Business and Geographic Segments - Total Assets Held by Business Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,967.2		$ 3,170.5		$ 2,838.0
Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,984.8		2,401.1		2,189.7
Component products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	83.1	[1]	82.3	[1]	141.4	[1]
Waste management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	270.1		265.0		223.4
Investment in Basic Management and The Landwell Company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets			16.2		16.5
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 629.2		$ 405.9		$ 267.0

[1] Includes discontinued operations for 2011, see Note 3.