Minerals (MTX) 10-Q 25 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Apr. 10, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000891014	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	34,483,401
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Mar-14	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$244,396	$250,513
Cost of goods sold	189,084	194,630
Production margin	55,312	55,883
Marketing and administrative expenses	21,533	22,812
Research and development expenses	5,094	4,818
Acquisition related transaction costs	5,101	0
Income from operations	23,584	28,253
Non-operating income (deductions), net	-310	133
Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes	23,274	28,386
Provision for taxes on income	7,003	8,046
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	16,271	20,340
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	8	-736
Consolidated net income	16,279	19,604
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	664	848
Net income attributable to Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI)	$15,615	$18,756
Basic:	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.56
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Basic earnings per share attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.54
Diluted:	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.55
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.53
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.05
Shares used in computation of earnings per share:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	34,420	34,996
Diluted (in shares)	34,680	35,253

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Consolidated net income	$16,279	$19,604
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,087	-14,785
Pension and postretirement plan adjustments	826	1,766
Cash flow hedges:	'	'
Net derivative gains (losses) arising during the period	-106	586
Comprehensive income	19,086	7,171
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	-431	-379
Comprehensive income attributable to MTI	$18,655	$6,792

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$493,035	[1]	$490,267	[2]
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates market	15,690	[1]	15,769	[2]
Accounts receivable, net	217,299	[1]	204,449	[2]
Inventories	91,614	[1]	89,169	[2]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,132	[1]	15,463	[2]
Total current assets	834,770	[1]	815,117	[2]
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and depletion - March 30, 2014 - $988,047; December 31, 2013 - $976,265	306,379	[1]	306,071	[2]
Goodwill	64,274	[1]	64,432	[2]
Other assets and deferred charges	31,821	[1]	31,927	[2]
Total assets	1,237,244	[1]	1,217,547	[2]
Current liabilities:	'		'
Short-term debt	4,753	[1]	5,504	[2]
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,200	[1]	8,200	[2]
Accounts payable	109,546	[1]	94,855	[2]
Other current liabilities	57,823	[1]	72,335	[2]
Total current liabilities	180,322	[1]	180,894	[2]
Long-term debt	75,000	[1]	75,000	[2]
Accrued Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	58,056	[1]	57,893	[2]
Other non-current liabilities	29,180	[1]	29,352	[2]
Total liabilities	342,558	[1]	343,139	[2]
Shareholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock	4,769	[1]	4,756	[2]
Additional paid-in capital	364,656	[1]	361,460	[2]
Retained earnings	1,120,145	[1]	1,106,252	[2]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-28,224	[1]	-31,265	[2]
Less common stock held in treasury	-593,665	[1]	-593,665	[2]
Total MTI shareholders' equity	867,681	[1]	847,538	[2]
Non-controlling interest	27,005	[1]	26,870	[2]
Total shareholders' equity	894,686	[1]	874,408	[2]
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,237,244	[1]	$1,217,547	[2]
[1]	Unaudited
[2]	Condensed from audited financial statements

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization	$988,047	$976,265

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:	'		'
Consolidated net income	$16,279		$19,604
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	8		-736
Income from continuing operations	16,271		20,340
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11,906		11,588
Other non-cash items	1,563		2,420
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities	-14,662		-8,394
Net cash provided by continuing operations	15,078		25,954
Net cash used in discontinued operations	99		-1,265
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,177		24,689
Investing Activities:	'		'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-11,301		-8,681
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	695		0
Purchases of short-term investments	0		-941
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,606		-9,622
Financing Activities:	'		'
Net repayment of short-term debt	-735		-81
Purchase of common shares for treasury	0		-7,587
Proceeds from issuance of stock under option plan	1,763		2,751
Excess tax benefits related to stock incentive programs	213		184
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-296		-486
Cash dividends paid	-1,722		-1,754
Net cash used in financing activities	-777		-6,973
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,026		-7,855
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,768		239
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	490,267	[1]	454,092
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	493,035	[2]	454,331
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'		'
Interest paid	59		172
Income taxes paid	5,575		5,657
Non-cash financing activities:	'		'
Treasury stock purchases settled after period-end	$0		$1,860
[1]	Condensed from audited financial statements
[2]	Unaudited

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1.  Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.  Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the periods indicated, have been included.  The results for the three-month period ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company ceased operations at its Paper PCC merchant plant in Walsum, Germany and reclassified such operations as discontinued.  All prior periods have been restated to reflect such reclassification.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The Company employs accounting policies that are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Significant estimates include those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plan assumptions, income tax, income tax valuation allowances, and litigation and environmental liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS

Earnings Per Share (EPS)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	'
	Note 3.  Earnings Per Share (EPS)
	Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended
	Basic EPS		30-Mar-14		March 31,
	(in millions, except per share data)				2013
	Income from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	19.5
	Loss from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.7	)
	Net income attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	18.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding			34.4		35
			30-Mar-14		March 31,
					2013
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.56
	Basic loss per share from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.02	)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.54
		Three Months Ended
	Diluted EPS		30-Mar-14		March 31,
	(in millions, except per share data)				2013
	Income from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	19.5
	Loss from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.7	)
	Net income attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	18.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding			34.4		35
	Dilutive effect of stock options and stock units			0.3		0.3
	Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted			34.7		35.3
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.55
	Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.02	)
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to		$	0.45	$	0.53
	MTI
	Options to purchase 160,180 and 239,770 shares of common stock for the three-month periods ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive, as the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 4.   Discontinued Operations
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company ceased its operations at its Paper PCC merchant plant in Walsum, Germany and reclassified such operations as discontinued.  The remaining assets at this facility are not material and are being disposed.  All prior periods have been restated to reflect such reclassification. These operations were part of the Company's Specialty Minerals segment.
	The following table provides selected financial information for the Walsum plant included within discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The amounts exclude general corporate overhead and interest expense which were previously allocated to the entity comprising the discontinued operations.
		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net sales	$	--	$	0.8
	Production margin		--		(1.0	)
	Expenses		--		0.1
	Loss from operations	$	--	$	(1.1	)
	Benefit for taxes on income	$	--	$	(0.4	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	--	$	(0.7	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 5.   Income Taxes
	As of March 30, 2014, the Company had approximately $4.1 million of total unrecognized income tax benefits. Included in this amount were a total of $2.6 million of unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. While it is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months, the Company does not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.
	The Company's accounting policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued relating to unrecognized income tax benefits as part of its provision for income taxes. The Company had a net increase of approximately $0.1 million during the first three months of 2014, and had an accrued balance of $0.7 million of interest and penalties as of March 30, 2014.
	The Company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions, both within and outside the U.S.  In certain situations, a taxing authority may challenge positions that the Company has adopted in its income tax filings. The Company, with a few exceptions (none of which are material), is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2007.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 6.   Inventories
	The following is a summary of inventories by major category:
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	34	$	35.1
	Work-in-process		7.2		6.3
	Finished goods		28.1		26.3
	Packaging and supplies		22.3		21.5
	Total inventories	$	91.6	$	89.2

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 7.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are assessed for impairment, at least annually. The carrying amount of goodwill was $64.3 million and $64.4 million as of March 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The net change in goodwill since December 31, 2013 was attributable to the effect of foreign exchange.
	Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization included in other assets and deferred charges as of March 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		30-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	(millions of dollars)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Patents and trademarks	$	6.4		3.8		6.4		3.7
	Customer lists		2.9		2.7		2.9		2.6
		$	9.3		6.5		9.3		6.3
	The weighted average amortization period for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is approximately 15 years. Estimated amortization expense is $0.5 million for 2014, $0.5 million for 2015–2016, $0.3 million for 2017, and $0.1 million for 2018-2019.
	Included in other assets and deferred charges is an additional intangible asset of approximately $0.5 million which represents the non-current unamortized amount paid to a customer in connection with contract extensions at seven PCC satellite facilities. In addition, a current portion of $0.4 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Such amounts will be amortized as a reduction of sales over the remaining lives of the customer contracts. Approximately $0.1 million was amortized in the first quarter of 2014. Estimated amortization as a reduction of sales is as follows: remainder of 2014 - $0.3 million; 2015 - $0.1 million.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Commitments

Long-Term Debt and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt and Commitments [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt and Commitments	'
	Note 8.   Long-Term Debt and Commitments
	The following is a summary of long-term debt:
	(millions of dollars)
		March 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	3.46% Series A Senior Notes
	Due October 7, 2020		$	30		$	30
	4.13% Series B Senior Notes
	Due October 7, 2023			45			45
	Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
	Development Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due November 1, 2014			8.2			8.2
	Installment obligations			--			--
	Other borrowings			--			--
	Total			83.2			83.2
	Less: Current maturities			8.2			8.2
	Long-term debt		$	75		$	75
	As of March 30, 2014, the Company had $189.7 million of uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, of which approximately $4.8 million was in use.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Benefit Plans	'
	Note 9.  Benefit Plans
	The Company and its subsidiaries have pension plans covering the majority of eligible employees on a contributory or non-contributory basis.  The Company also provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for the majority of its U.S. retired employees.   Disclosures for the U.S. plans have been combined with those outside of the U.S. as the international plans do not have significantly different assumptions, and together represent less than 25% of our total benefit obligation.
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Service cost	$	2		$	2.3		$	0.1		$	0.2
	Interest cost		3.1			2.8			0.1			0.1
	Expected return on plan assets		(4.3	)		(3.7	)		--			--
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		0.3			0.3			(0.8	)		(0.8	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1.7			3.4			--			--
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2.8		$	5.1		$	(0.6	)	$	(0.5	)
	Amortization amounts of prior service costs and recognized net actuarial losses are recorded, net of tax, as increases to accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Employer Contributions
	The Company expects to contribute approximately $10.0 million to its pension plans and $1.0 million to its other post retirement benefit plans in 2014.  As of March 30, 2014, $0.8 million has been contributed to the pension plans and approximately $0.2 million has been contributed to the other post retirement benefit plans.

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 10.  Comprehensive Income
	The following are the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax:
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,
		2014
	Amortization of prior service cost	$	(0.3	)
	Amortization of actuarial gains(losses)		1.1
	Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income	$	0.8
	The above amounts are included in net periodic pension costs.  Please see note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The major components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax, are as follows:
	(millions of dollars)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Pension Costs			Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	17.1		$	(51.0	)	$	2.6		$	(31.3	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2.3			--			(0.1	)		2.2
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		--			0.8			--			0.8
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		2.3			0.8			(0.1	)		3
	Balance as of March 30, 2014	$	19.4			(50.2	)		2.5			(28.3	)

Accounting_for_Asset_Retiremen

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]	'
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Note 11.  Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company records asset retirement obligations for situations in which the Company will be required to incur costs to retire tangible long-lived assets. These are primarily related to its PCC satellite facilities and mining operations. The Company has also recorded the provisions related to conditional asset retirement obligations at its facilities.  The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations at all of its facilities except where there are no legal or contractual obligations.  The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset.
	The following is a reconciliation of asset retirement obligations as of March 30, 2014:
	(millions of dollars)
	Asset retirement liability, December 31, 2013	$	14.7
	Accretion expense		0.2
	Additions		--
	Reversals		(0.1	)
	Foreign currency translation and other		--
	Asset retirement liability,  March 30, 2014	$	14.8
	The current portion of the liability of approximately $0.4 million is included in other current liabilities and the long-term portion of the liability of approximately $14.4 million is included in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 30, 2014.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Legal Proceedings [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings	'
	Note 12.  Legal Proceedings
	Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are among numerous defendants in a number of cases seeking damages for exposure to silica or to asbestos containing materials.  The Company currently has 72 pending silica cases and 15 pending asbestos cases. To date, 1,394 silica cases and 34 asbestos cases have been dismissed. Four new asbestos cases were filed in the first quarter of 2014, and four asbestos cases were dismissed.  Most of these claims do not provide adequate information to assess their merits, the likelihood that the Company will be found liable, or the magnitude of such liability, if any.  Additional claims of this nature may be made against the Company or its subsidiaries.  At this time management anticipates that the amount of the Company's liability, if any, and the cost of defending such claims, will not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
	The Company has not settled any silica or asbestos lawsuits to date.  We are unable to state an amount or range of amounts claimed in any of the lawsuits because state court pleading practices do not require identifying the amount of the claimed damage.  The aggregate cost to the Company for the legal defense of these cases since inception continues to be insignificant.  The majority of the costs of defense are reimbursed by Pfizer Inc. pursuant to the terms of certain agreements entered into in connection with the Company's initial public offering in 1992. Of the 15 pending asbestos cases, all allege liability based on products sold largely or entirely prior to the initial public offering, and for which the Company is therefore entitled to indemnification pursuant to such agreements. Our experience has been that the Company is not liable to plaintiffs in any of these lawsuits and the Company does not expect to pay any settlements or jury verdicts in these lawsuits.
	Environmental Matters
	On April 9, 2003, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection issued an administrative consent order relating to our Canaan, Connecticut, plant where both our Refractories segment and Specialty Minerals segment have operations. We agreed to the order, which includes provisions requiring investigation and remediation of contamination associated with historic use of polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") and mercury at a portion of the site. We have completed the required investigations and submitted several reports characterizing the contamination. We are now conducting a site-specific risk assessment required by the regulators.
	We believe that the most likely form of overall site remediation will be to leave the existing contamination in place (with some limited soil removal), encapsulate it, and monitor the effectiveness of the encapsulation. We anticipate that a substantial portion of the remediation cost will be borne by the United States based on its involvement at the site from 1942 – 1964, as historic documentation indicates that PCBs and mercury were first used at the facility at a time of U.S. government ownership for production of materials needed by the military. Though the cost of the likely remediation remains uncertain pending completion of the phased remediation decision process, we have estimated that the Company's share of the cost of the encapsulation and limited soil removal described above would approximate $0.4 million, which has been accrued as of March 30, 2014.
	The Company is evaluating options for upgrading the wastewater treatment facilities at its Adams, Massachusetts plant. This work has been undertaken pursuant to an administrative Consent Order originally issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") on June 18, 2002. This order was amended on June 1, 2009 and on June 2, 2010.  The amended Order includes the investigation by January 1, 2022 of options for ensuring that the facility's wastewater treatment ponds will not result in unpermitted discharge to groundwater.  Additional requirements of the amendment include the submittal by July 1, 2022 of a plan for closure of a historic lime solids disposal area. Preliminary engineering reviews completed in 2005 indicate that the estimated cost of wastewater treatment upgrades to operate this facility beyond 2024 may be between $6 million and $8 million. The Company estimates that the remaining remediation costs would approximate $0.4 million, which has been accrued as of March 30, 2014.
	The Company and its subsidiaries are not party to any other material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to their businesses.

NonOperating_Income_and_Deduct

Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net [Abstract]	'
Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net	'
	Note 13.  Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net
		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Interest income	$	0.7		$	0.7
	Interest expense		(0.8	)		(0.8	)
	Foreign exchange gains		0.1			0.6
	Other deductions		(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Non-operating income (deductions), net	$	(0.3	)	$	0.1

Noncontrolling_interests

Non-controlling interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Non-controlling interests [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling interests	'
	Note 14.  Non-controlling interests
	The following is a reconciliation of beginning and ending total equity, equity attributable to MTI, and equity attributable to non-controlling interests:
		Equity Attributable to MTI
	(millions of dollars)	Common Stock		Additional		Retained			Accumulated			Treasury			Non-controlling Interests			Total
				Paid-in Capital		Earnings			Other			Stock
									Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4.7	$	361.5	$	1,106.30		$	(31.3	)	$	(593.7	)	$	26.9		$	874.4
	Net income		--		--		15.6			--			--			0.6			16.2
	Other comprehensive income		--		--		--			3			--			(0.2	)		2.8
	Dividends declared		--		--		(1.7	)		--			--			--			(1.7	)
	Dividends to non-controlling interest		--		--		--			--			--			(0.3	)		(0.3	)
	Employee benefit transactions		0.1		1.7		--			--			--			--			1.8
	Income tax benefit arising from employee
	stock option plans		--		1.1		--			--			--			--			1.1
	Purchase of common stock for treasury		--		--		--			--			--			--			--
	Stock based compensation		--		0.3		--			--			--			--			0.3
	Balance as of March 30, 2014	$	4.8	$	364.6	$	1,120.20		$	(28.3	)	$	(593.7	)	$	27		$	894.6
	The income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three-month periods ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was from continuing operations. The remainder of the income was attributable to MTI. There were no changes in MTI's ownership interest for the period ended March 30, 2014 as compared with December 31, 2013.

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]	'
Segment and Related Information	'
	Note 15.  Segment and Related Information
	Segment information for the three-month periods ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:
	Net Sales
	(millions of dollars)		Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Specialty Minerals		$	159.7		$	166.9
	Refractories			84.7			83.6
	Total		$	244.4		$	250.5
	Income from Operations
	(millions of dollars)		Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Specialty Minerals		$	21.5		$	23.3
	Refractories			9.2			6.9
	Total		$	30.7		$	30.2
	The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of March 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	Goodwill
	(millions of dollars)
		Three Months Ended
			March 30,			31-Dec-13
			2014
	Specialty Minerals		$	14.4			14.3
	Refractories			49.9			50.1
	Total		$	64.3			64.4
	A reconciliation of the totals reported for the operating segments to the applicable line items in the condensed consolidated financial statements is as follows:
	Income from operations before provision for taxes on income:		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)		March 30,			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Income from operations for reportable segments		$	30.7		$	30.2
	Unallocated corporate expenses			(7.1	)		(2.0	)
	Consolidated income from operations			23.6			28.2
	Non-operating income (deductions)			(0.3	)		0.1
	Income from continuing operations
	before provision for taxes on income		$	23.3		$	28.3
	The Company's sales by product category are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)		March 30,			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Paper PCC		$	112.8		$	120.5
	Specialty PCC			16.3			16.8
	Talc			13.4			12.4
	Ground Calcium Carbonate			17.2			17.2
	Refractory Products			63.1			62.4
	Metallurgical Products			21.6			21.2
	Net sales		$	244.4		$	250.5

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 16.   Acquisitions
	On March 10, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with AMCOL International Corporation.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will acquire all outstanding shares of AMCOL for $45.75 per share in cash, or a total value of approximately $1.7 billion.  The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014 and is subject to customary closing conditions.  The Company expects to finance this transaction with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings.  JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. has committed to provide senior secured credit facilities consisting of a $200 million revolving credit facility and a $1.56 billion term loan facility.
	The company incurred $7.5 million of acquisition-related  transaction costs in the first quarter, of which $2.4 million were reflected as deferred financing costs.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The Company employs accounting policies that are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Significant estimates include those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pension plan assumptions, income tax, income tax valuation allowances, and litigation and environmental liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended
	Basic EPS		30-Mar-14		March 31,
	(in millions, except per share data)				2013
	Income from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	19.5
	Loss from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.7	)
	Net income attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	18.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding			34.4		35
			30-Mar-14		March 31,
					2013
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.56
	Basic loss per share from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.02	)
	Basic earnings per share attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.54
		Three Months Ended
	Diluted EPS		30-Mar-14		March 31,
	(in millions, except per share data)				2013
	Income from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	19.5
	Loss from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.7	)
	Net income attributable to MTI		$	15.6	$	18.8
	Weighted average shares outstanding			34.4		35
	Dilutive effect of stock options and stock units			0.3		0.3
	Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted			34.7		35.3
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
	attributable to MTI		$	0.45	$	0.55
	Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations
	attributable to MTI			--		(0.02	)
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to		$	0.45	$	0.53
	MTI

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Selected financial information	'
	The following table provides selected financial information for the Walsum plant included within discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The amounts exclude general corporate overhead and interest expense which were previously allocated to the entity comprising the discontinued operations.
		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net sales	$	--	$	0.8
	Production margin		--		(1.0	)
	Expenses		--		0.1
	Loss from operations	$	--	$	(1.1	)
	Benefit for taxes on income	$	--	$	(0.4	)
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	--	$	(0.7	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Summary of inventories by major category	'
	The following is a summary of inventories by major category:
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	34	$	35.1
	Work-in-process		7.2		6.3
	Finished goods		28.1		26.3
	Packaging and supplies		22.3		21.5
	Total inventories	$	91.6	$	89.2

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization	'
	Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization included in other assets and deferred charges as of March 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		30-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	(millions of dollars)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	Patents and trademarks	$	6.4		3.8		6.4		3.7
	Customer lists		2.9		2.7		2.9		2.6
		$	9.3		6.5		9.3		6.3

LongTerm_Debt_and_Commitments_

Long-Term Debt and Commitments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt and Commitments [Abstract]	'
Summary of long term debt	'
	The following is a summary of long-term debt:
	(millions of dollars)
		March 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	3.46% Series A Senior Notes
	Due October 7, 2020		$	30		$	30
	4.13% Series B Senior Notes
	Due October 7, 2023			45			45
	Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial
	Development Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due November 1, 2014			8.2			8.2
	Installment obligations			--			--
	Other borrowings			--			--
	Total			83.2			83.2
	Less: Current maturities			8.2			8.2
	Long-term debt		$	75		$	75

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Benefit Plans [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Service cost	$	2		$	2.3		$	0.1		$	0.2
	Interest cost		3.1			2.8			0.1			0.1
	Expected return on plan assets		(4.3	)		(3.7	)		--			--
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		0.3			0.3			(0.8	)		(0.8	)
	Recognized net actuarial loss		1.7			3.4			--			--
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	2.8		$	5.1		$	(0.6	)	$	(0.5	)

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax	'
	The following are the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax:
	(millions of dollars)	March 30,
		2014
	Amortization of prior service cost	$	(0.3	)
	Amortization of actuarial gains(losses)		1.1
	Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income	$	0.8
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax	'
	The major components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related tax, are as follows:
	(millions of dollars)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrecognized Pension Costs			Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	17.1		$	(51.0	)	$	2.6		$	(31.3	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2.3			--			(0.1	)		2.2
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		--			0.8			--			0.8
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		2.3			0.8			(0.1	)		3
	Balance as of March 30, 2014	$	19.4			(50.2	)		2.5			(28.3	)

Accounting_for_Asset_Retiremen1

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	The following is a reconciliation of asset retirement obligations as of March 30, 2014:
	(millions of dollars)
	Asset retirement liability, December 31, 2013	$	14.7
	Accretion expense		0.2
	Additions		--
	Reversals		(0.1	)
	Foreign currency translation and other		--
	Asset retirement liability,  March 30, 2014	$	14.8

NonOperating_Income_and_Deduct1

Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net [Abstract]	'
Non-operating Income and Deductions, Net	'
		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)	30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Interest income	$	0.7		$	0.7
	Interest expense		(0.8	)		(0.8	)
	Foreign exchange gains		0.1			0.6
	Other deductions		(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Non-operating income (deductions), net	$	(0.3	)	$	0.1

Noncontrolling_interests_Table

Non-controlling interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Non-controlling interests [Abstract]	'
Total equity, equity attributable To MTI, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	'
	The following is a reconciliation of beginning and ending total equity, equity attributable to MTI, and equity attributable to non-controlling interests:
		Equity Attributable to MTI
	(millions of dollars)	Common Stock		Additional		Retained			Accumulated			Treasury			Non-controlling Interests			Total
				Paid-in Capital		Earnings			Other			Stock
									Comprehensive
									Income (Loss)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4.7	$	361.5	$	1,106.30		$	(31.3	)	$	(593.7	)	$	26.9		$	874.4
	Net income		--		--		15.6			--			--			0.6			16.2
	Other comprehensive income		--		--		--			3			--			(0.2	)		2.8
	Dividends declared		--		--		(1.7	)		--			--			--			(1.7	)
	Dividends to non-controlling interest		--		--		--			--			--			(0.3	)		(0.3	)
	Employee benefit transactions		0.1		1.7		--			--			--			--			1.8
	Income tax benefit arising from employee
	stock option plans		--		1.1		--			--			--			--			1.1
	Purchase of common stock for treasury		--		--		--			--			--			--			--
	Stock based compensation		--		0.3		--			--			--			--			0.3
	Balance as of March 30, 2014	$	4.8	$	364.6	$	1,120.20		$	(28.3	)	$	(593.7	)	$	27		$	894.6

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Segment and Related Information [Abstract]	'
Segment and Related Information, Net Sales	'
	Segment information for the three-month periods ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:
	Net Sales
	(millions of dollars)		Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Specialty Minerals		$	159.7		$	166.9
	Refractories			84.7			83.6
	Total		$	244.4		$	250.5
Segment and Related Information, Income From Operations	'
	Income from Operations
	(millions of dollars)		Three Months Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Specialty Minerals		$	21.5		$	23.3
	Refractories			9.2			6.9
	Total		$	30.7		$	30.2
Segment and Related Information, Goodwill	'
	The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment as of March 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	Goodwill
	(millions of dollars)
		Three Months Ended
			March 30,			31-Dec-13
			2014
	Specialty Minerals		$	14.4			14.3
	Refractories			49.9			50.1
	Total		$	64.3			64.4
Segment and Related Information, Reconciliation of Operating Income Before Income Taxes	'
	Income from operations before provision for taxes on income:		Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)		March 30,			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Income from operations for reportable segments		$	30.7		$	30.2
	Unallocated corporate expenses			(7.1	)		(2.0	)
	Consolidated income from operations			23.6			28.2
	Non-operating income (deductions)			(0.3	)		0.1
	Income from continuing operations
	before provision for taxes on income		$	23.3		$	28.3
Segment and Related Information, Sales By Product Category	'
	The Company's sales by product category are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
	(millions of dollars)		March 30,			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Paper PCC		$	112.8		$	120.5
	Specialty PCC			16.3			16.8
	Talc			13.4			12.4
	Ground Calcium Carbonate			17.2			17.2
	Refractory Products			63.1			62.4
	Metallurgical Products			21.6			21.2
	Net sales		$	244.4		$	250.5

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Details

Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic EPS [Abstract]	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to MTI	$15,600,000	$19,500,000
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MTI	8,000	-736,000
Net income attributable to Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI)	15,615,000	18,756,000
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	34,420,000	34,996,000
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.56
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Basic earnings per share attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.54
Diluted EPS [Abstract]	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to MTI	15,600,000	19,500,000
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to MTI	8,000	-736,000
Net income attributable to Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI)	$15,615,000	$18,756,000
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	34,420,000	34,996,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and stock units (in shares)	300,000	300,000
Weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted (in shares)	34,680,000	35,253,000
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.55
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.02)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to MTI (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.53
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities not included in the weighted average commons shares outstanding calculation (in shares)	160,180	239,770

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$0	$800,000
Production margin	0	-1,000,000
Expenses	0	100,000
Loss from operations	0	-1,100,000
Benefit for taxes on income	0	-400,000
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$8,000	($736,000)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits	$4.10
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	2.6
Unrecognized tax benefits, net increase in penalties and interest expense	0.1
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties	$0.70

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'		'
Raw materials	$34,000,000		$35,100,000
Work-in-process	7,200,000		6,300,000
Finished goods	28,100,000		26,300,000
Packaging and supplies	22,300,000		21,500,000
Total inventories	$91,614,000	[1]	$89,169,000	[2]
[1]	Unaudited
[2]	Condensed from audited financial statements

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Abstract]	'		'
Goodwill	$64,274,000	[1]	$64,432,000	[2]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,300,000		9,300,000
Accumulated Amortization	6,500,000		6,300,000
Customer Contracts [Member]	'		'
Intangible assets, Finite-lived [Abstract]	'		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2014	300,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2015	100,000		'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross, non-current	500,000		'
Number of PCC satellite facilities	7		'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross, current	400,000		'
Amortization expense	100,000		'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]	'		'
Intangible assets, Finite-lived [Abstract]	'		'
Weighted average amortization period for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization	'15 years		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2014	500,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2015	500,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2016	500,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	300,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	100,000		'
Estimated amortization expense, 2019	100,000		'
Patents & Trademarks [Member]	'		'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	6,400,000		6,400,000
Accumulated Amortization	3,800,000		3,700,000
Customer Lists [Member]	'		'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross Carrying Amount	2,900,000		2,900,000
Accumulated Amortization	$2,700,000		$2,600,000
[1]	Unaudited
[2]	Condensed from audited financial statements

LongTerm_Debt_and_Commitments_1

Long-Term Debt and Commitments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	$83,200,000		$83,200,000
Less: Current maturities	8,200,000	[1]	8,200,000	[2]
Long-term debt	75,000,000	[1]	75,000,000	[2]
Short-term Borrowings [Abstract]	'		'
Uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, maximum borrowing capacity	189,700,000		'
Uncommitted short-term bank credit lines, amount outstanding	4,800,000		'
Series A Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	30,000,000		30,000,000
Maturity date	7-Oct-20		'
Series B Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	45,000,000		45,000,000
Maturity date	7-Oct-23		'
Variable/Fixed Rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds Series 1999 Due 2014 [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	8,200,000		8,200,000
Maturity date	1-Nov-14		'
Installment Obligations [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	0		0
Other Borrowings [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term debt, gross	$0		$0
[1]	Unaudited
[2]	Condensed from audited financial statements

Benefit_Plans_Details

Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Employer Contributions [Abstract]	'	'
Maximum percentage of total benefit obligation for international pension plans (in hundredths)	25.00%	'
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'
Service cost	$2	$2.30
Interest cost	3.1	2.8
Expected return on plan assets	-4.3	-3.7
Amortization [Abstract]	'	'
Prior service cost	0.3	0.3
Recognized net actuarial loss	1.7	3.4
Net periodic benefit cost	2.8	5.1
Employer Contributions [Abstract]	'	'
Expected company contribution to its benefit plans	10	'
Company contribution to benefit plans	0.8	'
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'
Service cost	0.1	0.2
Interest cost	0.1	0.1
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization [Abstract]	'	'
Prior service cost	-0.8	-0.8
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	-0.6	-0.5
Employer Contributions [Abstract]	'	'
Expected company contribution to its benefit plans	1	'
Company contribution to benefit plans	$0.20	'

Comprehensive_Income_Details

Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax [Abstract]	'
Amortization of prior service cost	($300,000)
Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)	1,100,000
Total reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income	800,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Currency Translation Adjustment [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of year	17,100,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,300,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	2,300,000
Balance at end of year	19,400,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrecognized Pension Costs [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of year	-51,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	800,000
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	800,000
Balance at end of year	-50,200,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss) On Cash Flow Hedges [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of year	2,600,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-100,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-100,000
Balance at end of year	2,500,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of year	-31,265,000	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	2,200,000
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	800,000
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,000,000
Balance at end of year	($28,224,000)	[2]
[1]	Condensed from audited financial statements
[2]	Unaudited

Accounting_for_Asset_Retiremen2

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations [Abstract]	'
Asset retirement liability, beginning balance	$14.70
Accretion expense	0.2
Additions	0
Reversals	-0.1
Foreign currency translation and other	0
Asset retirement liability, ending balance	14.8
Asset retirement obligation current portion	0.4
Asset retirement obligation noncurrent portion	$14.40

Legal_Proceedings_Details

Legal Proceedings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Claims for products sold prior to initial public offering	15
Administrative Consent Order For Contamination Associated with Historic Use of PCBs [Member]	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'
Location of plant	'Canaan, Connecticut
Estimated accrued remediation cost	$0.40
Administrative Consent Order For Installation of Groundwater Contamination System [Member]	'
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'
Location of plant	'Adams, Massachusetts plant
Estimated accrued remediation cost	0.4
Estimated cost of wastewater treatment upgrades, lower range	6
Estimated cost of wastewater treatment upgrades, upper range	$8
Silica Cases [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Number of pending cases	72
Number of cases dismissed to date	1,394
Asbestos Cases [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Number of pending cases	15
Number of cases dismissed to date	34
Number of new cases	4
Number of cases dismissed	4

NonOperating_Income_and_Deduct2

Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Non-Operating Income and Deductions, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Interest income	$700,000	$700,000
Interest expense	-800,000	-800,000
Foreign exchange gains	100,000	600,000
Other deductions	-300,000	-400,000
Non-operating income (deductions), net	($310,000)	$133,000

Noncontrolling_interests_Detai

Non-controlling interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Balance	$874,408,000	[1]	'
Net income	16,279,000		19,604,000
Other Comprehensive Income	2,800,000		'
Dividends declared	-1,700,000		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	-296,000		-486,000
Employee benefit transactions	1,800,000		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	1,100,000		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	300,000		'
Balance	894,686,000	[2]	'
Common Stock [Member]	'		'
Balance	4,700,000		'
Net income	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income	0		'
Dividends declared	0		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	0		'
Employee benefit transactions	100,000		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	0		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	0		'
Balance	4,800,000		'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'		'
Balance	361,500,000		'
Net income	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income	0		'
Dividends declared	0		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	0		'
Employee benefit transactions	1,700,000		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	1,100,000		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	300,000		'
Balance	364,600,000		'
Retained Earnings [Member]	'		'
Balance	1,106,300,000		'
Net income	15,600,000		'
Other Comprehensive Income	0		'
Dividends declared	-1,700,000		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	0		'
Employee benefit transactions	0		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	0		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	0		'
Balance	1,120,200,000		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'		'
Balance	-31,300,000		'
Net income	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income	3,000,000		'
Dividends declared	0		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	0		'
Employee benefit transactions	0		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	0		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	0		'
Balance	-28,300,000		'
Treasury Stock [Member]	'		'
Balance	-593,700,000		'
Net income	0		'
Other Comprehensive Income	0		'
Dividends declared	0		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	0		'
Employee benefit transactions	0		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	0		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	0		'
Balance	-593,700,000		'
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'		'
Balance	26,900,000		'
Net income	600,000		'
Other Comprehensive Income	-200,000		'
Dividends declared	0		'
Dividends to non-controlling interest	-300,000		'
Employee benefit transactions	0		'
Income tax benefit arising from employee stock option plans	0		'
Purchase of common stock for treasury	0		'
Stock based compensation	0		'
Balance	$27,000,000		'
[1]	Condensed from audited financial statements
[2]	Unaudited

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net sales	$244,396,000		$250,513,000	'
Income from operations	30,700,000		30,200,000	'
Goodwill	64,274,000	[1]	'	64,432,000	[2]
Income from operations before provision for taxes on income [Abstract]	'		'	'
Income from operations for reportable segments	30,700,000		30,200,000	'
Unallocated corporate expenses	-7,100,000		-2,000,000	'
Consolidated income from operations	23,584,000		28,253,000	'
Non-operating income (deductions), net	-310,000		133,000	'
Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes	23,274,000		28,386,000	'
Specialty Minerals [Member]	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net sales	159,700,000		166,900,000	'
Income from operations	21,500,000		23,300,000	'
Goodwill	14,400,000		'	14,300,000
Income from operations before provision for taxes on income [Abstract]	'		'	'
Income from operations for reportable segments	21,500,000		23,300,000	'
Refractories [Member]	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net sales	84,700,000		83,600,000	'
Income from operations	9,200,000		6,900,000	'
Goodwill	49,900,000		'	50,100,000
Income from operations before provision for taxes on income [Abstract]	'		'	'
Income from operations for reportable segments	$9,200,000		$6,900,000	'
[1]	Unaudited
[2]	Condensed from audited financial statements

Segment_and_Related_Informatio3

Segment and Related Information, Sales By Product Category (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$244,396	$250,513
Paper PCC [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	112,800	120,500
Specialty PCC [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	16,300	16,800
Talc [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	13,400	12,400
Ground Calcium Carbonate [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	17,200	17,200
Refractory Products [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	63,100	62,400
Metallurgical Products [Member]	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$21,600	$21,200

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition related transaction costs	$5,101,000	$0
AMCOL International Corporation [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Share price (in dollars per share)	$45.75	'
Amount of acquired outstanding shares total value	1,700,000,000	'
Acquisition related transaction costs	7,500,000	'
Deferred financing costs	2,400,000	'
AMCOL International Corporation [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Face amount	200,000,000	'
AMCOL International Corporation [Member] | Credit Facilities Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Face amount	$1,560,000,000	'