Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 365,640	$ 365,660
Intersegment revenue	15,272	16,323
Total revenue	380,912	381,983
Operating income (loss)	36,338	46,489
Interest expense	4,261	4,406
Earnings before income taxes	32,077	42,083
Flavors And Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	207,615	204,400
Intersegment revenue	9,426	10,331
Total revenue	217,041	214,731
Operating income (loss)	28,920	29,065
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	28,920	29,065
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	122,281	126,702
Intersegment revenue	5,597	5,554
Total revenue	127,878	132,256
Operating income (loss)	25,973	25,783
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	25,973	25,783
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	35,744	34,558
Intersegment revenue	249	438
Total revenue	35,993	34,996
Operating income (loss)	(18,555)	(8,359)
Interest expense	4,261	4,406
Earnings before income taxes	$ (22,816)	$ (12,765)