Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 378,806	$ 367,777	$ 744,446	$ 733,437
Intersegment revenue	14,506	16,159	29,778	32,482
Total revenue	393,312	383,936	774,224	765,919
Operating income (loss)	48,678	54,298	85,016	100,787
Interest expense	4,008	4,347	8,269	8,753
Earnings before income taxes	44,670	49,951	76,747	92,034
Flavors And Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	219,142	208,941	426,757	413,341
Intersegment revenue	8,776	9,977	18,202	20,308
Total revenue	227,918	218,918	444,959	433,649
Operating income (loss)	32,561	33,459	61,481	62,524
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	32,561	33,459	61,481	62,524
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	121,376	123,383	243,657	250,085
Intersegment revenue	5,213	5,858	10,810	11,412
Total revenue	126,589	129,241	254,467	261,497
Operating income (loss)	27,710	26,553	53,683	52,336
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	27,710	26,553	53,683	52,336
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	38,288	35,453	74,032	70,011
Intersegment revenue	517	324	766	762
Total revenue	38,805	35,777	74,798	70,773
Operating income (loss)	(11,593)	(5,714)	(30,148)	(14,073)
Interest expense	4,008	4,347	8,269	8,753
Earnings before income taxes	$ (15,601)	$ (10,061)	$ (38,417)	$ (22,826)