Segment Information (Reportable Segment Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 713,775	$ 673,283	$ 2,143,635	$ 1,992,993
Operating profit	128,600	120,524	379,942	332,895
Interest expense	(10,280)	(12,244)	(33,969)	(37,031)
Other expense, net	(5,846)	(2,097)	(12,957)	(6,967)
Income before taxes on income	112,474	106,183	333,016	288,897
Flavors [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	340,610	300,540	1,024,604	905,032
Operating profit	71,162	62,980	221,119	189,064
Fragrances [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	373,165	372,743	1,119,031	1,087,961
Operating profit	59,315	68,611	186,266	190,000
Global Expenses [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales
Operating profit	$ (1,877)	$ (11,067)	$ (27,443)	$ (46,169)