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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 857,789	$ 754,866	$ 737,258	$ 722,063	$ 696,655	$ 654,010	$ 669,327	$ 657,211	$ 3,071,976	$ 2,677,203	$ 2,826,429
Lithium and Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,308,153	968,216	834,590
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,018,885	668,852	508,844
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Performance Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									289,268	299,364	325,746
Bromine Specialties | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									855,143	792,425	775,729
Refining Solutions | Refining Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 778,304	$ 732,137	$ 729,261