Reporting for Segments - Net Sales to External Customers by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 408,104	$ 408,865	$ 1,261,083	$ 1,344,836
Pigments, Powders and Oxides [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	47,647	64,053	155,948	219,398
Performance Colors and Glass [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	94,059	86,398	298,633	294,806
Performance Coatings [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	151,873	137,228	445,969	447,065
Polymer Additives [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	71,599	79,881	229,266	251,055
Specialty Plastics [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 42,926	$ 41,305	$ 131,267	$ 132,512