Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,540,032
Acquisitions	(21,427)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	97,873
Balance at end of period	1,616,478
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,348,261
Acquisitions	(21,427)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	77,707
Balance at end of period	1,404,541
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	20,166
Balance at end of period	185,032
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