Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 708,955	$ 713,775	$ 2,140,888	$ 2,143,635
Restructuring and other charges, net		645	(1,668)	(3,368)
Operating profit	134,175	128,600	387,389	379,942
Interest expense	(9,907)	(10,280)	(31,330)	(33,969)
Other expense, net	(2,424)	(5,846)	(1,333)	(12,957)
Income before taxes	121,844	112,474	354,726	333,016
Flavors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	340,674	340,610	1,051,932	1,024,604
Operating profit	76,145	71,162	236,458	221,119
Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	368,281	373,165	1,088,956	1,119,031
Operating profit	65,331	58,673	185,049	189,635
Global [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ (7,301)	$ (1,880)	$ (32,450)	$ (27,444)