Segment and Geographic Area Information Net Sales to External Customers by Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 930,353	$ 905,093	$ 931,485	$ 884,404	$ 598,566	$ 642,418	$ 604,721	$ 599,843	$ 3,651,335	$ 2,445,548	$ 2,394,270
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,610,319	1,121,645	1,141,890
Performance Chemicals | Bromine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									775,729	808,857	856,298
Performance Chemicals | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									508,844	0	0
Performance Chemicals | Performance Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									325,746	312,788	285,592
Refining Solutions | Refining Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									729,261	852,139	775,207
Chemetall Surface Treatment | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 824,906	$ 0	$ 0