Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	$ (57,622)	[1]	$ 23,562	$ (28,702)	[1]	$ 94,908
Foreign Currency Translation, Income tax (expense) benefit	1,740	[1]	(1,003)	1,832	[1]	1,628
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(55,882)	[1]	22,559	(26,870)	[1]	96,536
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	19,248		544	28,743		7,242
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Income tax (expense) benefit	(7,045)		(166)	(10,501)		(2,619)
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	12,203		378	18,242		4,623
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	51		93	106		148
Income tax (expense) benefit	(20)		(35)	(40)		(56)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$ 31		$ 58	$ 66		$ 92

[1] The three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 include a non-cash write-off of foreign currency translation adjustments of $12.3 million from Accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with our exit of the phosphorous flame retardants business (see Note 13) in accordance with current accounting guidance.