Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 788,414		$ 757,635		$ 1,558,638		$ 1,485,471
Segment profit:
Operating profit	153,115		142,396		309,168		279,999
Restructuring and other charges, net	(182)		(2,105)		(304)		(2,105)
Operational improvement initiative costs	(3,113)	[1]	(162)	[1]	(5,732)	[1]	(1,360)	[1]
Interest expense	(11,403)		(12,860)		(23,080)		(24,013)
Other income, net	4,641		11,209		3,198		12,282
Income before taxes	146,353		140,745		289,286		268,268
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	375,513		374,041		742,018		730,401
Segment profit:
Operating profit	90,805		89,919		178,869		172,955
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	412,901		383,594		816,620		755,070
Segment profit:
Operating profit	85,474		71,913		172,638		140,270
Global expenses [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit	$ (19,869)		$ (17,169)		$ (36,303)		$ (29,761)

[1] Operational improvement initiative costs relate to the closing of a smaller facility in Europe and certain manufacturing activities in Asia, while transferring production to larger facilities in each respective region.