Operating Segment Information Operating Segment Information (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 758.7	$ 790.1	$ 782.1	$ 720.6	$ 804.1	$ 856.4	$ 838.0	$ 744.5	$ 3,051.5	$ 3,243.0	$ 3,060.7
Grace Catalysts Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,162.1	1,246.8	1,124.0
Materials Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									797.0	890.6	878.5
Grace Construction Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,092.4	1,105.6	1,058.2
Refining Catalysts [Member] | Grace Catalysts Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									764.5	845.5	832.4
Polyolefin and Chemical Catalysts [Member] | Grace Catalysts Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									397.6	401.3	291.6
Engineered Materials [Member] | Materials Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									470.8	515.8	494.4
Packaging Products [Member] | Materials Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									326.2	374.8	384.1
Specialty Construction Chemicals [Member] | Grace Construction Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									665.4	688.7	650.4
Specialty Building Materials [Member] | Grace Construction Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 427.0	$ 416.9	$ 407.8