Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Impact of foreign exchange rates on debt instruments recorded in Other Comprehensive Income	$ (7.3)
Forward Exchange Contracts [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Derivative, fair value	30.1	17.8
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Carrying value of foreign denominated debt	$ 89.9	$ 97.3

Name:	sxt_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityForPeriodAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	sxt_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Fair value of all asset derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

-Subparagraph (c)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeDerivativeInstrumentAssetsAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Nominal or face amount used to calculate payments on the derivative asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Notional Amount

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Current period adjustment resulting from gains and losses on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity, net of tax effect.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 830

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph (b),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TranslationAdjustmentForNetInvestmentHedgeNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_DebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: