Segment and Geographic Area Information Identifiable Assets by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		$ 9,860,863	$ 7,581,674	$ 7,750,772
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		6,570,791	4,605,070	3,979,615
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		799,456	753,157	745,007
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		1,163,590	1,134,975	1,332,599
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		146,211	128,185	126,486
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable assets		$ 1,180,815	$ 960,287	$ 1,567,065
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	60.00%	60.00%