Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 757,635	$ 721,317	$ 1,485,471	$ 1,431,933
Segment profit:
Restructuring and other charges, net	(2,105)		(2,105)	(1,668)
Operational improvement initiative costs	(162)		(1,360)
Operating profit	142,396	132,308	279,999	253,216
Interest expense	(12,860)	(10,613)	(24,013)	(21,423)
Other income, net	11,209	845	12,282	1,088
Income before taxes	140,745	122,540	268,268	232,881
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	374,041	361,371	730,401	711,258
Segment profit:
Operating profit	89,919	80,633	172,955	160,313
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales	383,594	359,946	755,070	720,675
Segment profit:
Operating profit	71,913	63,635	140,270	119,716
Global expenses [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit	$ (17,169)	$ (11,960)	$ (29,761)	$ (25,145)