Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,578,785
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(7,348)
Balance at end of period	1,559,055
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,370,846
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(5,335)
Balance at end of period	1,353,129
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	181,034
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(2,013)
Balance at end of period	179,021
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
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions	(12,382)
Balance at end of period	19,380
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project | Reportable Segments | Lithium
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions	(12,382)
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project | Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions	0
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project | Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions	0
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project | Reportable Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisitions	$ 0