Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 42,571	$ 78,385	$ (20,461)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(62,580)	17,031	12,741
Reclassification of hedging activities into earnings, net of tax	(80)	2,315	615
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(3,581)	(2,732)	(591)
Pension and post-retirement obligation	(24,039)	(2,764)	386
Reversal of accumulated unrecognized gain on retiree medical plan	0	0	(137)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(90,280)	13,850	13,014
Comprehensive income (loss)	(47,709)	92,235	(7,447)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,667)	4,993	2,602
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to OM Group, Inc.	$ (52,376)	$ 97,228	$ (4,845)