Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating Segment
Net Sales	$ 470,231	$ 476,989	$ 935,500	$ 899,587
Operating Income	34,821	34,078	70,221	63,929
Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	46,194	43,242	94,832	81,035
Surfactants [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	335,114	343,767	682,270	668,652
Surfactants [Member] | Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	31,024	24,693	64,016	52,857
Polymers [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	113,923	120,854	210,672	207,253
Polymers [Member] | Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	11,775	15,064	23,526	21,429
Specialty Products [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	21,194	12,368	42,558	23,682
Specialty Products [Member] | Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	$ 3,395	$ 3,485	$ 7,290	$ 6,749