Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 727,836	$ 710,616
Segment profit:
Restructuring and other charges, net		(1,668)
Operational improvement initiative costs	(1,198)
Operating profit	137,606	120,907
Interest expense	(11,152)	(10,811)
Other expense, net	1,069	246
Income before taxes	127,523	110,342
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	356,361	349,887
Segment profit:
Operating profit	83,039	79,680
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	371,475	360,729
Segment profit:
Operating profit	68,354	56,081
Global [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit	$ (12,589)	$ (13,186)