CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Jan. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Business acquisition contingent consideration	$ 15	$ 15

Amount recognized arising from contingent consideration held in escrow

No definition available.

Name:	iff_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationHeldinEscrow
Namespace Prefix:	iff_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration