Segment and Geographic Area Information Identifiable Assets by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		$ 10,450,946	$ 9,860,863	$ 7,581,674
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		7,134,229	6,570,791	4,605,070
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		867,648	799,456	753,157
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		1,066,089	1,163,590	1,134,975
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		136,659	146,211	128,185
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets		$ 1,246,321	$ 1,180,815	$ 960,287
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	60.00%	60.00%