SEGMENT INFORMATION: (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 segment	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
SEGMENT INFORMATION:
Number of reportable segments	5
Segment information
Net sales	$ 934.6	$ 909.5
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	168.2	234.9
Identifiable assets	5,170.1		5,973.7
Lithium
Segment information
Net sales	118.5	114.7
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	46.9	44.4
Identifiable assets	1,278.8		1,282.0
Surface Treatment
Segment information
Net sales	184.5	188.6
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	39.5	39.7
Identifiable assets	995.5		982.4
Performance Additives
Segment information
Net sales	177.1	196.5
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	35.8	38.8
Identifiable assets	694.1		675.8
Titanium Dioxide Pigments
Segment information
Net sales	273.1	225.1
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	8.6	75.6
Identifiable assets	1,074.2		1,130.0
Advanced Ceramics
Segment information
Net sales	142.9	144.6
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	46.5	46.3
Identifiable assets	805.3		813.2
Corporate and other
Segment information
Net sales	38.5	40.0
Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations	(9.1)	(9.9)
Identifiable assets	780.4		1,550.8
Eliminations
Segment information
Identifiable assets	$ (458.2)		$ (460.5)