Operating Segments And Geographic Area Information (Schedule Of Depreciation Amortization And Capital Expenditure) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 96,753	$ 95,578	$ 100,513
Capital expenditures	190,574	75,478	100,786
Polymer Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	30,436	30,854	34,481
Capital expenditures	51,186	18,413	24,209
Catalysts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	43,978	42,396	42,508
Capital expenditures	63,478	38,967	39,872
Fine Chemistry [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	21,004	21,570	22,751
Capital expenditures	60,679	17,193	33,621
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	1,335	758	773
Capital expenditures	$ 15,231	$ 905	$ 3,084