Goodwill and Other Intangibles Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,540,032
Acquisitions	(22,071)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	68,489
Balance at end of period	1,586,450
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,348,261
Acquisitions	(22,071)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	54,468
Balance at end of period	1,380,658
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	20,319
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	20,319
Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	164,866
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	14,021
Balance at end of period	178,887
Reportable Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,586
Acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	$ 6,586