Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax		$ 16,000,000
Estimated site remediation liabilities		20,322,000	12,359,000	13,806,000	15,567,000
Exit of phosphorous flame retardants business	8,700,000	8,700,000
Rental expenses related to capital and operating lease		33,100,000	30,900,000	29,000,000
Asset retirement obligation relating to property plant and equipment		16,500,000	14,900,000
Increase in asset retirement obligations		1,400,000
Performance Bonds, Environmental Guarantees and Insurance Claim Payment Guarantees | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expiration date of outstanding letters of credit and guarantees		2013
Performance Bonds, Environmental Guarantees and Insurance Claim Payment Guarantees | Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expiration date of outstanding letters of credit and guarantees		2022
Guarantees Relating To Custom And Port Authorities
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Expiration date of outstanding letters of credit and guarantees		1 year
Bergheim, Germany Site
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated site remediation liabilities		8,000,000
Closure project, scheduled completion year		2017
Period of post-closure monitoring		30 years thereafter
Pledged land and housing facilities		$ 5,900,000