Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information - Net Sales to External Customers in Each of Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 691,956	$ 648,638	$ 634,197	$ 641,625	$ 687,596	$ 661,226	$ 684,894	$ 711,704	$ 2,616,416	[1]	$ 2,745,420	[1]	$ 2,869,005	[1]
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									864,388		892,232		1,001,922
Polymer Solutions | Flame Retardants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									620,972		665,293		780,541
Polymer Solutions | Stabilizers and Curatives
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									243,416		226,939		221,381
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,001,606		1,067,948		1,116,863
Catalysts | Performance Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									232,769		273,015		265,381
Catalysts | Refinery Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									768,837		794,933		851,482
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									750,422		785,240		750,220
Fine Chemistry | Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									461,740		463,179		460,026
Fine Chemistry | Fine Chemistry Services and Intermediates Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 288,682		$ 322,061		$ 290,194

[1] No sales in a foreign country exceed 10% of total net sales. Also, net sales are attributed to countries based upon shipments to final destination.