Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Income taxes (net of refunds of $6,035, $14,296 and $1,849 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$ 56,174us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet	$ 51,772us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet	$ 112,442us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet
Interest (net of capitalization)	33,604us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	29,629us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	31,144us-gaap_InterestPaidNet
Phosphorous Flame Retardant Business Exit
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Decrease in property, plant and equipment	0	0	(41,120)
Decrease in accumulated depreciation	0	0	(17,870)
Decrease in other intangibles, net of amortization	0	0	(27,384)
Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	12,268
Other Restructuring Charges
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Decrease in property, plant and equipment	0	0	(5,002)
Decrease in accumulated depreciation	0	0	(1,588)
Pension Curtailment Gains Losses
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 0	$ 0	$ (4,507)

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Increase Decrease In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The change during the period, from the beginning balance of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (relating to property, plant and equipment) to the ending balance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229

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- Definition

The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4297-108586

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- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in intangible assets (for example patents and licenses).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

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- Definition

The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

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