Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net Trade accounts receivable, net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets Other Asset Impairment Charges Impairment loss on discontinued operations Assets Held-for-sale, Current Assets held for sale Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Interest Paid, Net Interest Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation Accrued profit sharing trust contributions Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Workers' Compensation Liabilities Accrued workers' compensation Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized shares, 160,000; issued and outstanding shares, 50,096 and 49,377 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively Common stock, at par value Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Distributions from equity investment Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales Inventory Write-down Provision for excess and obsolete inventory Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Share-based Compensation Noncash compensation related to stock plans Equity Method Investments Equity method investment Fair Value of Assets Acquired Noncash asset acquisition Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Loss on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Loss (gain) on sale of assets Loss on sale of assets General and Administrative Expense General and administrative Gross Profit Gross profit Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Employee Related Liabilities Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions Proceeds from (Payments for) Long-term Loans for Related Parties Loan made to related party Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Net Carrying Amount Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Interest Expense Interest expense Inventory, Net Inventories Total inventories Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity. Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities Total liabilities Line of Credit, Current Line of credit Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations Income (Loss) from Operations Revenues Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Translation adjustment, net of tax expense of $1, $9, and $3 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, December 31, 2010, and June 30, 2010, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Assets, Current Other current assets Noncash capital expenditures Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Consideration Given Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plans Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued shares Proceeds from Lines of Credit Line of credit borrowings Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of capital assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net. Property, plant and equipment, net Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Contribution to equity investment Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Acquisition of minority interest Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Sales Revenue, Net Net sales Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Text Block] Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Selling and Marketing Expense Selling Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Income Taxes Paid Income taxes Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Treasury Stock Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Dividends Payable, Amount Dividends declared but not paid Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable, Net Assets. Total assets Total Assets Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment of goodwill Impairement Long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Cash dividends declared on common stock, per share Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Incentive Plans Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Loss in equity method investment Loss in equity method investment, before tax Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Statement [Line Items] Statement Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefit of options exercised Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stockholders Equity Period Increase (Decrease) Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit of options exercised Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued shares Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding shares Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per common share: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Long-term liabilities Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Current Accrued profit sharing trust contributions Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Translation adjustment, tax expense (in dollars) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes from continuing operations Provision for income taxes Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value $0.01; authorized shares, 5,000; issued and outstanding shares, none Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income: Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Equity Component [Domain] Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Goodwill Goodwill Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Issuance of Company's common stock for compensation Common stock issued for stock bonus at $30.91, $22.04, and $26.89 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2011, December 31, 2010, and June 30, 2010, respectively Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock options exercised Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Common stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised Stock options exercised (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Repurchase of common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Adjustment Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Noncash activity during the period Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Repurchase of common stock Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation Tax effect of options exercised Shares, Issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Minority interest Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Number of shares outstanding Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Balance Balance Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.25, $0.20, and $0.20 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2011, December 31, 2010, and June 30, 2010, respectively Cash dividend declared on common stock Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Workers' Compensation Liability, Current Accrued workers' compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Stock compensation Research and development and other engineering Research and Development and Other Engineering The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use; (3) to conduct internal product testing; (4) or to provide engineering support to customers in the form of testing services or product uses, specifications or requirements. Debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs for Credit Facility The cash outflow to acquire a credit facility. Supplemental Cash Flow, Cash Paid [Abstract] Cash paid during the year for Consolidation of VIE (Note 15) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity The consolidation of net assets of variable interest entities. Document and Entity Information Share-based Compensation Per Share Common stock issued, per share The amount of each share issued during the period as a result of share-based compensation plans other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Interest Income, Net Interest income, net Represents the net of interest income and expenses during the period. Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of line of credit borrowings Comprehensive Income Liabilities of Assets Held-for-sale Liabilities held for sale Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations, net of tax Earnings from continuing operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Discontinued operations: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic Net earnings (loss) per share - basic: Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Net earnings (loss) per share - diluted: Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations Accrued Interest Earned from Related Parties Represents the accrued interest earned from related parties, which is included in the net income, that result in no cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but increase the net income and thus are subtracted (removed) while calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect method. Accrued interest earned from related party Noncash equity method investment acquisition (Note 6) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Other Noncash Consideration Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss on sale of discontinued operations Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment loss on assets held for sale Impairment charges for facility closure Investments Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Text Block] Schedule of trade accounts receivable, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net Allowance for Sales Discount and Returns Current Allowance for sales discounts and returns An allowance for sales discounts and returns for trade and other receivables due to entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer). Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Trade accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Inventory, Raw Materials Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process In-process products Inventory, Finished Goods Finished products Property Plant and Equipment Excluding Capital Projects in Progress Represents the aggregate of long-lived physical assets excluding capital projects in progress used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Property, plant and equipment excluding capital projects in progress, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment, gross Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Buildings and site improvements Leasehold improvements Machinery and equipment Capital projects in progress Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule of goodwill, by segment Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Disclosure of the carrying value of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by regional segments. Finite-lived intangible assets have a stated useful life over which their gross carrying value is amortized. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in operations of a company. North America The North America component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. The Europe component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Europe Asia/Pacific The Asia/Pacific component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in the table. These concepts are used to disclose the reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization expense of intangible assets, for continuing and discontinued operations Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Estimated future amortization of intangible assets Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Total estimated future amortization of intangible assets Goodwill [Roll Forward] Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. The increase (decrease) to the recorded value of intangible assets for foreign currency translation adjustments. Foreign exchange Intangible Assets Translation Adjustments Details pertaining to Keymark Enterprises, a LLC, which develops software that assists in designing and engineering residential structures. Keymark Enterprises, LLC Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity method investment ownership percentage (as a percent) Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Performance of reporting segments Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Information Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets of discontinued operations included in Administrative and all other segment Assets held for sale Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of lawsuits filed against the entity Dividend declared, July 2011 Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Assets and liabilities held for sale by major class related to discontinued operations Tabular disclosure of the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations. Results from discontinued operations, including impairments and losses recorded in operating expenses Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement [Table Text Block] Simpson Dura-Vent Company, Inc. Information pertaining to Simpson Dura-Vent Company, Inc that represented the entity's entire venting product line. Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Details related to discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract] Results from discontinued operations recorded in operating expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Trade accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Inventories, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Assets Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Cost of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating expenses Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Liabilities held for sale Reporting Segments, Number Prior to Sale of Discontinued Operations Number of reportable segments prior to the sale of Simpson Dura-Vent Company, Inc. The number of reportable segments of the entity prior to the sale of a discontinued operation. Reporting Segments, Number Number of reportable segments The number of reportable segments of the entity. Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Reconciliation of basic earnings per share ("EPS") to diluted EPS Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents - stock options (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Potentially dilutive securities excluded from earnings per diluted share because their effect is anti-dilutive (in shares) Consolidation, Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Segment and Discontinued Operations [Policy Text Block] Segment and Discontinued Operations Information Disclosure of the accounting policy for segment reporting and discontinued operations. Revenue Recognition, Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Earnings Per Share, Policy [Text Block] Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Income Tax, Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Represents the number of times during the year the entity generally grants stock options under stock option plans. Number of grants generally made annually under stock option plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Times Options Granted under Plans Each Year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Age after which Vesting of Options Granted Accelerates Represents the age after which vesting of options granted will be accelerated if the grantee ceases to be employed by the entity. Age after which vesting of options granted accelerates if the grantee ceases to be employed by the entity (in years) Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate (as a percent) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock option activity, including both continuing and discontinued operations Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract] Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] 1994 Plan Represents details pertaining to 1994 stock option plan of the entity principally for its employees. 1995 Plan Represents details pertaining to 1995 independent director stock option plan of the entity principally for its independent directors. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock option expense recognized in operating expenses Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax benefit of stock option expense in provision for income tax Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Tax effect from exercise of stock options, including shortfall tax benefits Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Stock option cost capitalized in inventory Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Requisite service period for options to vest (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Expiration Dating Expiration period for options granted (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation Unvested Stock Options Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of unvested options activity Disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value for unvested share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, and the number of unvested share options or share units that were granted, vested, forfeited, and expired during the year. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Exercise Price Date of Grant, Low End of Range Exercise price for options granted, low end of range (in dollars per share) The low end of the exercise price range at date of grant for share-based awards included in option pricing model assumptions. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Non-Qualified Stock Options activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Number of Options Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Exercise Price Date of Grant, High End of Range Exercise price for options granted, high end of range (in dollars per share) The high end of the exercise price range at date of grant for share-based awards included in option pricing model assumptions. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk Free Interest Rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend Yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected Life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Outstanding and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding and expected to vest at end of the period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at end of the period (in years) The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that are unvested and outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Unvested at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Number Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Vested in Period Vested (in shares) The decrease in the number of shares (or other type of equity) issuable under stock option plan pertaining to awards for which the grantee has gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units. Number of shares, unvested options A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars) Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Primary revolving line of credit Other revolving credit lines Revolving credit lines of the reporting entity other than the primary revolving credit facility. Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Revolving line of credit Schedule of Intangible Assets by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of net intangible assets, by segment Tabular disclosure of intangible assets by segment, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) The weighted average grant date fair value of nonvested options that are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, under stock option plans. Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding and expected to vest at end of the period (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars) Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding and expected to vest at end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to a stock option award for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with terms of the arrangement. Line of Credit Facility [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment, Award Options Nonvested Grants in Period Granted (in shares) The number of shares (or other type of equity) issuable under an equity-based award plan pertaining to grants made during the period on unvested stock options plans. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements (in dollars) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in years) Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value of financial instruments US Treasury Securities and Money Market Funds Fair Value Disclosure United States Treasury securities and money market funds included in cash equivalents Represents the amount of investment made by the entity in United States Treasury securities and money market funds. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Contractual Term [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Common Stock Closing Price Per Share Closing price of share (in dollars per share) Represents the closing price per share of the common stock. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, unvested stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Grants in Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on stock option plans. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Unrecognized Compensation Cost [Abstract] Unrecognized compensation cost Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock options Percentage of Interest Held For Equity Method Investments, High End of Range High end of the range of the required percentage voting interest held to account for investments with the equity method of accounting (as a percent) The high end of the range of the required percentage voting interest to be held by the reporting entity to use the equity method of accounting to report investments, corporate joint ventures, partnerships and affiliated companies in its consolidated financial statements. If the reporting entity can exercise control over the operations and policies, accounting rules require consolidation of the investee's financial statements. Service Sales Percentage of Net Sales Percentage of net sales attributed to services sales. Service sales as a percentage of net sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations held for sale Impairment charge Asset Impairment Charges Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Benefit from income taxes from discontinued operations Remaining balance, loan and pledge agreement defaulted on by the other owner of Keymark Due from Affiliate, Current Credit facility, available credit Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, interest rate at end of period (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Credit facility, interest rate low end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Credit facility, interest rate high end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Construction in Progress, Gross Capital projects in progress Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) Noncash capital expenditures Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Description Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Debt Commitments and Contingencies SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other noncurrent assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Organization Consolidation Basis of Presentation Business Description and Accounting [Policies Text Block] Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Subsequent Events Discontinued Operations Segment Information Stock-Based Incentive Plans Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Investments Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Inventories Trade Accounts Receivable, Net Basis of Presentation Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Related Party Transactions Accrued Liabilities Retirement Plans Acquisitions Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Stock option expense, net of tax Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Credit facility, interest rate basis Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit facility, interest rate spread (as a percent) Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five Thereafter Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Final six months of 2011 Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign exchange Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Commitment fees payable on unused portion of the facility (as a percent) Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Stock option activity, including both continuing and discontinued operations of the entity Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of basic earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") to diluted EPS Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of effective tax rates and income tax expense Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying values of inventories Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Assumptions used to determine the fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at end of the period (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period (in years) Administrative and all other 2011 Plan Represents details pertaining to 2011 stock compensation plan. Number of Stock Incentive Plans Number of stock-based incentive plans Represents the number of stock based incentive plans operated by the entity after incorporating and superseding its previous plans. Number of Stock Option Plans Superseded Number of stock option plans superseded Represents the number of stock option plans superseded by the entity and replaced by another plan during the period. Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Sales to Other Segments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost Fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Exercise Price Date of Grant The exercise price at date of grant for share-based awards included in option pricing model assumptions. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum common stock shares that may be sold under plan (in shares) Segment [Domain] Interest income, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Income from continuing operations before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loans made to related parties Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Loans repaid by related parties Proceeds from Collection of Long-term Loans to Related Parties Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Estimated future amortization of intangible assets Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Increase (Decrease) The increase (decrease) during the period in the percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Increase (decrease) in equity method investment (as a percent) Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Equity method investment ownership percentage after all transactions (as a percent) San Leandro Facility [Member] San Leandro Facility Represents activity related to the San Leandro facility. Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) The number of shares (or other type of equity) forfeited under an equity-based award plan pertaining to unvested stock options plans. Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Nonvested Forfeited in Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards forfeited during the period on stock option plans. Reclassifications Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Retirement of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Retirement of common stock (in shares) Number of shares options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Excercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercise in Period