Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill classified as assets held for sale	$ 14,400	$ 14,400
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,610,355
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	33,391
Balance at end of period	1,643,746
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,389,089
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	26,110
Balance at end of period	1,415,199
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	20,319
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	20,319
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	194,361
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	7,281
Balance at end of period	201,642
Reportable Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,586
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	$ 6,586