Segment Information - Capital Expenditure and Depreciation and Amortization by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	$ 126,140	$ 127,457	$ 106,301
Depreciation and Amortization	76,667	75,327	79,242
Flavors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	90,309	69,675	46,776
Depreciation and Amortization	39,565	31,140	31,634
Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	26,069	50,454	53,969
Depreciation and Amortization	34,238	41,941	45,713
Unallocated assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	9,762	7,328	5,556
Depreciation and Amortization	$ 2,864	$ 2,246	$ 1,895