Segment Information (Reportable Segment Information) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 721,317	$ 715,589	$ 1,431,933	$ 1,429,860
Restructuring and other charges, net		(3,985)	(1,668)	(4,013)
Operating profit	132,308	117,985	253,216	251,342
Interest expense	(10,613)	(12,009)	(21,423)	(23,689)
Other income (expense), net	845	(1,055)	1,088	(7,111)
Income before taxes	122,540	104,921	232,881	220,542
Flavors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	361,371	345,407	711,258	683,994
Operating profit	80,633	71,003	160,313	149,957
Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	359,946	370,182	720,675	745,866
Operating profit	63,635	62,260	119,716	130,964
Global [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ (11,960)	$ (11,293)	$ (25,145)	$ (25,566)