Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Total gross receivable due from customer, clients, other third parties or from transactions not separately disclosed, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer). Accounts Receivable Current Accounts receivable, gross Accounts Receivable Gross Current Trade receivables Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable Net [Line Items] Accounts Receivable Net [Line Items] Accounts Receivable Net [Line Items] Accrued environmental liabilities as of the balance sheet date which are included in accrued and other liabilities. Accrued Environmental Liabilities Accrued liabilities for environmental matters Accrued general liability insurance claims as of the balance sheet date which are included in accrued and other liabilities. Accrued General Liability Insurance Claims Accrued general liability insurance claims Accrued Warranty Costs [Line Items] Accrued Warranty Costs [Line Items] Accrued Warranty Costs [Line Items] Additional Paid In Capital Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Adjustment For Amortization Amortization of other assets Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Stock-based compensation Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Excess income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by continuing operating activities: All Other Segments [Member] Other [Member] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag The earliest date which the ammonium nitrate supply agreement can be terminated. Ammonium Nitrate Supply Agreement Earliest Termination Date Earliest date agreement can be terminated Amount approved by an insurance company in settlement or partial settlement of a claim for reimbursement when the Company has suffered a loss covered under an insurance policy. Amount Approved Under Insurance Claim Approved insurance payments Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earning per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items] Asset Retirement Obligations Noncurrent Accrued liability for AROs Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Asset Retirement Obligations [Table] Assets Total assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets-Supplies, prepaid items and other: Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Purchase price of business acquisition A block of text that may be used to disclose all or part of the information relating to business interruption and property insurance claims. This may include the nature of the event resulting in the insurance claim, the aggregate amount of insurance recoveries recognized during the period, and the line item(s) in the statement of operations in which those insurance recoveries are classified. Business Interruption And Property Insurance Claims [Text Block] Property and Business Interruption Insurance Claims and Recoveries Business Interruption Insurance [Member] Business Interruption Insurance [Member] Business interruption insurance [Member] Business Interruption Loss [Axis] Business Interruption Loss [Axis] Business Interruption Loss [Domain] Business Interruption Loss [Domain] Business Interruption [Member] Business Interruption [Member] Business Interruption [Member] Capital Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Other assets, accounts payable and long-term debt associated with additions of property, plant and equipment Fair value as of the balance sheet date of carbon credit assets, which do not meet the criteria of a derivative instrument. Carbon Credit Assets Fair Value Disclosure Carbon credits The number of carbon credit units held by the entity subject to contractual obligations. Carbon Credit Contractual Obligation Number Of Instruments Held Number of carbon credits The fair value per carbon credit unit as of the balance sheet date. Carbon Credit Fair Value Per Unit Carbon credit fair value per unit Fair value as of the balance sheet date of carbon credit liabilities, which do not meet the criteria of a derivative instrument. Carbon Credit Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Contractual obligations-carbon credits Carbon credits. Carbon Credits [Member] Carbon credits [Member] Carrying value of pledged assets at the end of the reporting period. Carrying Value Of Pledged Assets Carrying value of the pledged assets Carrying value of restricted net assets at the end of the reporting period. Carrying Value Of Restricted Net Assets Carrying value of restricted net assets Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow Noncash Investing And Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Noncash investing and financing activities: Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Operating cash flows Changes In the Inventory Reserves. Changes In Inventory Reserves Table [Text Block] Changes in Inventory Reserves Chemical Business [Member] Chemical Business [Member] Chemical Business [Member] Chemical [Member] Chemical [Member] Chemical [Member] Chemical products [Member] Chemical Products [Member] Chemical Products [Member] Cherokee Corporate Pk [Member] Cherokee Corporate Pk [Member] Cherokee Facility [Member] Cherokee Facility [Member] Cherokee Facility [Member] Cherokee Facility [Member] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Climate Control Business [Member] Climate Control Business [Member] Climate Control Business [Member] Climate Control [Member] Climate Control [Member] Climate Control [Member] Climate Control products. Climate Control Products [Member] Climate Control products [Member] Commercial and industrial product base warranty coverage for manufactured product period. Commercial And Industrial Product Base Warranty Coverage For Manufactured Product Commercial and industrial product base warranty coverage for manufactured equipment Commercial and industrial product base warranty coverage for spare parts. Commercial And Industrial Product Base Warranty Coverage For Spare Parts Commercial and industrial product base warranty coverage for spare parts Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodities contracts [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Shares [Member] Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Value Common stock, $.10 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized, 26,756,190 shares issued (26,731,360 at December 31, 2012) Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Construction In Progress Gross Project costs capitalized Contract maturity date. Contract Maturity Date Operating agreement maturity date Initial term of this agreement is for one year, with renewal options, but either party has an option to terminate the agreement pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Contracts Period Contract period The terms relating to contract. Contract Terms Contract terms Contractual obligations relating to carbon credits. Contractual Obligations Relating To Carbon Credits [Member] Contractual obligations relating to carbon credits [Member] Contractual weighted average pay rate related to the entity's interest rate contracts as of the balance sheet date. Contractual Weighted Average Pay Rate Contractual weighted-average pay rate Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible preferred stocks [Member] Corporate assets and other. Corporate Assets And Other [Member] Corporate assets and other [Member] Cost Of Revenue Cost of sales Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of sales [Member] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Line Items] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Line Items] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Line Items] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Table] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Table] Current And Noncurrent Accrued And Other Liabilities [Table] Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit Federal Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Total Current Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current State And Local Tax Expense Benefit State Customer deposits current and noncurrent. Customer Deposits Current And Noncurrent Customer deposits Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Borrowing interest rate basis spread Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Secured Promissory Notes interest rate description Debt Instrument Face Amount Secured Promissory Note principal amount Debt Instrument Interest Rate At Period End Secured promissory note, interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Maturity date Debt Instrument Periodic Payment Principal Periodic principal payments of Secured Term Loan Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Deductible For Property Damage Deductible For Property Damage Deductible property damage under insurance Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit Federal Amount of gain contingency relating to an insurance recovery that was deferred as of the balance sheet date. Deferred Gain On Insurance Recovery Deferred gain on insurance recoveries Deferred gain on insurance recovery Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Total Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred: Current and noncurrent carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of deferred revenue on extended warranty contracts. Deferred Revenue On Extended Warranty Contracts Current And Noncurrent Deferred revenue on extended warranty contracts Deferred State And Local Income Tax Expense Benefit State Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Depreciation Depreciation, depletion and amortization of property, plant and equipment Derivative Assets Derivative Assets Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] The fair value as of the balance sheet date of firm holdings in assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments and/or other assets measured at fair value. These assets are expected to be settled or realized within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative And Other Fair value of derivatives and other Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities Derivative Fixed Interest Rate LIBOR rate Derivative future or forward contract in pounds. Derivative Future Or Forward Contract In Pounds Derivative future or forward contract in pounds Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits The amount of net gains and losses (realized and unrealized) recognized in earnings during the period on derivative instruments and carbon credit assets or carbon credit contractual obligations measured at fair value. Derivative Instruments Carbon Credits Gain Loss Recognized In Earnings Derivative instruments and carbon credits, gains and losses recognized in earnings Derivative instruments and carbon credits change in unrealized gains and losses relating to contracts still held at period end. Derivative Instruments Change In Unrealized Gains Losses Relating To Contracts Still Held At Period End Derivative instruments and carbon credits, change in unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Disclosure Accrued Product Warranty Costs [Abstract] Disclosure Accrued Product Warranty Costs [Abstract] Disclosure Accrued Product Warranty Costs [Abstract] Expenses charged against earnings during the period relating to dismantle and demolition activities. Dismantle And Demolition Expense Dismantle and demolition expense Dividends Preferred Stock Cash Dividends on preferred stock paid or declared Dividends on preferred stocks Dividends declared on preferred stocks Document Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type DSN Plant [Member] Dsn Plant [Member] DSN Plant [Member] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Income (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Basic net income (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Diluted net income (loss) per common share Numerator. Earnings Per Share Numerator [Abstract] Numerator: Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income (Loss) Per Common Share Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Percentage of pre-tax income Eldorado [Member] Eldorado [Member] El Dorado Facility [Member] Employee Related Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Accrued payroll and benefits The date on which the prepayment premium is eliminated. End Date Prepayment Premium Period End date of prepayment premium period Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Method Investment Dividends Or Distributions Distributions received from affiliate Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Ownership interest in equity method investment Equity Method Investments Investment in affiliate Estimated market weighted average receive rate related to the entity's interest rate contracts as of the balance sheet date. Estimated Market Weighted Average Receive Rate Estimated market weighted-average receive rate The estimated cost of a project. Estimated Project Costs Estimated project cost to construct plant The maximum estimated share of the annual operating cost of a wastewater pipeline used in the chemical operations. Estimated Share Of Annual Operating Cost Of Pipeline Maximum Estimated share of the annual operating costs of pipeline, maximum The minimum estimated share of the annual operating cost of a wastewater pipeline used in the chemical operations. Estimated Share Of Annual Operating Cost Of Pipeline Minimum Estimated share of the annual operating costs of pipeline, minimum Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation Expected cost of construction of wastewater pipeline used in the chemical operations. Expected Cost Of Construction Of Pipeline Capital cost in connection with construction of pipeline Extraordinary And Unusual Items [Abstract] Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances for Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Recurring [Member] Fair value measurement with inputs reconciliation recurring basis asset transfers in out of level one and level two. Fair Value Measurement With Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Transfers In Out Of Level One And Level Two Assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 classifications Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Liability Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Liability Transfers Out Of Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain Loss Included In Earnings 1 Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in operating results Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Issues Issuances Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchases Purchases Fair value measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis assets. Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets [Abstract] Assets Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Sales Sales Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Settlements Settlements Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Transfers Out Of Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Value Ending balance Beginning balance Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Gain Loss Included In Earnings Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in operating results Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Issues Issuances Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Purchases Purchases Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Sales Sales Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Settlements Settlements