Net Cash Provided by Used in Intergroup Operating Activities Intercompany operating activities, net The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's intergroup operating activities. Net Cash Provided by Used in Intergroup Investing Activities Intercompany investing related activity The net cash inflow or outflow from entity's intergroup investing activity. Net Cash Provided by Used in Intergroup Financing Activities Intercompany financing related activity The net cash inflow or outflow from entity's intergroup financing activity for the period. Represents the term loans under the senior secured credit facility. Senior secured credit facilities - term loans Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loans [Member] Represents the plastic compounding business sold by the entity. Plastic compounding business Plastic Compounding Business [Member] Represents the electronics business sold by the entity. Electronics business Electronics Business [Member] Award Type [Axis] Represents the information pertaining to the Lithium reporting segment of the entity. Lithium Lithium [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the Surface Treatment reporting segment of the entity. Surface Treatment Surface Treatment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the Performance Additives reporting segment of the entity. Performance Additives Performance Additives [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the Titanium Dioxide Pigments reporting segment of the entity. Titanium Dioxide Pigments Titanium Dioxide Pigments [Member] Amendment Description Represents details pertaining to the Advanced Ceramics reporting segment of the entity. Advanced Ceramics Advanced Ceramics [Member] Amendment Flag Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base [Axis] The alternative reference rates that may be used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base LIBOR [Member] The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Subject to Libor floor Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. An acquired supply agreement, providing benefits for a finite period of time, under which the counterparty buys the specified material or product to fulfill their requirements (under specified terms for specified time periods). Supply agreements Supply Agreements [Member] The rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Also includes the rights acquired through registration of a trademark to gain or protect exclusive use of a business name, symbol or other device or style. Trade names and trademarks Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] All Countries [Domain] The exclusive legal right granted by the government to the owner of the patent to exploit an invention or a process for a period of time specified by law. Also includes other intellectual property rights registered in the name of the company. Patents and other intellectual property Patents and Other Intellectual Property [Member] Represents Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture term loans. Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture term loans Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Term Loans [Member] Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Term Loan A [Member] Represents the term loan A under the Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture term loans. Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture, Term loan A Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Term Loan B [Member] Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture, Term loan B Represents the term loan B under the Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture term loans. Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loan B [Member] Term loan B Represents the term loan B under the senior secured credit facility. Senior Secured Credit Facility Term Loan A [Member] Term loan A Represents the term loan A under the senior secured credit facility. 7.500% senior subordinated notes due in 2014 Represents senior subordinated notes bearing an interest rate of 7.500 percent due in 2014. Senior Subordinated Notes 7.500 Percent Due 2014 [Member] 7.625% senior subordinated notes due in 2014 Represents senior subordinated notes bearing an interest of 7.625 percent due in 2014. Senior Subordinated Notes 7.625 Percent Due 2014 [Member] Termination and relocation of an employee associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan. Severance/Relocation Employee Severance and Relocation [Member] Real Estate Transfer Tax Matter [Member] Real Estate Transfer Tax Matter Represents the details pertaining to tax assessment received from German tax authorities claiming that the Company's acquisition of Dynamit Nobel in 2004 triggered a real estate transfer tax obligation. Current Fiscal Year End Date Product Liabilities [Member] The reserves and other disclosures related to product liability matters. Product Liability Matters Migratory Bird Matter [Member] Migratory Bird Matter Represents information pertaining to the investigation relating to alleged migratory bird deaths at the entity's subsidiary in Silver Peak, Nevada in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Pension Receivable Matter [Member] Represents a defined benefit obligations to employees of a previously divested company which cannot legally be transferred to the owners under local law. Pension Receivable Matter Environmental Reserves [Member] Represents financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs. Environmental Reserves Document and Entity Information Restructuring and other severance costs Restructuring Charge Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs, excluding asset retirement obligations, associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, including headcount reduction costs, and materially changes either the scope of a business undertaken by an entity, or the manner in which that business is conducted. Restructuring and other severance costs Total Interest expense, net Interest expense, net The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period, mark-to-market gains (losses) on interest rate swaps and deferred financing costs, net of income derived from investments in highly liquid instruments and money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less. Interest Expense, Net Total Loss on early extinguishment/modification of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Amount includes the write-off of deferred financing costs and lender fees related to the early extinguishment or modification of debt. Loss on early extinguishment/modification of debt Charge recorded in connection with refinancing transaction Refinancing Expenses Refinancing expenses This element represents expenses incurred for paying off an existing obligation from proceeds of a new borrowing obtained by the reporting entity during the reporting period. Interest expense on debt Interest Expense on Debt The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period, net of income derived from investments in highly liquid instruments and money market funds with an original maturity of three months or less. (Gain) Loss on Disposition of Assets and Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net Asset write-downs and other The gains and losses included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets. Document Period End Date Pension and related liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan Liabilities, Noncurrent This represents the noncurrent liability for plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans. Deferred Income Tax Noncash Expense Benefit The noncash component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Deferred income (benefit) taxes Deferred income taxes The charge against earnings resulting from the write down of long lived assets other than goodwill due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. This element also includes other income and expense. Asset write-downs and other Other Asset Impairment Charges and Other Income (Expense) Restructuring and Other Cash Flow This represents the noncash amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred or estimated costs associated with exit from or disposals of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, including headcount reductions, and materially changes either the scope of a business undertaken by an entity, or the manner in which that business is conducted. This is a noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Asset write-downs and other Net (Loss) Gain on Sale of Assets Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other The difference between sales price or salvage price and the book value of assets sold or retired during the period. This refers to the gain or loss and not to the cash proceeds of the sale. This is a noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Proceeds from formation of Viance joint venture, net This element represents the net cash inflow from formation of joint venture during the reporting period. Proceeds from Formation of Joint Venture, Net This element represents the cash outflow for cross currency swap settlement during the reporting period. Payment for Cross Currency Swap Settlement Cross currency swap settlement Payments of Contractual Advance to Noncontrolling Interest Contractual advance to Titanium Dioxide Pigments noncontrolling shareholder The cash outflow from the contractual advance given to noncontrolling shareholders. Derivative, Notional Amount Notional amount Early Repayment of Senior Secured Debt Term loans repaid The cash outflow for the repayment of borrowing, with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, before its maturity. Voluntary prepayment of senior secured term loans Prepayment of senior secured debt Entity [Domain] Proceeds from Venture Financing Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture financing This element represents the cash inflow received related to the financing of the venture during the reporting period. Payment of Assumed Debt Payment of assumed debt to Titanium Dioxide Pigments noncontrolling shareholder The cash outflow from the payment of assumed debt to the noncontrolling shareholder. Repayment of 2011 Notes Repayment of 2011 Notes This element represents Repayment of 2011 Notes. Loan from Viance noncontrolling shareholder Loan from Noncontrolling Shareholder The cash inflow of a loan from a noncontrolling shareholder. Cash Interest Paid The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed. Interest paid Proceeds from Government Grants Government grants received Represents the cash inflow due to government grants received by the entity during the reporting period. Acquisition of capital equipment included in accounts payable Liabilities Capital Expenditures The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Noncash Proceeds from Venture Formation, Net Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture formation, net This element represents the net noncash proceeds received from venture formation during the reporting period. Liabilities, Early Extinguishment of Debt Fees related to early extinguishment of debt The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities from the lender fees related to early extinguishment of borrowings. GERMANY Germany Discount on Prepayment of Debt Discount on the prepayment of 2014 Notes This element represents discount on prepayment of debt. Net Sale Proceeds from Discontinued Operations This element represents net sale proceeds received from discontinued operations during the reporting period. Net sale proceeds from discontinued operations Inter Company Transfers Excluding Discontinued Operations Discontinued operations, intercompany transfers This element represents intercompany transfers related to discontinued operations during the reporting period. Adjustments to Discontinued Operations Discontinued operations, adjustments This element represents adjustments related to discontinued operations during the reporting period. Dividend Declared to Minority Shareholders Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from dividend declared by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. Dividend distributions to noncontrolling shareholder Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries Purchase of noncontrolling interest Changes in equity as a result of purchasing interests of noncontrolling owners of other subsidiaries. Adjustment Fair Value Assets Contributed Noncontrolling Interest Change in estimate of fair value of assets contributed to the Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture This represents a change in the estimate of the fair value of assets contributed by a noncontrolling interest. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES: Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] This element represents disclosure of variable interest entities (VIE), including, but not limited to the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the VIE, the carrying amount and classification of consolidated assets that are collateral for the VIE's obligations, lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of a consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. An enterprise that holds a significant variable interest in a VIE but is not the primary beneficiary may disclose the nature of its involvement with the VIE and when that involvement began, the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the VIE and the enterprise's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the VIE. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES: RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS: Restructuring Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Description of restructuring activities including exit and disposal activities, including headcount reduction costs, which should include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled. This description does not include restructuring costs in connection with a business combination or discontinued operations and long-lived assets (disposal groups) sold or classified as held for sale. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure including data and tables. Schedule of Calculation of Adjusted EBITDA by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of calculation of EBITDA Tabular disclosure of the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, defined as operating income excluding depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash gains and charges, certain other special gains and charges deemed by senior management to be non-recurring gains and charges and certain items deemed by senior management to have little or no bearing on the day-to-day operating performance of its business segments and reporting units. Schedule of Revenues from External Customers, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of geographic information with net sales based on seller's location Tabular disclosure of information concerning the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to that country from which revenue is material. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Tabular disclosure of information concerning material long-lived assets (excluding financial instruments, customer relationships with financial institutions, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred taxes assets) located in identified geographic areas. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Schedule of Long Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Company's long-lived assets located in the regions indicated Schedule of the carrying values of assets and liabilities of the Viance joint venture included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Tabular disclosure of the details of the carrying values of the consolidated variable interest entity assets and liabilities included in the reporting entity's consolidated financial statements. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Assets (Liabilities) [Table Text Block] Schedule of benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the pension plans, along with the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the weighted average assumptions used Schedule of Net Funded Status, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Assumptions [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of net funded status, amounts that are recognized in the balance sheet and accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, and assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, for pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans. Schedule of fair value of plan assets Tabular disclosure of fair value of each major category of plan assets, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall. Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Future Cost by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of total charges for open restructuring actions and the future costs Tabular disclosure of restructuring and related expected future cost by segment. Schedule of restructuring reserves by segment Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Segment [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the entity's restructuring reserve associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings for each business segment. Noncontrolling Interest, Threshold Ownership Percentage The threshold percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in a consolidated investee, below which an amount of noncontrolling interest is shown on the entity's consolidated financial statements. Threshold ownership percentage for noncontrolling interest Reporting Segments Created Reporting Segments, Created The number of reportable segments created from a previous segment. Number of reportable segments Customer Concentration Risk Percentage, Maximum Maximum percentage of net sales contributed by any single customer (as a percent) Represents the maximum percentage of net sales contributed by any single customer. Additions, net of recoveries Valuation Allowances and Reserves Additions, Net of Recoveries Represents the aggregate amount of additions to valuation allowances and reserves during the period, net of recoveries. Represents the maximum amount of revenue from service agreements, expressed as a percentage of consolidated net sales of the entity. Revenue under service agreements as percentage of consolidated net sales, maximum (as a percent) Revenue from Service Agreements as Percentage of Net Sales, Maximum Product Warranties Liabilities as Percentage of Net Sales, Maximum Liabilities for product warranties as percentage of consolidated net sales, maximum (as a percent) Represents the maximum amount of liabilities for product warranties, expressed as a percentage of consolidated net sales of the entity. Advertising Expense as Percentage of Net Sales, Maximum Advertising costs as a percentage of consolidated net sales, maximum Represents the maximum amount of advertising expense, expressed as a percentage of consolidated net sales of the entity. Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the consolidated Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture. Titanium Dioxide Pigments joint venture Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture Represents the information pertaining to Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse Credit Suisse [Member] KKR Represents the information pertaining to KKR. KKR [Member] Represents the information pertaining to affiliates of Kemira. Companies owned by Kemira Affiliates of Kemira [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Dow Chemical Company. Dow Dow Chemical Company [Member] Minimum Annual Payment under Energy Agreement Minimum annual payments under the energy agreement Represents the minimum annual payments made under the energy agreements. Tax Benefits Recognization Basis for Uncertain Tax Position Likelihood, Realization Greater than Percentage The percentage of likelihood of realization that the tax position must exceed in order for the amount to be recognized in the financial statements. Threshold percentage of likelihood of a tax position being sustained for recognition of uncertain tax position (as a percent) Period for which Taxable Income Amount is Considered for Determining Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets Represents the prior period for which taxable income amount is considered for determining the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, in jurisdictions where a history of three years of cumulative losses has occurred or where there has been a substantial change in the business. Period for which a normalized cumulative taxable income amount is considered for determining valuation allowance on deferred tax assets Represents the Groupe Novasep business sold by the entity. Groupe Novasep business Groupe Novasep [Member] Represents the pool and spa chemicals business sold by the entity. Pool and spa chemicals business Pool and Spa Chemicals Business [Member] BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: Accounts payable and other current liabilities For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), carrying value of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in the entity's business and obligations not otherwise itemized and that are due within one year from the balance sheet date or the operating cycle, whichever is longer. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), carrying value of obligations incurred and payable related to services received from employees, such as accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Employee Related Liabilities Accrued compensation Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Restructuring and Severance Amount of restructuring and other severance costs attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period. Restructuring and other severance costs Entity Voluntary Filers Represents details pertaining to the Specialty Chemicals reporting segment of the entity. Specialty Chemicals Specialty Chemicals [Member] Entity Current Reporting Status Total Adjusted EBITDA Income (Loss) from Operations before Interest Tax, Depreciation and Amortization, Net Total Adjusted EBITDA Represents income or loss from continuing operations excluding depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash gains and charges, certain other special gains and charges deemed by senior management to be non-recurring gains and charges and certain items deemed by senior management to have little or no bearing on the day-to-day operating performance of its business segments and reporting units. Entity Filer Category Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization Net Represents income or loss from discontinued operations excluding depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash gains and charges, certain other special gains and charges deemed by senior management to be non-recurring gains and charges and certain items deemed by senior management to have little or no bearing on the day-to-day operating performance of its business segments and reporting units. Total Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations Entity Public Float Represents the senior secured credit facility consisting of a term loan and revolving credit facility. Senior secured credit agreement Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Entity Registrant Name Organization Establishment Expenses (Income) Systems/organization establishment expenses (income) Represents the expense (income) related to the establishment of an organization or a system. Entity Central Index Key Acquisition and Disposal Costs Acquisition and disposal costs Represents the acquisition and disposal costs incurred by the entity during the reporting period. Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expenses) The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed in the segment information, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. Discount on repurchase of debt Discount on Repurchase of Debt Represents the discount that was recognized in relation to the repurchase or repayment of debt. Write Off of Receivables Write-off of receivables Represents the aggregate amount of receivables written off during the period. Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Debt Instrument, Refinanced Amount The principal amount of the debt instrument that was refinanced during the period. Refinanced senior secured term debt Represents the information pertaining to Dynamit Nobel businesses acquired by the entity. Dynamit Nobel businesses Dynamit Nobel Business [Member] Represents the details pertaining to other joint ventures not separately disclosed elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other ventures Other Ventures [Member] Joint Venture Not VIE Ownership, Percentage Percentage of ownership in non-VIE joint ventures Percentage of the joint venture's voting interest owned by the reporting entity, for ventures not qualifying as variable interest entities. Number of ventures that do not fit the criteria to be classified as a VIE Represents the number of joint ventures that do not fit the criteria for classification as a variable interest entity. Joint Venture Not Classified as Variable Interest Entity Number Variable Interest Entity Financial Support Joint Venture Partners Amount The amount of financial support the reporting entity and its joint venture partners have provided to the Variable Interest Entity (VIE) that it was not previously contractually required to provide or that the reporting entity intends to provide. Short-term financing provided by partners Fair value of note receivable from related party Represents the fair value of the receivable or note. Receivable with Imputed Interest Fair Value Fair value Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base [Domain] Identification of the reference rate that is used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Monetary amount specified by the derivative(s) terminated during the period. Expressed as an absolute value. Derivative, Notional Amount Terminated Notional amount of derivatives terminated Represents the write-off of the carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets associated with all or a portion of a reporting unit that is reorganized in the period. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Written Off Related to Reorganization of Business Unit Trade name wrote-off Long-lived assets - Trade name, Write-down Represents the Titanium Dioxide Pigment venture facility agreement which consists of a revolving credit facility and term loans. Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture facility agreement Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Facility Agreement [Member] Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Represents the Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture revolving credit facility. Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture, revolving credit facility Represents the other debt related to Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture. Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture other debt Titanium Dioxide Pigments Venture Other Debt [Member] Euro Denominated Term Loan Facilities [Member] Represents the euro denominated term loan facility of the entity. Euro-denominated term loan facilities U.S. dollars and Chinese Renminbi denominated term loan facilities US Dollars and Chinese Renminbi Denominated Term Loan Facilities [Member] Represents the U.S. dollar and Chinese Renminbi denominated term loan facilities of the entity. Debt Maturing 2013 Through 2014 [Member] Represents details pertaining to debt having original maturity dates of 2013 through 2014. Debt with original maturity dates of 2013 through 2014 The scenario used to indicate the required financial results. Required Scenario Required [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Financing Fees Represents the fees incurred in connection with the financing arrangements. Related fees Fees related to refinancing or repurchase of debt Document Fiscal Period Focus Debt Redemption Premium Payment Redemption premiums Represents the fees incurred in connection with the redemption of debt. Represents the amount of dividends or other equity distributions which is used as the dividing point for determining which covenants apply under the line of credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Dividend Restrictions Amount Dividend and distribution restriction, covenant amount Represents the amount of other debt obligation due, which if exceeded (after grace periods and absent a waiver from the lenders) and if there is a failure to pay, would result in an event of default and acceleration of debt. Debt Instrument Minimum Over Due Financial Obligation Considered as Default Minimum amount of other debt obligation, if exceeded, considered as event of default Maximum Amount by which Term Loan can be Increased Maximum amount by which term loan can be increased upon the entity's request Represents the amount by which the borrowing capacity under the term loan can be increased upon the entity's request. Variable rate, floor (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Variable Rate Floor Represents the interest rate floor of the variable rate of the debt instrument. The reduction in the percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument, based upon achieving a designated leverage ratio. Reduction in interest rate added to the base rate for achieving a designated leverage ratio (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Reduction on Achievement of Designated Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument Interest Period Option 1 Represents the first option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option one Debt Instrument, Interest Period Option 2 Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option two Represents the second option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Debt Instrument, Interest Period Option 3 Represents the third option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option three Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Incurring Additional Debt Fixed charge coverage ratio for raising additional debt Represents the value of consolidated adjusted earning before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the fixed charge coverage ratio required by the covenants of the entity's senior secured credit arrangement for raising additional debt. Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Making Certain Restricted Payments Fixed charge coverage ratio for making restricted payments Represents the value of consolidated adjusted earning before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the fixed charge coverage ratio for making restricted payments (such as dividends or other equity distributions, repurchases of capital stock or restricted investments) as per the entity's senior secured credit arrangement. Legal Entity [Axis] Debt Instrument, Interest Period Option 4 Represents the fourth option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option four Document Type Debt Instrument, Interest Period Option 5 Represents the fifth option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option five Interest period for LIBOR borrowings, option six Debt Instrument, Interest Period Option 6 Represents the sixth option for the interest period for LIBOR borrowings. Debt Instrument, Interest Payment, Frequency Maximum Period Represents the maximum period between payments of interest on the debt instrument. Maximum period after which interest on debt is payable in any case Debt Instrument, Maximum Percentage of Capital Stock or Other Equity Interests in Direct Foreign Subsidiary of Guarantors or any Domestic Subsidiary Subject to Collateralization Represents the maximum percentage of the capital stock or other equity interest in each of the direct foreign subsidiaries of the subsidiary entities guaranteeing the debt or of any of the domestic subsidiaries of the group, which is subject to collateralization. Maximum percentage of capital stock of or other equity interest in each direct foreign subsidiary of either group or of any domestic subsidiary of the group which serves as a first-priority security interest for senior secured credit facilities (as a percent) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Maximum additional borrowings provided under line of credit facility Represents the maximum additional amount which can be borrowed under the line of credit facility. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Additional Amount that can be Borrowed Outstanding bank guarantee Represents the amount of the outstanding bank guarantee. Outstanding Bank Guarantee Represents the term of the debt instrument of the entity. Debt Instrument Term Debt instrument term Period from the date of facility agreement when repayment commenced Represents the period from the date of the facility agreement within which the repayment commenced. Debt Instrument Period within which Repayment Commenced Amortization and Prepayment [Abstract] Amortization and prepayments Amount of term loan payable as a percentage of original principal amount outstanding (as a percent) Represents the debt instrument payable amount expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Debt Instrument, Repayment Amount as Percentage of Original Principal Amount Percentage of net cash proceeds from all sales of assets or other dispositions by the entity (subject to certain exceptions under the senior secured credit agreement) to be used for prepayment of term loan (as a percent) Represents the percentage of net cash proceeds from all sales of assets or other dispositions by the entity or any of its restricted subsidiaries (other than net cash proceeds from the sale or other disposition of assets in the ordinary course of business, certain disposals or amounts that are reinvested in the entity and its restricted subsidiaries within twelve months of the sale or other disposition) required to be used for the prepayment of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Percentage of Net Proceeds from Disposition to be Used for Prepayment Maximum amount of certain disposals permitted under the senior secured credit agreement Represents the maximum amount of certain disposals permitted under the debt agreement without being subject to prepayment requirements. Debt Instrument, Maximum Amount of Certain Disposals Permitted Debt Instrument Period within which Amount from Sale or Disposition is to be Reinvested Represents the period after sale of assets or other dispositions by the entity, within which the net cash proceeds are required to be reinvested in the entity to be excluded from prepayment requirements under the debt agreement. Period after sale or other disposition within which the net cash proceeds are required to be reinvested Percentage of net cash proceeds from issuance of certain debt obligations to be used for prepayment of term loan (as a percent) Represents the percentage of net cash proceeds from the issuance of certain debt obligations required to be used for prepayment of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument, Percentage of Net Proceeds from Issuance of Debt to be Used for Prepayment Percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the term loan if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is equal to or greater than 1.50 to 1 (as a percent) Represents the percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the debt instrument if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is equal to or greater than 1.50 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year. Debt Instrument, Percentage of Excess Cash Flows to be Used for Prepayment if Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA is Equal to or Greater than 1.50 to 1 Percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the term loan if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is greater than 1.25 to 1 but less than 1.50 to 1 (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Percentage of Excess Cash Flows to be Used for Prepayment if Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA is Greater than 1.25 to 1 but Less than 1.50 to 1 Represents the percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the term loan if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is greater than 1.25 to 1 but less than 1.50 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year. Percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the term loan if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is less than or equal to 1.25 to 1 (as a percent) Represents the percentage of excess cash flows to be used for the prepayment of the term loan if the senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio is less than or equal to 1.25 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year. Debt Instrument, Percentage of Excess Cash Flows to be Used for Prepayment if Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA is Less than or Equal to 1.25 to 1 Financial covenants Debt Instrument, Financial Covenants [Abstract] Numerator for the ratio of senior secured debt to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, maximum Represents the maximum numerator for calculating the ratio of senior secured debt to EBITDA required under the senior secured credit agreement debt covenants. Debt Instrument, Covenant Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA Ratio, Numerator Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA ratio under senior credit agreement Represents the ratio of consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the four fiscal quarters ended to interest expense necessary to be maintained as of the last day of the fiscal quarter under the terms of the senior credit facilities' covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio Denominator for the ratio of senior secured debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA Represents the denominator required for calculating the ratio of senior secured debt to EBITDA (i.e. net income before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, exploration expense and non-cash items of income). Debt Instrument, Covenant Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA Ratio, Denominator Represents the minimum numerator for calculating the ratio of interest coverage required under the senior secured credit agreement debt covenants. Debt Instrument, Covenant Interest Coverage Ratio, Numerator Numerator for the interest coverage ratio, minimum Denominator for the interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant Interest Coverage Ratio, Denominator Represents the denominator required for calculating the ratio of interest coverage required under the debt agreements in order for the entity to incur additional debt. Numerator for the leverage coverage ratio, maximum Represents the maximum numerator for calculating the ratio of net debt to EBITDA required under the debt covenants. Debt Instrument, Covenant Leverage Coverage Ratio, Numerator Denominator for the leverage coverage ratio Represents the denominator for calculating the ratio of net debt to EBITDA required under the debt covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Leverage Coverage Ratio, Denominator Numerator for the cash flow coverage ratio, minimum Represents the minimum numerator for calculating the ratio of cash generated for financing activities to debt service required under the debt covenants. Debt Instrument, Covenant Cash Flow Coverage Ratio, Numerator Denominator for the cash flow coverage ratio Represents the denominator for calculating the ratio of cash generated for financing activities to debt service required under the debt covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Cash Flow Coverage Ratio, Denominator Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease) Reflected in Income Tax Expense Benefit The amount of increase (decrease) in the period in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that is reflected in income tax expense (benefit). (Decrease) increase as reflected in income tax expense Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease) Other The amount of increase (decrease) in the period in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets related to other items not separately disclosed. Other Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts Receivable Capital loss (as a percent) The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to capital losses. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Capital Loss The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to basis difference. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Basis Difference Basis Difference (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Debt Instruments Represents the portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to debt instruments. Debt instruments (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Discontinued Operations or Other Comprehensive Income Allocation from discontinued operations/OCI (as a percent) Represents the portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to the allocation of tax benefit to continuing operations from discontinued operations and other comprehensive income. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reversal of Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Reversal of accrued interest and penalties Represents the reversal of accruals for interest recognized and the amount of statutory penalties. The maximum amount of cost from resolution of tax examinations, which is reasonably possible in next twelve months. Income Tax Examinations Reasonably Possible, Resolution During Next 12 Months Maximum Cost Reasonably possible cost on resolution of audits, maximum Capital Loss Recognized During Period Taxable capital loss recognized Represents the taxable capital loss recognized during the period. Deferred Tax Assets Increase (Decrease) Increase in deferred tax assets Represents the increase (decrease) in deferred tax assets as a result of difference between the tax and book basis of the entity's assets. Reversal of valuation allowance Represents the reversal of valuation allowances, which may due to the reason of, but not limited to, net operating losses that were expected to be utilized as a result of the sale of a business during the period; or deduction of federal valuation allowance. Reversal of Valuation Allowance U.S. valuation allowance reversal - future years income Reversal of Valuation Allowance State U.S. valuation allowance - State Represents the reversal of valuation allowances of state and local income taxes, which may due to the reason of, but not limited to, net operating losses that were expected to be utilized as a result of the sale of a business during the period; or deduction of federal valuation allowance. Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Release Benefit Benefit related to the valuation allowance release Represents the benefit related to the valuation allowance release due to current year deferred tax assets. Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Excluding Effect of Reversal of Valuation Allowances Effective tax rate excluding the benefit from reversal of valuation allowances (as a percent) Represents the effective income tax rate from continuing operations excluding the benefit from the reversal of valuation allowances. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Reversal of Valuation Allowance Reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets (in percent) The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit that is attributable to reversal of valuation allowance. Domestic and Foreign Country [Member] Represents the designated tax department of the government that is entitled to levy and collect corporate income taxes from the entity in its country of domicile and outside its country of domicile respectively. U.S. federal and foreign State Jurisdiction [Member] State The designated tax department of a state government entitled to levy and collect income taxes from the entity. Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Represents the operating loss carryforwards, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income, that are subject to expiration. Corporate tax loss carryforwards that expire through 2031 Unrecognized Tax Benefits that would Impact Deferred Taxes Unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized would result in adjustments to deferred taxes The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to deferred taxes. Represents the total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Includes service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss), prior service cost or credit and transition asset or obligation but excludes gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost before Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Net periodic pension cost Number of US Subsidiaries which Provide Healthcare and Life Insurance Number of U.S. subsidiaries that provide certain retirees with healthcare and life insurance Represents the number of U.S. subsidiaries of the entity that provide certain retirees with healthcare and life insurance benefits. Number of Counterparties Experienced Significant Downgrade Number of counterparties who have experienced a significant downgrade Represents the numbers of counterparties who have experienced a significant downgrade. German Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Represents the German defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans. German Plan Represents certain individually immaterial pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. Individually immaterial pension and postretirement medical benefit plans Individually Immaterial Medical Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Other Changes Benefit Obligation Represents the amount of other changes in the benefit obligation that are not otherwise specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments and Settlements Benefit Obligation Effect of curtailment/ settlement Represents the amount of decrease that is related to an event that significantly reduces the expected years of future service of present employees or eliminates for a significant number of employees the accrual of defined benefits for some or all of their future services and the amount of decrease that relates to an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Examples of transactions that constitute a settlement include (a) making lump-sum cash payments to plan participants in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and (b) purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts. Defined Benefit Plan, Other Changes to Plan Assets Other Represents the amount of other changes to the fair value of plan assets that are not otherwise specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets Curtailments and Settlements Effect of curtailment/ settlement Represents changes in the fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans due to curtailments and the amount that relates to an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Examples of transactions that constitute a settlement include (a) making lump-sum cash payments to plan participants in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and (b) purchasing nonparticipating annuity contracts. Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Net Discounted environmental liabilities Defined Benefit Plan Contributions by Employer to Defined Benefit Pension Trusts Represents the noncurrent portion of the liability for pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. Liability for individually immaterial pension and postretirement medical benefit plans Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Directly to Plan Participants The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents payments made directly to plan participants by the entity, rather than paid out of plan assets. Benefit payments directly to plan participants The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of benefit payments expected to be paid directly to plan participants during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Expected benefit payments directly to plan participants in 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Benefit Payments, Directly to Plan Participants in Next Fiscal Year Funded status of plans (as a percent) Represents the fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the benefit obligation. Defined Benefit Plans, Funded Status of Plan, Percentage Percentage of unfunded position of the plans where funding is neither legally required nor customary Percentage of the Company's unfunded position in defined benefit plans that relates to plans where funding is neither legally required nor customary. Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Percentage Not Subject to Legal or Customary Requirements Represents the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation of the plans which are subject to funding requirements. Defined Benefit Plans, Funded Status of Plan, Subject to Funding Requirements Company's unfunded position in plans having funding requirements Defined Benefit Plans, Funded Status of Plan, Subject to Funding Requirements, Percentage Percentage of funded status of plans having funding requirements Represents the fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the benefit obligation of the plans which are subject to funding requirements. Unexpired Lease [Member] Unexpired lease contract associated with the exit from or the disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan. Unexpired lease Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Future Costs Expected future costs Represents the amount expected to be charged against earnings in the future periods for the specified restructuring cost. Restructuring Reserve Settled Utilized Amount of consideration paid during the period to fully or partially settle a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost. Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense, Discontinued Operations Restructuring charge in 2011 - Discontinued operations Reserve increase representing the amount charged against earnings in the period related to a disposal group for a specified incurred and estimated type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan. Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Payments for reclamation and remediation costs Represents the period within which all restructuring actions still in progress are expected to be substantially complete. Period for Substantial Completion of Ongoing Restructuring Activities Period within which all restructuring actions still in progress are expected to be substantially complete Remaining restructuring obligations, excluding an unexpired lease Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding liabilities related to an unexpired lease. Restructuring Reserve Excluding Unexpired Lease Represents the period within which the restructuring reserve, excluding liabilities related to an unexpired lease will be utilized. Restructuring Reserve Excluding Unexpired Lease, Utilization Period Period within which the majority of the remaining obligation will be utilized Regulatory Developments, Greenhouse Gases [Member] Represents regulatory developments with which the entity needs to comply, related to greenhouse gases. Regulatory Developments, greenhouse gases Lanxess Matter Represents the suit filed by Lanxess Deutschland GmbH against Sachtleben Pigments Oy ("Sachtleben"), a subsidiary of the entity's Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture, claiming breach of contract in connection with Sachtleben's termination of a supply agreement with plaintiff. Lanxess Matter [Member] SHE Capital Expenditures [Member] Represents the details that pertain to capital improvements and general compliance under Safety Health and Environmental laws. SHE Capital Expenditures Loss Contingency Accrual Individual Product Liability Reserves in connection with individual product liability matters, net of expected insurance recoveries, maximum Represents the maximum value as of the balance sheet date of an individual estimated accrual for damages arising from third-party use of a product or process of the entity's. Loss Contingency Real Estate Transfer Tax Obligation Real estate transfer tax obligation Represents the real estate transfer tax obligation that the company is required to pay as per the tax assessment. Number of facilities affected due to passing of final greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting rule by the Environmental Protection Agency Represents the number of facilities of the entity which are affected by the introduction of a new rule. Number of Facilities Affected by New Rule The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures) related to safety, health and environmental matters. Capital Expenditures SHE Matters Capital expenditures for SHE matters Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Revision in Estimates Charges recorded to increase environmental liabilities Represents environmental matters at former off-site disposal locations owned by third parties and considered Superfund sites as defined by the EPA or state regulatory authority. Superfund sites Superfund [Member] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Maximum Payment Term Remediation liabilities maximum payment term Represents the maximum period over which the environmental liabilities are payable (in years). The charge against earnings in the period for managing hazardous substances related to ongoing operations. Recurring cost of managing hazardous substances for ongoing operations Environmental Expense Hazardous Materials Management Undiscounted estimated reserve for environmental liabilities qualifying for discounting Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Gross for Accruals Qualifying for Discounting The estimated undiscounted amount of accruals for environmental loss contingencies qualifying for discounting as of the balance sheet date. Aggregate reserves related to superfund locations Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies related to superfund sites. Environmental Contingencies Superfund Sites Represents the number of facilities for which the entity is obligated to undertake environmental remediation. Environmental Remediation Obligations, Number of Facilities Number of facilities in Europe for which the company is obligated to undertake soil remediation Capitalized Amount of Charges Recorded to Increase Environmental Liabilities The capitalized amount of the charges which was recorded to increase the environmental liabilities. Capitalized amount of charges recorded to increase environmental liabilities Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Accrued environmental liabilities Debt Instrument Covenant Percentage of Net Income Not Exceeded on Payments for Restrictions Not to Apply Percentage of net income not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply Represents the percentage of net income not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply as per the terms of the financial covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Percentage of Net Cash Proceeds and Fair Market Value of Property and Marketable Securities Received from Issuance of Equity or Debt Not Exceeded on Payments for Restrictions not to Apply Percentage of net cash proceeds and the fair market value of property and marketable securities received by company from issue of equity or debt not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply Represents the percentage of net cash proceeds and the fair market value of property and marketable securities received by the entity from the issue of equity or debt not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply as per the terms of the financial covenants. Remediation obligation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Component Amount Represents the percentage of aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of property and marketable securities contributed to the capital of the issuer not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply as per the terms of the financial covenants. Debt Instrument Covenant Percentage of Cash and Fair Market Value of Property and Marketable Securities Contributed to Capital of Issuer Not Exceeded on Payments for Restrictions Not to Apply Percentage of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of property and marketable securities contributed to the capital of the issuer not exceeded on payments for specified actions for restrictions not to apply ACQUISITION: The increase (decrease) in accumulated comprehensive income during the period related to foreign currency translation. Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Period Increase (Decrease) Intercompany foreign currency loans Other Comprehensive Income Intercompany Foreign Currency Loans, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income Net Investment Hedges, Net of Tax Net investment hedges, net of tax Affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts [Member] Affiliates of KKR Represents affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR"), a related party of the entity. Ownership Percentage by Related Party Represents the percentage of the voting power of the entity's outstanding common stock held by a related party. Approximate control of voting power of the entity's outstanding common stock (as a percent) Schedule of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation and amortization Tabular disclosure of depreciation, depletion and amortization, which may include but is not limited to classification within the statement of operations. Long-lived, depreciable structure held for productive use and any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical and plumbing. Also includes depreciable assets that are an addition or improvement to real estate held for productive use. Buildings and improvements, including land improvements Building and Land and Building Improvements [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Depreciation and Amortization Selling, general and administrative expenses Depreciation of property, plant and equipment charged to selling, general and administrative activities during the reporting period. Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Goodwill Impairment, Analysis Number of Reporting Units Identified Represents the number of reporting units within the reportable segments of the entity which have been identified for goodwill impairment review. Number of reporting units within reportable segments identified for goodwill impairment analysis Goodwill Impairment Analysis Number of Reporting Units Within Reportable Segments Represents the number of reporting units within the reportable segments of the entity, from which units are identified for impairment. Number of reporting units within reportable segments Number of reporting units with no goodwill Goodwill Impairment Analysis Number of Reporting Units With No Goodwill Represents the number of reporting units within the reportable segments of the entity, which had no goodwill. Number of products whose delayed introduction to marketplace resulted in lower sales Represents the number of products whose delayed introduction to marketplace resulted in lower sales affecting recoverability test of intangible assets. Number of Products whose Delayed Introduction to Marketplace Resulted in Lower Sales Allocation from discontinued operations: Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Represents the allocation of income tax benefit to continuing operations from discontinued operations for the federal tax jurisdiction when there are losses from continuing operations and income from other items on a net basis. Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Discontinued Operations, Federal Federal Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Discontinued Operations, State and Local State Represents the allocation of income tax benefit to continuing operations from discontinued operations for state and local tax jurisdictions with losses from continuing operations and income from other items on a net basis. Income Tax Benefit Allocation from Discontinued Operations Represents the allocation of income tax benefit to continuing operations from discontinued operations for tax jurisdictions with losses from continuing operations and income from other items on a net basis. Allocation from discontinued operations Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Allocation from other comprehensive income: Represents the allocation of income tax benefit to continuing operations from other comprehensive income for tax jurisdictions with losses from continuing operations and income from other items on a net basis. Federal Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Other Comprehensive Income Income Tax Benefit, Allocation from Discontinued Operations and Other Comprehensive Income Income tax provision from continuing operations reflecting an allocation from discontinued operations and other comprehensive income Represents the allocation of income tax benefit to continuing operations from discontinued operations and other comprehensive income for tax jurisdictions with losses from continuing operations and income from other items on a net basis. Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments, Current Represents the current portion of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to derivative instruments which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses on such instruments are realized, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Derivative instruments, current Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves and Accruals Other Current Represents the current portion of the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from currently nondeductible expenses in other reserves and accruals not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when such liabilities are actually incurred and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Other current reserves and accruals Tax loss carryforwards and credits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Loss Carryforwards and Credits Current Represents the current portion of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of tax deductions over gross income in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year, but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. It also includes the current portion of the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from unused tax credit carryforwards. UNITED STATES United States The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax reductions attributable to the difference between the tax basis and the generally accepted accounting principles basis of a company's investments which will decrease future taxable income when such basis difference reverses. Investment basis difference Deferred Tax Assets, Investment Basis Difference Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense Compensation, and Benefits Pension and Postretirement Benefits Represents the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from pension costs and postretirement benefits, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual costs are incurred and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Pension and postretirement benefits Represents the noncurrent portion of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of tax deductions over gross income in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year, but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. It also includes the noncurrent portion of the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from unused tax credit carryforwards. Tax loss carryforwards and credits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Loss Carryforwards and Credits Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves and Accruals Other Noncurrent Represents the noncurrent portion of the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from currently nondeductible expenses in other reserves and accruals not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when such liabilities are actually incurred and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Other noncurrent reserves and accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments, Noncurrent Represents the noncurrent portion of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to derivative instruments which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses on such instruments are realized, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Derivative instruments Intercompany foreign currency loans Accumulated Intercompany Foreign Currency Loans [Member] Represents changes to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to intercompany foreign currency loans. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Debt Instrument Repayment Amount as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year One Amount of term loan payable as a percentage of original principal amount outstanding in year 1 Represents the debt instrument payable amount, in year one, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Amount of term loan payable as a percentage of original principal amount outstanding in year 2 Represents the debt instrument payable amount, in year two, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Debt Instrument Repayment Amount as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year Two Debt Instrument Repayment Amount as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year Three Amount of term loan payable as a percentage of original principal amount outstanding in year 3 Represents the debt instrument payable amount, in year three, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Represents the debt instrument payable amount, in year four, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Debt Instrument Repayment Amount as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year Four Amount of term loan payable as a percentage of original principal amount outstanding in year 4 Schedule of Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions used for estimation of fair value of market-based restricted stock units Tabular disclosure of the significant assumptions used during the year to estimate the fair value of equity instruments other than options, including, but not limited to: (a) expected term of share options and similar instruments, (b) expected volatility of the entity's shares, (c) expected dividends, (d) risk-free rate(s), and (e) discount for post-vesting restrictions. Defined benefit pension plans in Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States. A defined benefit pension plan is a plan that defines an amount of pension benefit to be provided, usually as a function of one or more factors such as age, years of service, or compensation. Any pension plan that is not a defined contribution pension plan is a defined benefit pension plan. Finland, U.K. and U.S. pension plans United States United Kingdom and Finland Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Cash and cash equivalents, target weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Represents the target allocation percentage of investment in cash and cash equivalents to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. Cash and cash equivalents, actual weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Represents the percentage of the fair value of cash and cash equivalents to the fair value of total plan assets held as of the measurement date. Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents Represents the target allocation percentage of investment in insurance contracts, real estate and other assets to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets Insurance Contracts Real Estate and Other Insurance contracts, real estate and other, target weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Insurance Contracts Real Estate and Other Insurance contracts, real estate and other, actual weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Represents the percentage of the fair value of insurance contracts, real estate and other assets to the fair value of total plan assets held as of the measurement date. Maximum original maturity period of plan investments classified as Level 2 Defined Benefit Plan Investment Maximum Maturity Period Represents the maximum original maturity period of plan investments. Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Percentage of total plan assets represented by Finland, U.K. and U.S. (as a percent) Represents the concentration percentage of defined benefit plan assets. Defined Benefit Plan, Assets Concentration Percentage Equity Securities Domestic Large Cap Growth [Member] Represents the domestic large-cap growth funds which primarily invests in equity securities. Equity securities: Domestic large-cap growth Equity securities: International large-cap growth Equity Securities International Large Cap Growth [Member] Represents the international large-cap growth funds which primarily invests in equity securities. Represents an investment that pools funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments, primarily equity investments not specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Equity securities: Other equity funds Equity Securities Other Equity Funds [Member] Represents the plan sponsor fixed income securities. Fixed income securities: Plan sponsor Plan Sponsor [Member] Represents an investment that pools funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments, primarily fixed income investments not specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Fixed income securities: Other bond funds Other Bond Funds [Member] Represents investments in insurance contracts. Other investments: Insurance contracts Insurance Contracts [Member] Represents other investments not specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other investments: Other Investments Other [Member] Multiemployer Plan Location [Axis] Represents the location of multiemployer plans. DN Pensionskasse Represents information pertaining to multiemployer plan, Pensionskasse Dynamit Nobel Versicherungsverein auf Gegens eitigkeit, Troisdorf (DN Pensionskasse), located in Germany. DN Pensionskasse Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to other multiemployer plans. Other Multiemployer Plan [Member] Other Plans Represents the number of multiemployer plans in which the entity participates. Number of Multiemployer Plans in which Entity Participates Number of multiemployer plans in which the Company participated Multiemployer Plan Period Contributions as Percentage of Total Employer Contributions Company contributions as a percentage of total employer contributions Represents the contributions made to multiemployer plans as a percentage of total employer contributions. Company contributions as a percentage of total contributions received by the plan Represents the contributions made to multiemployer plans as a percentage of total contributions received by the plan. Multiemployer Plan Period Contributions as Percentage of Total Contributions Received by Plan Multiemployer Plans Highest Funding Zone Status Percentage under Regulations Highest funding zone status percentage under U.S. pension regulation Represents the highest funding zone status percentage as per regulations for multiemployer plans. Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Multiemployer Plans Employer Contributions Based on Multiplier Effect on Employee Contribution Company contributions based on multiplier effect on employees' contributions for longer-term employees Represents the employer contributions based on multiplier effect on employee contributions under multiemployer plans. Represents performance-based restricted stock units granted by the entity to its employees. Performance-based restricted stock units Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Represents time-based restricted stock units granted by the entity to its employees. Time-based restricted stock units Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Represents market-based restricted stock units granted by the entity to its employees. Market-based restricted stock units Market Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Represents stock grants made by the entity to its Board of Directors. Board of Directors Stock Grant Board of Directors Stock Grants [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instrument Other than Options, Shares, Expected to Vest Represents the number of shares expected to vest based on the number of equity-based payments instruments granted and the performance level used to calculate the percentage of the targeted amount that can be earned. Shares expected to vest under the equity-based award Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage of Targeted Amount that Can be Earned Based on Performance Represent the percentage of the targeted amount granted by the entity which an employee can earn based upon performance. Percentage of targeted amounts granted that can be earned based upon performance (as a percent) Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense, Net of Reversals Impact on Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Represents the effect on income or loss from continuing operations due to expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements, net of reversals of previously recorded expense. Increase in income from continuing operations due to compensation cost, net of reversals The total recognized tax benefit or expense related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period, net of reversals of previously recorded expense. Tax expense recorded due to compensation cost, net of reversals Employee Service Share Based Compensation, Tax Impact from Compensation Expense, Net of Reversal Represents the aggregate tax benefit realized from the vesting of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, during the reporting period. Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit Realized from Vesting of Equity Instruments Other than Options Total tax benefit realized from vesting Board of Directors Stock Options [Member] Represents stock options granted by the entity to its board of directors. Board of directors stock options Represents the time-based stock options granted by the entity to its employees in 2004 or prior years. Time-based stock options granted in 2004 or prior years Time Based Stock Options Granted in 2004 or Prior Years [Member] Represents time-based stock options granted by the entity to its employees after 2004. Time-based stock options granted after 2004 Time Based Stock Options Granted after 2004 [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Equal Annual Installments for Award Vesting Number of installments in which awards vest Represents the number of equal annual installments in which the stock options are vested to officers and employees. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Anniversaries for Award Vesting Number of anniversaries over which awards vest Represents the number of anniversaries over which the stock options are vested to officers and employees. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Vested in Period Total Fair Value Represents the total fair value of stock options for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Total fair value of shares vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options Number for which Vesting Accelerated Number of awards for which vesting is accelerated (in shares) Represents the number of shares for which vesting was accelerated. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Operating Lease of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS: Entire disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements which may include: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included. Warrants Disclosure [Text Block] WARRANTS: This element represents disclosure in respect of warrants issued in connection with the issuance of the redeemable convertible preferred stock to the affiliate. Carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the plastic compounding business included as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the classification and the carrying value of assets and liabilities comprising of the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations. Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement [Table Text Block] Operating results of the discontinued operations of the plastic compounding business Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Disclosure of accounting policy for concentrations existing at the date of the financial statements that make an entity vulnerable to a reasonably possible, near-term, severe impact. This disclosure informs financial statement users about the general nature of the risk associated with the concentration, and may indicate the percentage of concentration risk as of the balance sheet date. Concentration Risk [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for transactions with related parties. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates. Related Party Transactions [Policy Text Block] Related Party Transactions International Operations and Currency Risk [Policy Text Block] Risks Associated with International Operations and Currency Risk Disclosure of accounting policy for risks associated with international operations, including currency exchange-related risks. Average exchange rate of 1 Euro The average foreign exchange rate used to translate amounts denominated in the functional currency to the reporting currency. Average Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Translation Percentage of Outstanding Term Loan Facility to be Hedged Percentage of outstanding term loan facility to be hedged Represents the required percentage of outstanding term loan facility balance to be hedged per the facility agreement. Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Pension related adjustments, net of tax Pension related adjustments Represents the required period of the hedging for outstanding term loan facility per facility agreement. Outstanding Term Loan Facility Hedging Period Period of hedging for outstanding term loan facility Sachtleben GmbH Other venturer from the perspective of the entity in the corporate joint venture. Co Venturer1 [Member] Charges against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of assets to amounts that can be expected to be recovered. Impairment of Asset [Member] Assets write-down GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Guarantor Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Represents the entire disclosure related to Guarantor Financial Statements. Schedule of Condensed Comprehensive Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Comprehensive Income Statement Tabular disclosure of a condensed comprehensive income statement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, comprehensive income statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. Intergroup Interest Expense, Net Intergroup interest, net The net intergroup cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. Other Intergroup Nonoperating Income (Expense) Intergroup other, net The net intergroup amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement. Senior Subordinated Notes 4.625 Percent Due 2020 [Member] 2020 Unsecured Senior Notes Represents senior subordinated notes bearing an interest rate of 4.625 percent due in 2020. Rockwood Specialities Consolidated Inc and Rockwood Specialities International Inc Non Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Represents the Rockwood Specialities Consolidated Inc and Rockwood Specialities International Inc, non-guarantor subsidiaries of the parent company. Non-Guarantor RSCI and RSII Restructuring Charges, Excluding Asset Write Downs Restructuring charge Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations and asset write-downs. Accumulated amortization of deferred debt issuance costs (in dollars) Accumulated Amortization of Noncurrent Deferred Finance Costs Life of awards from the date of grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Expiration Term Description of the period of time, from the grant date, after which the equity-based award expires. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Represents the details pertaining to insurance contracts, real estate and other. Insurance Contracts Real Estate and Other [Member] Insurance contracts, real estate and other Number of shares sold by selling stockholders Represents the number of shares of the entity's common stock sold by the selling stockholders. Class of Warrant or Right Number of Securities Sold by Selling Stockholders Ownership Interest, Percentage Ownership interest (as a percent) Represents the percentage of ownership interest in the entity. RSCI Rockwood Specialties Consolidated Inc. [Member] Represents information pertaining to Rockwood Specialties Consolidated, Inc. RSII Rockwood Specialties International Inc. [Member] Represents information pertaining to Rockwood Specialties International, Inc. Economic entities which constitute neither defined legal entities nor reportable segments of the reporting entity. Economic Entity [Axis] Economic Entity [Domain] A listing of economic entities which are not legal entities or defined reportable segments of the entity. Number of Domestic Subsidiaries Number of domestic subsidiaries Represents the number of domestic subsidiaries of the entity. Debt Instrument Repayment as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year One Amount of term loan payable in year one (as a percent) Represents the amount of debt instrument payable in year one, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Debt Instrument Repayment as Percentage of Original Principal Amount in Year, Two, Through Four Amount of term loan payable in year two through four (as a percent) Represents the amount of debt instrument payable in year two through four, expressed as a percentage of the original principal amount outstanding. Ownership Interest by Reporting Entitys Subsidiary Percentage Ownership interest owned by reporting entity's subsidiary (as a percent) Represents the percentage of interest owned in an entity, by the subsidiary of the reporting entity. Cash flow hedges, net of tax Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instrument Other than Options Shares Vested Along with Equivalent Dividend Shares Number of shares vested along with equivalent dividend shares Represents the number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options along with equivalent dividend shares that vested during the period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instrument Other than Options Equivalent Dividend Shares Vested Number of dividend equivalent shares vested Represents the number of equivalent dividend shares that vested during the period. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instrument Other than Options Equivalent Dividend Shares Issued Number of equivalent dividend awards issued Represents the number of equivalent dividend shares issued during the period. Crenox Represents the information pertaining to Crenox, an acquired entity. Crenox [Member] Number of Multiemployer Plans Terminated by Entity Number of plans terminated by entity Represents the number of plans terminated by the entity. Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization One time payment for ensuring solvency requirements agreed upon in the FIP Represents the one-time payment made to ensure the solvency requirements agreed upon in financial improvement plan (FIP). Multiemployer Plan Payment for Ensuring Solvency Requirement Increase (Decrease) in Intercompany Operating Activities Intercompany operating activities, net Represents the increase (decrease) during the reporting period due to intercompany activities used to generate operating income. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Accumulated other comprehensive loss Number of Directors who Resigned Number of board of directors who resigned Represents the number of board of directors who resigned from the entity's board. Income Taxes Period of Taxable Income as a Factor to Determine Reversal of Valuation Allowance Period of taxable income as a factor to determine reversal of valuation allowance Represents period of taxable income as a factor to determine reversal of valuation allowance. Number of Financial Institutions Number of financial institutions Represents the number of financial institutions. Loss Carry forwards Expiration Period [Axis] Information about timing of expiration period of loss carryforwards. Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign currency translation Loss Carry forwards Expiration Period [Domain] Expiration period for loss arryforwards. Loss Carryforwards, Expiration One [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date one. Expire through 2016 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Two [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date two. Expire through 2017 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Three [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date three. Expire through 2022 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Four [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date four. Expire through 2027 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Five [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date five. Expire through 2032 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Six [Member] Loss carryforwards expiration date six. Expire through 2033 Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Seven [Member] No current expiration date Loss carryforwards expiration date seven. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Goodwill The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to goodwill. Goodwill (as a percent) Reversal of Valuation Allowance Relating to Earnings, Current U.S. valuation allowance reversal - current year income Represents the reversal of valuation allowances related to current year earnings. Assets Pledged as Collateral Consolidated assets pledged as collateral Represents the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets that have been pledged as collateral for the obligations. Loss Contingency Fines Levied Amount of fines that have been levied Represents the amount of fines that have been levied in the legal matter. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications Before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Before Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income Amount before tax of reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Disclosure of information about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Information by item reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Item reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Identifies item reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification Adjustment Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans for Net Gain (Loss) Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans for Net Gain (Loss) Before Tax Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for actuarial gain (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Actuarial losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Amortization Adjustment from AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans for Net Prior Service Cost Credit Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Amortization Adjustment from AOCI Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans for Net Prior Service Cost Credit Before Tax Prior service costs Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss for prior service cost (credit) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net of Tax Total reclassifications for the period Amount after tax of reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income Income (loss) from Continuing Operations after Income Taxes and before Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiaries Net income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Represents the amount of net income after taxes but before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries. Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [TableTextBlock] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [TableTextBlock] Tabular disclosure of information about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Schedule of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income Accumulated Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Foreign exchange contracts, net of tax Represents the changes to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign exchange contracts. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests Other comprehensive reclass related to acquisition of noncontrolling interest Represents the other comprehensive reclass related to acquisition of noncontrolling interest. Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Paid-in Capital Adjustment for Long-term Intercompany Transactions, Net of Tax Intercompany foreign currency loans Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Aggregate compensation cost Compensation cost Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current [Member] Allowance for doubtful account Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of other intangible assets Amortization of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs amortization Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number of outstanding shares that have an anti-dilutive effect Asset Retirement Obligation Reclamation obligations Liability balance at the beginning of the period Liability balance at the end of the period Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Accretion expense Asset Impairment Charges Goodwill impairment charges Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Foreign exchange Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Changes in reclamation obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Utilization Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Revision to estimates Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Total assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets Total assets Total identifiable assets Identifiable assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-lived assets: Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets of discontinued operations Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Government securities Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Entity Acquired and Reason for Acquisition [Abstract] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Interest acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Share Price Equity purchase price (dollars per share) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS: Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price of additional interest acquired Business Acquisition, Integration, Restructuring and Other Related Costs [Text Block] RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS: Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] ACQUISITION: Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cross-currency interest rate swaps Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Minimum payments due under capital leases, net Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Total Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Minimum payments due under capital leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation Capital Leased Assets, Gross Property, plant and equipment recorded under capital leases, at cost Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2013 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum payments due under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capitalized lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2016 Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment recorded under capital leases Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Capital loss carryforwards Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Less: Interest Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash equivalents Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations, representing net sale proceeds in 2011 Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations, representing net sale proceeds Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share) Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Number of shares of common stock purchased on exercising warrants (in shares) Number of shares of common stock of the entity that can be purchased with warrants issued Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Co-venturer [Member] Kemira Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Quarterly dividends declared (in dollars per share) Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common stock ($0.01 par value, 400,000 shares authorized, 79,219 shares issued and 77,671 shares outstanding at March 31, 2013; 400,000 shares authorized, 78,560 shares issued and 78,466 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012) Common stock Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Dividend paid to shareholders (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES: Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Tax effects of the major items recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest Amounts reclassified from noncontrolling interest to accumulated other comprehensive loss ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Notes to Condensed Financial Statements GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidating Adjustments Construction in Progress [Member] Construction-in-progress Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds Cost of Revenue Cost of products sold Cost of Goods Sold, Depreciation and Amortization Cost of products sold Credit Risk Contract [Member] Euro-denominated debt Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current income tax expense: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax expense Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Variable rate basis Long-term Debt, Gross Principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt and loans payable Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent) Debt Disclosure [Text Block] LONG-TERM DEBT: LONG-TERM DEBT: Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Redemption of notes Repayment of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Face amount of debt Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss/Gain on Early Extinguishment/Modification of Debt Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest rate, low end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Debt issued Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Interest rate, high end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Total noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred income tax expense: Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred financing costs, net Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred income tax expense Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred income tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current deferred income tax assets, net Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges Restructuring Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Classification [Abstract] Noncurrent deferred income tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses Foreign exchange on debt Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Classification [Abstract] Current deferred income tax assets, net: Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Total noncurrent deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance- ending balance Valuation allowance- beginning balance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Classification [Abstract] Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangibles Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Current Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Actual return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Change in fair value of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Acquisitions Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid Benefits paid from fund Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Securities (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Change in benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions [Abstract] Expected employer contributions to plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Amount of previously unrecognized actuarial losses expected to be recognized in 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Expected employer contribution to defined benefit pension plans, including benefit payments paid directly to plan participants Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2017 Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Employer contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Net actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Settlement/curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets: Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employee benefit plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year Benefit obligation at the end of year Pension and related liabilities Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs Other Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Target weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Years 2018-2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Benefit payments which reflect expected future service Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Foreign exchange (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Actual weighted-average investment allocations (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended: Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Fair value of plan assets at end of year Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Total pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Savings plans Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Funded status Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined benefit plan, expense recognised during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Plan changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Foreign exchange loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Components of net pension benefit costs: Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Debt Securities (Deprecated 2012-01-31) Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Prior service cost Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Total depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depreciation and amortization expense Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] DERIVATIVES: Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis Interest rate, description Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset Derivatives, Fair Value Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Interest rate (as a percent) Derivative, Lower Fixed Interest Rate Range Interest rate, low end of range (as a percent) Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability Derivatives, Fair Value Total derivatives Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative, Floor Interest Rate Interest rate, description floor rate (as a percent) Derivative, Higher Fixed Interest Rate Range Interest rate, high end of range (as a percent) Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments (Effective Portion) Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: Income tax provision Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Net gain on sale of business (Gain) loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Gain on sale of business Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income before taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Taxes on gain on sale of business DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Net sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Net operating losses Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Loss (Gain) on Write-down Asset write-downs and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Cost of products sold Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Inventories Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividend paid to shareholders ($0.40 per share) Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Federal Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Intergroup receivable Intergroup payables Due to Affiliate, Current Due to Related Parties Amount due to related party Intergroup receivables Due from Affiliate, Current Due from Related Parties Amount due from related party Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Intergroup payable Early Repayment of Subordinated Debt Prepayment of 2014 Notes Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings per share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders: Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders: (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted earnings per share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per common share attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders: (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Discontinued Operations Less increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Reconciliations of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Foreign/U.S. tax differential (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Federal statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Expense) Noncontrolling interest (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes State taxes, net of federal effect (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance (Decrease) Increase in valuation allowance (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate Foreign tax rate increases (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Other (as a percent) Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Expected weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Recognized tax benefits related to stock options Tax benefit recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost Cash received from exercise of awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Tax benefit realized from exercise of awards Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for Environmental Liabilities Ownership interest in RSGI (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Income primarily related to a gain recorded on the sale of an investment previously accounted for under the equity method Equity Component [Domain] Equity Securities [Member] Equity securities Equity Securities, Other [Member] Equity securities: Other equity securities Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair value Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Term loans repaid Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Loss/Gain on Early Extinguishment/Modification of Debt Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closure Closure Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Non recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Schedule of fair value of the Company's non-recurring assets that are required to be measured at fair value Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Estimated remaining useful lives Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2014 Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed income Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-U.S. Plans Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Fixed income securities: International government bonds Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign exchange loss on financing activities, net Foreign exchange loss on financing activities, net Foreign exchange loss (gain) on financing activities, net Foreign exchange loss on financing activities, net Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign exchange contracts Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Exchange rate of 1 Euro Exchange rate of 1 Canadian dollar Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Furniture and fixtures Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Asset write-downs and other Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract] Impairment Accounting Goodwill, Gross Gross amount of goodwill Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign exchange Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill balances and activity by segment Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] GOODWILL: Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment charges GOODWILL: Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment Gross Profit Gross profit Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Eliminations Impairment in Value of Asset [Axis] Impairment in Value of Asset [Domain] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment Accounting Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Earnings from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Foreign CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES: INCOME TAXES: Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Discontinued operations COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Earnings from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share) Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before taxes (Loss) income from before taxes Income (loss) before taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Provision (benefit) for taxes on income (loss) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Income tax (benefit) provision Total provision (benefit) for taxes Income tax provision Income Taxes Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Amounts attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effect of foreign currency translation and acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Effect of dilutive stock options and other incentives (in shares) Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET: OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET: Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Net Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance, Amount Intercompany loans Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest expense includes: Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps contracts Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Interest rate swaps Interest Paid Interest paid Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest rate swaps Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Write-down Acquisition method inventory charges Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] INVENTORIES: Inventory, Net Inventories Total INVENTORIES: Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Investment Income, Interest Interest income Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in subsidiary Issuance of Equity [Member] Secondary offering of shares of common stock owned by funds affiliated with KKR Issuance of Debt [Member] Debt issuance Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Variable rate debt outstanding Land [Member] Land OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS: Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities at fair value Carrying value Liabilities [Abstract] LIABILITIES Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] LIABILITIES Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent Unrecognized tax benefits recorded on a net basis Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Revolving credit facility Repayment of borrowings Outstanding borrowings repaid Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments Line of Credit [Member] Senior secured credit facilities - revolving credit facility Loans Payable [Member] Other loans Long-term Debt Long-term debt Principal carrying amount Total maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2017 Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, current portion Current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term debt excluding current maturities Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Thereafter Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Net Reserves in connection with aggregate product liability matters, net of expected insurance recoveries, equally Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Amount decided by the Court Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Reserves against pension receivables Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and contingencies Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Related Receivable Carrying Value Related receivable due from the current owner Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Estimated potential range for environmental matters, high end of range Possible range of loss, high end of range Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Estimated potential range for environmental matters, low end of range Possible range of loss, low end of range Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and equipment Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Equity Securities Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising Maximum [Member] Maximum Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Forecasted transactions hedged Minimum [Member] Minimum Mining Properties and Mineral Rights [Member] Mining rights Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Marketable securities Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Allowance for doubtful account activity Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain] Multiemployer Plans [Abstract] Multiemployer plans Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Multi-employer plan, expense recognised during the period Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer plans Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member] Multiemployer Plans Pension Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders Net income attributable to Rockwood Holdings, Inc. shareholders Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] EPS Numerator: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Less net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Investment Hedging [Member] Net investment hedge, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Recent accounting pronouncements Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired [Abstract] Non-cash investing activities: Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other expenses, net: Other income (expenses), net: Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of notes receivable Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges Euro-denominated debt Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum future rentals under the terms of noncancelable operating leases Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards Corporate tax loss carryforwards Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Rent expense under all operating leases Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2016 Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Corporate tax loss carryforwards Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Other Assets, Current Other current assets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation, reclassified to net income Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Pension related adjustments Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Foreign exchange contracts and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Debt Obligations [Member] Fixed income securities: Other Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying value of intangible assets monitored for recoverability Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Packaging materials Other Tax Carryforward [Axis] Other Tax Carryforward, Name [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other postretirement benefits Other Tax Carryforward, Gross Amount Capital loss carryforwards that expire through 2016 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Period change Other Assets [Member] Other assets Other Liabilities [Member] Other liabilities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income Other comprehensive (loss) income Parent Company [Member] ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC. Parent company Parent [Member] Rockwood Holdings, Inc. Stockholders' Equity Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Payment on termination/ settlement of derivatives Fees related to early extinguishment/modification of debt Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Payments for (Proceeds from) Previous Acquisition Post closing purchase price consideration Share repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Equity Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Dividend distributions to noncontrolling shareholder Dividend paid to the venture partners Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders Payments for Advance to Affiliate Contractual advance Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures, net Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions Acquisitions, including transaction fees and payments for prior acquisitions, net of cash acquired Dividend paid to shareholders Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividend distributions to shareholders Dividend paid to shareholders Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs Payment of fees related to senior secured loans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension, Postemployment and Postretirement Costs Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES: Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Current liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent liabilities Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Dividends received from Sachtleben GmbH Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Prepayment of debt Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Sale of plastic compounding business Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from senior secured debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from long term debt Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common stock, net of fees Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from Titanium Dioxide Pigments revolving credit facility Proceeds from Other Debt Proceeds from other borrowings Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds on sale of assets Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Net income (loss) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Long-lived assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Provision for Doubtful Accounts Bad debt provision Provision for indebtedness Redemption Premium Redemption premiums Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Real Estate Funds [Member] Other investments: Real estate investment funds Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Effective rate at which interest is imputed (as a percent) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Net Amount Carrying value of Notes receivable Carrying value of note receivable from related party Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Note receivable from related party Notes receivable from Kemira Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of identifiable assets Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transactions Business Description, Background Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Axis] Repayment of Debt [Member] Notes redeemed Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of Titanium Dioxide Pigments revolving credit facility Payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Assumed Debt Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders Repayments of Other Long-term Debt Payments of long-term debt Repayments of Senior Debt Repayment of senior secured debt Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development in Process Acquired in-process research and development Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted stock units Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Total charges Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges expensed Restructuring Reserve, Current Restructuring liability Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring reserve Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring and other severance costs Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Foreign exchange and other Restructuring Reserve Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Retained earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue from Grants Government grants Government grants received Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Segment information Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest in future, at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years Revenue, Net Net sales Revenue, Net [Abstract] Net sales: Scenario, Actual [Member] Actual Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of provision (benefit) for taxes on income (loss) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of allowance for doubtful account activity Schedule of Credit Losses for Financing Receivables, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of the Company's recurring financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in the Company's reclamation obligations Schedule of status of the Company's options granted pursuant to the plan and changes during the period Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans Schedule of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of the status of the Company's nonvested restricted stock units granted pursuant to the plan Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains and losses reported in "Other Comprehensive Income" ("OCI") within Equity Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of the weighted-average of the plan's targeted investment allocations as well as the actual weighted-average investment allocations Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions used for estimation of fair value of stock options Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of minimum payments due under capital leases Components of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of property, plant and equipment recorded under capital leases Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliations of the U.S statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of minimum future rentals under the terms of noncancelable operating leases Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of tax effects of the major items recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities Consolidating balance sheet Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of company contributions to multiemployer plans Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Components of other intangible assets, net Consolidating statement cash flows Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of benefit payments, which reflect expected future service Consolidating statement of operations Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block] Schedule of the Company's present and former facilities with environmental contamination or reclamation obligations for which the Company has reserved Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Summary of long-term debt and loans payable Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of goodwill balances and activity by segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of restructuring and other severance costs Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of selected information for outstanding liabilities from recent restructuring actions Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of financial information for each of the reportable segments Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value and balance sheet location of the Company's derivative instruments Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains and losses reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Rest of Europe Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment information SEGMENT INFORMATION: Nature of Operations/Segment Reporting Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Two [Member] Rest of World Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION: Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Nature of Operations/Segment Reporting Segment [Domain] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing operations Segment, Geographical [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] 2014 Notes Severance Costs Other severance-related costs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Life of awards from the date of grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Nonvested restricted stock units, weighted average fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Summary of status of the Company's nonvested restricted stock units granted pursuant to the plan Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Weighted average grant date fair value of awards (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested, balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Nonvested, balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-Based Compensation Nonvested, balance at the end of the period (in shares) Nonvested, balance at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares authorized under stock incentive plan Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility (as a percent) Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividends Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value of awards (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of awards exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Summary of status of the Company's options granted pursuant to the plan and changes during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares authorized under stock incentive plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Assumptions used for estimation of fair value of market-based restricted stock units Assumptions used for estimation of fair value of stock-options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Additional expense related to shares where the vesting was accelerated Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest in future, at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest in future, at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Award Type [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest in future, at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Reasonably possible benefit on resolution of audits, maximum Site Contingency, Nature of Contingency [Domain] Site Contingency [Line Items] Environmental matters Environmental Remediation Site [Axis] Site Contingency [Table] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and local Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Accumulated other comprehensive income Statement [Line Items] Statement CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Business Segments [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Geographical [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock units Share repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common stock shares issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of common stock (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Rockwood Holdings, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Rockwood Holdings, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Subsequent Events [Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent event Issuer Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. ("RSGI") Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Schedule of activity in the valuation allowance attributable to deferred tax assets Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Fixed asset write-downs Long-lived assets - PP&E, Write-down Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Benefit associated with re-filing of Alternative Minimum Tax position Restricted stock units Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) Net investment hedges Translation Adjustment Functional to Reporting Currency, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) Foreign currency translation Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Loss (Gain), Reclassified to Earnings, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation, reclassified to net income Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost (1,548 shares and 94 shares, respectively) Treasury stock, at cost Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Type of Restructuring [Domain] Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member] Corporate and other Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed foreign earnings United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. Plans Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Fair value adjustment of derivatives Mark-to-market gains (losses) on interest rate swaps Mark-to-market gains on interest rate and cross-currency swaps Unrecognized Tax Benefits Resulting in Net Operating Loss Carryforward Reduction in both liabilities and deferred tax assets due to losses that can be carried back or forward Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Accrued interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increases in tax positions for the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits as of the balance sheet date Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the beginning of the period Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at the end of the period Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Foreign exchange Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Lapse in statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases in tax positions for prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases in tax positions for prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized would impact the effective tax rate Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Commitments Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred in less than one year Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred after five years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred in four years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Unconditional purchase obligations Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred in five years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred in two years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unconditional purchase obligations to be incurred in three years Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates US Government Debt Securities [Member] Fixed income securities: Domestic government bonds Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Decrease in worldwide valuation allowance Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Other Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Write-offs Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Viance Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Aggregate net investments Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity, Revenues Sales to related party Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Power plant Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity, Purchases Purchases from related party Energy purchased from Kemira Variable Interest Entities [Axis] WARRANTS: Warrants and Rights Outstanding Value of warrants Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] EPS Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Write-off of deferred financing costs Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Purchase of Non Controlling Interest Amount o reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the purchase of noncontrolling interest. Amounts reclassified from noncontrolling interest to accumulated other comprehensive loss