Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 770,224	$ 727,836
Segment profit:
Restructuring and other charges, net	(122)	0	(7,400)
Operational improvement initiative costs	(2,619)	(1,198)
Operating profit	156,053	137,606
Interest expense	(11,677)	(11,152)
Other income, net	(1,443)	1,069
Income before taxes	142,933	127,523
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	366,505	356,361
Segment profit:
Operating profit	88,063	83,039
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	403,719	371,475
Segment profit:
Operating profit	87,166	68,354
Global expenses [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit	$ (16,435)	$ (12,589)