Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 369,371	$ 363,751	$ 1,102,808	$ 1,090,431
Intersegment revenue	16,778	15,133	51,834	49,185
Total revenue	386,149	378,884	1,154,642	1,139,616
Operating income (loss)	50,701	49,943	151,488	147,873
Interest expense	4,483	4,934	13,236	14,919
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	46,218	45,009	138,252	132,954
Flavors And Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	215,306	210,686	628,647	623,578
Intersegment revenue	9,393	9,580	29,701	28,485
Total revenue	224,699	220,266	658,348	652,063
Operating income (loss)	31,810	33,149	94,334	97,634
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	31,810	33,149	94,334	97,634
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	113,914	115,994	360,045	360,003
Intersegment revenue	6,746	4,981	19,806	19,035
Total revenue	120,660	120,975	379,851	379,038
Operating income (loss)	23,459	22,891	74,930	69,886
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	23,459	22,891	74,930	69,886
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	40,151	37,071	114,116	106,850
Intersegment revenue	639	572	2,327	1,665
Total revenue	40,790	37,643	116,443	108,515
Operating income (loss)	(4,568)	(6,097)	(17,776)	(19,647)
Interest expense	4,483	4,934	13,236	14,919
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$ (9,051)	$ (11,031)	$ (31,012)	$ (34,566)