Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Employee	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Operating leases, future minimum payments due [Abstract]
Operating leases, due in 2017	$ 8.2
Operating leases, due in 2018	5.5
Operating leases, due in 2019	3.6
Operating leases, due in 2020	2.7
Operating leases, due in 2021	1.8
Operating leases, due thereafter	3.5
Rent expense	$ 12.4	$ 12.3	$ 10.7
Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of employees terminated | Employee	5
Number of additional potentially aggrieved former employees | Employee	13
Number of additional claimants | Employee	3
Amount accrued for settlement	$ 0.6