Segment and Geographic Area Information Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 260,076	$ 103,572	$ 107,370
Capital expenditures	227,649	110,576	155,346
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	18,183	13,478	13,323
Capital expenditures	13,054	9,053	18,831
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	8,703	2,552	2,188
Capital expenditures	2,683	24	514
Operating Segments | Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	120,248	51,707	46,225
Capital expenditures	159,338	52,280	119,500
Operating Segments | Refining Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	34,039	32,670	33,580
Capital expenditures	28,836	49,219	16,501
Operating Segments | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	78,903	0	0
Capital expenditures	23,738	0	0
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 0	$ 3,165	$ 12,054