Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 365,660	$ 349,686
Intersegment revenue	17,519	16,554
Total revenue	383,179	366,240
Operating income (loss)	46,489	43,597
Interest expense	4,406	4,850
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	42,083	38,747
Flavors And Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	204,400	196,533
Intersegment revenue	10,331	9,441
Total revenue	214,731	205,974
Operating income (loss)	29,065	28,610
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	29,065	28,610
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	124,973	118,897
Intersegment revenue	6,299	6,774
Total revenue	131,272	125,671
Operating income (loss)	25,522	22,347
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	25,522	22,347
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	36,287	34,256
Intersegment revenue	889	339
Total revenue	37,176	34,595
Operating income (loss)	(8,098)	(7,360)
Interest expense	4,406	4,850
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$ (12,504)	$ (12,210)