Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	$ 29,445		$ (74,516)	$ 743	[1]	$ 20,392
Foreign Currency Translation, Income tax (expense) benefit	(280)		2,160	1,552	[1]	3,788
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	29,165		(72,356)	2,295	[1]	24,180
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	15,811	[2]	6,753	44,554	[2]	13,995
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, income tax (expense) benefit	(5,781)	[2]	(2,471)	(16,282)	[2]	(5,090)
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	10,030	[2]	4,282	28,272	[2]	8,905
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	49		56	155		204
Income tax (expense) benefit	(20)		(21)	(60)		(77)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 29		$ 35	$ 95		$ 127

[1] The nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 includes 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.

[2] The three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 include a reclassification of $6.5 million from Accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with our SERP in connection with the retirement of our former CEO and executive chairman (see Note 13).