Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated site remediation liabilities	$ 20,088,000	$ 12,359,000
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax	15,000,000
Exit of phosphorous flame retardants business	8,700,000
Bergheim, Germany Site
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated site remediation liabilities	7,900,000
Period of post-closure monitoring	30 years thereafter
Pledged land and housing facilities	$ 5,600,000

Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies.

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