Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
		Jan. 01, 2016 segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment			3
Joint ventures			$ 429,794	$ 411,119	[1]
Long-term advances to joint ventures	[2]		31,776	31,780
Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses)			$ 2,400	51,800		$ (3,700)
Maximum remaining expiration period for foreign currency forward contracts			1 year
Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life			2 years
Definite-lived intangible assets useful life			5 years
Maximum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life			60 years
Definite-lived intangible assets useful life			25 years
Planned Major Maintenance Activities
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life			12 months
Performance Chemicals
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment		2
Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Joint ventures			$ 7,500
Other Assets | Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Long-term advances to joint ventures			$ 30,000	$ 30,000

[1] Balance at December 31, 2015 excludes our investment in Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG (“Magnifin”) and two investments included in the sale of the Chemetall Surface Treatment business, which are included in Assets held for sale. Refer to Note 3, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

[2] See Note 10, “Investments.”