Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 8.6	$ 14.0	$ 38.9	$ 28.5
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	27.1	21.1	49.9	89.8
Net earnings attributable to Cytec Industries Inc.	$ 35.7	$ 35.1	$ 88.8	$ 118.3
Weighted average shares outstanding	46,247	49,257	46,104	49,438
Diluted average shares outstanding	46,963	49,918	46,796	50,088
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.18	$ 0.28	$ 0.84	$ 0.58
Earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0.59	$ 0.43	$ 1.08	$ 1.81
Net earnings per common share attributable to Cytec Industries Inc.	$ 0.77	$ 0.71	$ 1.92	$ 2.39
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.18	$ 0.28	$ 0.83	$ 0.57
Earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0.58	$ 0.42	$ 1.07	$ 1.79
Net earnings per common share attributable to Cytec Industries Inc.	$ 0.76	$ 0.70	$ 1.90	$ 2.36
Options And Stock-Settled SARS
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Non-vested shares and units	579	577	563	570
Non-Vested Shares And Units
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Non-vested shares and units	137	84	129	80