At the Sohio laboratories in Warrensville, OH (1955-1977) Idol discovered a single stepcatalytic synthesis of acrylonitrile, thus making it a practical component for many useful commercial plastic resins and compounds for consumer applications and specialty requirements. He refined these materials in their chemistry, methods of processing and end-use applications.

Idol received the prestigious Perkin Medal in 1979, and more recently the laboratory was designated a National Archive.

Idol's research at Rutgers University as Polymer Scientist for the important AMIPP project had the goal of making highly efficient structures from presently immiscible polymer blends, which may also involve ceramic and half-metallic nano-structures.

During the 1980s, Idol headed up a program at Ashland Chemical to emphasize innovations in production and resins aimed at industry needs and wide cooperation with the academic world.