Schedule of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,287	$ 175,872	$ 144,630	$ 223,166
Other current assets	24,044	20,665
Property, plant and equipment	449,492	414,257
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $87,172 and $78,784	52,548	57,488
Other long-term assets	25,196	25,231
Total assets	1,136,679	1,194,797
Current liabilities	140,737	195,060
Total liabilities	580,369	640,399
Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	22,015	66,816
Other current assets	1,775	256
Property, plant and equipment	47,459	12,912
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $87,172 and $78,784	9,936	10,094
Other long-term assets	1,028	462
Total assets	82,213	90,540
Current liabilities	3,355	8,724
Total liabilities	$ 3,355	$ 8,724