on-going proceedings before the Commerce Department.
	As part of its standard process, the Commerce Department conducts annual reviews of sales made to the first unaffiliated U.S. customer, typically over the prior 12-month period.  These reviews will be conducted for at least five years subsequent to a determination in February 2013 finding that the anti-dumping duty order should remain in effect, and can result in changes to the anti-dumping tariff rate (either increasing or reducing the rate) applicable to any foreign exporter.  Revision of tariff rates has two effects.  First, it will alter the actual amount of tariffs that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs) will collect for the period reviewed, by either collecting additional duties above those deposited with Customs by the importer at the time of entry or refunding a portion of the duties deposited at the time of importation to reflect a decline in the margin of dumping.  If the actual amount of tariffs owed increases, Customs will require the U.S. importer to pay the difference, plus interest.  Conversely, if the tariff rate decreases, any difference will be refunded by Customs to the U.S. importer with interest.  Second, the revised rate becomes the cash deposit rate applied to future entries, and can either increase or decrease the amount of duty deposits an importer will be required to post at the time of importation.
	There have been seven periods of review since the tariffs began. Periods of Review (POR) I and II and V related to the periods that ended on March 31, 2008, 2009 and 2012, respectively are final and not subject to further review or appeal.
	Period of Review III:  On April 1, 2010, the Commerce Department published a formal notice allowing parties to request a third annual administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order covering the period April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 (POR III).  On October 31, 2011, the Commerce Department published the results of its review of POR III.  Based on the POR III results, the Company’s ongoing duty deposit rate was adjusted to zero.  The Company recorded a receivable of $1.1 million reflecting expected refunds for duty deposits made during POR III as a result of the announced decrease in the POR III assessment rate.  The Commerce Department continued to assign cooperative respondents involved in POR III a deposit rate of $0.127 per pound.  In early December 2011, several separate rate respondents appealed the Commerce Department’s final results of POR III.  On August 15, 2013, the Court of International Trade (the “Court”) issued its opinion in the appeal of the POR III review results.  The Court remanded the case back to the Commerce Department to reconsider certain surrogate values selected by the Commerce Department to value raw materials consumed by the respondents to produce steam activated carbon in China.  The Court also instructed the Commerce Department to reconsider the separate rate applied to the non-responding companies and the use of per-unit rates for one respondent.
	On January 9, 2014, the Commerce Department filed its remand redetermination with the Court.  In its redetermination, the Commerce Department continued to calculate a zero duty for imports of steam activated carbon entered into the United States by the Company during POR III.  In addition, the Commerce Department revised its earlier determination and assigned a zero margin as a separate rate to several Chinese producers/exporters of steam activated carbon to the United States that were not subjected to an individual investigation.  Those separate rate exporters had previously been assigned a margin of approximately $0.127 per pound.  The Company is contesting this aspect of the Commerce Department’s redetermination and has submitted comments to the Court in that regard.  On November 24, 2014, the Court affirmed the Commerce Department’s remand determination.  The various parties involved in this review (the Company, the United States, and the Chinese respondents) have a right to appeal this determination within 60 days to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  The Company, a Chinese respondent, a U.S. importer that purchased activated carbon from the Chinese entity, and the Commerce Department have filed notices to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
	Period of Review IV:  On April 1, 2011, the Commerce Department published a formal notice allowing parties to request a fourth annual administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order covering the period April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011 (POR IV).  On November 9, 2012, the Commerce Department published the final results of its review of POR IV.
	Specifically, the Commerce Department calculated anti-dumping margins for the mandatory respondents it examined ranging from $0.20 per pound (Jacobi Carbons AB and its affiliates) to $0.96 per pound (Ningxia Guanghua Cherishmet Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and its affiliates), and it calculated an anti-dumping margin of $0.47 per pound for the cooperative, separate rate respondents whose shipments of activated carbon to the United States were not individually reviewed.  The Commerce Department also calculated a zero anti-dumping margin for Datong Juqiang Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.  The Company, as a Chinese exporter and a U.S. importer, elected not to participate as a respondent in this administrative review.  By not participating as a respondent in the review, the Company’s tariff deposits made at a rate of 14.51% during POR IV became final and are not subject to further adjustment.  The Company’s ongoing deposit rate continued to be zero, as a result of the company-specific rate calculated in POR III.  Appeals challenging the Commerce Department’s final results for POR IV were commenced before the Court by Jacobi Carbons AB, Ningxia Guanghua Cherishment Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and its affiliates; Tangshan Solid Carbon Co., Ltd.; Carbon Activated Corporation and Car Go Worldwide, Inc.; and Shanxi Industry Technology Trading Co., Ltd.  The Court issued a decision on June 24, 2014 that sustained the Commerce Department’s final results in their entirety.  An appeal of this decision has been filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Court of Appeals) by Jacobi Carbons AB, Ningxia Guanghua Cherishment Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and its affiliates; Tangshan Solid Carbon Co., Ltd; Carbon Activated Corporation and Car Go Worldwide, Inc.  The Company is participating in the proceedings before the Court of Appeals and is supporting the affirmance of the Commerce Department’s final results in POR IV.  A decision by the Court of Appeals on the Chinese exporters’ challenges is anticipated during or after the second quarter of 2015.
	Period of Review V: On April 2, 2012, the Commerce Department published a formal notice allowing parties to request a fifth annual administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order covering the period April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012 (POR V).  On November 26, 2013, the Commerce Department published the final results of its review of POR V.  The Commerce Department calculated final antidumping duty margins for the two mandatory respondents, Jacobi Carbons AB and Ningxia Huahui Activated Carbon Co., of $0.01/lb. and $0.18/lb., respectively.  Based on these antidumping margins, the Commerce Department calculated a margin of $0.07/lb. for cooperative exporters that were not individually reviewed but were found eligible to receive a separate rate.  Albemarle Corporation, which was determined by the Commerce Department to be a domestic wholesaler of activated carbon, requested a review of Calgon Carbon Tianjin.  As a result, Calgon Carbon Tianjin was assigned the separate rate respondent margin of $0.07/lb.
	On December 26, 2013, Albemarle Corporation and Ningxia Huahui Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. filed a summons with the Court commencing a challenge of the Commerce Department’s final results for POR V.  On January 30, 2014, Albemarle Corporation and Ningxia Huahui Activated Carbon Co., Ltd elected not to pursue their appeal challenging the final results of the fifth administrative review.  Because there is no further litigation challenging the final results of the fifth administrative review, U.S. Customs will liquidate the affected entries, assessing antidumping duties at the rates calculated in the final results.
	Period of Review VI: On April 2, 2013, the Commerce Department published a formal notice allowing parties to request a sixth annual administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order covering the period April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013 (POR VI).  Requests for an administrative review were submitted to the Commerce Department in April 2013.  On June 26, 2013, the Commerce Department announced its selection of Jacobi Carbons AB and Ningxia Guanghua Cherishmet Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and its affiliates as the two mandatory respondents for POR VI.  Albemarle Corporation has requested a review of Calgon Carbon Tianjin for POR VI.  On May 19, 2014, the Commerce Department announced its preliminary antidumping margins calculated in connection with POR VI.  The specific preliminary margins calculated by the Commerce Department are as follows: Jacobi Carbons AB $1.71/lb., Ningxia Guanghua Cherishmet Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. $0.93/lb., Separate Rate Respondents $1.42/lb., and PRC-Wide Rate $1.10/lb.  Calgon Carbon Tianjin was assigned the separate rate respondent margin of $1.42/lb. as it was considered a separate rate respondent.  On November 19, 2014, the final margins were announced by the Commerce Department and are as follows: Jacobi Carbons AB $0.018/lb., Ningxia Guanghua Cherishmet Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. $0.018/lb., Separate Rate Respondents $0.018/lb., and PRC-Wide Rate $1.10/lb.  Calgon Carbon Tianjin was assigned the separate rate respondent margin of $0.018/lb. as it was considered a separate rate respondent.  In December 2014, the petitioners filed a summons and complaint commencing an appeal challenging the final results of the sixth administrative review.  Briefing will take place on this appeal throughout approximately the first half of 2015, and a decision by the Court on the petitioners’ challenge to the final results of POR VI is possible in the fourth quarter of 2015 or early in 2016.
	Period of Review VII: On April 1, 2014, the Commerce Department published a formal notice allowing parties to request a seventh annual administrative review of the anti-dumping duty order covering the period April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014 (POR VII).  Requests for an administrative review were submitted to the Commerce Department in April 2014.  The Commerce Department has selected Jacobi Carbons AB and Datong Juqiang Activated Carbon Co., Ltd as mandatory respondents to be reviewed.  The Commerce Department’s analysis of POR VII began in the third quarter of 2014 and the preliminary results of the Commerce Department’s review of POR VII are anticipated to be announced on May 1, 2015.  Calgon Carbon Tianjin is participating in this review as a cooperative respondent.
	Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act Distributions:  Pursuant to the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) of 2000 (repealed effective February 8, 2006), as an affected domestic producer, the Company was eligible to apply for a share of the distributions of certain tariffs collected on imports of subject merchandise from China that entered the United States from October 11, 2006 to September 30, 2007.  As a result, the Company was eligible to receive a distribution of duties collected on imports of certain activated carbon that entered the United States during a portion of POR I.
	CDSOA distributions related to POR I imports were on hold while the POR I final results for certain exporters were under appeal.  All POR I appeals were subsequently resolved and Customs issued liquidation instructions in October 2011 for activated carbon entries affected by the appeal process involving POR I.  The Company received $1.8 million in December 2012 related to the CDSOA distributions of which $1.5 million was reflected within the Company’s statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012.  In December 2013, the Company received $0.1 million in connection with the CDSOA distributions for fiscal year 2013.  This amount was equal to 59.57% of the duties distributed by CBP under the anti-dumping order on certain thermally activated carbon from China.  In December 2014, the Company received $49 thousand in connection with the CDSOA distributions for fiscal year 2014.  This amount was equal to 59.57% of the duties distributed by CBP under the anti-dumping order on certain thermally activated carbon from China.  The Company does not anticipate any further material CDSOA distributions in future years.
	Big Sandy Plant
	By letter dated January 22, 2007, the Company received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 a report of a hazardous waste facility inspection performed by the EPA and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KYDEP) as part of a Multi Media Compliance Evaluation of the Company’s Big Sandy Plant in Catlettsburg, Kentucky that was conducted on September 20 and 21, 2005. Accompanying the report was a Notice of Violation (NOV) alleging multiple violations of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and corresponding EPA and KYDEP hazardous waste regulations as well as the Clean Water Act (CWA).The alleged violations mainly concerned the Company’s hazardous waste spent activated carbon regeneration facility. The Company accrued $2.0 million as its estimate of potential loss related to this matter as of December 31, 2010 and later reduced that accrual by $0.2 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  In the fall of 2013, the Company, the EPA, and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) signed and delivered a consent decree which the Court ordered effective on January 29, 2014.  As part of the consent decree, the Company paid a civil penalty of $1.6 million on February 24, 2014, but makes no admissions of any violations.
	The Company was required under the consent decree to conduct testing of the portion of stockpiled material dredged from onsite wastewater treatment lagoons that had not previously been tested in accordance with a pre-approved work plan and will install two ground water monitoring wells at the Company’s permitted solid waste landfill where some lagoon solids had previously been disposed.  The testing of the stockpile material was completed in the second quarter of 2014 and the Company received comments from the EPA including a request for a health and safety risk assessment similar to that which the Company performed on other materials from the lagoons.  The Company is reviewing this request.  The consent decree provides that EPA and DOJ agree that such landfill is to be considered a non-hazardous facility and regulated by KYDEP.  Finally, the Company will not be required to close or retrofit any of the wastewater treatment lagoons as RCRA hazardous waste management units and may continue to use them in their current manner.  The Company will be subject to daily stipulated penalties for any failure to conduct the required testing of the previously untested stockpile or to install and sample the landfill wells in accordance with the EPA-approved protocols and schedules.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the balance recorded as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
	Frontier Chemical Processing Royal Avenue Site
	In June 2007, the Company received a Notice Letter from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) stating that the NYSDEC had determined that the Company is a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) at the Frontier Chemical Processing Royal Avenue Site in Niagara Falls, New York (Site).  The Notice Letter requested that the Company and other PRP’s develop, implement and finance a remedial program for Operable Unit #1 at the Site.  Operable Unit #1 consists of overburden soils and overburden and upper bedrock groundwater.  The Company has joined a PRP group (PRP Group) and has executed a Joint Defense Agreement with the group members.  In August 2008, the Company and over 100 PRP’s entered into a Consent Order with the NYSDEC for additional site investigation directed toward characterization of the Site to better define the scope of the remedial project.  The Company contributed monies to the PRP Group to help fund the work required under the Consent Order.  The additional site investigation required under the Consent Order was initiated in 2008 and completed in the spring of 2009. A final report of the site investigation was submitted to the NYSDEC in October 2009 and revised in September 2010.  By letter dated October 10, 2010, the NYSDEC approved the report and terminated the Consent Order.  The PRP Group was issued a Significant Industrial User Permit by the Niagara Falls Water Board (NFWB) in November 2010.  The permit allows the shallow ground water flow from the Site to continue to be naturally captured by the adjacent sewer tunnels with subsequent treatment of the ground water at the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.
	In March 2013, the Company, along with over thirty other PRPs, entered into a consent decree with the NYSDEC pursuant to which the work plan for the remedial program was agreed upon. The cleanup has begun and is essentially complete.  The PRP Group has spent approximately $11.9 million for the remediation thus far.  The PRP Group estimates that up to $0.1 million of additional costs remain, but has slightly more than $0.8 million of funds available to apply against the final costs and thus currently is forecasting a surplus. The Company does not anticipate that it will suffer any material loss with respect to this matter.
	Pearl River Plant
	In August 2012, the Company’s Pearl River plant, located in Pearlington, Mississippi, was impacted by Hurricane Isaac.  The Company has both property and business interruption insurance coverage for this plant.  In January 2013, management filed a claim with its insurance carrier to recover damages for both property and business interruption related to this event.  In March 2013, the Company settled its insurance claim and received $0.4 million from its insurance carrier and recorded it as a deduction to cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Multi-employer Pension Plan
	The Company participates in a multi-employer plan in Europe.  This multi-employer plan almost entirely relates to former employees of operations it has divested.  Benefits are distributed by the multi-employer plan.  In August 2012, the Company learned that the multi-employer plan had previously elected to reduce benefits to entitled parties.  Also in August 2012, the Company learned that the local Labor Court had issued a judgment where it concluded that an employer was required to compensate its pensioners for the shortfall if benefits had been reduced by the plan.  As a result, the Company accrued a liability for the past shortfall to its former employees in 2012.  The Company recorded a $1.1 million reduction in this liability for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The Company has had several claims from pensioners seeking compensation for the shortfall.  In the first quarter of 2014, the Company also learned that certain pensioners are claiming that the employers should also pay a cost of living adjustment on the amounts paid by the multi-employer plan and that the local Labor Court heard that issue with respect to a different employer in the fall of 2014.  In February 2015, the Court published an opinion ruling that employers may be required to pay a cost of living adjustment. As a result, the Company recorded an additional accrual of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company has a $0.9 million and $0.6 million liability recorded as a component of payroll and benefits payable within its consolidated balance sheets for the past shortfall adjustments to its former employees.  The Company cannot predict if future benefit payments to entitled parties to be made by the multi-employer plan will continue to be reduced.
	Other
	In addition to the matters described above, the Company is involved in various other legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims, including employment, product warranty and environmental matters of a nature considered normal to its business.  It is the Company’s policy to accrue for amounts related to these legal matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the loss amount is reasonably estimable.  Management is currently unable to estimate the amount or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, resulting from such lawsuits and claims.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	18. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Cash paid for interest for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $0.7 million, $0.8 million, and $0.6 million, respectively.  Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $(0.6) million, $(0.4) million, and $(0.7) million, respectively.   Income taxes paid, net of refunds for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $17.7 million, $16.4 million, and $12.2 million, respectively.
	The Company has reflected $1.7 million and $(1.0) million of its capital expenditures as non-cash increase and decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Segment Information	19. Segment Information
	The Company’s management has identified three segments based on the product line and associated services. Those segments include Activated Carbon and Service, Equipment, and Consumer. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its chief executive officer, receives and reviews financial information in this format. The Activated Carbon and Service segment manufactures granular activated carbon for use in applications to remove organic compounds from liquids, gases, water, and air. This segment also consists of services related to activated carbon including reactivation of spent carbon and the leasing, monitoring, and maintenance of carbon fills at customer sites. The service portion of this segment also includes services related to the Company’s ion exchange technologies for treatment of groundwater and process streams. The Equipment segment provides solutions to customers’ air and water process problems through the design, fabrication, and operation of systems that utilize the Company’s enabling technologies: ballast water, ultraviolet light, advanced ion exchange separation, and carbon adsorption. The Consumer segment supplies activated carbon cloth for use in military, industrial, and medical applications. Intersegment net sales are not material. The following segment information represents the results of operations:
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	498,212		$	482,278		$	485,755
	Equipment		45,319			54,935			66,050
	Consumer		11,572			10,726			10,450
	Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
	Income (loss) from operations before restructuring
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	78,114		$	71,017		$	48,709
	Equipment		(5,657		)	(4,041		)	(440		)
	Consumer		1,896			1,784			1,803
			$	74,353		$	68,760		$	50,072
	Reconciling items:
	Restructuring income (charges) (Note 2)		252			129			(10,211		)
	Interest income		77			136			35
	Interest expense		(263		)	(462		)	(80		)
	Other expense — net		(1,911		)	(1,364		)	(2,480		)
	Income before income tax provision		$	72,508		$	67,199		$	37,336
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	26,820		$	25,395		$	23,197
	Equipment		3,049			2,907			2,494
	Consumer		601			636			629
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	30,470		$	28,938		$	26,320
	Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	60,470		$	25,885		$	56,291
	Equipment		2,947			3,325			550
	Consumer		495			347			385
	Consolidated property, plant and equipment expenditures (1)		$	63,912		$	29,557		$	57,226
		-1		Includes $2.2 million, $0.5 million and $1.5 million which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
			December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Total assets
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	564,734		$	527,430		$	510,550
	Equipment		50,610			55,558			60,191
	Consumer		6,317			7,090			7,028
	Consolidated total assets		$	621,661		$	590,078		$	577,769
	Net Sales by Product
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Carbon products		$	474,222		$	460,681		$	465,885
	Capital equipment		41,238			49,036			61,588
	Equipment leasing		16,598			15,127			13,886
	Carbon cloth products		11,564			10,721			10,422
	Spare parts		4,081			5,899			4,462
	Other services		7,400			6,475			6,012
	Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
	Geographic Information
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	United States		$	261,849		$	272,644		$	261,167
	United Kingdom		46,049			40,215			37,991
	Japan		45,261			60,804			71,141
	France		28,575			27,969			21,456
	Canada		21,910			16,945			17,861
	Germany		20,656			18,784			20,120
	South Korea		18,692			7,364			20,178
	China		17,166			15,832			15,179
	Belgium		11,166			10,690			10,112
	Singapore		6,418			9,364			10,380
Netherlands		5,466			5,283			6,009
Switzerland		4,937			5,334			4,683
Norway		4,641			3,138			3,589
Brazil		4,568			3,194			1,025
Spain		4,049			3,806			4,049
Other		53,700			46,573			57,315
Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
Net sales are attributable to countries based on location of customer.
		December 31
(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Long-lived assets
United States		$	205,429		$	169,786		$	161,806
Belgium		52,943			64,567			66,077
China		15,583			16,990			17,864
United Kingdom		11,100			8,832			8,654
Japan		5,309			6,334			7,908
Canada		49			159			474
Singapore		86			77			106
Denmark		59			64			53
Brazil		22			28			36
Germany		6			12			15
Consolidated long-lived assets		$	290,586		$	266,849		$	262,993

Government_Grants

Government Grants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Government Grants
Government Grants	20. Government Grants
	On December 7, 2007, the Company was awarded two separate grants with the Walloon region (the Region) in Belgium, where its Feluy facility is located.  The awards were based on the Company’s contributions to the strategic development of the Region through its investment in the expansion of the Feluy facility and creation of employment opportunities.  The grants totaled approximately 2.6 million Euros or $3.4 million.  The Company received 0.9 million Euros or $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 1.2 million Euros or $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 0.5 million Euros or $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company has received the full amount of these grants.  The Company has recognized the grants as a deduction from the carrying amount of the property, plant and equipment on its consolidated balance sheets in the respective periods received.
	On June 20, 2011, the Company was also awarded a grant of up to $1.0 million from the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program (OTF AEP) to support its activated carbon commercialization efforts.  The objective of the project was to commercialize cost-effective activated carbon materials for use in energy storage applications and markets around the world.  The grant was being utilized to upgrade capital equipment at the Company’s Columbus, Ohio facility which enables the manufacturing of highly demanded cost-effective activated carbon materials for use in energy storage markets.  The Company did not receive any amounts under the grant in 2014 and does not anticipate any future amounts to be received.  The Company received $0.4 million and $0.3 million of the grant in each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company recognized $0.2 million and $0.2 million of the grant received for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a deduction from the carrying amount of the property, plant and equipment on its consolidated balance sheets.  The Company recognized the remaining $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a reduction to research and development expenses on its consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	On December 19, 2014, the Company received an incentive of 3.86 million RMB or approximately $0.6 million from the Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ), where the Company’s Suzhou, China facility is located.  This incentive was provided based on the Company’s commitment to the construction of carbon reactivation lines in two phases.  Under phase one, the construction of two reactivation lines and under phase two, the construction of another two reactivation lines on the same site.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has recognized 1.93 million RMB or approximately $0.3 million (which represents 50% of the total awarded incentive) less related expenses as a reduction to other expense - net on its consolidated statements of comprehensive income as phase one of the agreed upon commitment has been completed and all required documentation has been submitted to WEDZ.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company has a $0.3 million liability recorded as a component of accrued pension and other liabilities within its consolidated balance sheet for the remainder of the incentive that relates to phase two of the commitment as it has not yet been constructed.

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA — UNAUDITED
		2014								2013
	(Thousands except per share data)	1stQuarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		1stQuarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net sales	$	131,632	$	145,132	$	137,699	$	140,640	$	135,040	$	140,432	$	139,375	$	133,092
	Net sales less cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)	$	44,169	$	49,879	$	47,593	$	50,448	$	42,625	$	46,375	$	46,374	$	45,603
	Net income	$	9,809	$	15,203	$	12,224	$	12,134	$	9,814	$	12,970	$	11,885	$	11,044
	Common Stock Data:
	Basic:
	Net income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.29	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.22	$	0.20
	Diluted:
	Net income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.28	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.22	$	0.20
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	53,608		52,942		52,857		52,773		53,620		53,799		53,900		54,265
	Diluted	54,525		53,845		53,759		53,649		54,200		54,547		54,764		55,160

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(Thousands)
				Additions
				Charged to		Deductions
		Balance at		Costs and		Returns and			Balance at
	Description	Beginning of Year		Expenses		Write-Offs			End of Year
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,328	$	1,426	$	(1,228	)	$	1,526
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,362		488		(522		)	1,328
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,200		464		(302		)	1,362
				Additions
				Charged to		Charged to			Deductions
		Balance at		Costs and		Other			Returns and			Balance at
	Description	Beginning of Year		Expenses		Accounts			Write-Offs			End of Year
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Income tax valuation allowance	$	988	$	—	$	1,616		$	(28	)	$	2,576
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Income tax valuation allowance	1,146		988		—			(1,146		)	988
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Income tax valuation allowance	—		1,146		—			—			1,146

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies1

Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies
Operations	Operations
	Calgon Carbon Corporation (the Company) is a global leader in services and solutions for purifying water and air, food, beverage, and industrial process streams. The Company’s operations are principally conducted in three business segments: Activated Carbon and Service, Equipment, and Consumer. Each of these segments includes the production, design and marketing of products and services specifically developed for the purification, separation and concentration of liquids and gases and other media. The Activated Carbon and Service segment relies on activated carbon as a base material, while the Equipment segment relies on a variety of methods and materials which involve other products in addition to activated carbon. The Consumer segment supplies activated carbon cloth for use in military, industrial, and medical applications.  The Company’s largest markets are in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The Company also has markets in Africa, Canada, India, Latin America, and in other parts of Asia.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries.  Investments in business entities in which the Company does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency
	Substantially all assets and liabilities of the Company’s international operations are translated at year-end exchange rates; income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments represent other comprehensive income or loss and are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax effects. Transaction gains and losses are included in Other expense-net.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue and related costs are recognized when goods are shipped or services are rendered to customers provided that ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue for major equipment projects is recognized under the percentage of completion method. The Company’s major equipment projects generally have a long project life cycle from bid solicitation to project completion. The nature of the contracts are generally fixed price with milestone billings. The Company recognizes revenue for these projects based on the fixed sales prices multiplied by the percentage of completion. In applying the percentage of completion method, a project’s percent complete as of any balance sheet date is computed as the ratio of total costs incurred to date divided by the total estimated costs at completion. As changes in the estimates of total costs at completion and/or estimated total losses on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded during the period that the change or loss is identified. The Company has a history of making reasonably dependable estimates of costs at completion on contracts that follow the percentage of completion method; however, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is possible that actual project costs at completion could vary from estimates. The principal components of costs include material, direct labor, subcontracts, and allocated indirect costs. Indirect costs primarily consist of administrative labor and associated operating expenses, which are allocated to the respective projects on actual hours charged to the project utilizing a standard hourly rate.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The amount of allowance recorded is primarily based upon a periodic review of specific customer transactions that remain outstanding at least three months beyond their respective due dates.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated service lives of the assets, which are from 15 to 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 5 to 15 years for furniture, machinery and equipment, 5 to 10 years for customer capital, 5 years for vehicles, and 5 to 10 years for computer hardware and software.  Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that substantially extend the capacity or useful life of an asset are capitalized.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. In accordance with guidance within Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment. None of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill have indefinite lives.
	The Company has elected to perform the annual impairment test of its goodwill, as required, on December 31 of each year by initially comparing the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the unit and then computing the excess of the unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and the Company recognizes such impairment accordingly. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows and other valuation methodologies that are based on projections of the amounts and timing of future revenues and cash flows, assumed discount rates and other assumptions as deemed appropriate. The Company also considers such factors as historical performance, anticipated market conditions, operating expense trends and capital expenditure requirements.
	The Company’s identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill have finite lives. Certain of these intangible assets, such as customer relationships, are amortized using an accelerated methodology while others, such as patents, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. In addition, intangible assets with finite lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, as prescribed by guidance within ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.”
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates long-lived assets under the provisions of ASC 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. For assets to be held and used, the Company groups a long-lived asset or assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss for an asset group reduces only the carrying amounts of a long-lived asset or assets of the group being evaluated. The loss is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro-rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group does not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value whenever that fair value is determinable without undue cost and effort. Estimates of future cash flows to test the recoverability of a long-lived asset group include only the future cash flows that are directly associated with and that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. The future cash flow estimates used by the Company exclude interest charges.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. The Company assesses its ability to realize deferred tax assets based on normalized historical performance and on projections of future taxable income in the relevant tax jurisdictions. Normalized historical performance for purposes of this assessment includes adjustments for those income and expense items that are unusual and non-recurring in nature and are not expected to affect results in future periods. Such unusual and non-recurring items include the effects of legal fees or settlements associated with specific litigation matters and restructuring costs. The Company’s projections of future taxable income considers known events, such as the passage of legislation or expected occurrences, and do not reflect a general growth assumption. The Company’s estimates of future taxable income are reviewed annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such projections should be modified.
	The Company utilizes guidance within ASC 740 “Income Taxes” regarding the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.  This guidance prescribes recognition and measurement standards for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. According to this guidance, the evaluation of a tax position is a two step process. The first step is the determination of whether a tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. The benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is to be recognized only if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based upon the technical merits of the position. In step two, for those tax positions which should be recognized, the measurement of a tax position is determined as being the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
	No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries because these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. These earnings would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends, were loaned to the Company or a U.S. affiliate, or if the Company were to sell its ownership interest in the subsidiaries.
Pensions	Pensions
	Accounting for pensions involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover and discount rates. These assumptions are reviewed annually.  In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company evaluates long-term actual return information, the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and future estimates of long-term investment returns.  In determining the discount rates for pension obligations, the Company evaluates long-term corporate bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency.
	Amortization of the net gain or loss as a result of experience differing from that assumed and from changes in assumptions is included as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the year.  The Company uses a 10% corridor such as if, as of the beginning of the year, the net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, the amortization is that excess divided by the average future working lifetime of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the plan or the average remaining life expectancy of the plan’s participants if the percentage of actives is less than 10% of the total population.  It should be noted that, as only the excess is amortized, this approach will not fully amortize the net gain or loss.  The Company considers participants whose benefits are frozen to be active participants, and considers the plan population to be “all or almost all” inactive when at least 90% of the population is inactive.  Under this methodology, the gain/loss amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are not expected to be fully recognized in benefit cost until the plan is terminated (or an earlier event, like a settlement, triggers recognition) because the average expected remaining service of active participants expected to benefit under the plan or the average expected remaining lifetime of inactive participants over which the amounts are amortized is redetermined each year and amounts that fall within the corridor described above are not amortized.
Net Income per Common Share	Net Income per Common Share
	Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potential dilutive common shares are determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, exercise of options is assumed at the beginning of the period when the average stock price during the period exceeds the exercise price of outstanding options and common shares are assumed issued. The proceeds from exercise are assumed to be used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares to be issued are considered to be the potential dilutive common shares outstanding.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid, short-term investments made with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	The Company applies ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. Derivative financial instruments are occasionally utilized by the Company to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates or the prices of natural gas. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments with high credit quality counterparties and diversifies its positions among such counterparties.  In addition, various master netting arrangements are in place with counterparties to facilitate settlement of gains and losses on these contracts. The Company does not net its derivative positions by counterparty for purposes of balance sheet presentation and disclosure.  Changes in the value of the derivative financial instruments are measured at the balance sheet date and recognized in current earnings or other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and meets certain other criteria. The Company does not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company from time to time is subject to various legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims, including employment, product warranty and environmental matters of the nature considered normal to its business.  It is the Company’s policy to accrue for amounts related to the legal matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the loss amount is reasonably estimable.  Estimates are developed through consultation with legal counsel involved in the defense and are based upon an analysis of probable results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Legal fees associated with defending these various lawsuits and claims are expensed when incurred.
Government Grants	Government Grants
	The Company’s policy for accounting for government grants, including non-monetary grants at fair value, is to recognize them only when there is reasonable assurance that (a) the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grants and (b) the grants will be received.  A grant will be recognized as income over the period necessary to match it to the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, on a systematic basis.  Grants related to assets are presented by deducting them from the asset’s carrying amount.  A grant related to income will be deducted from the related expense.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 those estimates.
Labor Agreements	Labor Agreements
	Collective bargaining agreements cover approximately 28% of the Company’s labor force at December 31, 2014.  Approximately 5% of the Company’s labor force is operating under collective bargaining agreements that expired on December 31, 2014 as the Company continues to work towards obtaining new agreements.  The Company’s other collective bargaining agreements expire during 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company applies ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation.” In accordance with guidance within ASC 718, compensation expense for stock options is recorded over the vesting period using the fair value on the date of grant, as calculated by the Company using the Black-Scholes model. For time vested restricted stock awards, the nonvested restricted stock grant date fair value, which is the market price of the underlying common stock, is expensed over the vesting period. For certain performance based stock awards, the initial grant date fair value of the performance stock awards that vest subject to a market condition is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the performance period.  For certain performance based stock awards that vest subject to a performance condition, the initial grant date fair value is the market price of the underlying common stock.  This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the performance period when it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.  The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are more fully described in Note 11.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and customer receivables. The Company places its cash with financial institutions and invests in low-risk, highly liquid instruments. With respect to customer receivables, the Company believes that it has no significant concentration of credit risk as no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of gross annual revenues as of December 31, 2014.  The Company closely monitors the credit risk associated with its customers and to date has not experienced material losses.
Concentration of Deposit Risk	Concentration of Deposit Risk
	From time to time, the Company could have cash deposited with financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $3.1 million and zero, respectively, of cash deposits with U.S. financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits.  The Company’s foreign subsidiaries held cash and cash equivalents of $41.7 million and $27.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Generally, cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries are not readily available for use in the United States without adverse tax consequences.
Fair Value	Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		·	Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
		·	Level 2 — Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
		·	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Excluding Derivative Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Excluding Derivative Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments, excluding derivative instruments, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term debt as well as accounts receivable and accounts payable. The fair value of the cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their carrying value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.
Leases	Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities, equipment and vehicles.  Certain of the Company’s leases contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses and landlord incentives.  Renewal terms generally reflect market rates at the time of renewal.  Rent expense for noncancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases or landlord incentives is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any applicable rent holidays, beginning with the lease commencement date.  The excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payment amounts and landlord incentives is recorded as a deferred liability.
Reclassification	Reclassification
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.  Refer to Note 19 for reclassifications made to include amortization expense in income from operations for the Company’s segments.  In addition, the Company has also presented depreciation and amortization by segment.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date”.  ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors.  ASU 2013-04 also requires the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations to be disclosed. The new guidance is effective for fiscal and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2014, and the adoption has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”.  ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent one of these items is not available at the reporting date; the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.  This new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU, No. 2014-09, “Revenue (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance.  The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers 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 by applying five steps listed in the guidance.  ASU 2014-09 also requires disclosure of both quantitative and qualitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customers.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company is evaluating the provisions of this ASU and assessing the impact it may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges.
Summary of restructuring plan and activity in restructuring reserve	(Dollars in thousands)	Employee			Asset			Gain on			Other			Total			Employees
		Termination			Write-offs			Sale						Restructuring			Impacted
		Benefits												Activity
	Restructuring charges	$	5,777		$	4,000		$	—		$	434		$	10,211		120
	Payments	(1,182		)	—			—			(434		)	(1,616		)	(53	)
	Pension settlement	(1,369		)	—			—			—			(1,369		)	—
	Non-cash charges	—			(4,000		)	—			—			(4,000		)	—
	Accrual at December 31, 2012	3,226			—			—			—			3,226			67
	Restructuring charges (income)	357			—			(578		)	92			(129		)	4
	Payments	(3,048		)	—			—			(92		)	(3,140		)	(67	)
	Non-cash charges	—			—			578			—			578			—
	Accrual at December 31, 2013	535			—			—			—			535			4
	Restructuring charges (income)	(130		)	—			(122		)	—			(252		)	—
	Payments	(87		)	—			—			—			(87		)	(2	)
	Non-cash charges	(38		)	—			122			—			84			—
	Accrual at December 31, 2014	$	280		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	280		2

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Schedule of inventories		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	26,860	$	31,603
	Finished goods	71,586		77,914
	Total	$	98,446	$	109,517

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Schedule of property, plant and equipment		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	26,209		$	27,731
	Buildings	68,046			70,433
	Machinery, equipment and customer capital	466,223			462,300
	Computer hardware and software	27,158			26,816
	Furniture and vehicles	8,570			9,749
	Construction-in-progress	29,194			27,836
		625,400			624,865
	Less accumulated depreciation	(334,814		)	(358,016		)
	Net	$	290,586		$	266,849

Goodwill_and_Other_Identifiabl1

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
Schedule of changes in carrying amount of goodwill by segment
		Activated
		Carbon and			Equipment			Consumer
	(Dollars in thousands)	Service Segment			Segment			Segment			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	20,310		$	6,660		$	60		$	27,030
	Restructuring (Note 2)	(419		)	—			—			(419		)
	Foreign currency translation	70			(129		)	—			(59		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	19,961			6,531			60			26,552
	Foreign currency translation	(208		)	(147		)	—			(355		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	19,753		$	6,384		$	60		$	26,197
Summary of identifiable intangible assets		December 31, 2014
		Weighted
		Average		Gross									Net
		Amortization		Carrying			Foreign			Accumulated			Carrying
	(Dollars in thousands)	Period		Amount			Exchange			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents	20.0 Years		$	676		$	—		$	(636	)	$	40
	Customer Relationships	15.9 Years		10,450			(270		)	(9,198		)	982
	Product Certification	6.0 Years		9,470			(62		)	(5,182		)	4,226
	Unpatented Technology	18.4 Years		3,183			—			(2,722		)	461
	Licenses	20.0 Years		964			(117		)	(275		)	572
	Total	12.7 Years		$	24,743		$	(449	)	$	(18,013	)	$	6,281
		December 31, 2013
		Weighted
		Average		Gross									Net
		Amortization		Carrying			Foreign			Accumulated			Carrying
	(Dollars in thousands)	Period		Amount			Exchange			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Patents	20.0 Years		$	676		$	—		$	(592	)	$	84
	Customer Relationships	15.9 Years		10,450			(209		)	(8,777		)	1,464
	Product Certification	5.4 Years		7,905			(34		)	(5,237		)	2,634
	Unpatented Technology	18.4 Years		3,183			—			(2,457		)	726
	Licenses	20.0 Years		964			(43		)	(227		)	694
	Total	12.9 Years		$	23,178		$	(286	)	$	(17,290	)	$	5,602
Schedule of estimated amortization expense to be recognized during next five years	For the year ending December 31:	(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	1,757
	2016	1,530
	2017	766
	2018	569
	2019	361

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Schedule of carrying amount, fair value, and classification within fair value hierarchy of financial instrument assets (liabilities)		Fair Value	December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Hierarchy	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Level	Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Derivative assets	2	$	2,155		$	2,155		$	1,874		$	1,874
	Derivative liabilities	2	(861		)	(861		)	(423		)	(423		)
	Acquisition earn-out liability	2	(670		)	(670		)	(850		)	(850		)
	Short-term debt	2	(833		)	(833		)	(2,172		)	(2,172		)
	Long-term debt	2	(70,448		)	(70,448		)	(32,114		)	(32,114		)

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments
Schedule of fair value of outstanding derivative contracts	(Dollars in thousands)			December 31
	Asset Derivatives	Balance Sheet Locations		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		$	1,665		$	850
	Natural gas contracts	Other current assets		—			189
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets		182			94
	Natural gas contracts	Other assets		—			13
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other current assets		308			728
	Total asset derivatives			$	2,155		$	1,874
	(Dollars in thousands)			December 31
	Liability Derivatives	Balance Sheet Locations		2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	—		$	391
	Natural gas contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		427			—
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accrued pension and other liabilities		—			27
	Natural gas contracts	Accrued pension and other liabilities		372			—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		62			5
	Total liability derivatives			$	861		$	423
Schedule of outstanding derivative contracts		December 31
	(in thousands except for mmbtu)	2014			2013			2012
	Natural gas contracts (mmbtu)	810,000			525,000			235,000
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	41,237		$	44,110		$	42,399
Schedule of gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value
		of Assets			of Liabilities			of Assets			of Liabilities
	Gross derivative amounts recognized in the balance sheet	$	2,155		$	861		$	1,874		$	423
	Gross derivative amounts not offset in the balance sheet that are eligible for offsetting	(26		)	(26		)	(423		)	(423		)
	Net  amount	$	2,129		$	835		$	1,451		$	—
Schedule of effective portion and ineffective portion of gain or loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
		in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	2,095		$	1,326		$	612
	Natural gas contracts	(782		)	135			(274		)
	Total	$	1,313		$	1,461		$	338
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from
		Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion) (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	484		$	1,018		$	530
	Natural gas contracts	221			(555		)	(1,595		)
	Total	$	705		$	463		$	(1,065	)
	(1) Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates as of December 31, 2014, a gain of $1.6 million is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
		in Earnings on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion
		and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	—		$	198		$	(30	)
	Total	$	—		$	198		$	(30	)
Schedule of fair value gains and losses on derivative contracts not qualified for hedge accounting treatment
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
		in Earnings on Derivatives
	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments:	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	(511	)	$	1,256		$	963
	Total	$	(511	)	$	1,256		$	963

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties
Schedule of change in warranty reserve		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance as of January 1	$	2,196		$	2,072
	Payments and replacement product	(1,210		)	(756		)
	Additions to warranty reserve for warranties issued during the period	647			916
	Change in the warranty reserve for pre-existing warranties	(184		)	(36		)
	Balance as of December 31	$	1,449		$	2,196

Borrowing_Arrangements_Tables

Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Borrowing Arrangements
Schedule of short-term debt	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Short-Term Debt	2014		2013
	Borrowings under Japanese Working Capital Loan	$	833	$	1,900
	Borrowings under Chinese Credit Facility	—		272
	Total	$	833	$	2,172
Schedule of long-term debt	(Dollars in thousands)	December 31
	Long-Term Debt	2014		2013
	U.S. Credit Agreement Borrowings	66,700		$	26,250
	Japanese Term Loan Borrowings	3,748		5,699
	Belgian Loan Borrowings	—		165
	Total	$	70,448	$	32,114

Pensions_Tables

Pensions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
U.S. Plans
Pensions
Reconciliation of changes in plans' benefit obligations, fair value of assets and funded status	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
	Projected benefit obligations as of January 1		$	102,309		$	116,620
	Service cost		895			1,165
	Interest cost		4,815			4,423
	Actuarial loss (gain)		17,544			(14,471		)
	Benefits paid		(3,831		)	(5,428		)
	Settlement		(4,413		)	—
	Projected benefit obligations as of December 31		117,319			102,309
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets as of January 1		99,784			88,184
	Actual return on plan assets		5,329			14,186
	Employer contributions		1,526			2,842
	Benefits paid		(3,831		)	(5,428		)
	Settlement		(4,413		)	—
	Fair value of plan assets as of December 31		98,395			99,784
	Funded status as of December 31		$	(18,924	)	$	(2,525	)
	Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets:
	Noncurrent asset		$	280		$	2,470
	Current liability — Accrued benefit cost		(82		)	(82		)
	Noncurrent liability — Accrued benefit cost		(19,122		)	(4,913		)
	Net amount recognized		$	(18,924	)	$	(2,525	)
Schedule of amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Accumulated prior service cost		$	15		$	89
	Accumulated net actuarial loss		38,606			20,752
	Net amount recognized, before tax effect		$	38,621		$	20,841
Schedule of assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:		2014		2013
	Discount rate		4.01	%	4.88	%
	Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.00	%	3.50	%
Schedule of fair values of pension plans assets
			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	2,610		$	—		$	2,610		$	—
	Equity Securities
	Large Cap (a)		21,252			21,252			—			—
	Small/Mid Cap (b)		12,906			12,906			—			—
	Equities Blend (c)		826			826			—			—
	International Equity (d)		9,036			9,036			—			—
	Emerging Markets (e)		5,852			5,852			—			—
	Fixed Income Securities
	Corporate Bonds (f)		19,179			1,107			18,072			—
	Government Bonds (g)		15,045			11,968			3,077			—
	International Bonds (h)		2,588			—			2,588			—
	Mortgage/Asset Backed (i)		4,089			—			4,089			—
	Miscellaneous
	Commodities (j)		3,077			3,077			—			—
	Real Estate (k)		1,935			1,935			—			—
	Total		$	98,395		$	67,959		$	30,436		$	—
			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	2,010		$	174		$	1,836		$	—
	Equity Securities
	Large Cap (a)		21,139			21,139			—			—
	Small/Mid Cap (b)		13,446			13,446			—			—
	Equities Blend (c)		715			715			—			—
	International Equity (d)		9,532			9,532			—			—
	Emerging Markets (e)		6,402			6,402			—			—
	Fixed Income Securities
	Corporate Bonds (f)		23,563			16,489			7,074			—
	Government Bonds (g)		11,490			10,820			670			—
	Mortgage/Asset Backed (i)		6,140			—			6,140			—
	Miscellaneous
	Commodities (j)		3,383			3,383			—			—
	Real Estate (k)		1,964			1,964			—			—
	Total		$	99,784		$	84,064		$	15,720		$	—
		(a)		This category consists of growth and value strategies investing primarily in the common stock of large capitalization companies located in the United States.  Growth oriented strategies seek companies within the Russell 1000 Growth Universe with above average earnings, growth, and revenue expectations.  Value oriented strategies seek companies within the Russell 1000 Value Universe that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value.  These strategies are benchmarked against the Russell 1000 Growth and Value Indices, respectively.
		(b)		This category consists of growth and value strategies investing primarily in the common stock of mid and small capitalization companies located in the United States that are either undervalued relative to their intrinsic value or have above average growth and revenue expectations.  These strategies are benchmarked to the Russell 2500 Growth and Value Indices, respectively.
		(c)		This category invests in the common stock of primarily U.S. companies across the capitalization spectrum (Large, Mid, and Small Cap) that are undervalued relative to their intrinsic value or represent growth opportunities.  This strategy is benchmarked to the Russell 3000 Index.
		(d)		This category consists of international equity securities represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. This strategy is benchmarked to the MSCI EAFE Index.
		(e)		This category invests in all types of capitalization companies operating in global emerging markets outside the United States. The strategy targets broad diversification across various economic sectors in 21 emerging economies.  This category is benchmarked to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
		(f)		This category invests primarily in investment grade corporate securities.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index.
		(g)		This category includes securities and mutual funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of longer duration bonds.  The funds typically invest primarily in U.S. investment grade securities.  The portfolio has an average duration that normally varies within two years (plus or minus) of the benchmark.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Capital Long-Term Government/Credit Index.
		(h)		This category includes securities and mutual funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of longer duration foreign bonds.  This category is benchmarked to the Barclays Global Aggregate Index.
		(i)		This category invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities which cover the mortgage backed securities component of the Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index.  This category is benchmarked against the Barclays Mortgage-Backed Securities Index.
		(j)		This fund invests in assets of commodity linked derivative instruments and fixed income securities.  The fund is benchmarked against the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index Total Return.
		(k)		This fund normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity related securities of real estate companies and other real estate securities.  Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in at least three different countries and at least 40% of the total assets are in foreign securities.  This strategy is benchmarked to the Lipper Global Real Estate Funds Average.
Schedule of projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation			Projected Benefit Obligation						Accumulated Benefit Obligation
			Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets						Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	107,682		$	53,699		$	107,682		$	53,699
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	103,690		$	50,188		$	103,690		$	50,188
	Fair value of plan assets		$	88,478		$	48,704		$	88,478		$	48,704
Schedule of information about expected cash flows for pension plans
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Employer contributions
	2015		$	—
	Benefit Payments
	2015		$	6,853
	2016		6,861
	2017		6,215
	2018		6,627
	2019		7,222
	2020 – 2024		35,568
Schedule of components of net periodic pension costs
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	895		$	1,165		$	1,059
	Interest cost		4,815			4,423			4,796
	Expected return on assets		(7,541		)	(6,660		)	(6,166		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		74			74			74
	Net actuarial loss amortization		877			3,519			3,430
	Settlement		1,025			—			1,369
	Net periodic pension cost		$	145		$	2,521		$	4,562
Schedule of other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Current year actuarial (loss) gain		$	(19,756	)	$	21,997
	Amortization of actuarial loss		877			3,519
	Amortization of prior service cost		74			74
	Settlement		1,025			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(17,780	)	$	25,590
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(17,925	)	$	23,069
Schedule of estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost	(Dollars in thousands)
	Prior service cost		$	15
	Net actuarial loss		2,736
	Total as of December 31		$	2,751
Schedule of assumptions used in measurement of net periodic pension cost			2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate		4.88	%	3.92	%	4.67	%
	Expected annual return on plan assets		7.75	%	7.75	%	7.75	%
	Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.50	%	4.00	%	4.00	%
European Plans
Pensions
Reconciliation of changes in plans' benefit obligations, fair value of assets and funded status	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
	Projected benefit obligations as of January 1		$	42,367		$	42,417
	Service cost		342			314
	Interest cost		1,653			1,511
	Employee contributions		88			103
	Actuarial loss		4,097			1,178
	Benefits paid		(1,781		)	(1,550		)
	Settlement		—			(1,249		)
	Other		—			(1,689		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(3,880		)	1,332
	Projected benefit obligations as of December 31		42,886			42,367
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets as of January 1		29,586			28,177
	Actual return on plan assets		3,529			1,395
	Employer contributions		1,979			1,875
	Employee contributions		88			103
	Benefits paid		(1,781		)	(1,550		)
	Settlement		—			(1,249		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2,376		)	835
	Fair value of plan assets as of December 31		31,025			29,586
	Funded Status as of December 31		$	(11,861	)	$	(12,781	)
	Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheets:
	Noncurrent asset		$	1,046		$	603
	Current liability — Accrued benefit cost		(498		)	(561		)
	Noncurrent liability — Accrued benefit cost		(12,409		)	(12,823		)
	Net amount recognized		$	(11,861	)	$	(12,781	)
Schedule of amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Accumulated net actuarial loss		$	8,076		$	7,022
	Net amount recognized, before tax effect		$	8,076		$	7,022
Schedule of assumptions used to determine benefit obligations			2014		2013
	Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate		3.00	%	3.92	%
	Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.38	%	3.50	%
Schedule of fair values of pension plans assets			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	611		$	611		$	—		$	—
	Equity Securities
	M&G PP Discretionary Fund (a)		4,922			4,922			—			—
	Global Equity 60-40 Index (b)		5,475			5,475			—			—
	Fixed Income Securities
	Delta Lloyd Fixed Income (c)		3,481			—			—			3,481
	Corporate Bonds (d)		5,417			5,417			—			—
	Government Bonds (e)		7,628			7,628			—			—
	Real Estate (f)		2,192			2,192			—			—
	Insurance Reserves (g)		1,299			—			—			1,299
	Total		$	31,025		$	26,245		$	—		$	4,780
			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
						Quoted Prices
						In Active			Significant			Significant
						Markets for			Observable			Unobservable
	(Dollars in thousands)					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
	Asset Category		Total			(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		$	542		$	542		$	—		$	—
	Equity Securities
	M&G PP Discretionary Fund (a)		4,498			4,498			—			—
	Global Equity 60-40 Index (b)		5,667			5,667			—			—
	Fixed Income Securities
	Delta Lloyd Fixed Income (c)		4,207			—			—			4,207
	Corporate Bonds (d)		4,779			4,779			—			—
	Government Bonds (e)		6,384			6,384			—			—
	Real Estate (f)		2,034			2,034			—			—
	Insurance Reserves (g)		1,475			—			—			1,475
	Total		$	29,586		$	23,904		$	—		$	5,682
		(a)		This fund invests in a mix of UK and overseas equity shares, bonds, property and cash. The fund is actively managed against its benchmark of the CAPS Balanced Pooled Fund Median. A prudent approach of diversification by both location and investment type is employed by the fund and both active stock selection and asset allocation are used to add value.
		(b)		This index fund invests 60% in the UK Equity Index Fund and 40% in overseas index funds. The overseas portion has a target allocation of 14% in North American funds, 14% in European funds (not including the UK), 7% in Japanese funds, and 5% in Pacific Basin funds (not including Japan).
		(c)		This category invests in 6 year Fixed Income investments with Delta Lloyd.
		(d)		This category invests in the M&G PP Discretionary Fund, the AAA Fixed interest - Over 15 Year Fund, and the M&G PP Long Dates Corporate Bond Fund. These funds, respectively, invest primarily in investment grade corporate bonds, as well as other debt instruments, including higher yielding corporate bonds, government debt, convertible and preferred stocks, money market instruments and equities; and in long-dated sterling denominated AAA-rated corporate bonds, as well as smaller holdings in gilts - both providing a fixed rate of interest.
		(e)		This category invests mainly in long term gilts through the M&G PP Super Long Index Linked Fund and the M&G PP Discretionary Fund.
		(f)		This category invests in the M&G UK Property Fund. The fund invests directly in commercial properties in the UK and is actively managed against its IPD real estate benchmark. The fund is well diversified investing in the retail, office, and industrial sectors of the market. A small portion of this category is also held in the M&G PP Discretionary Fund.
		(g)		This category invests in individual insurance policies in the name of the individual plan members.
Schedule of changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs	(Dollars in thousands)		Delta Lloyd			Insurance
			Fixed Income			Reserves
	Balance as of January 1, 2013		$	4,058		$	1,466
	Purchases		814			160
	Sales/Maturities		(837		)	(211		)
	Foreign currency translation		172			60
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		4,207			1,475
	Purchases		—			163
	Sales/Maturities		(259		)	(166		)
	Foreign currency translation		(467		)	(173		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	3,481		$	1,299
Schedule of projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation			Projected Benefit Obligation						Accumulated Benefit Obligation
			Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets						Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	31,333		$	31,485		$	31,333		$	31,485
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	29,698		$	29,568		$	29,698		$	29,568
	Fair value of plan assets		$	18,426		$	18,101		$	18,426		$	18,101
Schedule of information about expected cash flows for pension plans	(Dollars in thousands)
	Employer contributions
	2015		$	1,860
	Benefit Payments
	2015		$	3,017
	2016		1,817
	2017		1,272
	2018		1,265
	2019		1,314
	2020 – 2024		7,863
Schedule of components of net periodic pension costs			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	342		$	314		$	148
	Interest cost		1,653			1,511			1,640
	Expected return on assets		(1,549		)	(1,263		)	(1,232		)
	Net actuarial loss amortization		245			203			15
	Settlement		—			279			—
	Net periodic pension cost		$	691		$	1,044		$	571
Schedule of other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Current year actuarial loss		$	(2,117	)	$	(1,046	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		245			203
	Settlement		—			279
	Foreign currency exchange		818			(292		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,054	)	$	(856	)
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(1,745	)	$	(1,900	)
Schedule of estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost	(Dollars in thousands)
	Total net actuarial loss as of December 31		$	232
Schedule of assumptions used in measurement of net periodic pension cost			2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average actuarial assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate		3.92	%	3.99	%	5.00	%
	Expected annual return on plan assets		5.23	%	4.91	%	4.92	%
	Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Table

Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Compensation Plans
Summary of status and activity of employee and non-employee directors' nonvested stock awards				Weighted-					Weighted-				Weighted-
				Average			ROC		Average		TSR		Average
		Restricted		Grant Date			Performance		Grant Date		Performance		Grant Date
		Stock		Fair Value			Stock		Fair Value		Stock		Fair Value
		Awards		(per share)			Awards (a)		(per share)		Awards(a)		(per share)
	Nonvested as of January 1, 2014	222,753		$	15.99		58,388		$	15.83	49,514		$	18.72
	Granted	98,989		20.83			29,203		20.54		28,042		21.39
	Vested	(97,579	)	15.82			—		—		(8,376	)	15.58
	Forfeited	(4,332	)	17.41			(10,317	)	13.57		(610	)	15.58
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014	219,831		$	18.22		77,274		$	17.91	68,570		$	20.23
	(a)   The number of shares shown for the performance stock awards is based on the target number of share awards.
Employee stock options
Stock Compensation Plans
Summary of status and activity of stock options							Weighted-Average
							Remaining		Aggregate
				Weighted-Average			Contractual Term		Intrinsic Value
		Shares		Exercise Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2014	702,737		$	15.7		5.63		$	3,508
	Granted	344,299		21.31
	Exercised	(143,923	)	14.8
	Forfeited	(11,893	)	17.87
	Expired	(1,003	)	13.89
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	890,217		$	17.99		5.32		$	2,742
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	890,217		$	17.99		5.32		$	2,742
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	388,860		$	15.43		4.42		$	2,134
Schedule of assumptions used to calculate fair values of stock option grants		Year Ended December 31
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per stock option	$		$		$
		4.48		4.51		5.28
	Expected dividend yield	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
	Expected volatility	21 – 22%		31%		42 – 44%
	Risk-free interest rates	1.51 – 1.73%		0.78%		0.58 – 0.90%
	Expected lives of options	4 years		4 years		4 years
Total Shareholder Return | Performance stock awards
Stock Compensation Plans
Schedule of significant assumptions used for performance stock awards		Year Ended December 31
		2014		2013		2012
	Dividend yield	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
	Expected volatility	31.5%		37.8%		43.2%
	Risk-free interest rates	0.68%		0.34%		0.39%
	Performance period	3 years		3 years		3 years
Schedule of historical vesting of performance stock awards	Year	TSR		Payout		Shares
		Performance
	Vested	Period		Level		Issued
	2012	2009-2011		52	%	8,528
	2013	2010-2012		0	%	—
	2014	2011-2013		93	%	8,376
Directors | Non employee stock options
Stock Compensation Plans
Summary of status and activity of stock options							Weighted-Average
				Weighted-Average			Remaining		Aggregate
				Average			Contractual Term		Intrinsic Value
		Shares		Exercise Price			(in years)		(in thousands)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2014	61,922		$	6.73		2.29		$	803
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(10,667	)	6.55
	Forfeited	—		—
	Expired	—		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	51,255		$	6.76		1.61		$	664

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax												Total
			Foreign			Defined						Accumulated
			Currency			Benefit						Other
			Translation			Pension Plan						Comprehensive
	(Dollars in thousands)		Adjustments			Adjustments			Derivatives			Income (Loss)
	Balance as of January 1, 2013, net of tax		$	17,098		$	(33,718	)	$	93		$	(16,527	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		727			12,913			689			14,329
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,032		)	2,355			(265		)	1,058
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(305		)	15,268			424			15,387
	Balance as of December 31, 2013, net of tax		$	16,793		$	(18,450	)	$	517		$	(1,140	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(14,850		)	(12,669		)	789			(26,730		)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		—			761			(401		)	360
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,850		)	(11,908		)	388			(26,370		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014, net of tax		$	1,943		$	(30,358	)	$	905		$	(27,510	)
Schedule of details about components and amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(Dollars in thousands)		Amount Reclassified from						Affected Line Item in the
	Details about		Accumulated Other
			Comprehensive Income (Loss) (1)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Year Ended December 31						Statement where
	Income (Loss) Components		2014			2013			Net Income is Presented
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
	Sale of foreign subsidiary		$	—		$	1,032		Restructuring (2)
			—			1,032			Total before tax
			—			—			Tax (expense) or benefit
			$	—		$	1,032		Net of tax
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments:
	Prior-service costs		$	(74	)	$	(74	)	-3
	Actuarial losses		(1,122		)	(3,722		)	-3
			(1,196		)	(3,796		)	Total before tax
			435			1,441			Tax benefit
			$	(761	)	$	(2,355	)	Net of tax
	Derivatives:
	Foreign exchange contracts		$	484		$	1,018		Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
	Natural gas contracts		221			(555		)	Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
			705			463			Total before tax
			(304		)	(198		)	Tax expense
			$	401		$	265		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(360	)	$	(1,058	)	Net of tax
		-1		Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to income/loss.
		-2		The adjustment for 2013 relates to the Company’s sale of its activated carbon manufacturing facility in Datong, China.
		-3		These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit) included in other comprehensive income (loss)			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Defined benefit pension plan		$	(7,202	)	$	9,840		$	(2,500	)
	Derivatives		184			358			570

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_P1

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income per common share		For the Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	49,370	$	45,713	$	23,272
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Basic	53,042,253		53,897,834		56,304,636
	Effect of Dilutive Securities	898,559		773,195		530,924
	Diluted	53,940,812		54,671,029		56,835,560
	Basic net income per common share	$	0.93	$	0.85	$	0.41
	Diluted net income per common share	$	0.92	$	0.84	$	0.41

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Tab

Provision for Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Provision for Income Taxes
Schedule of components of provision for income taxes			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal		$	6,200		$	6,180		$	9,039
	State and local		1,587			1,739			526
	Foreign		6,138			8,632			4,056
			13,925			16,551			13,621
	Deferred
	Federal		7,506			5,950			(47		)
	State and local		488			(248		)	178
	Foreign		1,219			(767		)	312
			9,213			4,935			443
	Provision for income taxes		$	23,138		$	21,486		$	14,064
Schedule of differences between U.S. federal statutory tax rate and effective income tax rate			Year Ended December 31
			2014		2013		2012
	U.S. federal statutory rate		35	%	35	%	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		2.2		0.8		2
	Tax rate differential on foreign income		(2.9	)	(1.5	)	(2.0	)
	Nonrecurring adjustments related to sale of foreign subsidiary		—		(2.2	)	2.8
	Permanent tax differences		0.3		(1.4	)	(1.9	)
	Valuation allowance		—		1.5		1.5
	Settlement of uncertain tax positions		(1.9	)	—		—
	Tax statute expiration		(0.6	)	(0.6	)	(0.8	)
	Change in uncertain tax positions		0.1		0.3		0.6
	Other — net		(0.3	)	0.1		0.5
	Effective income tax rate		31.9	%	32	%	37.7	%
Schedule of gross operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards			Amount
	Type		(Thousands)			Expiration Date
	Foreign tax credits		$	258		2017
	Capital loss carryforwards		765			2018
	State tax credits(1)		2,375			2023 - 2027
	Operating loss carryforwards — federal		614			2029
	Operating loss carryforwards — state(2)		16,427			2015 - 2034
	Operating loss carryforwards — foreign(3)		10,490			2018 - unlimited
		-1		Of the total state tax credit carryforwards, approximately 46% begin to expire in 2023.
		-2		Of the total state operating loss-carryforwards, approximately 92% expire in 2020 or later.
		-3		Of the total foreign tax operating loss carryforwards, approximately 77% have no expiration.
Schedule of components of deferred taxes			December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss and credit carryforwards (1) (2)		$	5,736		$	5,548
	Accruals		10,524			11,198
	Inventories		12,856			12,271
	Pensions		10,670			4,725
	Valuation allowance		(2,576		)	(988		)
	Total deferred tax assets		37,210			32,754
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant and equipment		$	39,708		$	31,951
	Goodwill and other intangible assets		6,039			5,879
	U.S. liability on Belgian and German net deferred tax assets		829			1,248
	Total deferred tax liabilities		46,576			39,078
	Net deferred tax liability(3)		$	(9,366	)	$	(6,324	)
		-1		Uncertain tax liabilities of approximately $0.3 million partially offset the net operating losses and credit carryforwards in each 2014 and 2013.
		-2		Net indirect benefits on uncertain tax liabilities of approximately $74 thousand and $1.0 million are included in the U.S. net operating loss and credit carryforwards in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		-3		A current deferred tax liability of $0.2 million is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities within the 2014 consolidated balance sheet.
Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized income tax benefits			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Balance as of January 1		$	3,435		$	4,141		$	4,078
	Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		—			—			53
	Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		—			(438		)	—
	Gross increases for tax positions of current year		75			122			647
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(500		)	(390		)	(637		)
	Settlement of uncertain tax positions		(1,823		)	—			—
	Balance as of December 31		$	1,187		$	3,435		$	4,141
Summary of tax years that remain subject to examination for major jurisdictions	Jurisdiction		Years
	United States		2011 – 2014
	Kentucky		2010 – 2014
	Pennsylvania		2011 – 2014
	Belgium		2011 – 2014
	Canada		2010 – 2014
	Germany		2010 – 2014
	United Kingdom		2011 – 2014
	Japan		2009 – 2014

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments
Schedule of total payments made for purchases under long-term supply contracts		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Raw and other materials	$	38,096	$	40,170	$	30,802
	Transportation	11,461		9,794		9,731
	Information systems and services	2,163		2,746		4,505
	Total payments	$	51,720	$	52,710	$	45,038
Schedule of future minimum purchase requirements under terms of long-term supply contracts		Due in
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
	Raw and other materials	$	30,118	$	20,081	$	20,105	$	20,130	$	721	$	2,164
	Transportation	1,575		131		—		—		—		—
	Information systems and services	2,026		—		—		—		—		—
	Total contractual cash obligations	$	33,719	$	20,212	$	20,105	$	20,130	$	721	$	2,164

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Information
Schedule of results of operations and total assets by segment			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	498,212		$	482,278		$	485,755
	Equipment		45,319			54,935			66,050
	Consumer		11,572			10,726			10,450
	Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
	Income (loss) from operations before restructuring
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	78,114		$	71,017		$	48,709
	Equipment		(5,657		)	(4,041		)	(440		)
	Consumer		1,896			1,784			1,803
			$	74,353		$	68,760		$	50,072
	Reconciling items:
	Restructuring income (charges) (Note 2)		252			129			(10,211		)
	Interest income		77			136			35
	Interest expense		(263		)	(462		)	(80		)
	Other expense — net		(1,911		)	(1,364		)	(2,480		)
	Income before income tax provision		$	72,508		$	67,199		$	37,336
			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Depreciation and amortization
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	26,820		$	25,395		$	23,197
	Equipment		3,049			2,907			2,494
	Consumer		601			636			629
	Consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	30,470		$	28,938		$	26,320
	Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	60,470		$	25,885		$	56,291
	Equipment		2,947			3,325			550
	Consumer		495			347			385
	Consolidated property, plant and equipment expenditures (1)		$	63,912		$	29,557		$	57,226
		-1		Includes $2.2 million, $0.5 million and $1.5 million which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
			December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Total assets
	Activated Carbon and Service		$	564,734		$	527,430		$	510,550
	Equipment		50,610			55,558			60,191
	Consumer		6,317			7,090			7,028
	Consolidated total assets		$	621,661		$	590,078		$	577,769
Schedule of net sales by product			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Carbon products		$	474,222		$	460,681		$	465,885
	Capital equipment		41,238			49,036			61,588
	Equipment leasing		16,598			15,127			13,886
	Carbon cloth products		11,564			10,721			10,422
	Spare parts		4,081			5,899			4,462
	Other services		7,400			6,475			6,012
	Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
Schedule of geographic information for net sales			Year Ended December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales
	United States		$	261,849		$	272,644		$	261,167
	United Kingdom		46,049			40,215			37,991
	Japan		45,261			60,804			71,141
	France		28,575			27,969			21,456
	Canada		21,910			16,945			17,861
	Germany		20,656			18,784			20,120
	South Korea		18,692			7,364			20,178
	China		17,166			15,832			15,179
	Belgium		11,166			10,690			10,112
	Singapore		6,418			9,364			10,380
	Netherlands		5,466			5,283			6,009
	Switzerland		4,937			5,334			4,683
	Norway		4,641			3,138			3,589
	Brazil		4,568			3,194			1,025
	Spain		4,049			3,806			4,049
	Other		53,700			46,573			57,315
	Consolidated net sales		$	555,103		$	547,939		$	562,255
Schedule of geographic information for long-lived assets			December 31
	(Dollars in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
	Long-lived assets
	United States		$	205,429		$	169,786		$	161,806
	Belgium		52,943			64,567			66,077
	China		15,583			16,990			17,864
	United Kingdom		11,100			8,832			8,654
	Japan		5,309			6,334			7,908
	Canada		49			159			474
	Singapore		86			77			106
	Denmark		59			64			53
	Brazil		22			28			36
	Germany		6			12			15
	Consolidated long-lived assets		$	290,586		$	266,849		$	262,993

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED
Schedule of quarterly financial data - unaudited		2014								2013
	(Thousands except per share data)	1stQuarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter		1stQuarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	Net sales	$	131,632	$	145,132	$	137,699	$	140,640	$	135,040	$	140,432	$	139,375	$	133,092
	Net sales less cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)	$	44,169	$	49,879	$	47,593	$	50,448	$	42,625	$	46,375	$	46,374	$	45,603
	Net income	$	9,809	$	15,203	$	12,224	$	12,134	$	9,814	$	12,970	$	11,885	$	11,044
	Common Stock Data:
	Basic:
	Net income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.29	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.22	$	0.20
	Diluted:
	Net income per common share	$	0.18	$	0.28	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.18	$	0.24	$	0.22	$	0.20
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	53,608		52,942		52,857		52,773		53,620		53,799		53,900		54,265
	Diluted	54,525		53,845		53,759		53,649		54,200		54,547		54,764		55,160

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies2

Summary of Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Summary of Accounting Policies
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Land improvements and buildings | Minimum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	15 years
Land improvements and buildings | Maximum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	30 years
Furniture, machinery and equipment | Minimum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	5 years
Furniture, machinery and equipment | Maximum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	15 years
Customer capital | Minimum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	5 years
Customer capital | Maximum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	10 years
Vehicles
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	5 years
Computer hardware and software | Minimum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	5 years
Computer hardware and software | Maximum
Summary of Accounting Policies
Useful life	10 years

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies3

Summary of Accounting Policies (Details 2) (U.S. and European Qualified Plans)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Pensions
Inactive population for plan population to be considered "all or almost all" inactive (as a percent)	90.00%
Long-term corporate bonds | Minimum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	1
Long-term corporate bonds | Maximum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	2

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies4

Summary of Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash deposits
Cash deposits with U.S. financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits	3,100,000	$0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	53,133,000	32,942,000	18,161,000	13,574,000
Foreign subsidiaries
Cash deposits
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	41,700,000	$27,600,000
Labor force concentration risk | Collective bargaining agreements
Summary of Accounting Policies
Percentage of labor force covered	28.00%
Labor force concentration risk | Collective bargaining agreement that expired on December 31, 2014
Summary of Accounting Policies
Percentage of labor force covered	5.00%

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring (income) charges during year	($300,000)	($100,000)	$10,200,000
Proceeds from sale of assets (Note 2)	451,000
Restructuring reserve activity
Accrual at beginning of period	535,000	3,226,000
Restructuring (Note 2)	-252,000	-129,000	10,211,000
Payments	-87,000	-3,140,000	-1,616,000
Pension settlement			-1,369,000
Non-cash charges	84,000	578,000	-4,000,000
Accrual at end of period	280,000	535,000	3,226,000
Belgium warehouse
Restructuring Charges
Proceeds from sale of assets (Note 2)	500,000
Employee Termination Benefits
Restructuring reserve activity
Accrual at beginning of period	535,000	3,226,000
Restructuring (Note 2)	-130,000	357,000	5,777,000
Payments	-87,000	-3,048,000	-1,182,000
Pension settlement			-1,369,000
Non-cash charges	-38,000
Accrual at end of period	280,000	535,000	3,226,000
Asset Write-offs
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring (Note 2)			4,000,000
Non-cash charges			-4,000,000
Gain on Sale
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring (Note 2)	-122,000	-578,000
Non-cash charges	122,000	578,000
Other Costs
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring (Note 2)		92,000	434,000
Payments		-92,000	-434,000
Employees Impacted
Restructuring reserve activity
Number of employees remaining to be paid	4	67
Number of positions reduced		4	120
Number of employees to whom amount paid	-2	-67	-53
Number of employees remaining to be paid	2	4	67
Restructuring charges
Restructuring Charges
Termination benefits			4,400,000
Restructuring charges | Datong, China activated carbon manufacturing facility
Restructuring Charges
Pretax gain on sale		600,000
Impairment charges			3,600,000
Restructuring charges | Belgium warehouse
Restructuring Charges
Pretax gain on sale	100,000
Impairment charges			400,000
Restructuring charges | Gain on Sale | Datong, China activated carbon manufacturing facility
Restructuring Charges
Release of foreign currency translation adjustments		1,000,000
Charge for the write-off of goodwill		$400,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories
Raw materials	$26,860,000	$31,603,000
Finished goods	71,586,000	77,914,000
Total	98,446,000	109,517,000
Reserves for obsolete and slow-moving items	$2,300,000	$1,900,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$625,400,000	$624,865,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-334,814,000	-358,016,000
Net	290,586,000	266,849,000
Depreciation expense	28,200,000	26,800,000	24,300,000
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26,209,000	27,731,000
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	68,046,000	70,433,000
Machinery, equipment and customer capital
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	466,223,000	462,300,000
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	27,158,000	26,816,000
Furniture and vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,570,000	9,749,000
Construction-in-progress
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$29,194,000	$27,836,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Identifiabl2

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment information
Balance on the beginning of the period	$26,552	$27,030
Restructuring		-419
Foreign currency translation	-355	-59
Balance on the end of the period	26,197	26,552
Activated Carbon and Service
Segment information
Balance on the beginning of the period	19,961	20,310
Restructuring		-419
Foreign currency translation	-208	70
Balance on the end of the period	19,753	19,961
Equipment
Segment information
Balance on the beginning of the period	6,531	6,660
Foreign currency translation	-147	-129
Balance on the end of the period	6,384	6,531
Consumer
Segment information
Balance on the beginning of the period			60
Balance on the end of the period	$60	$60	$60

Goodwill_and_Other_Identifiabl3

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	12 years 8 months 12 days	12 years 10 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$24,743,000	$23,178,000
Foreign Exchange	-449,000	-286,000
Accumulated Amortization	-18,013,000	-17,290,000
Net Carrying Amount	6,281,000	5,602,000
Amortization expense	2,200,000	2,100,000	2,000,000
Estimated amortization expense to be recognized during the next five years
2015	1,757,000
2016	1,530,000
2017	766,000
2018	569,000
2019	361,000
Patents
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	20 years	20 years
Gross Carrying Amount	676,000	676,000
Accumulated Amortization	-636,000	-592,000
Net Carrying Amount	40,000	84,000
Customer Relationships
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	15 years 10 months 24 days	15 years 10 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	10,450,000	10,450,000
Foreign Exchange	-270,000	-209,000
Accumulated Amortization	-9,198,000	-8,777,000
Net Carrying Amount	982,000	1,464,000
Product Certification
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	6 years	5 years 4 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	9,470,000	7,905,000
Foreign Exchange	-62,000	-34,000
Accumulated Amortization	-5,182,000	-5,237,000
Net Carrying Amount	4,226,000	2,634,000
Unpatented Technology
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	18 years 4 months 24 days	18 years 4 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	3,183,000	3,183,000
Accumulated Amortization	-2,722,000	-2,457,000
Net Carrying Amount	461,000	726,000
Licenses
Goodwill & Intangible Assets
Weighted Average Amortization Period	20 years	20 years
Gross Carrying Amount	964,000	964,000
Foreign Exchange	-117,000	-43,000
Accumulated Amortization	-275,000	-227,000
Net Carrying Amount	$572,000	$694,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements
Derivative assets	$2,155	$1,874
Derivative liabilities	-861	-423
Carrying Amount
Fair Value Measurements
Derivative assets	2,155	1,874
Derivative liabilities	-861	-423
Acquisition earn-out liability	-670	-850
Carrying Amount | Short-term debt
Fair Value Measurements
Debt instrument	-833	-2,172
Carrying Amount | Long-term debt
Fair Value Measurements
Debt instrument	-70,448	-32,114
Fair Value | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Short-term debt
Fair Value Measurements
Debt instrument	-833	-2,172
Fair Value | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-term debt
Fair Value Measurements
Debt instrument	-70,448	-32,114
Fair Value | Recurring | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Measurements
Derivative assets	2,155	1,874
Derivative liabilities	-861	-423
Acquisition earn-out liability	($670)	($850)

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments
Percentage of the forecasted intercompany sales to be hedged by using foreign currency risk derivatives	75.00%
Percentage of the forecasted natural gas requirements to be hedged by using derivatives	75.00%
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments
Maturity period of derivatives	18 months
Foreign exchange option contracts
Derivative Instruments
Maturity period of derivatives	18 months
Natural gas contracts | Forward contracts
Derivative Instruments
Maturity period of derivatives	24 months

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	$2,155	$1,874
Liability Derivatives	861	423
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	1,665	850
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other assets
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	182	94
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives		391
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Accrued pension and other liabilities
Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives		27
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Natural gas contracts | Other current assets
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives		189
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Natural gas contracts | Other assets
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives		13
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Natural gas contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives	427
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Natural gas contracts | Accrued pension and other liabilities
Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives	372
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other current assets
Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives	308	728
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives	$62	$5

Derivative_Instruments_Details2

Derivative Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	MMBTU	MMBTU	MMBTU
Natural gas contracts
Derivative Instruments
Outstanding derivative contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions (in mmbtu)	810,000	525,000	235,000
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments
Outstanding derivative contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted transactions	41,237	44,110	42,399

Derivative_Instruments_Details3

Derivative Instruments (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Assets
Gross derivative amounts recognized in the balance sheet	$2,155	$1,874
Gross derivative amounts not offset in the balance sheet that are eligible for offsetting
Gross derivative amounts not offset that are eligible for offsetting	-26	-423
Net amount	$2,129	$1,451

Derivative_Instruments_Details4

Derivative Instruments (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Liabilities
Gross derivative amounts recognized in the balance sheet	$861	$423
Gross derivative amounts not offset in the balance sheet that are eligible for offsetting
Gross derivative amounts not offset that are eligible for offsetting	-26	-423
Net amount	$835

Derivative_Instruments_Details5

Derivative Instruments (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Amount of gain relating to accumulated OCI expected to be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months	$1,600,000
Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	1,313,000	1,461,000	338,000
Cash flow hedges | Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI in Income (Effective Portion)	705,000	463,000	-1,065,000
Cash flow hedges | Other expense - net
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		198,000	-30,000
Cash flow hedges | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	2,095,000	1,326,000	612,000
Cash flow hedges | Foreign exchange contracts | Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI in Income (Effective Portion)	484,000	1,018,000	530,000
Cash flow hedges | Foreign exchange contracts | Other expense - net
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		198,000	-30,000
Cash flow hedges | Natural gas contracts
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	-782,000	135,000	-274,000
Cash flow hedges | Natural gas contracts | Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI in Income (Effective Portion)	$221,000	($555,000)	($1,595,000)

Derivative_Instruments_Details6

Derivative Instruments (Details 7) (Other expense - net, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	($511)	$1,256	$963
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	($511)	$1,256	$963

Product_Warranties_Details

Product Warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Product Warranties
Warranty period from the shipment date	18 months
Warranty period from the project startup date	12 months
Change in warranty reserve
Beginning Balance	$2,196	$2,072
Payments and replacement product	-1,210	-756
Additions to warranty reserve for warranties issued during the period	647	916
Change in the warranty reserve for pre-existing warranties	-184	-36
Ending Balance	$1,449	$2,196

Borrowing_Arrangements_Details

Borrowing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt
Short-term debt	$833	$2,172
Japanese working capital loan
Short-term Debt
Short-term debt	833	1,900
Chinese Credit Facility
Short-term Debt
Short-term debt		$272

Borrowing_Arrangements_Details1

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt
Long-Term Debt	$70,448	$32,114
Japanese Term Loan due May 2017
Long-term Debt
Long-Term Debt	3,748	5,699
Belgian Loan
Long-term Debt
Long-Term Debt		165
U.S. Credit Agreement
Long-term Debt
Long-Term Debt	$66,700	$26,250

Borrowing_Arrangements_Details2

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 3)

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

10-May-13

10-May-13

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 06, 2014

Nov. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Nov. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Aug. 14, 2014

Aug. 14, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Japanese Term Loan due March 2013

Japanese Term Loan due March 2013

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Japanese Term Loan due May 2017

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

Japanese working capital loan

Japanese working capital loan

Japanese working capital loan

Japanese working capital loan

Japanese working capital loan

Chinese Credit Facility

Chinese Credit Facility

Uncommitted Revolving Loan Facility Letter

Uncommitted Revolving Loan Facility Letter

Uncommitted Revolving Loan Facility Letter

Uncommitted Revolving Loan Facility Letter

Belgian Loan

Belgian Loan

Belgian Loan

Belgian credit facility

Belgian credit facility

Belgian credit facility

Belgian credit facility

United Kingdom credit facility

United Kingdom credit facility

United Kingdom credit facility

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

Uncollateralized Overnight Call Rate

Uncollateralized Overnight Call Rate

Uncollateralized Overnight Call Rate

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

Permitted dividends

Permitted dividends

Revolving credit facility

Revolving credit facility

Revolving credit facility

Revolving credit facility

Revolving credit facility

Standby or letters of credit for trade

Swing loans

Loans or letters of credit in foreign denominated currencies

Delayed Draw Term Loans

Delayed Draw Term Loans

Delayed Draw Term Loans

Delayed Draw Term Loans

Delayed Draw Term Loans

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

Prime rate

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Bank guarantees

Bank guarantees

GBP (£)

Bank guarantees

Bank guarantees

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

CCJ

CCJ

CCJ

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Maximum

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

CCJ

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

item

Borrowing arrangements

Maximum borrowing capacity

¥ 1,000,000,000

$225,000,000

$75,000,000

$15,000,000

$50,000,000

$75,000,000

¥ 1,500,000,000

$1,600,000

10,000,000

$800,000

5,000,000

€ 2,000,000

£ 600,000

Extended term

1 year

Additional maturity period

1 year

Aggregate increase in borrowing capacity that may be requested

75,000,000

Borrowing period

2 years

Number of term loans

3

Minimum borrowing

15,000,000

Required quarterly repayments as a percentage of outstanding principal balance

2.50%

Debt issuance costs

800,000

Quarterly nonrefundable commitment fee payable (as a percent)

0.15%

0.15%

Rate of interest at balance sheet date (as a percent)

0.70%

0.70%

1.17%

1.31%

1.48%

Amount outstanding and recorded as long-term debt

3,700,000

450,000,000

5,700,000

600,000,000

21,700,000

26,300,000

45,000,000

0

Availability under the credit facility

201,100,000

196,600,000

30,000,000

75,000,000

0

Sum of availability under Credit Agreement and amount of U.S. cash on hand

50,000,000

Ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

275.00%

Principal amount

7,700,000

722,000,000

Basis for variable interest rate

Uncollateralized Overnight Call Rate

Short-term Prime Rate

Margin added to variable rate (as a percent)

0.60%

Amount outstanding and recorded as short-term debt

800,000

100,000,000

1,900,000

200,000,000

300,000

1,700,000

0

0

Amount outstanding

$200,000

€ 120,000

€ 0

€ 0

€ 900,000

€ 1,000,000

£ 400,000

£ 400,000

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.35%

5.35%

Borrowing_Arrangements_Details3

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Borrowing Arrangements
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding in 2015	$0.80
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding in 2016	4.5
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding in 2017	8.3
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding in 2018	4.5
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding in 2019	26.2
Liability to make principal payments on debt outstanding thereafter	27
Interest Expense
Interest expense	0.3	0.5	0.1
Interest costs capitalized	$0.60	$0.40	$0.70

Pensions_Details

Pensions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	plan	plan
Pensions
Settlement charge			$1,369,000
U.S. Plans
Pensions
Number of plans which do not allow participants to continue to earn benefits	2
Number of plans that offered participants to elect a lump sum payment of their respective pension benefits	2
Settlement charge	1,025,000		1,369,000
Increase in benefit obligation from change in mortality assumptions	5,800,000
Increase in benefit obligation from change in discount rate assumptions	12,300,000
Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
Projected benefit obligation as of beginning of year	102,309,000	116,620,000
Service cost	895,000	1,165,000	1,059,000
Interest cost	4,815,000	4,423,000	4,796,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	17,544,000	-14,471,000
Benefits paid	-3,831,000	-5,428,000
Settlement	-4,413,000
Projected benefit obligation as of end of year	117,319,000	102,309,000	116,620,000
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of year	99,784,000	88,184,000
Actual return on plan assets	5,329,000	14,186,000
Employer contributions	1,526,000	2,842,000
Benefits paid	-3,831,000	-5,428,000
Settlement	-4,413,000
Fair value of plan assets as of end of year	98,395,000	99,784,000	88,184,000
Funded status as of end of year	-18,924,000	-2,525,000
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets:
Noncurrent asset	280,000	2,470,000
Current liability - Accrued benefit cost	-82,000	-82,000
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	-19,122,000	-4,913,000
Net amount recognized	-18,924,000	-2,525,000
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist of:
Accumulated prior service cost	15,000	89,000
Accumulated net actuarial loss	38,606,000	20,752,000
Net amount recognized, before tax effect	38,621,000	20,841,000
Accumulated benefit obligation at year end	113,300,000	98,800,000
Accumulated benefit obligation for two overfunded plans		48,600,000
Number of overfunded plans		2
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at period end:
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.01%	4.88%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	3.00%	3.50%
U.S. Plans | Disclosed in the prior year
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist of:
Accumulated benefit obligation at year end		50,200,000
European Plans
Pensions
Number of plans which do not allow participants to continue to earn benefits	1
Settlement charge		279,000
Change in Projected Benefit Obligations
Projected benefit obligation as of beginning of year	42,367,000	42,417,000
Service cost	342,000	314,000	148,000
Interest cost	1,653,000	1,511,000	1,640,000
Employee contributions	88,000	103,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	4,097,000	1,178,000
Benefits paid	-1,781,000	-1,550,000
Settlement		-1,249,000
Other		-1,689,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-3,880,000	1,332,000
Projected benefit obligation as of end of year	42,886,000	42,367,000	42,417,000
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of year	29,586,000	28,177,000
Actual return on plan assets	3,529,000	1,395,000
Employer contributions	1,979,000	1,875,000
Employee contributions	88,000	103,000
Benefits paid	-1,781,000	-1,550,000
Settlement		-1,249,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-2,376,000	835,000
Fair value of plan assets as of end of year	31,025,000	29,586,000	28,177,000
Funded status as of end of year	-11,861,000	-12,781,000
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets:
Noncurrent asset	1,046,000	603,000
Current liability - Accrued benefit cost	-498,000	-561,000
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	-12,409,000	-12,823,000
Net amount recognized	-11,861,000	-12,781,000
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consist of:
Accumulated net actuarial loss	8,076,000	7,022,000
Net amount recognized, before tax effect	8,076,000	7,022,000
Accumulated benefit obligation at year end	$41,300,000	$40,500,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at period end:
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.92%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	3.38%	3.50%

Pensions_Details_2

Pensions (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Plans
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	$98,395	$99,784	$88,184
U.S. Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	67,959	84,064
U.S. Plans | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	30,436	15,720
U.S. Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,610	2,010
U.S. Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets		174
U.S. Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,610	1,836
U.S. Plans | Large Cap equities
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	21,252	21,139
U.S. Plans | Large Cap equities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	21,252	21,139
U.S. Plans | Small/Mid Cap equity securities
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	12,906	13,446
U.S. Plans | Small/Mid Cap equity securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	12,906	13,446
U.S. Plans | Equities Blend
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	826	715
U.S. Plans | Equities Blend | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	826	715
U.S. Plans | International Equity
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	9,036	9,532
Number of major MSCI indices	21	21
U.S. Plans | International Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	9,036	9,532
U.S. Plans | Emerging Markets
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,852	6,402
Number of emerging economies	21	21
U.S. Plans | Emerging Markets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,852	6,402
U.S. Plans | Corporate Bonds
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	19,179	23,563
U.S. Plans | Corporate Bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	1,107	16,489
U.S. Plans | Corporate Bonds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	18,072	7,074
U.S. Plans | Government Bonds
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	15,045	11,490
Period of investment	2 years	2 years
U.S. Plans | Government Bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	11,968	10,820
U.S. Plans | Government Bonds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	3,077	670
U.S. Plans | International
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,588
U.S. Plans | International | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,588
U.S. Plans | Mortgage/Asset Backed
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	4,089	6,140
U.S. Plans | Mortgage/Asset Backed | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	4,089	6,140
U.S. Plans | Commodities
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	3,077	3,383
U.S. Plans | Commodities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	3,077	3,383
U.S. Plans | Real Estate
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	1,935	1,964
U.S. Plans | Real Estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	1,935	1,964
U.S. Plans | Real Estate | Minimum
Pensions
Number of countries in which fund invests	3	3
U.S. Plans | Real Estate | Real estate equity securities
Pensions
Investment in securities, minimum (as a percent)	80.00%	80.00%
U.S. Plans | Real Estate | Foreign real estate securities
Pensions
Investment in securities, minimum (as a percent)	40.00%	40.00%
European Plans
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	31,025	29,586	28,177
European Plans | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	26,245	23,904
European Plans | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	4,780	5,682
European Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	611	542
European Plans | Cash and Cash Equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	611	542
European Plans | M&G PP Discretionary Fund
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	4,922	4,498
European Plans | M&G PP Discretionary Fund | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	4,922	4,498
European Plans | Global Equity 60-40 Index equities
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,475	5,667
European Plans | Global Equity 60-40 Index equities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,475	5,667
European Plans | Delta Lloyd Fixed Income
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	3,481	4,207
Period of investment	6 years	6 years
European Plans | Delta Lloyd Fixed Income | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	3,481	4,207
European Plans | Corporate Bonds
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,417	4,779
European Plans | Corporate Bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	5,417	4,779
European Plans | Corporate Bonds | Over 15 Year Fund
Pensions
Period of investment	15 years	15 years
European Plans | Government Bonds
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	7,628	6,384
European Plans | Government Bonds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	7,628	6,384
European Plans | Real Estate
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,192	2,034
European Plans | Real Estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	2,192	2,034
European Plans | Insurance Reserves
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	1,299	1,475
European Plans | Insurance Reserves | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pensions
Fair value of plan assets	$1,299	$1,475
European Plans | UK Equity Index Fund
Pensions
Investment allocation (as a percent)	60.00%	60.00%
European Plans | Overseas index equity funds
Pensions
Investment allocation (as a percent)	40.00%	40.00%
European Plans | Overseas index equity funds | North American equity funds
Pensions
Target allocation (as a percent)	14.00%	14.00%
European Plans | Overseas index equity funds | European equity funds
Pensions
Target allocation (as a percent)	14.00%	14.00%
European Plans | Overseas index equity funds | Japanese equity funds
Pensions
Target allocation (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%
European Plans | Overseas index equity funds | Pacific Basin equity funds
Pensions
Target allocation (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%

Pensions_Details_3

Pensions (Details 3) (European Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Delta Lloyd Fixed Income
Changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$4,207	$4,058
Purchases		814
Sales/Maturities	-259	-837
Foreign currency translation	-467	172
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,481	4,207
Insurance Reserves
Changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,475	1,466
Purchases	163	160
Sales/Maturities	-166	-211
Foreign currency translation	-173	60
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$1,299	$1,475

Pensions_Details_4

Pensions (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Plans
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan's Assets
Projected benefit obligation	$107,682	$53,699
Accumulated benefit obligation	103,690	50,188
Fair value of plan assets	88,478	48,704
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan's Assets
Projected benefit obligation	107,682	53,699
Accumulated benefit obligation	103,690	50,188
Fair value of plan assets	88,478	48,704
Benefit Payments
2015	6,853
2016	6,861
2017	6,215
2018	6,627
2019	7,222
2020 - 2024	35,568
European Plans
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan's Assets
Projected benefit obligation	31,333	31,485
Accumulated benefit obligation	29,698	29,568
Fair value of plan assets	18,426	18,101
Accumulated Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan's Assets
Projected benefit obligation	31,333	31,485
Accumulated benefit obligation	29,698	29,568
Fair value of plan assets	18,426	18,101
Employer contributions
2015	1,860
Benefit Payments
2015	3,017
2016	1,817
2017	1,272
2018	1,265
2019	1,314
2020 - 2024	$7,863

Pensions_Details_5

Pensions (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of net periodic pension costs of the plans
Settlement			$1,369
U.S. Plans
Components of net periodic pension costs of the plans
Service cost	895	1,165	1,059
Interest cost	4,815	4,423	4,796
Expected return on assets	-7,541	-6,660	-6,166
Amortization of prior service cost	74	74	74
Net actuarial loss amortization	877	3,519	3,430
Settlement	1,025		1,369
Net periodic pension cost	145	2,521	4,562
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Current year actuarial (loss) gain	-19,756	21,997
Amortization of actuarial loss	877	3,519
Amortization of prior service cost	74	74
Settlement	1,025
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,780	25,590
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	-17,925	23,069
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost
Prior service cost	15
Net actuarial loss	2,736
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost	2,751
Assumptions used in the measurement of the net periodic pension cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.88%	3.92%	4.67%
Expected annual return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	3.50%	4.00%	4.00%
European Plans
Components of net periodic pension costs of the plans
Service cost	342	314	148
Interest cost	1,653	1,511	1,640
Expected return on assets	-1,549	-1,263	-1,232
Net actuarial loss amortization	245	203	15
Settlement		279
Net periodic pension cost	691	1,044	571
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Current year actuarial (loss) gain	-2,117	-1,046
Amortization of actuarial loss	245	203
Settlement		279
Foreign currency exchange	818	-292
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,054	-856
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,745	-1,900
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost
Net actuarial loss	$232
Assumptions used in the measurement of the net periodic pension cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.92%	3.99%	5.00%
Expected annual return on plan assets (as a percent)	5.23%	4.91%	4.92%
Rate of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%

Pensions_Details_6

Pensions (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
U.S. and European Qualified Plans | Accrued pension and other liabilities
Pensions
Non-current pension liabilities included in accrued pension and other liabilities	31.5	$17.70
U.S. and European Qualified Plans | Long-term corporate bonds | Minimum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	1
U.S. and European Qualified Plans | Long-term corporate bonds | Maximum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	2
U.S. Plans | Long-term corporate bonds | Minimum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	1
U.S. Plans | Long-term corporate bonds | Maximum
Pensions
Number of highest ratings	2
U.S. Plans | Equity Securities
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	52.00%
U.S. Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	43.00%
U.S. Plans | Other Investments
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	5.00%
European Plans | Equity Securities
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	34.00%
European Plans | Fixed Income Securities
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	54.00%
European Plans | Other Investments
Pensions
Asset allocation assumptions / targeted portfolio mix (as a percent)	12.00%

Pensions_Details_7

Pensions (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 08, 2010	1-May-07	Aug. 01, 2013
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of eligible compensation in accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidance	50.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation as fixed contribution made by company	3.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation equal to matching contributions made by each participant	50.00%
Service period required for vesting of employer discretionary contributions	2 years
Total expenses related to the defined contribution plans	$2,800,000	$2,500,000	$1,900,000
Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of employee compensation	3.00%
Catlettsburg, Kentucky facility
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum matching contribution by employer per month	25
Company contribution to the enhanced defined contribution plan per actual hour worked	1.4			1.4
Additional lump sum contributions to employees per year	5,000
Number of anniversary dates of voluntary conversion	3
Columbus, Ohio facility | USW 401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contribution to the enhanced defined contribution plan per actual hour worked					1.15
Neville Island, Pennsylvania facility
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contribution to the enhanced defined contribution plan per actual hour worked						$2.40

Pensions_Details_8

Pensions (Details 8) (Multi-employer pension plan, Payroll and benefits payable, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Multi-employer pension plan | Payroll and benefits payable
Multi-employer pension plan
Accrued plan liability	$0.90	$0.60

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai

Stock Compensation Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended	48 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008
Stock Awards Vesting
Number of plans		1	1
Employee stock options
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period	10 years	7 years
2008 Equity Incentive Plan
Stock Awards Vesting
Maximum number of shares available for grants		5,000,000	5,000,000	2,000,000
Term of plan, as amended and restated			10 years
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Incentive Stock Options
Stock Awards Vesting
Maximum number of shares available for grants		1,500,000	1,500,000
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Incentive Stock Options | Ten percent employee | Minimum
Stock Awards Vesting
Exercise price expressed as a percentage of fair market value			110.00%
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Employee and nonemployee stock options | Minimum
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period			7 years
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Employee and nonemployee stock options | Maximum
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period			10 years
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Stock appreciation rights | Minimum
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period			7 years
2008 Equity Incentive Plan | Stock appreciation rights | Maximum
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period			10 years
Prior Plans | Employee and nonemployee stock options
Stock Awards Vesting
Expiration period			10 years
Prior Plans | Employee and nonemployee stock options | Minimum
Stock Awards Vesting
Vesting period			6 months

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai1

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				48 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee stock options
Options
Outstanding at the beginning of year (in shares)	702,737
Granted (in shares)	344,299
Exercised (in shares)	-143,923
Forfeited (in shares)	-11,893
Expired (in shares)	-1,003
Outstanding at the end of year (in shares)	890,217	702,737			890,217
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)	890,217				890,217
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	388,860				388,860
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$15.70
Granted (in dollars per share)	$21.31
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$14.80
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$17.87
Expired (in dollars per share)	$13.89
Outstanding at the end of year (in dollars per share)	$17.99	$15.70			$17.99
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$17.99				$17.99
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$15.43				$15.43
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the start of the period	5 years 3 months 26 days	5 years 7 months 17 days
Outstanding at the end of the period	5 years 3 months 26 days	5 years 7 months 17 days
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	5 years 3 months 26 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	4 years 5 months 1 day
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the start of the period	$3,508,000
Outstanding at the end of the period	2,742,000	3,508,000			2,742,000
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars)	2,742,000				2,742,000
Exercisable at the end of the period	2,134,000				2,134,000
Assumptions used to calculate fair values
Weighted-average grant date fair value per stock options (in dollars per share)	$4.48	$4.51	$5.28
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		31.00%
Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent)	21.00%		42.00%
Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent)	22.00%		44.00%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)		0.78%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum (as a percent)	1.51%		0.58%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum (as a percent)	1.73%		0.90%
Expected lives of options	4 years	4 years	4 years
Option term				10 years	7 years
Non employee stock options | Directors
Options
Outstanding at the beginning of year (in shares)	61,922
Exercised (in shares)	-10,667
Outstanding at the end of year (in shares)	51,255	61,922			51,255
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)	51,255				51,255
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	51,255				51,255
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$6.73
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$6.55
Outstanding at the end of year (in dollars per share)	$6.76	$6.73			$6.76
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.76				$6.76
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.76				$6.76
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the start of the period	1 year 7 months 10 days	2 years 3 months 15 days
Outstanding at the end of the period	1 year 7 months 10 days	2 years 3 months 15 days
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	1 year 7 months 10 days
Exercisable at the end of the period	1 year 7 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the start of the period	803,000
Outstanding at the end of the period	664,000	803,000			664,000
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars)	664,000				664,000
Exercisable at the end of the period	664,000				664,000
Employee and nonemployee stock options
Stock options
Weighted-average grant date fair value options vested (in dollars per share)	$4.80	$5.32	$5.86
Total grant date fair value of options vested	1,300,000	1,000,000	700,000
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	1,000,000	2,500,000	1,900,000
Cash received from the exercise of options	$2,200,000	$4,100,000	$1,600,000

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai2

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Awards
Summary of non-vested stock awards
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	222,753
Granted (in shares)	98,989
Vested (in shares)	-97,579
Forfeited (in shares)	-4,332
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	219,831	222,753
Nonvested stock awards, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested as of the beginning of the year (in dollars per share)	$15.99
Granted (in dollars per share)	$20.83	$17.11	$14.56
Vested (in dollars per share)	$15.82
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$17.41
Nonvested as of the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$18.22	$15.99
Stock Awards
Total grant date fair value amount of awards granted	$2.10	$2.20	$2
Total fair value amount of awards vested	1.5	1.4	1.9
Restricted Stock Awards | Time vested
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Performance stock awards | Return on Capital
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Expense recognized	0.1	0	0
Summary of non-vested stock awards
Vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Nonvested stock awards, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested as of the beginning of the year (in dollars per share)	$15.83
Granted (in dollars per share)	$20.54	$17.09	$14.94
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$13.57
Nonvested as of the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$17.91	$15.83
Stock Awards
Total grant date fair value amount of awards granted	0.6	0.6	0.5
Performance stock awards | Return on Capital | Minimum
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Performance stock awards | Return on Capital | Maximum
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting percentage	200.00%
Performance stock awards | Return on Capital | Target
Summary of non-vested stock awards
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	58,388
Granted (in shares)	29,203
Forfeited (in shares)	-10,317
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	77,274
Performance stock awards | Total Shareholder Return
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting period	3 years	3 years	3 years
Nonvested stock awards, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested as of the beginning of the year (in dollars per share)	$18.72
Granted (in dollars per share)	$21.39	$21.92	$15.31
Vested (in dollars per share)	$15.58
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$15.58
Nonvested as of the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$20.23	$18.72
Stock Awards
Total grant date fair value amount of awards granted	0.6	0.6	0.5
Total fair value amount of awards vested	$0.10	$0	$0
Performance stock awards | Total Shareholder Return | Minimum
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Performance stock awards | Total Shareholder Return | Maximum
Stock Compensation Plans
Vesting percentage	200.00%
Performance stock awards | Total Shareholder Return | Target
Summary of non-vested stock awards
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	49,514
Granted (in shares)	28,042
Vested (in shares)	-8,376
Forfeited (in shares)	-610
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	68,570

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai3

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 4) (Performance stock awards, Total Shareholder Return)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant assumptions used
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	31.50%	37.80%	43.20%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)	0.68%	0.34%	0.39%
Performance (vesting) period	3 years	3 years	3 years
Vested 2012; Performance Period 2009-2011
Historical vesting of stock awards
Payout Level (as a percent)	52.00%
Shares Issued	8,528
Vested 2013; Performance Period 2010-2012
Historical vesting of stock awards
Payout Level (as a percent)	0.00%
Vested 2014; Performance Period 2011-2013
Historical vesting of stock awards
Payout Level (as a percent)	93.00%
Shares Issued	8,376
Vested 2015; Performance Period 2012-2014
Historical vesting of stock awards
Payout Level (as a percent)	91.00%
Shares Issued	13,920

Stock_Compensation_Plans_Detai4

Stock Compensation Plans (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total Stock-Based Compensation
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	$1.20	$1	$0.90
Future compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements	4.2
Weighted-average period over which future compensation cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 8 months 12 days
Selling, general and administrative expense
Total Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation expense related to all stock-based compensation	$3.70	$3.10	$2.40

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 18, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 20, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.05
Common Shares
Shareholders' Equity
Shares sold back		340,334
Preferred stock purchase rights
Shareholders' Equity
Number of preferred share purchase rights held by shareholders for each share of common stock owned			1
Minimum beneficial ownership percentage required to exercise the rights			10.00%
Minimum beneficial ownership percentage of certain institutional investors for exercise of rights			15.00%
Preferred stock purchase rights | Newly created series of preferred stock
Shareholders' Equity
Number of shares of preferred stock that a holder is entitled to purchase			0.0001
Purchase price per unit (in dollars per share)			35
Preferred stock purchase rights | Common Shares
Shareholders' Equity
Value of stock called by rights as multiple of exercise price of rights			2
Accelerated Share Repurchase program 2012
Shareholders' Equity
Purchase price of stock repurchased recorded as a reduction in stockholder's equity				$50
Shares repurchased				3,276,002
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)				$15.26
Increase to diluted shares outstanding to reflect shares sold back		340,334
Accelerated Share Repurchase program 2012 | Private placement
Shareholders' Equity
Shares sold back		340,334
Share repurchase program addition December 2013
Shareholders' Equity
Available value of shares authorized for repurchase under the Program		150			150
Shares repurchased			1,930,841		146,800
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)			20.57		$20.37
Amount of remaining authorization to repurchase common stock			107.3

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance as of beginning of year, net of tax	($1,140)	($16,527)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-26,730	14,329
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	360	1,058
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-26,370	15,387	-3,010
Balance as of end of year, net of tax	-27,510	-1,140	-16,527
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance as of beginning of year, net of tax	16,793	17,098
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-14,850	727
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		-1,032
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,850	-305
Balance as of end of year, net of tax	1,943	16,793
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance as of beginning of year, net of tax	-18,450	-33,718
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-12,669	12,913
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	761	2,355
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-11,908	15,268
Balance as of end of year, net of tax	-30,358	-18,450
Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance as of beginning of year, net of tax	517	93
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	789	689
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	-401	-265
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	388	424
Balance as of end of year, net of tax	$905	$517

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2) (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
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Restructuring									$252	$129	($10,211)
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)									-363,014	-366,962	-392,382
Income before income tax provision									72,508	67,199	37,336
Tax (expense) or benefit									-23,138	-21,486	-14,064
Net income	12,134	12,224	15,203	9,809	11,044	11,885	12,970	9,814	49,370	45,713	23,272
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income									-360	-1,058
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Restructuring										1,032
Income before income tax provision										1,032
Net income										1,032
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Income before income tax provision									-1,196	-3,796
Tax (expense) or benefit									435	1,441
Net income									-761	-2,355
Prior-service costs | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net periodic pension cost									-74	-74
Actuarial losses | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net periodic pension cost									-1,122	-3,722
Derivatives | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Income before income tax provision									705	463
Tax (expense) or benefit									-304	-198
Net income									401	265
Derivatives | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Foreign exchange contracts
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)									484	1,018
Derivatives | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Natural gas contracts
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)									$221	($555)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of income tax expense (benefit) included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Defined benefit pension plan	($7,202,000)	$9,840,000	($2,500,000)
Derivatives	184,000	358,000	570,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Income tax benefits in accumulated other comprehensive loss	17,400,000	9,700,000	20,000,000
Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Income tax expense in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$500,000	$300,000	$29,000

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_P2

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except 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
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
Net income available to common shareholders	$12,134	$12,224	$15,203	$9,809	$11,044	$11,885	$12,970	$9,814	$49,370	$45,713	$23,272
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic (in shares)	52,773,000	52,857,000	52,942,000	53,608,000	54,265,000	53,900,000	53,799,000	53,620,000	53,042,253	53,897,834	56,304,636
Effect of Dilutive Securities (in shares)									898,559	773,195	530,924
Diluted (in shares)	53,649,000	53,759,000	53,845,000	54,525,000	55,160,000	54,764,000	54,547,000	54,200,000	53,940,812	54,671,029	56,835,560
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.29	$0.18	$0.20	$0.22	$0.24	$0.18	$0.93	$0.85	$0.41
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.28	$0.18	$0.20	$0.22	$0.24	$0.18	$0.92	$0.84	$0.41
Antidilutive options excluded from calculation of net income per common share (in shares)									341,174	0	341,277

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det

Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Tax benefits
Net uncertain tax positions released as a result of conclusion of examination	$1,823,000
Completion of IRS review of 2008 amended income tax return
Tax benefits
Net uncertain tax positions released as a result of conclusion of examination		1,400,000
Completion of IRS review of 2008 amended income tax return | Other current assets
Tax benefits
Income tax refund as a result of conclusion of income tax return examination			$2,500,000

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det1

Provision for Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$6,200,000	$6,180,000	$9,039,000
State and local	1,587,000	1,739,000	526,000
Foreign	6,138,000	8,632,000	4,056,000
Provision for income taxes, current	13,925,000	16,551,000	13,621,000
Deferred
Federal	7,506,000	5,950,000	-47,000
State and local	488,000	-248,000	178,000
Foreign	1,219,000	-767,000	312,000
Provision for income taxes, deferred	9,213,000	4,935,000	443,000
Provision for income taxes	23,138,000	21,486,000	14,064,000
Income generated by operations outside the United States	29,000,000	29,300,000	10,400,000
Income Taxes
Undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries	$79,000,000
Differences between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective income tax rate
U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (as a percent)	2.20%	0.80%	2.00%
Tax rate differential on foreign income (as a percent)	-2.90%	-1.50%	-2.00%
Nonrecurring adjustments related to sale of foreign subsidiary (as a percent)		-2.20%	2.80%
Permanent tax differences (as a percent)	0.30%
Permanent tax differences (as a percent)		-1.40%	-1.90%
Valuation allowance (as a percent)		1.50%	1.50%
Settlement of uncertain tax positions (as a percent)	-1.90%
Tax statute expiration (as a percent)	-0.60%	-0.60%	-0.80%
Change in uncertain tax positions (as a percent)	0.10%	0.30%	0.60%
Other - net (as a percent)	-0.30%	0.10%	0.50%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	31.90%	32.00%	37.70%

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det2

Provision for Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital loss carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards
Tax credits	$765
Foreign
Tax credit carryforwards
Tax credits	258
State
Tax credit carryforwards
Tax credits	$2,375
State | Tax Year 2023 and thereafter
Tax credit carryforwards
Percentage of tax credit carryforwards	46.00%

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det3

Provision for Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Tax Year 2020 and thereafter
Gross operating loss carryforwards
Percentage of operating loss carryforwards	92.00%
Federal
Gross operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards	614
State
Gross operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards	16,427
Foreign
Gross operating loss carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards	10,490
Foreign | No expiration
Gross operating loss carryforwards
Percentage of operating loss carryforwards	77.00%

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det4

Provision for Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards	$5,736,000	$5,548,000
Accruals	10,524,000	11,198,000
Inventories	12,856,000	12,271,000
Pensions	10,670,000	4,725,000
Valuation allowance	-2,576,000	-988,000
Total deferred tax assets	37,210,000	32,754,000
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	39,708,000	31,951,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	6,039,000	5,879,000
U.S. liability on Belgian and German net deferred tax assets	829,000	1,248,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	46,576,000	39,078,000
Net deferred tax liability	-9,366,000	-6,324,000
Uncertain tax liabilities that partially offset net operating losses and credit carryforwards	300,000	300,000
Net indirect benefits on uncertain tax liabilities	74,000	1,000,000
Reconciliation of the unrecognized income tax benefits
Balance at beginning of year	3,435,000	4,141,000	4,078,000
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years			53,000
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		-438,000
Gross increases for tax positions of current year	75,000	122,000	647,000
Lapse of statute of limitations	-500,000	-390,000	-637,000
Settlement of uncertain tax positions	-1,823,000
Balance at end of year	1,187,000	3,435,000	4,141,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1,000,000	2,400,000
Interest and penalties accrued on prior year uncertain positions	100,000
Interest and penalties reversed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations	100,000
Interest and penalties reversed due to the settlement of uncertain positions	600,000
Amount accrued for payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	300,000	900,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that are reasonably possible to be recognized within the next twelve months	300,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Current Deferred Tax liability	200,000
Accrued pension and other liabilities
Reconciliation of the unrecognized income tax benefits
Total uncertain tax positions	$1,300,000	$4,100,000

Commitments_Details

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases
2015	$6,900,000
2016	5,200,000
2017	5,100,000
2018	3,400,000
2019	2,700,000
Thereafter	24,400,000
Total rental expense on operating leases	7,900,000	7,600,000	7,900,000
Long-term supply contracts
Total payments	51,720,000	52,710,000	45,038,000
Future minimum purchase requirements
2015	33,719,000
2016	20,212,000
2017	20,105,000
2018	20,130,000
2019	721,000
Thereafter	2,164,000
Raw and other materials
Long-term supply contracts
Total payments	38,096,000	40,170,000	30,802,000
Future minimum purchase requirements
2015	30,118,000
2016	20,081,000
2017	20,105,000
2018	20,130,000
2019	721,000
Thereafter	2,164,000
Transportation
Long-term supply contracts
Total payments	11,461,000	9,794,000	9,731,000
Future minimum purchase requirements
2015	1,575,000
2016	131,000
Information systems and services
Long-term supply contracts
Total payments	2,163,000	2,746,000	4,505,000
Future minimum purchase requirements
2015	$2,026,000

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

22 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 24, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 09, 2014

Aug. 15, 2013

Oct. 31, 2011

Nov. 24, 2014

Nov. 09, 2012

Nov. 26, 2013

Nov. 19, 2014

19-May-14

Jun. 26, 2013

Nov. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

item

item

item

item

item

item

Waterlink's Columbus, Ohio property | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Contingencies

Recorded liability estimates for environmental loss contingencies

100,000

$400,000

$100,000

$100,000

$400,000

Waterlink's Columbus, Ohio property | Accrued pension and other liabilities

Contingencies

Recorded liability estimates for environmental loss contingencies

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

400,000

Big Sandy Plant

Contingencies

Accrued potential loss

2,000,000

Reduction in previously recorded liabilities

200,000

200,000

Civil penalty paid

1,600,000

Number of ground water monitoring wells to be installed

2

Big Sandy Plant | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Contingencies

Recorded liability estimates for environmental loss contingencies

100,000

300,000

100,000

100,000

300,000

Frontier Chemical Processing Royal Avenue Site

Contingencies

Amount spent by PRP Group for remediation

11,900,000

Frontier Chemical Processing Royal Avenue Site | Minimum

Contingencies

Number of PRP's joining the Company in Consent Order for additional site investigation

100

Number of PRP's along with Company entered into consent decree with NYSDEC

30

Amount available in trust account of PRP Group to apply against final remediation costs

800,000

800,000

800,000

Frontier Chemical Processing Royal Avenue Site | Estimated | Maximum

Contingencies

Potentially Responsible Party Group, Additional Environmental Remediation Costs

100,000

100,000

100,000

Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act Distributions

Contingencies

Distributions received under Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

49,000

100,000

1,800,000

Distributions received as a percentage of total amount of duties available

59.57%

59.57%

Amount received, reflected within the entity's consolidated statement of comprehensive income

1,500,000

Period of Review III

Contingencies

Ongoing duty deposit rate (as a percent)

0

0

Receivable recorded for anticipated refunds of anti-dumping duties

$1,100,000

Tariff collection rate for cooperative respondents (in dollars per pound)

0

0.127

Number of respondents with per-unit rates

1

Period of Review III | Maximum

Contingencies

Period of right to appeal Court affirmation of Commerce Department's remand determination

60 days

Period of Review IV

Contingencies

Ongoing duty deposit rate (as a percent)

0

Anti-dumping margins for cooperative, separate rate respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.47

Assessment rate finalized at deposit rate due to not participating in review (as a percent)

14.51%

Period of Review IV | Jacobi Carbons AB

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.2

Period of Review IV | Ningxia Guanghua Cherishment Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and affiliates

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.96

Period of Review IV | Datong Juqiang Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.

Contingencies

Ongoing duty deposit rate (as a percent)

0

Period of Review V

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for cooperative, separate rate respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.07

Number of mandatory respondents

2

Period of Review V | Jacobi Carbons AB

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.01

Period of Review V | Ningxia Huahui Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.18

Period of Review V | Calgon Carbon Tianjin

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for cooperative, separate rate respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.07

Period of Review VI

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for cooperative, separate rate respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.018

1.42

PRC-wide rate (in dollars per pound)

1.1

1.1

Number of mandatory respondents

2

Period of Review VI | Jacobi Carbons AB

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.018

1.71

Period of Review VI | Ningxia Guanghua Cherishment Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. and affiliates

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for mandatory respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.018

0.93

Period of Review VI | Calgon Carbon Tianjin

Contingencies

Anti-dumping margins for cooperative, separate rate respondents (in dollars per pound)

0.018

1.42

Carbon Imports - Anti-dumping duties

Contingencies

Import duty (in dollars per pound)

0.018

Prior period over which Commerce Department reviews anti-dumping tariffs

12 months

Number of periods of review

7

Carbon Imports - Anti-dumping duties | Minimum

Contingencies

Period for which reviews are possible

5 years

Contingencies_Details_2

Contingencies (Details 2) (Pearl River Plant, Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization), USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Pearl River Plant | Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Gain contingencies
Insurance claim received from insurance carrier	$0.40

Contingencies_Details_3

Contingencies (Details 3) (Multi-employer pension plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Multi-employer pension plan
(Reduction in) addition to accrued plan liability	$0.40	$1.10
Payroll and benefits payable
Multi-employer pension plan
Accrued plan liability	$0.90	$0.60

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid	$0.70	$0.80	$0.60
Capitalized interest	-0.6	-0.4	-0.7
Income taxes paid	17.7	16.4	12.2
Increase and decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for non-cash capital expenditures	$1.70	($1)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	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
									segment
Segment Information
Number of reportable segments									3
Segment Information
Net Sales	$140,640,000	$137,699,000	$145,132,000	$131,632,000	$133,092,000	$139,375,000	$140,432,000	$135,040,000	$555,103,000	$547,939,000	$562,255,000
Income from operations									74,605,000	68,889,000	39,861,000
Restructuring income (charges) (Note 2)									252,000	129,000	-10,211,000
Interest income									77,000	136,000	35,000
Interest expense									-263,000	-462,000	-80,000
Other expense - net									-1,911,000	-1,364,000	-2,480,000
Income before income tax provision									72,508,000	67,199,000	37,336,000
Depreciation and amortization									30,470,000	28,938,000	26,320,000
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets									63,912,000	29,557,000	57,226,000
Total assets	621,661,000				590,078,000				621,661,000	590,078,000	577,769,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Segment Information
Property, plant and equipment expenditures									2,200,000	500,000	1,500,000
Activated Carbon and Service
Segment Information
Net Sales									498,212,000	482,278,000	485,755,000
Depreciation and amortization									26,820,000	25,395,000	23,197,000
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets									60,470,000	25,885,000	56,291,000
Total assets	564,734,000				527,430,000				564,734,000	527,430,000	510,550,000
Equipment
Segment Information
Net Sales									45,319,000	54,935,000	66,050,000
Depreciation and amortization									3,049,000	2,907,000	2,494,000
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets									2,947,000	3,325,000	550,000
Total assets	50,610,000				55,558,000				50,610,000	55,558,000	60,191,000
Consumer
Segment Information
Net Sales									11,572,000	10,726,000	10,450,000
Depreciation and amortization									601,000	636,000	629,000
Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets									495,000	347,000	385,000
Total assets	6,317,000				7,090,000				6,317,000	7,090,000	7,028,000
Business operating segments
Segment Information
Income from operations									74,353,000	68,760,000	50,072,000
Business operating segments | Activated Carbon and Service
Segment Information
Income from operations									78,114,000	71,017,000	48,709,000
Business operating segments | Equipment
Segment Information
Income from operations									-5,657,000	-4,041,000	-440,000
Business operating segments | Consumer
Segment Information
Income from operations									$1,896,000	$1,784,000	$1,803,000

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (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
Segment Information
Revenue, Net	$140,640	$137,699	$145,132	$131,632	$133,092	$139,375	$140,432	$135,040	$555,103	$547,939	$562,255
Carbon products
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									474,222	460,681	465,885
Capital equipment
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									41,238	49,036	61,588
Equipment leasing
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									16,598	15,127	13,886
Carbon cloth products
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									11,564	10,721	10,422
Spare parts
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									4,081	5,899	4,462
Other services
Segment Information
Revenue, Net									$7,400	$6,475	$6,012

Segment_Information_Details_3

Segment Information (Details 3) (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
Segment Information
Net sales	$140,640	$137,699	$145,132	$131,632	$133,092	$139,375	$140,432	$135,040	$555,103	$547,939	$562,255
United States
Segment Information
Net sales									261,849	272,644	261,167
United Kingdom
Segment Information
Net sales									46,049	40,215	37,991
Japan
Segment Information
Net sales									45,261	60,804	71,141
France
Segment Information
Net sales									28,575	27,969	21,456
Canada
Segment Information
Net sales									21,910	16,945	17,861
Germany
Segment Information
Net sales									20,656	18,784	20,120
South Korea
Segment Information
Net sales									18,692	7,364	20,178
China
Segment Information
Net sales									17,166	15,832	15,179
Belgium
Segment Information
Net sales									11,166	10,690	10,112
Singapore
Segment Information
Net sales									6,418	9,364	10,380
Netherlands
Segment Information
Net sales									5,466	5,283	6,009
Switzerland
Segment Information
Net sales									4,937	5,334	4,683
Norway
Segment Information
Net sales									4,641	3,138	3,589
Brazil
Segment Information
Net sales									4,568	3,194	1,025
Spain
Segment Information
Net sales									4,049	3,806	4,049
Other
Segment Information
Net sales									$53,700	$46,573	$57,315

Segment_Information_Details_4

Segment Information (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	$290,586	$266,849	$262,993
United States
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	205,429	169,786	161,806
Belgium
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	52,943	64,567	66,077
China
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	15,583	16,990	17,864
United Kingdom
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	11,100	8,832	8,654
Japan
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	5,309	6,334	7,908
Canada
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	49	159	474
Singapore
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	86	77	106
Denmark
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	59	64	53
Brazil
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	22	28	36
Germany
Segment Information
Long-lived assets	$6	$12	$15

Government_Grants_Details

Government Grants (Details)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 19, 2014

Dec. 19, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2007

Dec. 07, 2007

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

Suzhou Wuzhong Economics Development Zone (WEDZ) Incentive

OTF AEP Grant

OTF AEP Grant

OTF AEP Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

Walloon Region Grant

USD ($)

CNY

Accrued pension and other liabilities

Other expense - net

Other expense - net

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

item

USD ($)

USD ($)

CNY

item

Government Grants

Number of grants awarded

2

2

Total grants awarded

$1,000,000

$3,400,000

€ 2,600,000

Cash Received from Grants

1,209,000

1,709,000

947,000

400,000

300,000

Amount received recognized as deduction from carrying amount of property, plant and equipment

200,000

200,000

1,200,000

900,000

1,500,000

1,200,000

700,000

500,000

Amount received recognized as deduction from research and development expenses

200,000

100,000

Incentive received

600,000

3,860,000

Number of phases within which the construction of carbon reactivation lines has been committed to be completed

2

2

Number of reactivation lines to be constructed under each phase

2

2

Incentive recognized

300,000

1,930,000

Percentage of total awarded incentive recognized

50.00%

Portion of incentive that relates to remaining construction commitment

$300,000

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_UNAUD2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except 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
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED
Net sales	$140,640	$137,699	$145,132	$131,632	$133,092	$139,375	$140,432	$135,040	$555,103	$547,939	$562,255
Net sales less cost of products sold (excluding depreciation and amortization)	50,448	47,593	49,879	44,169	45,603	46,374	46,375	42,625
Net income	$12,134	$12,224	$15,203	$9,809	$11,044	$11,885	$12,970	$9,814	$49,370	$45,713	$23,272
Basic:
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.29	$0.18	$0.20	$0.22	$0.24	$0.18	$0.93	$0.85	$0.41
Diluted:
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.28	$0.18	$0.20	$0.22	$0.24	$0.18	$0.92	$0.84	$0.41
Average common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	52,773,000	52,857,000	52,942,000	53,608,000	54,265,000	53,900,000	53,799,000	53,620,000	53,042,253	53,897,834	56,304,636
Diluted (in shares)	53,649,000	53,759,000	53,845,000	54,525,000	55,160,000	54,764,000	54,547,000	54,200,000	53,940,812	54,671,029	56,835,560

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Year	$1,328	$1,362	$1,200
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,426	488	464
Deductions Returns and Write-Offs	-1,228	-522	-302
Balance at End of Year	1,526	1,328	1,362
Income tax valuation allowance
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Year	988	1,146
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		988	1,146
Charged to Other Accounts	1,616
Deductions Returns and Write-Offs	-28	-1,146
Balance at End of Year	$2,576	$988	$1,146