Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Schedule Of Changes In Goodwill By Operating Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 272,238		$ 292,721
Sale of assets			(3,711)	[1]
Acquisitions	3,672	[2]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,765)		(16,772)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	273,145		272,238
Polymer Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	36,210		36,153
Foreign currency translation adjustments	953		57
Goodwill, Ending Balance	37,163		36,210
Catalysts [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	211,423		228,166
Acquisitions	3,672	[2]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,885)		(16,743)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	211,210		211,423
Fine Chemistry [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	24,605		28,402
Sale of assets			(3,711)	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	167		(86)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 24,772		$ 24,605

[1] Relates to the July 2010 sale of our Teesport, UK manufacturing facility. See Note 7 "Property, Plant and Equipment."

[2] Relates to our acquisition of Catilin, Inc. as discussed in Note 22 "Acquisitions."