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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 598,566	$ 642,418	$ 604,721	$ 599,843	$ 639,635	$ 591,196	$ 576,842	$ 586,597	$ 2,445,548	[1]	$ 2,394,270	[1]	$ 2,519,154	[1]
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,351,596		1,392,664		1,451,247
Performance Chemicals | Fire Safety Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									607,477		620,972		665,293
Performance Chemicals | Specialty Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									520,297		520,998		519,606
Performance Chemicals | Fine Chemistry Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									223,822		250,694		266,348
Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,093,952		1,001,606		1,067,907
Catalyst Solutions | Refinery Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									844,221		768,837		794,933
Catalyst Solutions | Performance Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 249,731		$ 232,769		$ 272,974

[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.