Tennant (TNC) 10-Q 28 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 15, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Tennant Company
Entity Central Index Key	97134
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$732,202,104
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,471,651
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (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
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$188,541	$178,268	$556,871	$551,473
Cost of Sales	106,679	100,705	314,745	309,640
Gross Profit	81,862	77,563	242,126	241,833
Operating Expense:
Research and Development Expense	7,970	7,353	23,309	21,558
Selling and Administrative Expense	57,663	57,193	174,083	177,326
Gain on Sale of Business	0	-784	0	-784
Total Operating Expense	65,633	63,762	197,392	198,100
Profit from Operations	16,229	13,801	44,734	43,733
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Income	67	229	295	871
Interest Expense	-440	-640	-1,318	-2,021
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses	-303	-385	-1,046	-1,496
Other (Expense) Income, Net	-157	99	-238	175
Total Other Expense, Net	-833	-697	-2,307	-2,471
Profit Before Income Taxes	15,396	13,104	42,427	41,262
Income Tax Expense	4,779	4,359	12,497	13,522
Net Earnings	$10,617	$8,745	$29,930	$27,740
Earnings per Share:
Basic	$0.58	$0.47	$1.64	$1.49
Diluted	$0.56	$0.46	$1.59	$1.45
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	18,267,828	18,468,546	18,288,083	18,594,508
Diluted	18,811,638	19,040,875	18,823,745	19,154,844
Cash Dividend Declared per Common Share	$0.18	$0.17	$0.54	$0.51

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings	$10,617	$8,745	$29,930	$27,740
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,695	1,424	-1,229	-433
Pension adjustments	93	246	1,007	750
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax	2,788	1,670	-222	317
Comprehensive Income	$13,405	$10,415	$29,708	$28,057

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$65,309	$53,940
Restricted Cash	404	187
Accounts Receivable, less Allowances of $4,605 and $4,399, respectively	139,813	138,147
Inventories	67,390	58,136
Prepaid Expenses	12,111	11,309
Deferred Income Taxes, Current Portion	8,986	11,339
Other Current Assets	1,696	388
Total Current Assets	295,709	273,446
Property, Plant and Equipment	305,381	294,910
Accumulated Depreciation	-220,899	-208,717
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	84,482	86,193
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion	12,830	10,989
Goodwill	19,246	19,717
Intangible Assets, Net	19,411	21,393
Other Assets	7,303	9,022
Total Assets	438,981	420,760
Current Liabilities:
Short-Term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	3,935	2,042
Accounts Payable	49,295	47,002
Employee Compensation and Benefits	31,096	33,021
Income Taxes Payable	1,349	785
Other Current Liabilities	40,512	38,844
Total Current Liabilities	126,187	121,694
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-Term Debt	28,042	30,281
Employee-Related Benefits	25,988	25,873
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion	2,834	3,325
Other Liabilities	4,701	4,533
Total Long-Term Liabilities	61,565	64,012
Total Liabilities	187,752	185,706
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.02 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, $0.375 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 18,466,504 and 18,464,450 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	6,864	6,924
Additional Paid-In Capital	28,828	22,398
Retained Earnings	246,093	236,065
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-30,556	-30,333
Total Shareholders' Equity	251,229	235,054
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$438,981	$420,760

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Accounts Receivable, Allowances	$4,605	$4,399
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.02	$0.02
Preferred Stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred Stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.38
Common Stock, authorized (in shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common Stock, issued (in shares)	18,466,504	18,464,450
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)	18,466,504	18,464,450

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Earnings	$29,930	$27,740
Adjustments to reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation	13,178	13,239
Amortization	1,914	2,096
Deferred Income Taxes	-4	-731
Share-Based Compensation Expense	5,106	7,175
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns	1,153	1,528
Gain on Sale of Business	0	-784
Other, Net	155	130
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	-6,551	1,756
Inventories	-11,798	-3,097
Accounts Payable	2,826	-2,348
Employee Compensation and Benefits	-2,620	-2,767
Other Current Liabilities	1,716	-84
Income Taxes	940	4,902
U.S. Pension Plan Contributions	0	-1,288
Other Assets and Liabilities	863	-4,185
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	36,808	43,282
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment	-11,380	-11,110
Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment	97	280
Acquisition of Business, Net of Cash Acquired	-750	-750
Proceeds from Sale of Business	3,520	1,014
(Increase) Decrease in Restricted Cash	-224	3,089
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	-8,737	-7,477
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Short-Term Borrowings	1,500	0
Payment of Long-Term Debt	-938	-2,450
Purchases of Common Stock	-16,626	-18,567
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	5,994	2,798
Excess Tax Benefit on Stock Plans	2,944	1,213
Dividends Paid	-9,918	-9,508
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities	-17,044	-26,514
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	342	1,069
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	11,369	10,360
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	53,940	52,339
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	65,309	62,699
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid for Income Taxes	8,093	10,319
Cash Paid for Interest	1,189	1,905
Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Capital Expenditures Funded Through Capital Leases	330	847
Capital Expenditures in Accounts Payable	$873	$1,676

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation
	1	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements for interim reporting, which allows certain footnotes and other financial information normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.
	These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Newly_Adopted_Accounting_Prono

Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	2	Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Disclosures
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated accounting guidance on disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. This update adds certain additional disclosure requirements about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are subject to netting arrangements. The new disclosures were required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. This guidance affects disclosure and did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
	Testing Intangibles for Impairment
	In July 2012, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the periodic testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This updated accounting guidance permits us to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If we determine through this qualitative analysis that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it is not necessary to calculate annually the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. This guidance was effective for fiscal periods beginning after September 15, 2012; however, early adoption is permitted. This guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position as we do not currently hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The requirements do not change the existing accounting and reporting for net income or other comprehensive income. The requirements were effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The requirements did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

Management_Actions

Management Actions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Management Actions
	3	Management Actions
	2012 Action - During the third quarter of 2012, we implemented a restructuring action. A pre-tax charge of $760 was recognized in the third quarter as a result of this action. The pre-tax charge consisted primarily of severance and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
			Severance and Related Costs
	2012 restructuring action		$	760
	Cash payments		(414		)
	Foreign currency adjustments		27
	December 31, 2012 balance		$	373
	2013 utilization:
	Cash payments		(310		)
	Foreign currency adjustments		(2		)
	September 30, 2013 balance		$	61
	2013 Action - During the first quarter of 2013, we implemented a restructuring action. A pre-tax charge of $1,440 was recognized in the first quarter as a result of this action. The pre-tax charge consisted primarily of severance and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
			Severance and Related Costs
	2013 restructuring action		$	1,440
	Cash payments		(971		)
	Foreign currency adjustments		32
	September 30, 2013 balance		$	501

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures
	4	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Acquisitions
	On May 31, 2011, we acquired Water Star, Inc. (“Water Star”), a Newbury, Ohio firm specializing in electrochemistry for $4,456. The total purchase price of $4,456 was comprised of $2,956 paid at closing and two $750 installment payments which were paid in cash on the first and second anniversary dates of the acquisition. The first installment payment was made on May 31, 2012 and the second and final installment payment was made on May 31, 2013. These installment payments were not contingent on any future services or other financial targets. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to expand our intellectual property in support of our long-term vision to deliver sustainable, breakthrough innovations.
	The components of the purchase price of the business combination described above have been allocated as follows:
	Current Assets	$	426
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	167
	Identified Intangible Asset	3,800
	Goodwill	472
	Total Assets Acquired	4,865
	Current Liabilities	409
	Total Liabilities Assumed	409
	Net Assets Acquired	$	4,456
	Divestitures
	On July 31, 2012, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with M&F Management and Financing GmbH (“M&F”) for the sale of ownership of our subsidiary, Tennant CEE GmbH, and our minority interest in a joint venture, OOO Tennant. In exchange for the ownership of these entities, we received €815, or $1,014 as of the date of sale, in cash and financed the remaining purchase price of €6,166. A total of €2,126 will be received in equal quarterly payments during 2013, of which €532, or $720, remains as of September 30, 2013 and the remaining €3,225 will be received in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversary dates of the divestiture of which €2,150, or $2,909, remains as of September 30, 2013. As a result of this divestiture, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $784 during the third quarter of 2012 in our Profit from Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The first three quarterly and the first anniversary payments were received as of September 30, 2013.
	M&F is now a master distributor of Tennant products in the Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa markets. In addition, as further discussed in Note 16, at the time of the transaction, M&F was a related party of ours. We have identified M&F as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and have performed a qualitative assessment that considered M&F's purpose and design, our involvement and the risks and benefits and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of this VIE. The only financing we have provided to M&F was related to the SPA as noted above and there are no arrangements that would require us to provide significant financial support in the future.
	The assets and liabilities transferred under the SPA on the date of sale were as follows:
	Accounts Receivable	$	4,398
	Inventory	4,271
	Other Current Assets	87
	Current Assets	8,756
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	170
	Total Assets Divested	8,926
	Current Liabilities	1,121
	Total Liabilities Divested	1,121
	Net Assets Divested	$	7,805

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories
	5	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories carried at LIFO:
	Finished goods	$	37,796		$	33,546
	Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	13,555			14,291
	LIFO reserve	(27,608		)	(27,608		)
	Total LIFO inventories	23,743			20,229
	Inventories carried at FIFO:
	Finished goods	31,582			25,623
	Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	12,065			12,284
	Total FIFO inventories	43,647			37,907
	Total inventories	$	67,390		$	58,136
	The LIFO reserve approximates the difference between LIFO carrying cost and FIFO.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	6	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Goodwill			Accumulated			Total
					Impairment
					Losses
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	68,585		$	(48,868	)	$	19,717
	Foreign currency fluctuations	(475		)	4			(471		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	68,110		$	(48,864	)	$	19,246
	The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Customer Lists			Trade			Technology			Total
					Name
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Original cost	$	23,538		$	4,758		$	7,283		$	35,579
	Accumulated amortization	(11,130		)	(1,858		)	(3,180		)	(16,168		)
	Carrying value	$	12,408		$	2,900		$	4,103		$	19,411
	Weighted-average original life (in years)	15			14			13
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
	Original cost	$	23,817		$	4,657		$	7,197		$	35,671
	Accumulated amortization	(9,907		)	(1,565		)	(2,806		)	(14,278		)
	Carrying value	$	13,910		$	3,092		$	4,391		$	21,393
	Weighted-average original life (in years)	15			14			13
	Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $633 and $1,914, respectively. Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $663 and $2,095, respectively.
	Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable Intangible Assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
	Remaining 2013	$	478
	2014	1,912
	2015	1,896
	2016	1,894
	2017	1,863
	Thereafter	11,368
	Total	$	19,411

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt
	7	Debt
	Debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Short-Term Debt:
	Credit facility borrowings	$	1,500		$	—
	Long-Term Debt:
	Bank borrowings	12			22
	Credit facility borrowings	30,000			30,000
	Notes payable	—			750
	Collateralized borrowings	13			39
	Capital lease obligations	452			1,512
	Total Debt	31,977			32,323
	Less: Current Portion	(3,935		)	(2,042		)
	Long-Term Portion	$	28,042		$	30,281
	As of September 30, 2013, we had committed lines of credit totaling $125,000 and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $87,706. There was $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility, $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility and $1,500 under the facility with HSBC Shanghai as of September 30, 2013. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of $2,009 outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of $492. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $230.
	Our most restrictive covenants are part of our 2011 Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2013, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.41 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 46.53 to 1.
	Credit Facilities
	JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
	On April 25, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our 2011 Credit Agreement which amends the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2011, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto (the “2011 Credit Agreement”). Under the original terms, the 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016, in the amount of $125,000, with an option to expand by up to $62,500 to a total of $187,500. Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100,000 sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.
	Under the original terms of the 2011 Credit Agreement, the fee for committed funds ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40%, depending on our leverage ratio. Eurocurrency borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to adjusted LIBOR plus an additional spread of 1.50% to 2.10%, depending on our leverage ratio. Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0%, plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10%, depending on our leverage ratio.
	Effective April 25, 2013, Amendment No. 1 to the 2011 Credit Agreement principally provides the following changes to the 2011 Credit Agreement:
	•	extends the maturity date of the 2011 Credit Agreement to March 1, 2018;
	•	changes the fees for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement to an annual rate ranging from 0.20% to 0.35%, depending on our leverage ratio;
	•	changes Eurocurrency borrowings per annum to adjusted LIBOR plus an additional spread of 1.30% to 1.90%, depending on our leverage ratio;
	•	changes the ABR rate at which borrowings bear interest to a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0%, plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.30% to 0.90%, depending on our leverage ratio; and
	•	changes related to new or recently revised financial regulations.
	The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by certain first tier domestic subsidiaries.
	The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
	•	a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1;
	•	a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1;
	•	a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
	•	a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000.
	As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement. There was $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2013, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.49%.
	Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
	On May 5, 2011, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”). The Shelf Agreement provides us and our subsidiaries access to an uncommitted, senior unsecured, maximum aggregate principal amount of $80,000 of debt capital.
	Amendment No. 1 principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
	•	elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries;
	•	an amendment to the Maximum Leverage Ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011;
	•	an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
	•	an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000.
	On July 24, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 2”), which amends the Shelf Agreement. The principal change effected by Amendment No. 2 is an extension of the Issuance Period for Shelf Notes under the Shelf Agreement. The Issuance Period now expires on July 24, 2015.
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility, consisting of the $10,000 Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term serially maturing from 2014 to 2018 and the $10,000 Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term serially maturing from 2015 to 2021. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2013.
	The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
	On September 14, 2010, we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A. in the amount of 2,000 Euros, or approximately $2,706. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2013.
	HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
	On June 20, 2012, we entered into a banking facility with the HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch in the amount of $5,000. There was $1,500 in outstanding borrowings on this facility as of September 30, 2013, with a fixed interest rate of 4.4%.
	Notes Payable
	On May 31, 2011, we incurred $1,500 in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star, of which none remains outstanding as of September 30, 2013.

Warranty

Warranty	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranty
	8	Warranty
	We record a liability for warranty claims at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and other factors. Warranty terms on machines generally range from one to four years.
	The changes in warranty reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	9,357		$	8,759
	Additions charged to expense	8,239			9,384
	Reserve divested	—			(236		)
	Foreign currency fluctuations	(50		)	(37		)
	Claims paid	(7,704		)	(8,647		)
	Ending balance	$	9,842		$	9,223

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements
	9	Fair Value Measurements
	Estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	•	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
	Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value
	Assets:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	18	$	—	$	18	$	—
	Total Assets	$	18	$	—	$	18	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	534	$	—	$	534	$	—
	Total Liabilities	$	534	$	—	$	534	$	—
	Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued based on quoted forward foreign exchange prices at the reporting date.
	We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency only in an attempt to limit underlying exposures from currency fluctuations and not for trading purposes. Gains or losses on forward foreign exchange contracts that hedge foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are recognized in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recognized in Other Income (Expense), Net under Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $18 and a liability of $534. As of September 30, 2012, the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $53 and a liability of $169. We recognized a net gain of $969 and a net gain of $1,059 on these contracts during the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding were $40,902 and $39,814, respectively.
	The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value.
	The fair value of our Long-Term Debt approximates cost based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Retirement_Benefit_Plans

Retirement Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Benefit Plans
	10	Retirement Benefit Plans
	Our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plan are described in Note 11 of the 2012 annual report on Form 10-K. We have contributed $70 and $128 during the third quarter of 2013 and $207 and $357 during the first nine months of 2013 to our pension plans and to our postretirement medical plan, respectively.
	The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			30-Sep
			Pension Benefits												Postretirement
			U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans						Medical Benefits
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	85		$	175		$	34		$	33		$	39		$	34
	Interest cost		221			485			122			131			110			140
	Expected return on plan assets		(363		)	(569		)	(116		)	(118		)	—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		217			281			—			—			49			17
	Amortization of prior service cost		9			94			(353		)	38			(25		)	(145		)
	Foreign currency		—			—			(56		)	(10		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	169		$	466		$	(369	)	$	74		$	173		$	46
			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep
			Pension Benefits												Postretirement
			U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans						Medical Benefits
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost		$	517		$	514		$	100		$	99		$	115		$	104
	Interest cost		1,352			1,446			365			392			332			419
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,183		)	(1,709		)	(347		)	(353		)	—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,313			849			—			—			150			51
	Amortization of prior service cost		55			286			(192		)	115			(77		)	(435		)
	Foreign currency		—			—			(27		)	13			—			—
	Net periodic cost		$	1,054		$	1,386		$	(101	)	$	266		$	520		$	139

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
	11	Commitments and Contingencies
	Certain operating leases for vehicles contain residual value guarantee provisions, which would become due at the expiration of the operating lease agreement if the fair value of the leased vehicles is less than the guaranteed residual value. As of September 30, 2013, of those leases that contain residual value guarantees, the aggregate residual value at lease expiration was $12,198, of which we have guaranteed $9,462. As of September 30, 2013, we have recorded a liability for the estimated end of term loss related to this residual value guarantee of $493 for certain vehicles within our fleet. Our fleet also contains vehicles we estimate will settle at a gain. Gains on these vehicles will be recognized at the end of the lease term.
	During the first quarter of 2013, we renewed our lease for our Louisville facility. This lease is a five year lease with a total commitment of $4,710.
	During the second quarter of 2012, we entered into a three year agreement with a supplier, commencing January 1, 2013, with a total commitment of $2,102 of which $1,489 is still outstanding as of September 30, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes
	12	Income Taxes
	We and our subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. We are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for taxable years before 2011 and, with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2007.
	We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income Tax Expense. In addition to the liability of $3,528 for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013, there was approximately $518 for accrued interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2013 was $3,286. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be revised and reflected as an adjustment of the Income Tax Expense.
	Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by $256 during the first nine months of 2013 for expiration of the statute of limitations in various jurisdictions.
	We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various state and foreign jurisdictions covering 2007 to 2011 for which settlement is expected prior to year end. Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect to these examinations.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation
	13	Share-Based Compensation
	Our share-based compensation plans are described in Note 15 of the 2012 annual report on Form 10-K. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we recognized total Share-Based Compensation Expense of $1,667 and $3,264, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 we recognized total Share-Based Compensation Expense of $5,106 and $7,175, respectively. The total excess tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2,944 and $1,213, respectively.
	During the first nine months of 2013, we granted 32,608 restricted shares. The weighted average grant date fair value of each share awarded was $47.32. Restricted share awards generally have a 3 year vesting period from the effective date of the grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $643 and $524, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share
	14	Earnings Per Share
	The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net Earnings	$	10,617	$	8,745	$	29,930	$	27,740
	Denominator:
	Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	18,267,828		18,468,546		18,288,083		18,594,508
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based compensation plans	543,810		572,329		535,662		560,336
	Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	18,811,638		19,040,875		18,823,745		19,154,844
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.58	$	0.47	$	1.64	$	1.49
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.56	$	0.46	$	1.59	$	1.45
	Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 147,737 and 251,704 shares of Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 251,576 and 268,698 shares of Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These exclusions were made as the effects were anti-dilutive.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting
	15	Segment Reporting
	We are organized into four operating segments: North America; Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. We combine our North America and Latin America operating segments into the “Americas” for reporting Net Sales by geographic area. In accordance with the objective and basic principles of the applicable accounting guidance, we aggregate our operating segments into one reportable segment that consists of the design, manufacture and sale of products used primarily in the maintenance of nonresidential surfaces.
	Net Sales attributed to each geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Americas	$	130,037	$	118,624	$	382,877	$	365,726
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	37,436		38,355		116,465		125,573
	Asia Pacific	21,068		21,289		57,529		60,174
	Total	$	188,541	$	178,268	$	556,871	$	551,473
	Net Sales are attributed to each geographic area based on the country from which the product was shipped and are net of intercompany sales.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions
	16	Related Party Transactions
	On July 31, 2012, we entered into a share purchase agreement with M&F, as further discussed in Note 4. Two of the M&F shareholders are individuals who were employed by Tennant prior to the transaction date and were no longer employed by Tennant as of the transaction date.
	Our May 31, 2011 acquisition of Water Star includes installment payments totaling $1,500, all of which have been paid to the former owners of Water Star, as further discussed in Note 4. As of September 30, 2013, the former owners of Water Star are no longer employees of Tennant; however, the former owners are currently providing interim transition services.
	We have an exclusive technology license agreement with Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. A current employee of Tennant owns a minority interest in Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. Royalties under this license agreement are not material to our financial position or results of operations.
	During the first quarter of 2008, we acquired Sociedade Alfa Ltda. and entered into lease agreements for certain properties owned by or partially owned by the former owners of this entity. Some of these individuals are current employees of Tennant. Lease payments made under these lease agreements are not material to our financial position or results of operations.

Management_Actions_Tables

Management Actions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances - 2012 Action	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
		Severance and Related Costs
	2012 restructuring action	$	760
	Cash payments	(414		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	27
	December 31, 2012 balance	$	373
	2013 utilization:
	Cash payments	(310		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	(2		)
	September 30, 2013 balance	$	61
Reconciliation of beginning and ending liability balances - 2013 Action	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
		Severance and Related Costs
	2013 restructuring action	$	1,440
	Cash payments	(971		)
	Foreign currency adjustments	32
	September 30, 2013 balance	$	501

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Components of purchase price allocation	The components of the purchase price of the business combination described above have been allocated as follows:
	Current Assets	$	426
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	167
	Identified Intangible Asset	3,800
	Goodwill	472
	Total Assets Acquired	4,865
	Current Liabilities	409
	Total Liabilities Assumed	409
	Net Assets Acquired	$	4,456
Assets and Liabilities transferred under the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)	The assets and liabilities transferred under the SPA on the date of sale were as follows:
	Accounts Receivable	$	4,398
	Inventory	4,271
	Other Current Assets	87
	Current Assets	8,756
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	170
	Total Assets Divested	8,926
	Current Liabilities	1,121
	Total Liabilities Divested	1,121
	Net Assets Divested	$	7,805

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories carried at LIFO:
	Finished goods	$	37,796		$	33,546
	Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	13,555			14,291
	LIFO reserve	(27,608		)	(27,608		)
	Total LIFO inventories	23,743			20,229
	Inventories carried at FIFO:
	Finished goods	31,582			25,623
	Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	12,065			12,284
	Total FIFO inventories	43,647			37,907
	Total inventories	$	67,390		$	58,136

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Goodwill			Accumulated			Total
					Impairment
					Losses
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	68,585		$	(48,868	)	$	19,717
	Foreign currency fluctuations	(475		)	4			(471		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	68,110		$	(48,864	)	$	19,246
Acquired intangible assets excluding Goodwill	The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Customer Lists			Trade			Technology			Total
					Name
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Original cost	$	23,538		$	4,758		$	7,283		$	35,579
	Accumulated amortization	(11,130		)	(1,858		)	(3,180		)	(16,168		)
	Carrying value	$	12,408		$	2,900		$	4,103		$	19,411
	Weighted-average original life (in years)	15			14			13
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
	Original cost	$	23,817		$	4,657		$	7,197		$	35,671
	Accumulated amortization	(9,907		)	(1,565		)	(2,806		)	(14,278		)
	Carrying value	$	13,910		$	3,092		$	4,391		$	21,393
	Weighted-average original life (in years)	15			14			13
Estimated aggregate amortization expense of Intangible Assets	Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable Intangible Assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
	Remaining 2013	$	478
	2014	1,912
	2015	1,896
	2016	1,894
	2017	1,863
	Thereafter	11,368
	Total	$	19,411

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term and Long-term Debt	Debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Short-Term Debt:
	Credit facility borrowings	$	1,500		$	—
	Long-Term Debt:
	Bank borrowings	12			22
	Credit facility borrowings	30,000			30,000
	Notes payable	—			750
	Collateralized borrowings	13			39
	Capital lease obligations	452			1,512
	Total Debt	31,977			32,323
	Less: Current Portion	(3,935		)	(2,042		)
	Long-Term Portion	$	28,042		$	30,281

Warranty_Tables

Warranty (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Changes in Warranty Reserve	The changes in warranty reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	9,357		$	8,759
	Additions charged to expense	8,239			9,384
	Reserve divested	—			(236		)
	Foreign currency fluctuations	(50		)	(37		)
	Claims paid	(7,704		)	(8,647		)
	Ending balance	$	9,842		$	9,223

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities	Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value
	Assets:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	18	$	—	$	18	$	—
	Total Assets	$	18	$	—	$	18	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	534	$	—	$	534	$	—
	Total Liabilities	$	534	$	—	$	534	$	—

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Table

Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of the net periodic benefit cost	The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		30-Sep
		Pension Benefits												Postretirement
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans						Medical Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	85		$	175		$	34		$	33		$	39		$	34
	Interest cost	221			485			122			131			110			140
	Expected return on plan assets	(363		)	(569		)	(116		)	(118		)	—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	217			281			—			—			49			17
	Amortization of prior service cost	9			94			(353		)	38			(25		)	(145		)
	Foreign currency	—			—			(56		)	(10		)	—			—
	Net periodic cost	$	169		$	466		$	(369	)	$	74		$	173		$	46
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep
		Pension Benefits												Postretirement
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans						Medical Benefits
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	517		$	514		$	100		$	99		$	115		$	104
	Interest cost	1,352			1,446			365			392			332			419
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,183		)	(1,709		)	(347		)	(353		)	—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,313			849			—			—			150			51
	Amortization of prior service cost	55			286			(192		)	115			(77		)	(435		)
	Foreign currency	—			—			(27		)	13			—			—
	Net periodic cost	$	1,054		$	1,386		$	(101	)	$	266		$	520		$	139

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net Earnings	$	10,617	$	8,745	$	29,930	$	27,740
	Denominator:
	Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	18,267,828		18,468,546		18,288,083		18,594,508
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based compensation plans	543,810		572,329		535,662		560,336
	Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	18,811,638		19,040,875		18,823,745		19,154,844
	Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.58	$	0.47	$	1.64	$	1.49
	Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.56	$	0.46	$	1.59	$	1.45

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net sales by operating segment	Net Sales attributed to each geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Americas	$	130,037	$	118,624	$	382,877	$	365,726
	Europe, Middle East and Africa	37,436		38,355		116,465		125,573
	Asia Pacific	21,068		21,289		57,529		60,174
	Total	$	188,541	$	178,268	$	556,871	$	551,473

Management_Actions_Details

Management Actions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Severence and Related Costs - 2012 Action
Reconciliation of restructuring liability
Balance, beginning of period	$373
Restructuring action		760
Cash payments	-310	-414
Foreign currency adjustments	-2	27
Balance, end of period	61	373
Severance and Related Costs - 2013 Action
Reconciliation of restructuring liability
Restructuring action	1,440
Cash payments	-971
Foreign currency adjustments	32
Balance, end of period	$501

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (Water Star, Inc., USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	31-May-11
Water Star, Inc.
Business Acquisition
Date of acquisition	31-May-11
Purchase price		$4,456
Cash paid as part of purchase price	2,956
Number of payments to be made in future in acquisition	2
Amount of each installment payments	750
Purchase price allocation
Current Assets		426
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		167
Identified Intangible Assets		3,800
Goodwill		472
Total Assets Acquired		4,865
Current Liabilities		409
Total Liabilities Assumed		409
Net Assets Acquired		$4,456

Divestitures_Details

Divestitures (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Tennant CEE GmbH and OOO Tennant	Tennant CEE GmbH and OOO Tennant	Tennant CEE GmbH and OOO Tennant
					USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Divestitures
Date of divestiture					31-Jul-12	31-Jul-12
Total selling price						€ 6,166
Cash received as part of selling price					1,014	815
Total amount of installment payments to be received quarterly in 2013						2,126
Total amount remaining to be received quarterly during 2013					720	532
Amount of installment payments to be received on the first, second and third anniversary dates						3,225
Total remaining amount of installment payments to be received on the second and third anniversary dates					2,909	2,150
Gain on Sale of Business	0	784	0	784
Assets and Liabilities Divested [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable							4,398
Inventory							4,271
Other Current Assets							87
Current Assets							8,756
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net							170
Total Assets Divested							8,926
Current Liabilities							1,121
Total Liabilities Divested							1,121
Net Assets Divested							$7,805

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories carried at LIFO:
Finished goods	$37,796	$33,546
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	13,555	14,291
LIFO Reserve	-27,608	-27,608
Total LIFO inventories	23,743	20,229
Inventories carried at FIFO:
Finished goods	31,582	25,623
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process	12,065	12,284
Total FIFO inventories	43,647	37,907
Total inventories	$67,390	$58,136

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
						Customer Lists and Service Contracts	Customer Lists and Service Contracts	Trade Name	Trade Name	Technology	Technology
Goodwill Gross
Balance, beginning of period			$68,585
Foreign currency fluctuations			-475
Balance, end of period	68,110		68,110
Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses
Balance, beginning of period			-48,868
Foreign currency fluctuations			4
Balance, end of period	-48,864		-48,864
Goodwill Total
Balance, beginning of period			19,717
Foreign currency fluctuations			-471
Balance, end of period	19,246		19,246
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Original cost	35,579		35,579		35,671	23,538	23,817	4,758	4,657	7,283	7,197
Accumulated amortization	-16,168		-16,168		-14,278	-11,130	-9,907	-1,858	-1,565	-3,180	-2,806
Carrying amount	19,411		19,411		21,393	12,408	13,910	2,900	3,092	4,103	4,391
Weighted-average original life (in years)						15 years	15 years	14 years	14 years	13 years	13 years
Amortization expense on Intangible Assets	633	663	1,914	2,095
Estimated aggregate amortization expense of Intangible Assets
Remaining 2013	478		478
2014	1,912		1,912
2015	1,896		1,896
2016	1,894		1,894
2017	1,863		1,863
Thereafter	11,368		11,368
Total	$19,411		$19,411

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	$31,977	$32,323
Less: Current Portion	-3,935	-2,042
Long-Term Portion	28,042	30,281
Committed lines of credit	125,000
Uncommitted lines of credit	87,706
Letters of credit, Outstanding amount	2,009
Bank guarantees	492
Commitment fees on unused lines of credit	230
Indebtedness to EBITDA ratio	0.41 to 1
EBITDA to interest expense ratio	46.53 to 1
Bank borrowings
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	12	22
Credit facility borrowings
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	30,000	30,000
Notes payable
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	0	750
Collateralized borrowings
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	13	39
Capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	452	1,512
Credit facility borrowings
Debt Instrument
Total Debt	$1,500	$0
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association [Member]
Debt Instrument
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Maximum Indebtedness to EBITDA	3.00 to 1
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Minimum EBITDA to interest expense	3.50 to 1

Debt_Line_of_Credit_Facility_D

Debt (Line of Credit Facility) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association	Amendment No. 1 to the 2011 Credit Agreement Effective April 25, 2013	Amended Prudential Investment Management	Series A Notes	Series B Notes	Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.	Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.	HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
		USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility
Line of credit facility, Maximum borrowing capacity		$125,000		$80,000			$2,706	€ 2,000	$5,000
Amount of additional line of credit borrowing available		62,500
Line of credit facility, Expanded Maximum borrowing capacity		187,500
Line of credit facility, Amount outstanding		10,000		20,000			0		1,500
Line of credit facility, weighted average interest rate at end of period (in hundredths)		1.49%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					10,000	10,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.00%	4.10%			4.40%
Debt Instrument, Payment Terms					7 year term	10 year term
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start					1-Jan-14	1-Jan-15
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End					1-Jan-18	1-Jan-21
Credit Facilities
Line of credit facility, Expiration date		5-May-16	1-Mar-18	24-Jul-15
Sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries		100,000
Line of credit facility, Minimum commitment fee percentage (in hundredths)		0.25%	0.20%
Line of credit facility, Maximum commitment fee percentage (in hundredths)		0.40%	0.35%
Minimum interest rate spread added to adjusted LIBOR rate based on leverage ratio on Eurocurrency borrowings (in hundreths)		1.50%	1.30%
Maximum interest rate spread added to adjusted LIBOR rate based on leverage ration on Eurocurrency borrowings (in hundreths)		2.10%	1.90%
Interest rate spread added to federal funds rate on Alternate Base Rate Borrowings (in hundredths)		0.50%	0.50%
Interest rate spread added to LIBOR rate for one month on Alternate Base Rate Borrowings (in hundredths)		1.00%	1.00%
Minimum interest rate spread added to LIBOR rate for one month based on leverage ratio on Alternate Base Rate Borrowings (in hundredths)		0.50%	0.30%
Maximum interest rate spread added to LIBOR rate for one month based on leverage ratio on Alternate Base Rate Borrowings (in hundredths)		1.10%	0.90%
Percentage stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries pledged as collateral under the credit agreement (in hundredths)		65.00%
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Maximum Indebtedness to EBITDA		3.00 to 1		3.00 to 1
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Minimum EBITDA to interest expense		3.50 to 1
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Maximum leverage ratio restricting paying of dividends or repurchasing stock		2.00 to 1		2.00 to 1
Restriction on dividends and repurchases of common stock, Minimum		50,000		50,000
Restriction on dividends and repurchases of common stock, Maximum		75,000		75,000
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Minimum leverage ratio restricting ability to make acquisitions		2.75 to 1		2.75 to 1
Line of credit facility, Covenant restriction, Maximum level that can be paid for acquisitions		25,000		25,000
Original Debt Amount Owed To Previous Owners Of An Acquired Business	1,500
Amount outstanding on notes payable to owners of acquired entity	$0

Warranty_Details

Warranty (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranty terms, minimum (in years)	1
Warranty terms, maximum (in years)	4
Changes in warranty reserve
Beginning balance	$9,357	$8,759
Additions charged to expense	8,239	9,384
Reserve divested	0	-236
Foreign currency fluctuations	-50	-37
Claims paid	-7,704	-8,647
Ending balance	$9,842	$9,223

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Assets:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		$53
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		169
Net gain on foreign currency forward exchange contracts	969	1,059
Notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts	40,902	39,814
Fair Value
Assets:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	18
Total Assets	18
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	534
Total Liabilities	534
Level 1
Assets:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	0
Total Assets	0
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	0
Total Liabilities	0
Level 2
Assets:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	18
Total Assets	18
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	534
Total Liabilities	534
Level 3
Assets:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	0
Total Assets	0
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	0
Total Liabilities	$0

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Detai

Retirement Benefit Plans (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
U.S. Pension Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$85	$175	$517	$514
Interest cost	221	485	1,352	1,446
Expected return on plan assets	-363	-569	-2,183	-1,709
Amortization of net actuarial loss	217	281	1,313	849
Amortization of prior service cost	9	94	55	286
Foreign currency	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	169	466	1,054	1,386
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	34	33	100	99
Interest cost	122	131	365	392
Expected return on plan assets	-116	-118	-347	-353
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-353	38	-192	115
Foreign currency	-56	-10	-27	13
Net periodic benefit cost	-369	74	-101	266
Postretirement Medical Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	39	34	115	104
Interest cost	110	140	332	419
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	49	17	150	51
Amortization of prior service cost	-25	-145	-77	-435
Foreign currency	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	173	46	520	139
Employer contributions to pension and postretirement medial benefit plans	128		357
Pension Benefits
Components of the net periodic benefit cost
Employer contributions to pension and postretirement medial benefit plans	$70		$207

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate residual value at lease expiration for vehicle leases	$12,198
Guaranteed aggregate residual value at lease expiration for vehicle leases	9,462
Liability for the estimated end-of-term loss related to residual value guarantee	493
Louisville facility lease term	5 years
Louisville facility, future minimum lease payments due	4,710
Term of Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	three year
Minimum purchase obligation	2,102
Remaining minimum purchase obligation	$1,489

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$3,528
Accrued interest and penalties	518
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3,286
Reduction of unrecognized tax benefits for the expiration of statute of limitations in various jurisdictions and settlements of foreign audits	$256

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (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
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,667	$3,264	$5,106	$7,175
Excess Tax Benefit recognized for share-based compensation			2,944	1,213
Restricted shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Shares granted			32,608
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$47.32
Vesting period of new awards granted (in years)			3 years
Fair value of shares vested			$643	$524

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
Numerator:
Net Earnings	$10,617	$8,745	$29,930	$27,740
Denominator:
Basic - Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	18,267,828	18,468,546	18,288,083	18,594,508
Effect of dilutive securities - share-based compensation plans	543,810	572,329	535,662	560,336
Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	18,811,638	19,040,875	18,823,745	19,154,844
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.58	$0.47	$1.64	$1.49
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.46	$1.59	$1.45
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from earnings per share calculation (in shares)	147,737	251,704	251,576	268,698

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (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 Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments			4
Number of reportable segments			1
Revenues from external customers
Net Sales	$188,541	$178,268	$556,871	$551,473
Americas
Revenues from external customers
Net Sales	130,037	118,624	382,877	365,726
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Revenues from external customers
Net Sales	37,436	38,355	116,465	125,573
Asia Pacific
Revenues from external customers
Net Sales	$21,068	$21,289	$57,529	$60,174

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition
Amount outstanding on notes payable to owners of acquired entity	$0
Water Star, Inc.
Business Acquisition
Amount of total installment payments	$1,500