Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 773,813	$ 742,256	$ 2,332,451	$ 2,227,727
Segment profit:
Operating profit	152,590	141,529	461,759	421,530
Restructuring and other charges, net	(608)	0	(912)	(2,105)
Operational improvement initiative costs	(282)	(2,568)	(6,014)	(4,761)
Interest expense	(10,968)	(11,625)	(34,048)	(35,637)
Other income, net	563	4,080	3,761	16,359
Income before taxes	142,185	133,984	431,472	402,252
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	358,708	349,385	1,100,726	1,079,786
Segment profit:
Operating profit	79,747	81,101	258,614	254,055
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	415,105	392,871	1,231,725	1,147,941
Segment profit:
Operating profit	86,615	81,309	259,253	221,577
Global expenses [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit	$ (12,882)	$ (18,313)	$ (49,182)	$ (47,236)