Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year		$ 12,359		$ 13,806		$ 15,567
Expenditures		(1,451)		(1,081)		(1,128)
Changes in estimates recorded to earnings and other		227		(270)		419
Exit of phosphorus flame retardants business	8,700	8,700
Foreign currency translation		487		(96)		(1,052)
Balance, end of year		20,322		12,359		13,806
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses		3,109		1,433		1,661
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities		$ 17,213	[1]	$ 10,926	[1]	$ 12,145

[1] See Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies."