Goodwill and Other Intangibles Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 243,262
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(130,286)
Balance at end of period		2,769,619
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill		2,643,371
Other significant projects
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	[1]	$ 13,272

[1] Primarily relates to the acquisition of the remaining interest in Shanghai Chemetall. See Note 2, “Acquisitions.”