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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 696,655	$ 654,010	$ 669,327	$ 657,211	$ 722,610	$ 693,216	$ 718,290	$ 692,313	$ 2,677,203	$ 2,826,429	$ 2,445,548
Lithium and Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									968,216	834,590	312,788
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									668,852	508,844	0
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Performance Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									299,364	325,746	312,788
Bromine Specialties | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									792,425	775,729	808,857
Refining Solutions | Refining Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 732,137	$ 729,261	$ 852,139