Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 367,777	$ 376,994	$ 733,437	$ 726,680
Intersegment revenue	17,537	17,498	35,056	34,052
Total revenue	385,314	394,492	768,493	760,732
Operating income (loss)	54,298	54,333	100,787	97,930
Interest expense	4,347	5,135	8,753	9,985
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	49,951	49,198	92,034	87,945
Flavors And Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	208,940	216,359	413,341	412,891
Intersegment revenue	9,978	9,464	20,308	18,906
Total revenue	218,918	225,823	433,649	431,797
Operating income (loss)	33,459	35,875	62,524	64,485
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	33,459	35,875	62,524	64,485
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	121,158	125,112	246,131	244,009
Intersegment revenue	6,761	7,280	13,060	14,054
Total revenue	127,919	132,392	259,191	258,063
Operating income (loss)	25,949	24,648	51,471	46,995
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	25,949	24,648	51,471	46,995
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	37,679	35,523	73,965	69,780
Intersegment revenue	798	754	1,688	1,092
Total revenue	38,477	36,277	75,653	70,872
Operating income (loss)	(5,110)	(6,190)	(13,208)	(13,550)
Interest expense	4,347	5,135	8,753	9,985
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$ (9,457)	$ (11,325)	$ (21,961)	$ (23,535)