Standard Motor Products (SMP) 10-Q 4 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000093389	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,106,351
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$264,162	$275,975	$764,996	$756,561
Cost of sales	184,081	198,167	541,291	554,859
Gross profit	80,081	77,808	223,705	201,702
Selling, general and administrative expenses	50,615	50,937	150,813	142,322
Restructuring and integration expenses	1,913	642	2,531	779
Other income, net	324	433	766	454
Operating income	27,877	26,662	71,127	59,055
Other non-operating income (expense), net	233	0	-27	-66
Interest expense	403	702	1,621	2,257
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	27,707	25,960	69,479	56,732
Provision for income taxes	10,021	8,516	25,827	20,073
Earnings from continuing operations	17,686	17,444	43,652	36,659
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-389	-604	-1,138	-1,221
Net earnings	$17,297	$16,840	$42,514	$35,438
Net earnings per common share - Basic:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.77	$0.77	$1.90	$1.61
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.03)	($0.05)	($0.06)
Net earnings per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.75	$0.74	$1.85	$1.55
Net earnings per common share - Diluted:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.76	$1.88	$1.59
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.05)	($0.05)
Net earnings per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.74	$0.74	$1.83	$1.54
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.11	$0.09	$0.33	$0.27
Average number of common shares (in shares)	22,999,832	22,691,878	22,945,424	22,810,238
Average number of common shares and dilutive common shares (in shares)	23,239,009	22,877,635	23,179,187	22,999,244

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'		'	'		'
Net earnings	$17,297		$16,840	$42,514		$35,438
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'		'	'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,033		1,449	-719		1,615
Amortization of:	'		'	'		'
Prior service benefit	-1,078	[1]	-1,197	-3,238	[1]	-3,589
Unrecognized loss	781	[1]	773	2,342	[1]	2,321
Unrecognized amounts	0		0	154		437
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	8		26	-19		24
Income tax benefit (expense) related to pension and postretirement plans	110		161	269		310
Pension and post retirement plans, net of tax	-179		-237	-492		-497
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	854		1,212	-1,211		1,118
Comprehensive income	$18,151		$18,052	$41,303		$36,556
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 11 for additional details).

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,097	$13,074
Accounts receivable, less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts of $7,021 and $6,124 for 2013 and 2012, respectively	141,979	98,565
Inventories, net	269,205	267,468
Deferred income taxes	34,842	33,258
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,639	6,188
Total current assets	467,762	418,553
Property, plant and equipment, net	63,883	64,422
Goodwill	37,959	35,827
Other intangibles, net	36,262	36,546
Deferred incomes taxes	9,906	11,085
Other assets	20,119	10,161
Total assets	635,891	576,594
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Notes payable	32,187	40,453
Current portion of long-term debt	82	120
Accounts payable	65,165	62,283
Sundry payables and accrued expenses	42,196	41,723
Accrued customer returns	46,721	29,033
Accrued rebates	32,579	27,349
Payroll and commissions	23,698	21,211
Total current liabilities	242,628	222,172
Long-term debt	23	75
Other accrued liabilities	21,728	21,650
Accrued asbestos liabilities	24,223	25,110
Total liabilities	288,602	269,007
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock - par value $2.00 per share: Authorized - 30,000,000 shares; issued 23,936,036 shares	47,872	47,872
Capital in excess of par value	85,830	82,348
Retained earnings	221,641	186,693
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,668	3,879
Treasury stock - at cost (836,685 shares and 1,117,104 shares in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	-10,722	-13,205
Total stockholders' equity	347,289	307,587
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$635,891	$576,594

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts	$7,021	$6,124
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$2	$2
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	23,936,036	23,936,036
Treasury stock - at cost (in shares)	836,685	1,117,104

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net earnings	$42,514	$35,438
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,203	12,093
Amortization of deferred financing cost	718	870
Increase (decrease) to allowance for doubtful accounts	576	-111
Increase to inventory reserves	4,128	3,460
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of building	-786	-786
Equity loss from joint ventures	80	0
Employee Stock Ownership Plan allocation	3,282	2,899
Stock-based compensation	1,981	1,586
Excess tax benefits related to the exercise of employee stock grants	-1,138	-236
Decrease in deferred income taxes	247	4,979
Decrease in tax valuation allowance	-383	-363
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax	1,138	1,221
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-43,990	-48,008
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-5,345	21,082
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-4,356	-822
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	-450	4,957
Decrease in sundry payables and accrued expenses	26,486	26,884
Net change in other assets and liabilities	-4,254	-2,293
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,651	62,850
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisitions of and investments in businesses	-12,760	-38,594
Capital expenditures	-8,467	-8,003
Other investing activities	-596	9
Net cash used in investing activities	-21,823	-46,588
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net repayments of line-of-credit agreements	-8,266	-12,740
Principal payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-90	-77
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,672	-4,999
Increase in overdraft balances	3,331	5,769
Payments of debt issuance costs	-1,261	0
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	142	334
Excess tax benefits related to the exercise of employee stock grants	1,138	236
Dividends paid	-7,566	-6,162
Net cash used in financing activities	-14,244	-17,639
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-561	1,393
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,977	16
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period	13,074	10,871
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period	10,097	10,887
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	929	1,399
Income taxes	$26,383	$12,050

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$47,872	$82,348	$186,693	$3,879	($13,205)	$307,587
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	0	0	42,514	0	0	42,514
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0	0	-1,211	0	-1,211
Cash dividends paid	0	0	-7,566	0	0	-7,566
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	-1,672	-1,672
Stock-based compensation and related tax benefits	0	1,265	0	0	1,854	3,119
Stock options exercised and related tax benefits	0	3	0	0	139	142
Employee Stock Ownership Plan	0	2,214	0	0	2,162	4,376
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$47,872	$85,830	$221,641	$2,668	($10,722)	$347,289

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1.   Basis of Presentation
	Standard Motor Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (referred to hereinafter in these notes to consolidated financial statements as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of replacement parts for motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with an increasing focus on the original equipment service market.
	The accompanying unaudited financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and all domestic and international companies in which we have more than a 50% equity ownership.  Our investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for on the equity method, as we do not have a controlling financial interest.  All significant inter-company items have been eliminated.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.
	Reclassification
	Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The preparation of consolidated annual and quarterly financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods.  We have made a number of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.  We can give no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.  Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, realizability of inventory, goodwill and other intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, product liability, pensions and other postretirement benefits, asbestos, environmental and litigation matters, the valuation of deferred tax assets and sales return allowances.
	There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	Presentation of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”), which amends the provisions of FASB ASC 220, Comprehensive Income.  The amendments in this update supercede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in FASB ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12.  The amendment requires an entity to present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either (1) on the face of the statement where net income is presented or (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, which for us was January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  As a result of the adoption of this standard, we have elected to present amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
	STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Testing
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”), which amended the provisions of FASB ASC 350.  FASB ASU 2012-02 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying the second step of the impairment test.  If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it would not be required to perform the second step of the impairment test for that indefinite-lived intangible asset.  The new standard is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, which for us was January 1, 2013.  We will consider this new standard when conducting our annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	Balance Sheet Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”).  The update requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.  The amendment was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The adoption of FASB ASU 2011-11 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve

Business Acquisitions and Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisitions and Investments [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions and Investments	'
	Note 3.     Business Acquisitions and Investments
	Orange Electronic Equity Investment
	In January 2013, we acquired an approximate 25% minority interest in Orange Electronic Co., Ltd. for $6.3 million.  Orange Electronic Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of tire pressure monitoring system sensors and is located in Taiwan.  Our minority interest in Orange Electronic Co., Ltd. is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
	European OE Business Acquisition
	In February 2013, we acquired the original equipment business of Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd. (“SMP Europe”), our former affiliate in the U.K., for £4.2 million ($6.5 million).  SMP Europe was a distributor of original equipment parts that were primarily manufactured in our Bialystok, Poland manufacturing facility.  We anticipate incremental annual revenues from the acquisition approximating $1 million to $2 million.
	Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition consisted of $3.8 million of customer relationships that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 10 years and goodwill of $2 million.  Goodwill related to the acquisition was allocated to the Engine Management Segment.  The goodwill reflects business specific knowledge, replacement cost of an assembled workforce, as well as the value of expected synergies.
	Revenues included in our consolidated statements of operations from the acquired business in the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were not material.
	CompressorWorks Asset Acquisition
	In April 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of CompressorWorks, Inc. for $38.6 million, which consisted of a purchase price of $37.4 million and a $1.2 million working capital adjustment.  The acquisition was paid for with cash funded by our revolving credit facility.  Prior to the acquisition, CompressorWorks, Inc. had manufacturing and distribution facilities in Dallas, Texas, and distributed a range of temperature control products including new compressors, fan clutches, and other A/C system and engine cooling products.
	The allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon their fair values.  The following table presents the allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
	Purchase price:				$	38,594
	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Receivables	$	9,114
	Inventory		22,736
	Other current assets		60
	Property, plant and equipment		1,427
	Intangible assets		8,870
	Goodwill		9,703
	Current liabilities		(13,316	)
	Net assets acquired				$	38,594
	Intangible assets acquired of $8.9 million consists of customer relationships of $8 million that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 7 years; trademarks and trade names of $0.5 million that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 3 years; non-compete agreements of $0.2 million that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 3 years; and leaseholds of $0.2 million that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 2.3 years.  Goodwill of $9.7 million was allocated to the Temperature Control Segment and is deductible for income tax purposes.  The goodwill reflects relationships, business specific knowledge and the replacement cost of an assembled workforce associated with personal reputations, as well as the value of expected synergies.
	Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)
	The following table summarizes certain supplemental pro forma financial information which was prepared as if (i) the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CompressorWorks, Inc., acquired in April 2012, had occurred as of January 1, 2011 and (ii) the acquisition of the original equipment business of SMP Europe, acquired in February 2013, had occurred as of January 1, 2012.  The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made at that time or of results which may occur in the future.
	Supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information for the acquisitions is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		30-Sep-13					30-Sep-12
		Reported			Pro Forma		Reported		Pro Forma
	Net sales	$	264,162		$	264,162	$	275,975	$	276,254
	Net earnings		17,297			17,297		16,840		16,971
		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13					30-Sep-12
		Reported			Pro Forma		Reported		Pro Forma
	Net sales	$	764,996		$	765,310	$	756,561	$	777,508
	Net earnings		42,514			42,662		35,438		37,252

Restructuring_and_Integration_

Restructuring and Integration Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Integration Costs [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Integration Costs	'
	Note 4.     Restructuring and Integration Expenses
	The aggregated liabilities included in “sundry payables and accrued expenses” and “other accrued liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet relating to the restructuring and integration activities as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 and activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Workforce Reduction			Other Exit Costs			Total
	Exit activity liability at December 31, 2012	$	2,226		$	1,553		$	3,779
	Restructuring and integration costs:
	Amounts provided for during 2013		2,263			268			2,531
	Cash payments		(1,367	)		(850	)		(2,217	)
	Exit activity liability at September 30, 2013	$	3,122		$	971		$	4,093
	During the third quarter of 2013, we offered a voluntary separation incentive program to certain eligible employees to reduce costs and improve our operating efficiency.  Eligible employees, who accepted the program, received enhanced severance and other retiree benefit enhancements.  In connection with the program, we have recorded a charge of $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2013.
	Liabilities associated with the remaining restructuring and integration costs as of September 30, 2013 relate primarily to employee severance and other retiree benefit enhancements to be paid through 2017 and environmental clean-up costs at our Long Island City, New York location in connection with the closure of our manufacturing operations at the site.

Sale_of_Receivables

Sale of Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Sale of Receivables [Abstract]	'
Sale of Receivables	'
	Note 5.     Sale of Receivables
	From time to time, we sell undivided interests in certain of our receivables to financial institutions.  We enter these agreements at our discretion when we determine that the cost of factoring is less than the cost of servicing our receivables with existing debt.  Under the terms of the agreements, we retain no rights or interest, have no obligations with respect to the sold receivables, and do not service the receivables after the sale.  As such, these transactions are being accounted for as a sale.
	Pursuant to these agreements, we sold $193.8 million and $528.1 million of receivables during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $198.1 million and $508.6 million for the comparable periods in 2012.  A charge in the amount of $3.9 million and $11 million related to the sale of receivables is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $4.3 million and $10.5 million for the comparable periods in 2012.  If we do not enter into these arrangements or if any of the financial institutions with which we enter into these arrangements were to experience financial difficulties or otherwise terminate these arrangements, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by delays or failures to collect future trade accounts receivable.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Net	'
	Note 6.     Inventories, Net
	Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost (determined by means of the first-in, first-out method) or market, consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods, net	$	177,447	$	178,158
	Work-in-process, net		5,331		8,135
	Raw materials, net		86,427		81,175
	Total inventories, net	$	269,205	$	267,468

Acquired_Intangible_Assets

Acquired Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Acquired Intangible Assets	'
	Note 7.     Acquired Intangible Assets
	Acquired identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Customer relationships		$	44,089		$	40,100
	Trademarks and trade names			6,800			6,800
	Non-compete agreements			910			910
	Patents and supply contracts			723			723
	Leaseholds			160			160
	Total acquired intangible assets			52,682			48,693
	Less accumulated amortization (1)			(18,072	)		(14,210	)
	Net acquired intangible assets		$	34,610		$	34,483
		-1	Applies to all intangible assets, except for trademarks and trade names totaling $5.2 million, which have indefinite useful lives and, as such, are not being amortized.
	In February 2013, we acquired the original equipment business of SMP Europe.  Intangible assets acquired consist of $3.8 million of customer relationships that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 10 years.
	Total amortization expense for acquired intangible assets was $1.1 million and $3.9 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $1.3 million and $3.4 million for the comparable periods in 2012.  Based on the current estimated useful lives assigned to our acquired intangible assets, amortization expense is estimated to be $1.1 million for the remainder of 2013, $4.5 million in 2014, $4.3 million in 2015 and $19.3 million in the aggregate for the years 2016 through 2028.

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt	'
	Note 8.     Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
	Total debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit facilities	$	32,187	$	40,453
	Other		105		195
	Total debt	$	32,292	$	40,648
	Current maturities of debt	$	32,269	$	40,573
	Long-term debt		23		75
	Total debt	$	32,292	$	40,648
	Deferred Financing Costs
	We had deferred financing costs of $3.2 million and $2.6 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Deferred financing costs are related to our revolving credit facility.  In connection with the amendment to our revolving credit facility in May 2013, we incurred and capitalized $1.3 million of costs related to bank, legal and other professional fees which are being amortized through March 2018, the remaining term of the amended revolving credit facility.
	Deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2013 are being amortized in the amounts of $0.2 million for the remainder of 2013, $0.7 million in 2014, $0.7 million in 2015, $0.7 million in 2016 and $0.9 million in 2017 and thereafter.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	In November 2010, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent, and a syndicate of lenders for a secured revolving credit facility.  The restated credit agreement (as amended) provides for a line of credit of up to $250 million (inclusive of the Canadian revolving credit facility described below) and expires in March 2018.  Direct borrowings under the restated credit agreement bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin (as defined), or floating at the index rate plus the applicable margin, at our option. The interest rate may vary depending upon our borrowing availability. The restated credit agreement is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and secured by certain of our assets.
	In February 2013, we amended the restated credit agreement to provide us with greater flexibility regarding the payment of cash dividends and stock repurchases.  In May 2013, we further amended our restated credit agreement (1) to extend the maturity date of our credit facility to March 2018; (2) to increase the line of credit from $200 million to $250 million (inclusive of the Canadian revolving credit facility described below); (3) to reduce the margin added to the LIBOR rate to 1.50% - 2%; (4) to reduce the margin added to the index rate to 0.50% - 1%; (5) to reduce the unused fee to 0.25%; and (6) to provide us with greater flexibility regarding acquisitions, other permissible debt financing, cash held and capital expenditures, among other matters.
	Borrowings under the restated credit agreement are collateralized by substantially all of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets, and those of certain of our subsidiaries. After taking into account outstanding borrowings under the restated credit agreement, there was an additional $144.6 million available for us to borrow pursuant to the formula at September 30, 2013.  Outstanding borrowings under the restated credit agreement (inclusive of the Canadian revolving credit facility described below), which are classified as current liabilities, were $32.2 million and $40.4 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Borrowings under the restated credit agreement have been classified as current liabilities based upon the accounting rules and certain provisions in the agreement.
	At September 30, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on our restated credit agreement was 1.9%, which consisted of $30 million in direct borrowings at 1.7% and an index loan of $2.2 million at 3.8%.  At December 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate on our restated credit agreement was 2.7%, which consisted of $25 million in direct borrowings at 2% and an index loan of $15.4 million at 4%.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our average daily index loan balance was $4.5 million compared to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	At any time that our average borrowing availability is less than $25 million, the terms of our restated credit agreement provide for, among other provisions, a financial covenant requiring us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain specified levels of fixed charge coverage at the end of each fiscal quarter (rolling twelve months).  As of September 30, 2013, we were not subject to this covenant.  Availability under our restated credit agreement is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory and eligible fixed assets.  Our restated credit agreement also permits dividends and distributions by us provided specific conditions are met.
	Canadian Revolving Credit Facility
	In May 2010, we amended our Canadian Credit Agreement with GE Canada Finance Holding Company, for itself and as agent for the lenders.  The amended Canadian Credit Agreement provided for the conversion of the then existing $10 million line of credit into a revolving credit facility.  The Canadian $10 million line of credit is part of the $250 million available for borrowing under our restated credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation.
	In May 2013, we further amended our Canadian Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of the agreement to March 2018 and modify certain provisions, including interest rates, to parallel the revolving credit provisions of the restated credit agreement (described above).  The amended credit agreement is guaranteed and secured by us and certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Direct borrowings under the amended credit agreement bear interest at the same rate as our restated credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation.  As of September 30, 2013, we have no outstanding borrowings under the Canadian Credit Agreement.
	Capital Leases
	As of September 30, 2013, our capital lease obligations related to certain equipment for use in our operations totaled $0.1 million.  Assets held under capitalized leases are included in property, plant and equipment and depreciated over the lives of the respective leases or over their economic useful lives, whichever is less.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 9.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Foreign			Unrecognized			Total
			Currency			Pension and Postretirement
			Translation Adjustments			Benefit Costs
						(Credit)
	Beginning balance at June 30, 2013		$	2,911		$	(1,097	)	$	1,814
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			1,033			8			1,041
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			—			(187	)		(187	)
	Current period other comprehensive income, net			1,033			(179	)		854
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013		$	3,944		$	(1,276	)	$	2,668
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Foreign			Unrecognized			Total
			Currency			Pension and Postretirement
			Translation Adjustments			Benefit Costs
						(Credit)
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2012		$	4,663		$	(784	)	$	3,879
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(719	)		135			(584	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			—			(627	)		(627	)
	Current period other comprehensive income, net			(719	)		(492	)		(1,211	)
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013		$	3,944		$	(1,276	)	$	2,668
	Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Prior service benefit (1)		$	(1,078	)	$	(3,238	)
	Unrecognized loss (1)			781			2,342
	Total before income tax			(297	)		(896	)
	Income tax benefit			110			269
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(187	)	$	(627	)
		-1	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 11 for additional details).

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	'
	Note 10.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	We account for our stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation, which requires that a company measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.  The cost is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.
	Stock Option Grants
	The following is a summary of the changes in outstanding stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Shares			Weighted	Weighted Average
						Average	Remaining
						Exercise	Contractual
						Price	Term (Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		29,150		$	12.2	1.9
	Expired		—			—	—
	Exercised		(11,525	)		12.37	—
	Forfeited, other		—			—	—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		17,625		$	12.09	1.3
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013		17,625		$	12.09	1.3
	The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2013 was $0.4 million.  All outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2013 are fully vested and exercisable.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  There were no options granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Restricted and Performance Stock Grants
	As part of the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, we grant shares of restricted and performance-based stock to eligible employees and directors.  Selected executives and other key personnel are granted performance awards whose vesting is contingent upon meeting various performance measures with a retention feature.  Performance-based shares are subject to a three-year measuring period and the achievement of performance targets and, depending upon the achievement of such performance targets, they may become vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant.  Each period we evaluate the probability of achieving the applicable targets, and we adjust our accrual accordingly.  Restricted shares granted to employees become fully vested upon the third anniversary of the date of grant; and for selected key executives certain additional restricted share grants vest 25% upon the attainment of age 60, 25% upon the attainment of age 63 and become fully vested upon the attainment of age 65.  Restricted shares granted to directors become fully vested upon the first anniversary of the date of grant.  Forfeitures on restricted stock grants are estimated at 5% for employees and 0% for executives and directors, respectively, based on our evaluation of historical and expected future turnover.
	Our restricted and performance-based share activity was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Balance at December 31, 2012		533,625		$	13.03
	Granted		7,000			32.01
	Vested		(102,625	)		10.04
	Forfeited		(7,125	)		13.38
	Balance at September 30, 2013		430,875		$	14.05
	We recorded compensation expense related to restricted shares and performance-based shares of $1,546,251 ($963,160 net of tax) and $1,207,992 ($764,055 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The unamortized compensation expense related to our restricted and performance-based shares was $3.8 million at September 30, 2013, and is expected to be recognized as they vest over a weighted average period of 5.7 years and 0.5 years for employees and directors, respectively.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefits [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefits	'
	Note 11.  Employee Benefits
	The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for our defined benefit plans and postretirement benefit plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Pension benefits
	Service cost	$	45		$	32		$	135		$	97
	Interest cost		59			47			176			140
	Amortization of prior service cost		7			28			21			83
	Actuarial net loss		172			65			517			196
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	283		$	172		$	849		$	516
	Postretirement benefits
	Service cost	$	—		$	1		$	1		$	3
	Interest cost		9			22			28			65
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(1,085	)		(1,225	)		(3,259	)		(3,672	)
	Actuarial net loss		609			708			1,825			2,125
	Net periodic benefit credit	$	(467	)	$	(494	)	$	(1,405	)	$	(1,479	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we made employee benefit contributions of $0.7 million related to our postretirement plans.  Based on current estimates, we believe we will be required to make approximately $1 million in contributions for 2013.
	We maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for key employees. Under the plan, these employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation and, in addition, we may at our discretion make contributions to the plan on behalf of the employees.  In March 2013, contributions of $0.5 million were made to the plan related to calendar year 2012.
	We also have an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust for employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  In connection therewith, we maintain an employee benefits trust to which we contribute shares of treasury stock.  We are authorized to instruct the trustees to distribute such shares toward the satisfaction of our future obligations under the plan.  The shares held in trust are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share until they are committed to be released.  The trustees will vote the shares in accordance with their fiduciary duties.  During 2013, we contributed to the trust an additional 182,000 shares from our treasury and released 182,500 shares from the trust leaving 430 shares remaining in the trust as of September 30, 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 12.  Fair Value Measurements
	We follow a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to measure fair value.  This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.”  The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
	Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the measurement date.
	Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,097	$	10,097	$	13,074	$	13,074
	Deferred compensation		7,981		7,981		6,678		6,678
	Short term borrowings		32,269		32,269		40,573		40,573
	Long-term debt		23		23		75		75
	For fair value purposes, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those investments.  The fair value of the underlying assets held by the deferred compensation plan are based on the quoted market prices of the funds in registered investment companies, which are considered Level 1 inputs.  The carrying value of our revolving credit facilities, classified as short term borrowings, approximates fair market value because the interest rates reflect current market rates.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 13.  Earnings Per Share
	The following are reconciliations of the earnings available to common stockholders and the shares used in calculating basic and dilutive net earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Basic Net Earnings Per Common Shares:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,686		$	17,444		$	43,652		$	36,659
	Loss from discontinued operations		(389	)		(604	)		(1,138	)		(1,221	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	17,297		$	16,840		$	42,514		$	35,438
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		23,000			22,692			22,945			22,810
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	0.77		$	0.77		$	1.9		$	1.61
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share		(0.02	)		(0.03	)		(0.05	)		(0.06	)
	Basic net earnings per common share	$	0.75		$	0.74		$	1.85		$	1.55
	Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,686		$	17,444		$	43,652		$	36,659
	Loss from discontinued operations		(389	)		(604	)		(1,138	)		(1,221	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	17,297		$	16,840		$	42,514		$	35,438
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		23,000			22,692			22,945			22,810
	Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock and performance stock		232			182			226			182
	Dilutive effect of stock options		7			4			8			7
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted		23,239			22,878			23,179			22,999
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	0.76		$	0.76		$	1.88		$	1.59
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share		(0.02	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)		(0.05	)
	Diluted net earnings per common share	$	0.74		$	0.74		$	1.83		$	1.54
	The shares listed below were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented or because they were excluded under the treasury method (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options		11			26			9			23
	Restricted and performance shares		217			227			231			233

Industry_Segments

Industry Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Industry Segments [Abstract]	'
Industry Segments	'
	Note 14.  Industry Segments
	We have two major reportable operating segments, each of which focuses on a specific line of replacement parts.  Our Engine Management Segment manufactures and distributes ignition and emission parts, ignition wires, battery cables, fuel system parts and sensors for vehicle systems.  Our Temperature Control Segment manufactures and remanufactures air conditioning compressors, air conditioning and heating parts, engine cooling system parts, power window accessories and windshield washer system parts.
	The following tables show our net sales and operating income by our operating segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net Sales
	Engine Management	$	177,939		$	175,789		$	535,498		$	511,448
	Temperature Control		84,840			95,229			224,228			233,556
	All Other		1,383			4,957			5,270			11,557
	Consolidated	$	264,162		$	275,975		$	764,996		$	756,561
	Intersegment Revenue
	Engine Management	$	6,722		$	4,480		$	19,741		$	13,326
	Temperature Control		2,486			1,031			5,541			3,667
	All Other		(9,208	)		(5,511	)		(25,282	)		(16,993	)
	Consolidated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Operating Income
	Engine Management	$	26,518		$	20,664		$	72,006		$	51,982
	Temperature Control		7,501			9,057			13,787			16,880
	All Other		(6,142	)		(3,059	)		(14,666	)		(9,807	)
	Consolidated	$	27,877		$	26,662		$	71,127		$	59,055

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 15.  Commitments and Contingencies
	Asbestos
	In 1986, we acquired a brake business, which we subsequently sold in March 1998 and which is accounted for as a discontinued operation. When we originally acquired this brake business, we assumed future liabilities relating to any alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured by the seller of the acquired brake business. In accordance with the related purchase agreement, we agreed to assume the liabilities for all new claims filed on or after September 2001. Our ultimate exposure will depend upon the number of claims filed against us on or after September 2001 and the amounts paid for indemnity and defense thereof.  At September 30, 2013, approximately 2,250 cases were outstanding for which we may be responsible for any related liabilities.  Since inception in September 2001 through September 30, 2013, the amounts paid for settled claims are approximately $14.6 million.  We acquired limited insurance coverage up to a fixed amount for defense and indemnity costs associated with certain asbestos-related claims and have exhausted all insurance coverage.
	In evaluating our potential asbestos-related liability, we have considered various factors including, among other things, an actuarial study of the asbestos-related liabilities performed by an independent actuarial firm, our settlement amounts and whether there are any co-defendants, the jurisdiction in which lawsuits are filed, and the status and results of settlement discussions.  As is our accounting policy, we consider the advice of actuarial consultants with experience in assessing asbestos-related liabilities to estimate our potential claim liability. The methodology used to project asbestos-related liabilities and costs in our actuarial study considered: (1) historical data available from publicly available studies; (2) an analysis of our recent claims history to estimate likely filing rates into the future; (3) an analysis of our currently pending claims; and (4) an analysis of our settlements to date in order to develop average settlement values.
	The most recent actuarial study was performed as of August 31, 2013.  The updated study has estimated an undiscounted liability for settlement payments, excluding legal costs and any potential recovery from insurance carriers, ranging from $24.4 million to $37.4 million for the period through 2058. The change from the prior year study was a $2.7 million decrease for the low end of the range and a $4.1 million decrease for the high end of the range.  The decrease in the estimated undiscounted liability from the prior year study at both the low end and high end of the range reflects our actual experience over the prior twelve months.  Based on the information contained in the actuarial study and all other available information considered by us, we have concluded that no amount within the range of settlement payments was more likely than any other and, therefore, in assessing our asbestos liability we compare the low end of the range to our recorded liability to determine if an adjustment is required.  Based upon the results of the August 31, 2013 actuarial study, no adjustment to the asbestos liability was recorded in our consolidated financial statements as the difference between our recorded liability and the liability in the actuarial report at the low end of the range was not material.  Legal costs, which are expensed as incurred and reported in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations, are estimated, according to the updated study, to range from $27.4 million to $48.1 million for the period through 2058.
	We plan to perform an annual actuarial evaluation during the third quarter of each year for the foreseeable future. Given the uncertainties associated with projecting such matters into the future and other factors outside our control, we can give no assurance that additional provisions will not be required. We will continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding these potential liabilities in determining whether additional provisions may be necessary.  At the present time, however, we do not believe that any additional provisions would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or consolidated financial position.
	Other Litigation
	We are involved in various litigation and product liability matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the final outcome of any other litigation or product liability matter cannot be determined, based on our understanding and evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, it is our opinion that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
	Warranties
	We generally warrant our products against certain manufacturing and other defects. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time of the product depending on the nature of the product.  As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, we have accrued $20.7 million and $19.1 million, respectively, for estimated product warranty claims included in accrued customer returns. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims.
	The following table provides the changes in our product warranties (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	23,498		$	18,849		$	17,288		$	13,500
	Liabilities accrued for current year sales		20,755			23,226			61,131			58,882
	Settlements of warranty claims		(23,556	)		(23,021	)		(57,722	)		(53,328	)
	Balance, end of period	$	20,697		$	19,054		$	20,697		$	19,054

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	Presentation of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”), which amends the provisions of FASB ASC 220, Comprehensive Income.  The amendments in this update supercede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income in FASB ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12.  The amendment requires an entity to present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either (1) on the face of the statement where net income is presented or (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, which for us was January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  As a result of the adoption of this standard, we have elected to present amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
	STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Testing
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”), which amended the provisions of FASB ASC 350.  FASB ASU 2012-02 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying the second step of the impairment test.  If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, it would not be required to perform the second step of the impairment test for that indefinite-lived intangible asset.  The new standard is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, which for us was January 1, 2013.  We will consider this new standard when conducting our annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	Balance Sheet Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”).  The update requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.  The amendment was effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The adoption of FASB ASU 2011-11 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve1

Business Acquisitions and Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisitions and Investments [Abstract]	'
Allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'
	The allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon their fair values.  The following table presents the allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
	Purchase price:				$	38,594
	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Receivables	$	9,114
	Inventory		22,736
	Other current assets		60
	Property, plant and equipment		1,427
	Intangible assets		8,870
	Goodwill		9,703
	Current liabilities		(13,316	)
	Net assets acquired				$	38,594
Supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information	'
	Supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information for the acquisitions is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		30-Sep-13					30-Sep-12
		Reported			Pro Forma		Reported		Pro Forma
	Net sales	$	264,162		$	264,162	$	275,975	$	276,254
	Net earnings		17,297			17,297		16,840		16,971
		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13					30-Sep-12
		Reported			Pro Forma		Reported		Pro Forma
	Net sales	$	764,996		$	765,310	$	756,561	$	777,508
	Net earnings		42,514			42,662		35,438		37,252

Restructuring_and_Integration_1

Restructuring and Integration Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Integration Costs [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and integration activities	'
	The aggregated liabilities included in “sundry payables and accrued expenses” and “other accrued liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet relating to the restructuring and integration activities as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 and activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Workforce Reduction			Other Exit Costs			Total
	Exit activity liability at December 31, 2012	$	2,226		$	1,553		$	3,779
	Restructuring and integration costs:
	Amounts provided for during 2013		2,263			268			2,531
	Cash payments		(1,367	)		(850	)		(2,217	)
	Exit activity liability at September 30, 2013	$	3,122		$	971		$	4,093

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories, net	'
	Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost (determined by means of the first-in, first-out method) or market, consist of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods, net	$	177,447	$	178,158
	Work-in-process, net		5,331		8,135
	Raw materials, net		86,427		81,175
	Total inventories, net	$	269,205	$	267,468

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Tab

Acquired Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Acquired identifiable intangible assets	'
	Acquired identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Customer relationships		$	44,089		$	40,100
	Trademarks and trade names			6,800			6,800
	Non-compete agreements			910			910
	Patents and supply contracts			723			723
	Leaseholds			160			160
	Total acquired intangible assets			52,682			48,693
	Less accumulated amortization (1)			(18,072	)		(14,210	)
	Net acquired intangible assets		$	34,610		$	34,483
		-1	Applies to all intangible assets, except for trademarks and trade names totaling $5.2 million, which have indefinite useful lives and, as such, are not being amortized.

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm1

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Credit facilities and long-term debt	'
	Total debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit facilities	$	32,187	$	40,453
	Other		105		195
	Total debt	$	32,292	$	40,648
	Current maturities of debt	$	32,269	$	40,573
	Long-term debt		23		75
	Total debt	$	32,292	$	40,648

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income and Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Foreign			Unrecognized			Total
			Currency			Pension and Postretirement
			Translation Adjustments			Benefit Costs
						(Credit)
	Beginning balance at June 30, 2013		$	2,911		$	(1,097	)	$	1,814
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			1,033			8			1,041
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			—			(187	)		(187	)
	Current period other comprehensive income, net			1,033			(179	)		854
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013		$	3,944		$	(1,276	)	$	2,668
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Foreign			Unrecognized			Total
			Currency			Pension and Postretirement
			Translation Adjustments			Benefit Costs
						(Credit)
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2012		$	4,663		$	(784	)	$	3,879
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(719	)		135			(584	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			—			(627	)		(627	)
	Current period other comprehensive income, net			(719	)		(492	)		(1,211	)
	Ending balance at September 30, 2013		$	3,944		$	(1,276	)	$	2,668
	Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans:
	Prior service benefit (1)		$	(1,078	)	$	(3,238	)
	Unrecognized loss (1)			781			2,342
	Total before income tax			(297	)		(896	)
	Income tax benefit			110			269
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(187	)	$	(627	)
		-1	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 11 for additional details).

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Summary of changes in outstanding stock options	'
	The following is a summary of the changes in outstanding stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Shares			Weighted	Weighted Average
						Average	Remaining
						Exercise	Contractual
						Price	Term (Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		29,150		$	12.2	1.9
	Expired		—			—	—
	Exercised		(11,525	)		12.37	—
	Forfeited, other		—			—	—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		17,625		$	12.09	1.3
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013		17,625		$	12.09	1.3
Restricted and performance-based share activity	'
	Our restricted and performance-based share activity was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Balance at December 31, 2012		533,625		$	13.03
	Granted		7,000			32.01
	Vested		(102,625	)		10.04
	Forfeited		(7,125	)		13.38
	Balance at September 30, 2013		430,875		$	14.05

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefits [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans and postretirement benefit plans	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for our defined benefit plans and postretirement benefit plans for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Pension benefits
	Service cost	$	45		$	32		$	135		$	97
	Interest cost		59			47			176			140
	Amortization of prior service cost		7			28			21			83
	Actuarial net loss		172			65			517			196
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	283		$	172		$	849		$	516
	Postretirement benefits
	Service cost	$	—		$	1		$	1		$	3
	Interest cost		9			22			28			65
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(1,085	)		(1,225	)		(3,259	)		(3,672	)
	Actuarial net loss		609			708			1,825			2,125
	Net periodic benefit credit	$	(467	)	$	(494	)	$	(1,405	)	$	(1,479	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments	'
	The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,097	$	10,097	$	13,074	$	13,074
	Deferred compensation		7,981		7,981		6,678		6,678
	Short term borrowings		32,269		32,269		40,573		40,573
	Long-term debt		23		23		75		75

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliations of earnings available to common stockholders and shares used in calculating basic and dilutive net earnings per common share	'
	The following are reconciliations of the earnings available to common stockholders and the shares used in calculating basic and dilutive net earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Basic Net Earnings Per Common Shares:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,686		$	17,444		$	43,652		$	36,659
	Loss from discontinued operations		(389	)		(604	)		(1,138	)		(1,221	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	17,297		$	16,840		$	42,514		$	35,438
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		23,000			22,692			22,945			22,810
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	0.77		$	0.77		$	1.9		$	1.61
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share		(0.02	)		(0.03	)		(0.05	)		(0.06	)
	Basic net earnings per common share	$	0.75		$	0.74		$	1.85		$	1.55
	Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,686		$	17,444		$	43,652		$	36,659
	Loss from discontinued operations		(389	)		(604	)		(1,138	)		(1,221	)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	17,297		$	16,840		$	42,514		$	35,438
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		23,000			22,692			22,945			22,810
	Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock and performance stock		232			182			226			182
	Dilutive effect of stock options		7			4			8			7
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted		23,239			22,878			23,179			22,999
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	0.76		$	0.76		$	1.88		$	1.59
	Loss from discontinued operations per common share		(0.02	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)		(0.05	)
	Diluted net earnings per common share	$	0.74		$	0.74		$	1.83		$	1.54
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'
	The shares listed below were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented or because they were excluded under the treasury method (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options		11			26			9			23
	Restricted and performance shares		217			227			231			233

Industry_Segments_Tables

Industry Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Industry Segments [Abstract]	'
Sales and operating income by operating segments	'
	The following tables show our net sales and operating income by our operating segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net Sales
	Engine Management	$	177,939		$	175,789		$	535,498		$	511,448
	Temperature Control		84,840			95,229			224,228			233,556
	All Other		1,383			4,957			5,270			11,557
	Consolidated	$	264,162		$	275,975		$	764,996		$	756,561
	Intersegment Revenue
	Engine Management	$	6,722		$	4,480		$	19,741		$	13,326
	Temperature Control		2,486			1,031			5,541			3,667
	All Other		(9,208	)		(5,511	)		(25,282	)		(16,993	)
	Consolidated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Operating Income
	Engine Management	$	26,518		$	20,664		$	72,006		$	51,982
	Temperature Control		7,501			9,057			13,787			16,880
	All Other		(6,142	)		(3,059	)		(14,666	)		(9,807	)
	Consolidated	$	27,877		$	26,662		$	71,127		$	59,055

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Changes in product warranties	'
	The following table provides the changes in our product warranties (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	23,498		$	18,849		$	17,288		$	13,500
	Liabilities accrued for current year sales		20,755			23,226			61,131			58,882
	Settlements of warranty claims		(23,556	)		(23,021	)		(57,722	)		(53,328	)
	Balance, end of period	$	20,697		$	19,054		$	20,697		$	19,054

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Equity ownership in entities included in consolidated financial statements, minimum (in hundredths)	50.00%

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve2

Business Acquisitions and Investments, Orange Electronic Equity Investment (Details) (Orange Electronic Co., Ltd [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013
Orange Electronic Co., Ltd [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Percentage of minority interest acquired (in hundredths)	25.00%
Purchase price of business	$6.30

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve3

Business Acquisitions and Investments, European OE Business Acquisition (Details)	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Customer Relationships [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]	Standard Motor Products Holdings Ltd [Member]
		USD ($)	GBP (£)	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price of business	'	$6.50	£ 4.2	'	'	'	'
Incremental annual revenue from acquired business	'	'	'	1	2	'	'
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	3.8	3.8
Goodwill acquired in business acquisition	'	$2	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	'7 years	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'10 years

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve4

Business Acquisitions and Investments, CompressorWorks Asset Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
				Customer Relationships [Member]	Trademarks And Trade Names [Member]	Non-compete Agreements [Member]	Leasehold [Member]	CompressorWorks, Inc. [Member]	CompressorWorks, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life of intangible assets	'	'	'	'7 years	'3 years	'3 years	'2 years 3 months 18 days	'	'
Purchase price excluding working capital adjustment	'	'	$37,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Working capital adjustment	'	'	1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,594,000	'
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Receivables	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,114,000
Inventory	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,736,000
Other current assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60,000
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,427,000
Intangible assets	'	'	8,900,000	8,000,000	500,000	200,000	200,000	'	8,870,000
Goodwill	37,959,000	35,827,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,703,000
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,316,000
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$38,594,000

Business_Acquisitions_and_Inve5

Business Acquisitions and Investments, Pro Forma Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Unaudited pro forma financial information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$264,162	$275,975	$764,996	$756,561
Net earnings	17,297	16,840	42,514	35,438
Pro Forma Net sales	264,162	276,254	765,310	777,508
Pro Forma Net earnings	$17,297	$16,971	$42,662	$37,252

Restructuring_and_Integration_2

Restructuring and Integration Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and integration activities [Roll Forward]	'	'
Exit activity liability, beginning of period	'	$3,779,000
Amount provided for during 2013	'	2,531,000
Cash payments	'	-2,217,000
Exit activity liability, end of period	4,093,000	4,093,000
Severance Costs	1,800,000	'
Workforce Reduction [Member]	'	'
Restructuring and integration activities [Roll Forward]	'	'
Exit activity liability, beginning of period	'	2,226,000
Amount provided for during 2013	'	2,263,000
Cash payments	'	-1,367,000
Exit activity liability, end of period	3,122,000	3,122,000
Other Exit Costs [Member]	'	'
Restructuring and integration activities [Roll Forward]	'	'
Exit activity liability, beginning of period	'	1,553,000
Amount provided for during 2013	'	268,000
Cash payments	'	-850,000
Exit activity liability, end of period	$971,000	$971,000

Sale_of_Receivables_Details

Sale of Receivables (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Sale of Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Sale of receivables to financial institutions	$193.80	$198.10	$528.10	$508.60
Charge related to sale of receivables	$3.90	$4.30	$11	$10.50

Inventories_Net_Details

Inventories, Net (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods, net	$177,447	$178,158
Work-in-process, net	5,331	8,135
Raw materials, net	86,427	81,175
Total inventories, net	$269,205	$267,468

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Det

Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]

Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Patents and Supply Contracts [Member]

Patents and Supply Contracts [Member]

Leaseholds [Member]

Leaseholds [Member]

SMP Europe [Member]

SMP Europe [Member]

Acquired Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total acquired intangible assets

$52,682,000

'

$52,682,000

'

$48,693,000

'

$44,089,000

$40,100,000

'

'

$6,800,000

$6,800,000

'

$910,000

$910,000

$723,000

$723,000

$160,000

$160,000

Less accumulated amortization

-18,072,000

[1]

'

-18,072,000

[1]

'

-14,210,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net acquired intangible assets

34,610,000

'

34,610,000

'

34,483,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets acquired [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of acquired intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'10 years

'10 years

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of acquired intangible assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

1,100,000

1,300,000

3,900,000

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated amortization expense, remainder of current year

1,100,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated amortization expense in year 2014

4,500,000

'

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated amortization expense in year 2015

4,300,000

'

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated amortization expense in years 2016 through 2028

$19,300,000

'

$19,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Applies to all intangible assets, except for trademarks and trade names totaling $5.2 million, which have indefinite useful lives and, as such, are not being amortized.

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm2

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt, Total Debt Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$32,292	$40,648
Current maturities of debt	32,269	40,573
Long-term debt	23	75
Revolving credit facilities [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	32,187	40,453
Other [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$105	$195

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm3

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt, Deferred Financing Costs (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Financing Costs [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred financing costs	$3.20	$2.60
Amount capitalized in relation to amendment of revolving credit facility	1.3	'
Amortization of financing costs in 2013	0.2	'
Amortization of financing costs in 2014	0.7	'
Amortization of financing costs in 2015	0.7	'
Amortization of financing costs in 2016	0.7	'
Amortization of financing costs in 2017 and thereafter	$0.90	'

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm4

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt, Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$250	$200
Expiration date	1-Mar-18	'
Unused fee (in hundredths)	0.25%	'
Additional available borrowing capacity	144.6	'
Financial covenants	'At any time that our average borrowing availability is less than $25 million, the terms of our restated credit agreement provide for, among other provisions, a financial covenant requiring us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain specified levels of fixed charge coverage at the end of each fiscal quarter (rolling twelve months).	'
Direct Borrowings [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Margin on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.50%	'
Direct Borrowings [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Margin on variable rate (in hundredths)	2.00%	'
Index Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Margin on variable rate (in hundredths)	0.50%	'
Index Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Margin on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.00%	'
General Electric Capital Corporation Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings under credit facility	32.2	40.4
General Electric Capital Corporation Credit Facility [Member] | Direct Borrowings [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings under credit facility	30	25
General Electric Capital Corporation Credit Facility [Member] | Index Loan [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings under credit facility	2.2	15.4
GE Canada Finance Holding Company Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	10	'
Outstanding borrowings under credit facility	$0	'

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm5

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt, Canadian Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$250	$200
Expiration date	1-Mar-18	'
GE Canada Finance Holding Company Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$10	'

Credit_Facilities_and_LongTerm6

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt, Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]	'
Capital Lease Obligations	$0.10

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Beginning balance at Beginning of period	$1,814		'	$3,879		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,041		'	-584		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-187		'	-627		'
Current period other comprehensive income, net	854		'	-1,211		'
Ending balance at End of period	2,668		'	2,668		'
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans [Abstract]	'		'	'		'
Prior service benefit	1,078	[1]	1,197	3,238	[1]	3,589
Unrecognized loss	-781	[1]	-773	-2,342	[1]	-2,321
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, income tax benefit	-110		-161	-269		-310
Total reclassifications for the period	50,615		50,937	150,813		142,322
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'	'		'
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans [Abstract]	'		'	'		'
Prior service benefit	-1,078	[1]	'	-3,238	[1]	'
Unrecognized loss	781	[1]	'	2,342	[1]	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, total before income tax	-297		'	-896		'
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, income tax benefit	110		'	269		'
Total reclassifications for the period	-187		'	-627		'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'		'	'		'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Beginning balance at Beginning of period	2,911		'	4,663		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,033		'	-719		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0		'	0		'
Current period other comprehensive income, net	1,033		'	-719		'
Ending balance at End of period	3,944		'	3,944		'
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs (Credit) [Member]	'		'	'		'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'
Beginning balance at Beginning of period	-1,097		'	-784		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	8		'	135		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-187		'	-627		'
Current period other comprehensive income, net	-179		'	-492		'
Ending balance at End of period	($1,276)		'	($1,276)		'
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 11 for additional details).

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Stock Options [Member]

Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Restricted and Performance-based Shares [Member]

Employees [Member]

Executives [Member]

Directors [Member]

Age 60 [Member]

Age 63 [Member]

Age65 [Member]

Options, shares [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)

'

'

29,150

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expired (in shares)

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised (in shares)

'

'

-11,525

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited, other (in shares)

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, end of period (in shares)

'

'

17,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable, end of period (in shares)

'

'

17,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

$12.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expired (in dollars per share)

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised (in dollars per share)

'

'

$12.37

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited, other (in dollars per share)

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

$12.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

$12.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, additional disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term, beginning of period

'

'

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term, end of period

'

'

'1 year 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term, end of period

'

'

'1 year 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding stock options

'

'

$400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options granted (in shares)

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted and Performance Stock Grants [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Measuring period for performance-based shares

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting rights

'

'

'

'Selected executives and other key personnel are granted performance awards whose vesting is contingent upon meeting various performance measures with a retention feature. Performance-based shares are subject to a three-year measuring period and the achievement of performance targets and, depending upon the achievement of such performance targets, they may become vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

'Restricted shares granted to employees become fully vested upon the third anniversary of the date of grant; and for selected key executives certain additional restricted share grants vest 25% upon the attainment of age 60, 25% upon the attainment of age 63 and become fully vested upon the attainment of age 65. Restricted shares granted to directors become fully vested upon the first anniversary of the date of grant.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting percentage (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

25.00%

100.00%

Estimated forfeitures (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

Restricted and performance-based stock, shares [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

533,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

7,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

-102,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in shares)

'

'

'

'

-7,125

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

End of period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

430,875

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted and performance-based stock, weighted average grant date fair value per share [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$13.03

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$32.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$10.04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$13.38

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

End of period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$14.05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense, gross

1,981,000

1,586,000

'

'

1,546,251

1,207,992

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense, net of tax

'

'

'

'

963,160

764,055

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized compensation expense

'

'

'

'

$3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years 8 months 12 days

'

'6 months

'

'

'

Employee_Benefits_Details

Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
	Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust (ESOP) [Member]	Pension benefits [Member]	Pension benefits [Member]	Pension benefits [Member]	Pension benefits [Member]	Postretirement benefits [Member]	Postretirement benefits [Member]	Postretirement benefits [Member]	Postretirement benefits [Member]	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	$45,000	$32,000	$135,000	$97,000	$0	$1,000	$1,000	$3,000	'
Interest cost	'	59,000	47,000	176,000	140,000	9,000	22,000	28,000	65,000	'
Amortization of prior service benefit	'	7,000	28,000	21,000	83,000	-1,085,000	-1,225,000	-3,259,000	-3,672,000	'
Actuarial net loss	'	172,000	65,000	517,000	196,000	609,000	708,000	1,825,000	2,125,000	'
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	'	283,000	172,000	849,000	516,000	-467,000	-494,000	-1,405,000	-1,479,000	'
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contributions by employer on behalf of employees	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	'	'
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'
Employer discretionary contribution amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$500,000
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares contributed to ESOP (in shares)	182,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares released from trust (in shares)	182,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total balance of share in the ESOP (in shares)	430	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash Equivalents	$10,097	$13,074
Deferred compensation	7,981	6,678
Short term borrowings	32,269	40,573
Long term debt	23	75
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash Equivalents	10,097	13,074
Deferred compensation	7,981	6,678
Short term borrowings	32,269	40,573
Long term debt	$23	$75

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic Net Earnings Per Common Shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$17,686	$17,444	$43,652	$36,659
Loss from discontinued operation	-389	-604	-1,138	-1,221
Net earnings available to common stockholders	17,297	16,840	42,514	35,438
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	22,999,832	22,691,878	22,945,424	22,810,238
Earnings from continuing operations per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.77	$0.77	$1.90	$1.61
Loss from discontinued operations per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.03)	($0.05)	($0.06)
Net earnings per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.75	$0.74	$1.85	$1.55
Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	17,686	17,444	43,652	36,659
Loss from discontinued operation	-389	-604	-1,138	-1,221
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$17,297	$16,840	$42,514	$35,438
Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive effect of restricted stock and performance stock (in shares)	232,000	182,000	226,000	182,000
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	7,000	4,000	8,000	7,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	23,239,009	22,877,635	23,179,187	22,999,244
Diluted Earning per share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings from continuing operations per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.76	$1.88	$1.59
Loss from discontinued operations per common share (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.05)	($0.05)
Net earnings per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.74	$0.74	$1.83	$1.54
Stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	11,000	26,000	9,000	23,000
Restricted and performance shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	217,000	227,000	231,000	233,000

Industry_Segments_Details

Industry Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable operating segments	'	'	2	'
Net sales	$264,162	$275,975	$764,996	$756,561
Intersegment revenue	0	0	0	0
Operating income	27,877	26,662	71,127	59,055
Engine Management [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	177,939	175,789	535,498	511,448
Intersegment revenue	6,722	4,480	19,741	13,326
Operating income	26,518	20,664	72,006	51,982
Temperature Control [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	84,840	95,229	224,228	233,556
Intersegment revenue	2,486	1,031	5,541	3,667
Operating income	7,501	9,057	13,787	16,880
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,383	4,957	5,270	11,557
Intersegment revenue	-9,208	-5,511	-25,282	-16,993
Operating income	($6,142)	($3,059)	($14,666)	($9,807)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	145 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
							Asbestos [Member]	Asbestos [Member]	Asbestos [Member]	Asbestos [Member]
							Claim	Claim	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pending claims, approximate number	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,250	2,250	'	'
Amount paid for settled claim	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$14,600,000	'	'
Range of possible loss, minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,400,000	24,400,000	'	'
Range of possible loss, maximum	'	'	'	'	'	'	37,400,000	37,400,000	'	'
Increase for low end of range	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,700,000	'	'	'
Decrease for high end of range	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,700,000	'	'	'
Estimated legal costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,400,000	48,100,000
Changes in product warranties [Roll forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	17,288,000	13,500,000	23,498,000	18,849,000	'	'	'	'
Liabilities accrued for current year sales	20,755,000	23,226,000	61,131,000	58,882,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement of warranty claims	-23,556,000	-23,021,000	-57,722,000	-53,328,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, end of period	$20,697,000	$19,054,000	$20,697,000	$19,054,000	$23,498,000	$18,849,000	'	'	'	'