Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Net of Deferred Income Taxes) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 60,329		$ 74,889		$ 139,283
Current period change	20,525		(19,167)		(59,452)
Tax benefit (expense)	4,410		4,607		(4,942)
Ending balance	85,264		60,329		74,889
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	56,245	[1]	69,605	[1]	132,234	[1]
Current period change	26,846	[1]	(17,269)	[1]	(56,620)	[1]
Tax benefit (expense)	2,026	[1]	3,909	[1]	(6,009)	[1]
Ending balance	85,117	[1]	56,245	[1]	69,605	[1]
Net Transition Asset
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance					6
Current period change					(9)
Tax benefit (expense)					3
Net Prior Service Benefit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	5,060	[2]	6,422	[2]	8,286	[2]
Current period change	(6,533)	[2]	(2,156)	[2]	(2,987)	[2]
Tax benefit (expense)	2,462	[2]	794	[2]	1,123	[2]
Ending balance	989	[2]	5,060	[2]	6,422	[2]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(3)		(3)		(4)
Current period change	(5)		1		1
Tax benefit (expense)	2		(1)
Ending balance	(6)		(3)		(3)
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(973)		(1,135)		(1,239)
Current period change	217		257		163
Tax benefit (expense)	(80)		(95)		(59)
Ending balance	$ (836)		$ (973)		$ (1,135)

[1] Current period change for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $12.3 million related to a non-cash write-off of foreign currency translation adjustments from Accumulated other comprehensive income in connection with our exit of the phosphorus flame retardants business (see Note 19) in accordance with current accounting guidance

[2] Current period change for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $6.5 million related to a supplemental executive retirement plan settlement in connection with the retirement of our former CEO and executive chairman, and ($4.5) million related to various amendments to certain of our U.S. pension and defined contribution plans that were approved by our Board of Directors in the fourth quarter of 2012.