Segment Information - Reportable Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net sales:
Net sales		$ 783,312	$ 774,907
Segment profit:
Operating profit		167,220	161,793
Interest expense		(12,478)	(11,095)
Other income, net		154	5,710
Income before taxes		154,896	156,408
Flavors [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales		372,508	377,108
Segment profit:
Operating profit		91,813	92,727
Fragrances [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales		410,804	397,799
Segment profit:
Operating profit		89,237	81,598
Global expenses [Member]
Segment profit:
Operating profit		(13,870)	(11,564)
Restructuring and other charges, net
Segment profit:
Operating profit	[1]	(101)	(187)
Acquisition and related costs
Segment profit:
Operating profit	[2]	(1,037)	(500)
Operational improvement initiative costs
Segment profit:
Operating profit	[3]	(268)	(281)
Spanish capital tax settlement
Segment profit:
Operating profit	[4]	$ 1,446	$ 0

[1] Restructuring and other charges, net relate to accelerated depreciation costs in Europe recorded in Cost of goods sold.

[2] Acquisition and related costs are associated with the 2015 acquisition of Lucas Meyer as discussed in Note 3, including inventory step-up charges related to the inventory acquired

[3] Operational improvement initiative costs relate to accelerated depreciation costs in Asia in both the 2016 and 2015 periods.

[4] The Spanish capital tax settlement represents interest received from the Spanish government related to the reversal of the unfavorable ruling the Spanish capital tax case from 2002, which was reversed during the year ended December 31, 2015.