Other Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Amortization expense	$ 1.5	$ 1.5	$ 3.0	$ 3.1
Estimated annual amortization, 2011			6
Estimated annual amortization, 2012			6
Estimated annual amortization, 2013			6
Estimated annual amortization, 2014			5
Estimated annual amortization, 2015			$ 5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

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Namespace Prefix:	iff
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- Definition

Aggregate amount of amortization expense recognized for intangible asset during the period. A recognized intangible asset shall be amortized over its estimated useful life to the reporting entity unless that life is determined to be indefinite. If an intangible asset has a finite useful life, but the precise length of that life is not known, that intangible asset shall be amortized over the best estimate of its useful life.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a(2)

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth twelve-month period following the balance sheet date.

+ References