Kraton (KRA) 10-K 25 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1321646
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus (i.e. Q1,Q2,Q3,FY)	FY
Trading Symbol	KRA
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,505,059
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$726,003,519

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,818	$175,872	$223,166	$88,579
Receivables, net of allowances of $245 and $315	107,432	129,356
Inventories of products	326,992	328,772
Inventories of materials and supplies	10,968	10,947
Deferred income taxes	7,247	7,596
Other current assets	24,521	20,665
Total current assets	530,978	673,208
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $387,463 and $353,428	451,765	414,257
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $88,939 and $78,784	49,610	57,488
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	12,648	14,074
Debt issuance costs	7,153	9,213
Deferred income taxes	2,176	1,326
Other long-term assets	28,122	25,231
Total assets	1,082,452	1,194,797
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	87	0
Accounts payable-trade	72,786	115,736
Other payables and accruals	50,888	54,539
Deferred income taxes	1,633	182
Due to related party	18,121	24,603
Total current liabilities	143,515	195,060
Long-term debt, net of current portion	351,785	350,989
Deferred income taxes	15,262	18,359
Other long-term liabilities	103,739	75,991
Total liabilities	614,301	640,399
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Kraton stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	318	325
Additional paid in capital	361,342	363,590
Retained earnings	168,041	170,827
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-99,218	-21,252
Total Kraton stockholders’ equity	430,483	513,490
Noncontrolling interest	37,668	40,908
Total equity	468,151	554,398	492,215	517,794
Total liabilities and equity	$1,082,452	$1,194,797

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowances	$245	$315
Less accumulated depreciation	387,463	353,428
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$88,939	$78,784
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	31,831,000	32,547,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	31,831,000	32,547,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$276,039	$318,971	$323,767	$311,656	$290,362	$327,109	$334,543	$340,107	$1,230,433	$1,292,121	$1,423,122
Cost of goods sold									993,366	1,066,289	1,191,680
Gross profit	44,090	63,824	72,080	57,073	58,610	47,450	59,861	59,911	237,067	225,832	231,442
Research and development									31,370	32,014	31,011
Selling, general and administrative									104,209	105,558	98,555
Depreciation and amortization									66,242	63,182	64,554
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,700								4,731	0	5,434
Total operating expenses									206,552	200,754	199,554
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									407	530	530
Interest expense, net									24,594	30,470	29,303
Income (loss) before income taxes									6,328	-4,862	3,115
Income tax expense (benefit)									5,118	-3,887	19,306
Consolidated net income (loss)									1,210	-975	-16,191
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									-1,209	-357	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	($17,430)	$16,615	$11,143	($7,909)	$4,899	($5,598)	$3,829	($3,748)	$2,419	($618)	($16,191)
Basic	($0.54)	$0.51	$0.34	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)
Diluted	($0.54)	$0.50	$0.33	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)
Basic	31,907	32,315	32,268	32,162	32,111	32,073	32,073	32,062	32,163	32,096	31,939
Diluted	31,907	32,600	32,777	32,162	32,439	32,073	32,378	32,062	32,483	32,096	31,939

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$2,419	($618)	($16,191)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	-44,628	-4,198	-2,594
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0	0	837	0
Unrealized loss, net of tax			-28
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $0, $10,065, and $0	-33,338	17,109	-11,935
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-77,966	13,258	-16,892
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton	-75,547	12,640	-33,083
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3,240	-722	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	-78,787	11,918	-33,083
Interest Rate Swap
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss, net of tax	0	0	-28
Investment Hedge
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss, net of tax	$0	($490)	($2,335)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	$0	$0	$0
Reclassification of (gain) loss on interest rate swap, tax effect	0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in pension liability, tax effect	0	10,065	0
Net Investment Hedge
Unrealized gain (loss), tax effect	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap
Unrealized gain (loss), tax effect	$0	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Kraton Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$517,794	$321	$347,455	$187,636	($17,618)	$517,794
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Consolidated net income (loss)	-16,191	0	0	-16,191	0	-16,191	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-16,892	0	0	0	-16,892	-16,892	0
Exercise of stock options	933	2	931	0	0	933	0
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards	6,571	0	6,571			6,571
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	492,215	323	354,957	171,445	-34,510	492,215	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Consolidated net income (loss)	-975	0	0	-618	0	-618	-357
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,893	0	0	0	13,258	13,258	-365
Consolidation of variable interest entity	41,630						41,630
Exercise of stock options	741	2	739	0	0	741	0
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards	7,894		7,894			7,894
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	554,398	325	363,590	170,827	-21,252	513,490	40,908
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Consolidated net income (loss)	1,210	0	0	2,419	0	2,419	-1,209
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-79,997	0	0	0	-77,966	-77,966	-2,031
Retired treasury stock from employee tax withholdings	-704		-704			-704
Retired treasury stock from share repurchases	-18,679	-10	-13,464	-5,205		-18,679
Exercise of stock options	1,448	1	1,447	0	0	1,448	0
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards	10,475	2	10,473			10,475
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$468,151	$318	$361,342	$168,041	($99,218)	$430,483	$37,668

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Consolidated net income (loss)	$1,210,000	($975,000)	($16,191,000)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	66,242,000	63,182,000	64,554,000
Amortization of debt premium	-164,000	-153,000	-108,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,223,000	7,389,000	2,986,000
(Gain) loss on property, plant and equipment	314,000	-52,000	415,000
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,731,000	0	5,434,000
Impairment of spare parts inventory	430,000	0	0
Earnings from unconsolidated joint venture, net of dividends received	80,000	-108,000	-130,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-2,523,000	-15,546,000	9,948,000
Share-based compensation	10,475,000	7,894,000	6,571,000
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable	13,005,000	-1,158,000	16,646,000
Inventories of products, materials and supplies	-15,883,000	11,246,000	53,615,000
Other assets	-6,437,000	179,000	-1,695,000
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable-trade	-35,368,000	14,944,000	8,680,000
Other payables and accruals	-30,000	934,000	-6,481,000
Other long-term liabilities	-3,849,000	3,384,000	-1,534,000
Due to related party	-4,598,000	14,296,000	3,623,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,858,000	105,456,000	146,333,000
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	-66,398,000	-69,143,000	-65,006,000
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	-44,277,000	-11,937,000	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	-3,710,000	-5,125,000	-4,603,000
Settlement of net investment hedge	0	-2,490,000	-335,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-114,385,000	-88,695,000	-69,944,000
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	39,000,000	40,000,000	101,250,000
Repayments of debt	-39,000,000	-136,875,000	-45,626,000
Capital lease payments	-6,007,000	-2,950,000	0
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	0	41,630,000	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-19,383,000	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,448,000	741,000	933,000
Debt issuance costs	-485,000	-4,794,000	-3,156,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-24,427,000	-62,248,000	53,401,000
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	-13,100,000	-1,807,000	4,797,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-122,054,000	-47,294,000	134,587,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	175,872,000	223,166,000	88,579,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	53,818,000	175,872,000	223,166,000
Supplemental disclosures
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds received	10,724,000	8,885,000	14,241,000
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest	22,396,000	23,543,000	24,402,000
Capitalized interest	3,198,000	4,180,000	2,648,000
Supplemental non-cash disclosures
Capital accruals	5,375,000	8,757,000	7,512,000
Capital lease liability	$7,033,000	$2,950,000	$0

Description_of_Business_Basis_

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business. We are a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”) and other engineered polymers. SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which we invented and commercialized almost 50 years ago, that enhance the performance of numerous products by imparting greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability.
	Our polymers are typically formulated or compounded with other products to achieve improved, customer-specific performance characteristics in a variety of applications. We seek to maximize the value of our product portfolio by emphasizing complex or specialized polymers and innovations that yield higher margins than more commoditized products. We refer to these complex or specialized polymers or innovations as being more “differentiated.”
	Our products are found in many everyday applications, including personal care products such as disposable diapers and the rubberized grips of toothbrushes, razor blades and power tools. Our products are also used to impart tack and shear properties in a wide variety of adhesive products and to impart characteristics such as, flexibility and durability in sealants and corrosion resistance in coatings. Our paving and roofing applications provide durability, extending road and roof life.
	We also produce CariflexTM isoprene rubber and isoprene rubber latex. Our Cariflex products are highly-engineered, non-SBC synthetic substitutes for natural rubber and natural rubber latex. Our Cariflex products, which have not been found to contain the proteins present in natural rubber latex and are, therefore, not known to cause allergies, are used in applications such as surgical gloves and condoms. We believe the versatility of Cariflex products provide opportunities for new, high margin applications.
	We have a portfolio of innovations at various stages of development and commercialization, including
	•	polyvinyl chloride alternatives for wire and cable, and medical applications;
	•	polymers and compounds for soft skin and coated fabric applications for transportation and consumer markets;
	•	highly-modified asphalt (“HiMA”) for high-performance paving applications;
	•	NEXARTM family of membrane polymers for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and breathable fabrics; and
	•	synthetic cement formulations and polymers used for viscosity modification in oilfield applications.
	We manufacture our polymers at five manufacturing facilities globally, including our flagship facility in Belpre, Ohio, as well as facilities in Germany, France, Brazil and Japan. The facility in Japan is operated by an unconsolidated manufacturing joint venture. The terms “Kraton,” “our company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” as used in this report refer collectively to Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements presented herein are for us and our consolidated subsidiaries, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary, except our 50% investment in our joint venture, Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation (“KFPC”), located in Mailiao, Taiwan. KFPC is a variable interest entity for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary and, therefore, have consolidated into our financial statements. Our 50% investment in our joint venture located in Kashima, Japan is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	Significant Accounting Policies. These financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our results of operations and financial position.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include
	•	the useful lives of fixed assets;
	•	allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns;
	•	the valuation of derivatives, deferred tax assets, property, plant and equipment, inventory, investments and share-based compensation; and
	•	liabilities for employee benefit obligations, environmental matters, asset retirement obligations, income tax uncertainties and other contingencies.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. It is our policy to invest our excess cash in investment instruments whose value is not subject to market fluctuations, such as bank deposits or certificates of deposit. Other permitted investments include commercial paper of major U.S. corporations with ratings of A1 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or P1 by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., loan participations of major U.S. corporations with a short term credit rating of A1/P1 and direct obligations of the U.S. government or its agencies. We consider all investments having a remaining maturity, at the time of purchase, of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Receivables. Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing receivables and is determined based on our assessment of the credit worthiness of individual customers, historical write-off experience and global economic data. We review the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have significant off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
	Inventories. Our inventory is principally comprised of finished goods inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market as primarily determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We evaluate the carrying cost of our inventory on a quarterly basis for this purpose. If the cost of the inventories exceeds their market value, provisions are made for the differences between the cost and the market value.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which requires entities to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in cash flow hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.
	For all hedging relationships, we formally document the hedging relationship and our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. We also formally assess both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when we determine that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, and the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or we remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.
	In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, we continue to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognize any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, we discontinue hedge accounting and recognize immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) related to the hedging relationship.
	Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements which extend the useful lives of equipment are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at carrying cost less accumulated depreciation with any resulting gain or loss reflected in earnings. We capitalize interest costs which are incurred as part of the cost of constructing major facilities and equipment. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Machinery and equipment	20 years
	Building and land improvements	20 years
	Manufacturing control equipment	10 years
	Office equipment	5 years
	Research equipment and facilities	5 years
	Vehicles	5 years
	Computer hardware and information systems	3 years
	Major Maintenance Activities. Major maintenance or turnaround costs are expensed as incurred.
	Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”). We have determined that we have contractual or regulatory requirements to decommission and perform other remediation for many of our manufacturing and research facilities upon retirement. We account for ARO’s pursuant to the provisions of ASC 410-20, “Asset Retirement Obligations.” ASC 410-20 requires us to record the fair value of an ARO as a liability in the period in which we have a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The ARO is also capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the asset and is depreciated over the life of the asset. The recognition of an ARO requires us to make numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO; estimated probabilities, amounts and timing of settlements; the credit-adjusted risk-free rate to be used; discount rate and inflation rates. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the ARO, the obligation is to be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect accretion of the liability to its non-discounted amount and changes in either the timing or the amount of the original estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Revisions also result in increases or decreases in the carrying cost of these assets. Increases in the ARO liability due to accretion is charged to depreciation and amortization expense. The related capitalized cost, including revisions thereto, is charged to depreciation and amortization expense.
	Long-Lived Assets. In accordance with the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment—Overall,” long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
	Intangible Assets. We have intangible assets related to technology, tradenames/trademarks, customer relationships and software as detailed in Note 4 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts to the consolidated financial statements. Intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life of technology, tradenames/trademarks and customer relationships is 15 years, while the estimated useful life of software is 10 years.
	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan, and an additional post-retirement benefit plan. We annually evaluate significant assumptions related to the benefits and obligations of these plans. Our estimation of the projected benefit obligations and related benefit expense requires that certain assumptions be made regarding such variables as expected return on plan assets, discount rates, rates of future compensation increases, estimated future employee turnover rates and retirement dates, distribution election rates, mortality rates, retiree utilization rates for health care services and health care cost trend rates. The determination of the appropriate assumptions requires considerable judgment concerning future events and has a significant impact on the amount of the obligations and expense recorded. We rely in part on actuarial studies when determining the appropriateness of certain of the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the annual expenses for these plans.
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture. Our 50% equity investment in a manufacturing joint venture at our Kashima site is accounted for under the equity method with our share of the operating results of the joint venture classified within earnings of unconsolidated joint venture.
	We evaluate our equity method investment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such investment may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether impairment has occurred. We assess the fair value of our equity method investment using commonly accepted techniques, and may use more than one method, including, but not limited to, recent third party comparable sales, internally developed analysis and analysis from outside advisors. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the financial statements as an impairment.
	Debt Issuance Costs. We capitalize financing fees and other costs related to issuing long-term debt. We amortize these costs using the effective interest method, except for costs related to revolving debt, which are amortized using the straight-line method. The amortization of debt issuance costs are recorded in interest expense.
	Contingencies. We are routinely involved in litigation, claims and disputes incidental to our business. Professional judgment is required to classify the likelihood of these contingencies occurring. All relevant information that can be acquired concerning the uncertain set of circumstances needs to be obtained and used to determine the probability classification. A contingency is categorized as probable, reasonably possible, or remote. A contingency is classified as probable if the future event or events are likely to occur. For the probable contingencies, a loss is accrued and disclosed as of the date of the financial statements if it is both probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. A reasonably possible contingency occurs if the chance of the future event or events happening is more than remote but less than likely (reasonably possible but not probable). We disclose the loss contingencies in the footnotes to the financial statements but do not recognize any liability. A remote contingency is one where the chance of the future event or events occurring is slight. We neither accrue for nor disclose the liability in the notes to the financial statements. For loss contingencies, our accounting policy is to expense legal costs as incurred.
	Environmental Costs. Environmental costs are expensed as incurred unless the expenditures extend the economic useful life of the relevant assets. Costs that extend the economic useful life of assets are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of those assets. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments, or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably estimated.
	Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. For cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. For long-term debt instruments and interest rate swap agreements, fair value is estimated based upon market values (if applicable) or on the current interest rates available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Considerable judgment is required in developing these estimates.
	Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition—Overall,” when the revenue is realized or realizable, and has been earned. Revenue for product sales is recognized when risk and title to the product transfer to the customer, which usually occurs at the time shipment is made. Our products are generally sold free on board shipping point or, with respect to countries other than the United States, an equivalent basis. As such, title to the product passes when the product is delivered to the freight carrier. Our standard terms of delivery are included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold.
	We have entered into agreements with some of our customers whereby they earn rebates from us when the volume of their purchases of our product reach certain agreed upon levels. We recognize the rebate obligation ratably, as a reduction of revenue.
	Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
	Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. We recognize these costs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. The Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) allows for the grant to key employees, independent contractors, and eligible non-employee directors of incentive stock options (for employees only), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards, in addition to other equity or equity-based awards (including performance-based awards) as our board determines from time to time. We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Since our equity interests were privately held prior to our initial public offering, we have limited publicly traded stock history, and as a result our estimated volatility is based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. Until such time that we have enough publicly traded stock history to estimate volatility based solely on our stock, we expect to estimate volatility of options granted based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. For all periods presented, we used the simplified method to calculate the expected term of options. The risk free interest rate for the periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For all periods presented, the dividend yield is assumed to be zero based on historical and expected dividend activity. Forfeitures are based substantially on the history of cancellations of similar awards granted in prior years. See Note 3 Share-Based Compensation to the consolidated financial statements.
	Leases. Our leases entered into as of December 31, 2014 are classified as either operating or capital leases. A lease is deemed a capital lease when one of the following conditions is met: (1) ownership of the asset is transferred to the lessee at the end of the lease term, (2) the lease contains a bargain purchase option, (3) the lease term is 75% or more of the asset’s useful life, or (4) the net present value of minimum lease payments is equal to 90% or more of the asset’s fair market value. All other leases are classified as an operating lease. The capital lease obligation is classified as either a current liability or long term liability based on the lease payment schedule, and is offset by an asset purchased pursuant to the lease which is depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the asset useful life, in accordance with our depreciation policy. For operating leases which contain escalating rent payment clauses, we use the straight-line method to record lease expense.
	Income Taxes. We conduct operations in separate legal entities in different jurisdictions. As a result, income tax amounts are reflected in these consolidated financial statements for each of those jurisdictions.
	Income taxes are recorded utilizing an asset and liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with the differences between the financial accounting and tax basis of the assets and liabilities as well as the ultimate realization of any deferred tax asset resulting from such differences. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. Financial statements of our operations outside the United States where the local currency is considered to be the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the average exchange rate for each period for revenue, expenses, gains, losses and cash flows. The effects of translating such operations into U.S. dollars are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Adoption of Accounting Standards.
	We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that management believes would materially impact our financial statements.
	New Accounting Standard
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance.  The standard is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is not permitted. Our evaluation of this standard is currently ongoing and therefore, the effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are not yet known.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for share-based awards under the provisions of ASC 718, “Share-Based Payment,” which established the accounting for share-based awards exchanged for employee services. Accordingly, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and we expense these costs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Share-based compensation expense was approximately $10.3 million, $7.9 million and $6.6 million, net of tax effects of $0.2 million, $0.0 million, and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have historically recorded these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses; however, beginning in the second quarter of 2013, a portion of these costs were recorded in cost of goods sold and research and development expenses. At December 31, 2014, there was approximately $2.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option awards to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.61 years, and $6.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to awards of restricted stock, restricted share units and performance share units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.86 years.
	Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. On November 30, 2009, our board of directors and our stockholders approved the Equity Plan and on May 25, 2011, our board of directors and stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Equity Plan. The Equity Plan allows for the grant to key employees, independent contractors, and eligible non-employee directors of incentive stock options (to employees only), non-qualified stock options (which together with the incentive stock options, are referred to herein as (“Options”)), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards, in addition to other equity or equity-based awards (including performance-based awards) as the compensation committee of our board, with respect to employees and independent contractors, and our full board, with respect to non-employee directors, determines from time to time.
	Under the Equity Plan, there are a total of 4,350,000 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 there were 1,859,189 and 2,304,949 shares of our common stock available for issuance, respectively.
	Stock Option Activity
	Option activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Options		Weighted
				Average
				Exercise
				Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,595		$	23.56
	Granted	158		27.98
	Exercised	104		13.95
	Forfeited	12		24.47
	Expired	18		30.53
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,619		24.52
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,164		$	24.35
	We granted 158,118, 131,321 and 348,502 options to our employees during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These options have a ten year term and vest in equal installments over three years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $12.32, $12.30 and $13.23, respectively. There were 103,873, 52,971 and 65,352 options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised was $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes additional information regarding the outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014.
		Options		Weighted			Aggregate		Weighted
				Average			Intrinsic		Average
				Exercise			Value(1)		Remaining
				Price					Contractual
									Term
		(in thousands)					(in thousands)		(in years)
	Outstanding options	1,619		$	24.52		$	3,851	6.15
	Exercisable options	1,164		$	24.35		$	3,365	5.57
	________________________________________________
	-1	The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option as of December 31, 2014.
	Weighted-Average Assumptions for Option Pricing
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.82	%	1.01	%	1.11	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%	—	%
	Expected volatility	47.2	%	55	%	54	%
	Expected term	6.0 years		6.0 years		6.0 years
	Since our equity interests were privately held prior to our initial public offering, we have limited publicly traded stock history, and as a result our estimated volatility is based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. Until such time that we have enough publicly traded stock history to estimate volatility based solely on our stock, we expect to estimate volatility of options granted based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. For all periods presented, we used the simplified method to calculate the expected term of options. The risk free interest rate for the periods within the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For all periods presented, the dividend yield is assumed to be zero based on historical and expected dividend activity.
	Restricted stock awards, Restricted share units and Performance share units
	We may grant to certain employees time-vested restricted stock awards and time-vested restricted share units. In addition, we may grant performance share units, which vest after the achievement of performance criteria established at grant. Holders of restricted share units and performance share units do not have any beneficial ownership in the common stock underlying the restricted share units or performance share units, and the grant represents an unsecured promise to deliver common stock on a future date. Actual shares of common stock underlying the restricted share units will not be issued until the earlier of the passage of the vesting period, a change in control that also results in the termination of the grantee’s employment, or the death / disability of the participant. The performance share units vest at the end of a three-year period assuming continued employment and assuming our company’s achievement of the performance measures established by our Compensation Committee when the performance share units were initially granted. When performance share units vest, a number of shares of common stock equal to 0% to 200% of the initial grant amount will be issued, depending on the level of achievement of such performance measures. We awarded 192,812, 203,027 and 116,982 shares of restricted stock to our employees, which are subject to a three-year cliff vesting, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We issued 22,518, 26,424 and 19,394 shares of restricted stock to members of the board of directors during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which vested on the grant date. We granted 38,918 and 28,976 restricted share units and 90,186 and 67,585 performance share units to our employees during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are subject to a three-year cliff vesting.
	The following table represents the non-vested restricted stock awards, restricted share units and performance share units granted, vested and forfeited during 2014.
		Shares		Weighted-
				average
				Grant-date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested shares at December 31, 2013	513		$	27.05
	Granted	344		26.33
	Vested	133		34.36
	Forfeited	33		24.38
	Non-vested shares at December 31, 2014	691		$	25.4
	The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 pursuant to restricted stock awards, restricted share units and performance share units was $4.6 million, $0.9 million, and $1.2 million, respectively.

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Inventories of products:
	Finished products	$	253,834		$	246,758
	Work in progress	5,552			5,384
	Raw materials	67,606			76,630
	Total inventories of products	$	326,992		$	328,772
	Property, plant and equipment:
	Land	$	11,240		$	11,191
	Buildings	47,646			47,340
	Plant and equipment	658,258			650,034
	Construction in progress(1)	122,084			59,120
	Property, plant and equipment	839,228			767,685
	Less accumulated depreciation	387,463			353,428
	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$	451,765		$	414,257
	Intangible assets:
	Technology	$	44,979		$	44,202
	Customer relationships	35,145			35,145
	Tradenames/trademarks	25,393			24,445
	Software	33,032			32,480
	Intangible assets	138,549			136,272
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Technology	32,835			29,870
	Customer relationships	25,827			23,470
	Tradenames/trademarks	17,127			15,488
	Software	13,150			9,956
	Total accumulated amortization	88,939			78,784
	Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	49,610		$	57,488
	________________________________________
	-1	Construction in progress includes $7.0 million and $4.5 million of assets financed with short term capital leases as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Other payables and accruals:
	Employee related	$	16,156		$	16,066
	Interest payable	7,959			7,955
	Other	26,773			30,518
	Total other payables and accruals	$	50,888		$	54,539
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Pension and other postretirement benefits	$	86,605		$	57,924
	Other	17,134			18,067
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	103,739		$	75,991
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(21,870	)	$	22,758
	Net unrealized loss on net investment hedge	(1,926		)	(1,926		)
	Benefit plans liability	(75,422		)	(42,084		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(99,218	)	$	(21,252	)
	________________________________________
	Aggregate depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was approximately $54.5 million, $52.4 million and $54.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $11.2 million, $10.3 million and $10.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:
	December 31:	Amortization
		Expense
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	11,088
	2016	$	10,380
	2017	$	9,819
	2018	$	9,426
	2019	$	2,256

Earnings_per_Share_EPS

Earnings per Share ("EPS")	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share ("EPS")	Earnings per Share (“EPS”)
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kraton by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.
	Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kraton by the diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period and, accordingly, reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other agreements to issue common stock, such as stock options, were exercised, settled or converted into common stock and were dilutive. The diluted weighted-average number of shares used in our diluted EPS calculation is determined using the treasury stock method.
	Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our restricted stock awards are considered to be participating securities and therefore the two-class method is used for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to these participating securities and therefore is excluded from the calculation of EPS allocated to common stock. Restricted stock awards outstanding totaled 489,543, 416,662 and 248,097 at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer until vested and have identical voting, income and distribution rights to the unrestricted common shares outstanding. Our weighted average restricted stock awards outstanding were 491,698, 392,329 and 286,879 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We withheld 27,173 shares of restricted stock upon vesting to satisfy employee payroll tax withholding requirements for the year ended December 31, 2014. We immediately retired all shares withheld and the transactions were reflected in additional paid in capital in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and as a purchase of treasury stock in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Restricted share units in the amount of 95,055, 58,467 and 29,491 were outstanding at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including vested and non-vested restricted share units. Weighted average restricted share units of 84,658 are included in the computation of our diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, weighted average restricted share units of 52,784 and 29,491 are not included as a component of diluted EPS as they are anti-dilutive.
	Performance share units in the amount of 137,206 and 67,585 were outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The computation of diluted EPS includes weighted average performance share units of 28,902 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The computation of diluted EPS excludes the effect of performance share units for which the performance contingencies had not been met as of the reporting date, amounting to 102,396 and 67,585 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Stock options in the amount of 1,619,091, 1,594,581 and 1,535,655 were outstanding at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock options that are anti-dilutive. The number of stock options excluded from the computation was 1,001,198, 1,594,581 and 1,535,655 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Net			Weighted		Earnings
		Income attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	2,419		32,655
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(36		)	(492	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	2,383		32,163		$	0.07
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	36			492
	Non participating share units				114
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				206
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	(36		)	(492	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	2,383		32,483		$	0.07
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Net			Weighted		Loss
		Loss attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	(618	)	32,488
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	7			(392	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	(611	)	32,096		$	(0.02	)
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(7		)	392
	Non participating share units				—
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				—
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	7			(392	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	(611	)	32,096		$	(0.02	)
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Net			Weighted		Loss
		Loss attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	(16,191	)	32,226
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	144			(287	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	(16,047	)	31,939		$	(0.50	)
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(144		)	287
	Non participating share units				—
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				—
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	144			(287	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	(16,047	)	31,939		$	(0.50	)
	Share Repurchase Program. On October 27, 2014, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program through which we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock having an aggregate purchase price of up to $50.0 million. We intend to finance the share repurchase program through a combination of cash and debt. We plan to repurchase shares of our common stock over the next two years in the open market at prevailing market prices, through privately negotiated transactions, or through a trading program under Rule 10b5-1, subject to market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. Through December 31, 2014, we have repurchased a total of 998,080 shares of our common stock at an average price of $18.69 per share and a total cost of $18.6 million (excluding trading commissions). We are not obligated to acquire any specific number of shares of our common stock.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	6.75% unsecured notes	$	350,825	$	350,989
	Capital lease obligation	1,047		—
	Total debt	351,872		350,989
	Less current portion of total debt	87		—
	Long-term debt	$	351,785	$	350,989
	Senior Secured Credit Facilities. In March 2013, we entered into an asset-based revolving credit facility consisting of a $150.0 million U.S. senior secured revolving credit facility (the "U.S. Facility") and a $100.0 million Dutch senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Dutch Facility", and together with the U.S. Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). Borrowing under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is subject to borrowing base limitations based on the level of receivables and inventory available for security.
	We may request up to an aggregate of $100.0 million of additional revolving facility commitments of which up to an aggregate of $40.0 million may be additional Dutch revolving facility commitments, provided that we satisfy additional conditions described in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, and provided further that the U.S. revolver commitment is at least 60% of the commitments after giving effect to such increase.
	Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC and Kraton Polymers Nederland B.V. are the borrowers under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, and Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., Kraton Polymers LLC, Elastomers Holdings LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation are the guarantors for both the U.S. Facility and the Dutch Facility. In addition, K.P. Global Holdings C.V. and Kraton Polymers Holdings B.V. are guarantors for the Dutch Facility. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities terminate on March 27, 2018; however, we may from time to time request that the lenders extend the maturity of their commitments. Availability under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is limited to the lesser of the borrowing base and total commitments (less certain reserves).
	The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are primarily secured by receivables and inventory. The U.S. Facility provides for borrowings in the United States and is secured by assets located in the United States. The Dutch Facility provides for borrowings outside of the United States and is secured by assets located outside of the United States.
	Borrowings under the U.S Facility (other than swingline loans) bear interest at a rate equal to, at the applicable borrower’s option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the greater of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (3) LIBOR plus 1.0%, or (b) a rate based on LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. U.S. swingline loans shall bear interest at a base rate determined by reference to the greater of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (3) LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus an applicable margin.
	Borrowings under the Dutch Facility (other than swingline loans) bear interest at a rate equal to, at the applicable borrower’s option, either (a) a fluctuating rate, with respect to Euros, Pounds Sterling and Dollars outside of the U.S. and Canada, equal to the rate announced by the European Central Bank and used as a base rate by the local branch of Bank of America in the jurisdiction in which such currency is funded, or (b) a rate based on LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. Dutch swingline loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate, with respect to Euros, Pounds Sterling and Dollars outside of the U.S. and Canada, equal to the rate announced by the European Central Bank and used as a base rate by the local branch of Bank of America in the jurisdiction in which such currency is funded.
	The applicable margin is subject to a minimum of 0.5% and a maximum of 1.0% with respect to U.S. base rate loans, and a minimum of 1.5% and maximum of 2.0% for foreign base rate borrowings, and a minimum of 1.5% and maximum of 2.0% for both U.S. and foreign LIBOR loans and is subject to adjustment based on the borrowers’ excess availability of the applicable facility for the most recent fiscal quarter.
	In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal amounts under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the borrowers will be required to pay a commitment fee in respect of the unutilized commitments at an annual rate of 0.375%.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain a financial covenant that if either (a) excess availability is less than the greater of (i) 12.5% of the lesser of the commitments and the borrowing base and (ii) $31,250,000 or (b) U.S. availability is less than the greater of (i) 12.5% of the lesser of the U.S. commitments and U.S. borrowing base and (ii) $18,750,000, then following such event, Kraton and its restricted subsidiaries must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 for four fiscal quarters (or for a shorter duration if certain financial conditions are met). The Senior Secured Credit Facilities contain certain customary events of default, including, without limitation, a failure to make payments under the facility, cross-default and cross-judgment default, certain bankruptcy events and certain change of control events.
	As of December 31, 2014, our available borrowing capacity was $191.6 million of which $0.0 million was drawn. As of the date of this filing, our available borrowing capacity was $183.7 million, of which $0.0 million was drawn.
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2019. Kraton Polymers LLC and its wholly-owned financing subsidiary Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior notes that mature on March 1, 2019 pursuant to an indenture, dated February 11, 2011 ($250.0 million senior notes) and supplemental indenture thereto dated March 20, 2012 ($100.0 million senior notes). The indenture provides that the notes are general unsecured, senior obligations and will be unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis. We pay interest on the notes at 6.75% per annum, semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year.
	Capital Lease. In January 2014, we entered into a 10 year capital lease with a principal amount of $7.0 million to fund a portion of our capital expenditures.
	KFPC Loan Agreement. On July 17, 2014, KFPC executed the KFPC Loan Agreement in the amount of 5.5 billion NTD, or $173.1 million (converted at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate), to provide additional funding to construct the HSBC facility in Taiwan and to provide funding for working capital requirements and/or general corporate purposes.
	The KFPC Loan Agreement is comprised of a NTD 4.29 billion Tranche A, or $135.0 million (converted at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate), to fund KFPC’s capital expenditures, and a NTD 1.21 billion Tranche B, or $38.1 million (converted at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate), to fund working capital requirements and/or general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2014, no draws have been made on the KFPC Loan Agreement. The initial term of the KFPC Loan Agreement is five years from the date of the first drawing of either tranche. To the extent that the first drawing has not occurred within six months from the date of the KFPC Loan Agreement, the term will be five years from expiration of this six-month period. Subject to certain conditions, KFPC can request a two-year extension of the term of the KFPC Loan Agreement.
	The total outstanding principal amount is payable in six semi-annual installments with the first payment due upon the expiry of a thirty-month period commencing on the date of the first drawing of loans and each subsequent payment due every six months thereafter. The first five installments shall be in an amount equal to 10.0% of the outstanding principal amount and the final installment shall be in an amount equal to the remaining 50.0% of the outstanding principal amount. In the event the extension period is granted, the final 50.0% of the outstanding principal amount shall be repaid in five equal semi-annual installments with the first installment due on the original final maturity date.
	The KFPC Loan Agreement is subject to a variable interest rate composed of a fixed 0.8% margin plus the three-month or six-month fixing rate of the Taipei Interbank Offered Rate (depending on the interest period selected by KFPC in the drawdown request or the interest period notice), subject to a floor of 1.7%. Interest is payable on a monthly basis.
	The KFPC Loan Agreement contains certain financial covenants which change during the term of the KFPC Loan Agreement. The financial covenants include a maximum debt to equity ratio of 3.0 to 1.0 commencing in 2014, which will decrease over time to 1.2 to 1.0 in 2018; a minimum tangible net worth requirement of $50.0 million commencing in 2014, which will increase to $100.0 million in 2019; and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5 to 1.0 commencing in 2016, which will increase to 5.0 to 1.0 in 2017. In each case, these covenants are calculated and tested on an annual basis. Formosa Petrochemical Corporation and Kraton Polymers LLC are the guarantors of the KFPC Loan Agreement with each guarantor guaranteeing 50.0% of the indebtedness.
	Debt Maturities. The principal payments on our outstanding total debt as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	December 31:	Principal
		Payments
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	87
	2016	93
	2017	98
	2018	91
	2019	350,097
	Thereafter	581
	Total debt	$	351,047
	See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk to the consolidated financial statements for fair value information related to our long-term debt.

Debt_Issuance_Costs

Debt Issuance Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	We capitalize debt issuance costs related to issuing long-term debt and amortize these costs using the effective interest method, except for costs related to revolving debt, which are amortized using the straight-line method. Amortization of debt issuance costs and the accelerated write-off of debt issuance costs in connection with refinancing activities are recorded as a component of interest expense. We had net debt issuance costs of $9.5 million and $11.4 million (of which $2.3 million and $2.2 million were included in other current assets) as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In connection with the March 2013 refinancing of our indebtedness, we charged to interest expense $5.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to our previously existing indebtedness and we capitalized $4.8 million of debt issuance costs related to our new indebtedness. During the year ended December 31, 2014, our consolidated joint venture, KFPC, capitalized $0.5 million of debt issuance costs related to the KFPC Loan Agreement executed in July 2014. We amortized $2.2 million, $2.4 million (which excludes the $5.1 million of accelerated amortization), and $3.0 million of debt issuance costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk

ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires entities to, among other things, maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions.

In accordance with ASC 820, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

•

Level 1—Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

•

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, including:

•

Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets

•

Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active

•

Inputs other than quoted prices that is observable for the asset or liability

•

Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and

•

Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and reflect our assumptions used in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows).

Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of their fair value and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date

Using

Balance Sheet Location

31-Dec-14

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(in thousands)

Retirement plan asset—current

Other current assets

272

272

—

—

Retirement plan asset—noncurrent

Other long-term assets

2,055

2,055

—

—

Total

$

2,327

$

2,327

$

—

$

—

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date

Using

Balance Sheet Location

31-Dec-13

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(in thousands)

Retirement plan asset—noncurrent

Other long-term assets

1,908

1,908

Total

$

1,908

$

1,908

$

—

$

—

The use of derivatives creates exposure to credit risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized in the event that the counterparties to these instruments fail to perform their obligations under the contracts. We seek to minimize this risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions with acceptable credit ratings and monitoring the total value of positions with individual counterparties. In the event of a default by one of our counterparties, we may not receive payments provided for under the terms of our derivatives.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements. Our long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. When impairment has occurred, such long-lived assets are written down to fair value.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our fair value measurements with respect to non-financial assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of their fair value and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. See Note 9 Impairment and Restructuring Charges, for further discussion.

Fair Value Measurements as of Reporting Date

Quoted Prices

Significant

Significant

31-Dec-14

Total

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Impairment

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Charges

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(in thousands)

Long-lived assets

$

—

$

—

$

723

$

723

$

4,731

Total

$

—

$

—

$

723

$

723

$

4,731

For the year ended December 31, 2013 we determined that there was no impairment related to our long-lived assets.

The following table presents the carrying values and approximate fair values of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

31-Dec-14

31-Dec-13

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Value

Value

Value

Value

(in thousands)

6.75% unsecured notes (quoted prices in active market for identical assets – level 1)

$

350,825

$

358,750

$

350,989

$

369,250

Capital lease obligation (significant other observable inputs - level 2)

$

1,047

$

1,047

$

—

$

—

Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Swap Agreements. Periodically, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge or otherwise protect against interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our variable rate debt. These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges on our exposure to the variability of future cash flows.

On March 27, 2013, in connection with the refinancing of our credit facility, we terminated and settled an interest rate swap agreement, and as a result, recognized $0.7 million of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013. We recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the effective portion of this interest rate swap agreement for the year ended December 31, 2012.

We did not have any interest rate swap agreements in effect during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Fair Value Hedges. In April 2012, we entered into a series of non-deliverable forward contracts to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar (“CAD”) against the U.S. dollar associated with the funding of certain capital expenditures. These non-deliverable forward contracts qualified for hedge accounting and were designated as fair value hedges in accordance with ASC 815-25 “Fair Value Hedges.” These hedges were effective in offsetting our exposure to the CAD, and therefore the $0.1 million gain on these hedges was offset by the $0.1 million loss on the exposure associated with the funding of our semi-works facility for the year ended December 31, 2013. Similarly, for the year ended December 31, 2012, the $0.1 million loss on these hedges was offset by the $0.1 million gain on the exposure to the CAD. We did not have any fair value hedges in place during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Net Investment Hedges. During 2012, we entered into a series of non-deliverable forward and foreign currency option contracts to protect our net investment in our European subsidiaries against adverse changes in exchange rates by fixing the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate. The notional amounts of these contracts ranged from €50.0 million to €100.0 million with all contracts expiring after thirty days. In June 2013, we entered into a TWD 450.0 million notional amount non-deliverable forward contract to protect our net investment in our subsidiary in Taiwan against adverse changes in exchange rates by fixing the New Taiwan Dollar/Euro exchange rate. These contracts qualify for hedge accounting and were designated as net investment hedges in accordance with ASC 815-35 “Net Investment Hedges.” For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss an aggregate $0.5 million and $2.3 million loss related to the settlement of the effective portion of these contracts, respectively. We did not have any net investment hedges in place during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Foreign Currency Hedges. Periodically, we enter into foreign currency agreements to hedge or otherwise protect against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These agreements typically do not qualify for hedge accounting and gains/losses resulting from both the up-front premiums and/or settlement of the hedges at expiration of the agreements are recognized in the period in which they are incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we entered into a series of foreign currency option and forward contracts to reduce our exposure to exchange rate volatility. The contracts were structured such that the underlying foreign currency exchange gains/losses would be offset by the mark-to-market impact of the hedging instruments and reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange movements throughout the period. These contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recorded an aggregate loss of $6.5 million and $1.8 million and an aggregate gain of $1.6 million, respectively, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. In all periods, these contracts are structured such that these gains/losses from the mark-to-market impact of the hedging instruments materially offset the underlying foreign currency exchange gains/losses to reduce the overall impact of foreign currency exchange movements throughout the period.

Credit Risk

Our customers are diversified by industry and geography with more than 800 customers in over 60 countries. We analyze the counterparties’ financial condition prior to extending credit and we establish credit limits and monitor the appropriateness of those limits on an ongoing basis. We also obtain cash, letters of credit or other acceptable forms of security from customers to provide credit support, where appropriate, based on our financial analysis of the customer and the contractual terms and conditions applicable to each transaction.

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C

Impairment and Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Impairment and Restructuring Charges	Impairment and Restructuring Charges
	During 2014, we determined that we had impaired long-lived assets and, as a result, recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $4.7 million. Of this amount, $2.4 million related to engineering and design assets for projects we determined were no longer economically viable; $1.4 million related to information technology and office assets associated with fourth quarter 2014 restructuring activities; and $0.9 million related to other long-lived assets. The $5.4 million carrying value of these long-lived assets was reduced to fair market value of $0.7 million. We used internally developed assumptions in determining the fair value of these long-lived assets, which are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	During 2012, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges aggregating $5.4 million, of which $3.4 million was associated with the Asia HSBC facility and $2.0 million was associated with other long-lived assets. The $18.1 million carrying value of the long-lived assets was reduced to fair market value of $12.7 million.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, restructuring and restructuring-related expenses amounted to $3.0 million, $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Restructuring expenses for 2014 were comprised of severance expenses of $2.5 million and $0.4 million of other restructuring related costs, which are recorded primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are recorded utilizing an asset and liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with the differences between the financial accounting and tax basis of the assets and liabilities as well as the ultimate realization of any deferred tax asset resulting from such differences.
	Our income tax provision was a $5.1 million expense, a $3.9 million benefit, and a $19.3 million expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were an 80.9% expense, a 79.9% benefit and a 619.8% expense, respectively. Our effective tax rates differed from the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate of 35.0%, primarily due to the mix of pre-tax income or loss earned in certain jurisdictions and the change in our valuation allowance. Excluding the change in our valuation allowance, our effective tax rates would have been a 229.0% expense, an 81.4% benefit, and a 366.1% benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Current tax provision (benefit):
	U.S.	$	550			$	(49	)		$	(50	)
	Foreign	7,091				11,708				9,408
	Total current tax provision	7,641				11,659				9,358
	Deferred tax provision (benefit):
	U.S.	—				(10,065		)		9,211
	Foreign	(2,523		)		(5,481		)		737
	Total deferred tax provision (benefit)	(2,523		)		(15,546		)		9,948
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,118			$	(3,887	)		$	19,306
	Income (loss) before income taxes is comprised of the following:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S.	$	8,391			$	(39,445	)		$	(46,930	)
	Foreign	(2,063		)		34,583				50,045
	Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	6,328			$	(4,862	)		$	3,115
	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. corporate statutory income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes for the reasons set forth below:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Income taxes at the statutory rate	$	2,215			$	(1,702	)		$	1,090
	Foreign tax rate differential	11,777				(4,278		)		(20,931		)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	140				(285		)		2,010
	Permanent differences	182				1,145				1,158
	Deferred adjustments	—				—				2,847
	Tax credits	(535		)		—				92
	Alternative minimum tax	541				—				—
	Uncertain tax positions	(429		)		1,020				2,214
	Valuation allowance	(9,370		)		72				30,709
	Other	597				141				117
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,118			$	(3,887	)		$	19,306
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Foreign tax rate differential	186.1			88			(671.9	)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	2.2			5.9			64.5
	Permanent differences	2.9			(23.6	)		37.2
	Deferred adjustments	—			—			91.4
	Tax credits	(8.5	)		—			3
	Alternative minimum tax	8.5			—			—
	Uncertain tax positions	(6.7	)		(21.0	)		71.1
	Valuation allowance	(148.1	)		(1.5	)		985.8
	Other	9.5			(2.9	)		3.7
	Effective tax rate	80.9	%		79.9	%		619.8	%
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The tax effects of temporary differences are comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	106,944			$	121,644
	Inventory	7,116				7,308
	Benefit plans accrual	28,042				15,961
	Other accruals and reserves	18,694				17,975
		160,796				162,888
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(90,433		)		(89,994		)
	Total deferred tax assets	$	70,363			$	72,894
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	(74,363	)		$	(75,467	)
Intangible assets	(3,472		)		(7,046		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(77,835		)		(82,513		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,472	)		$	(9,619	)
	December 31
	2014				2013
	(in thousands)
Net deferred tax liabilities consist of:
Current deferred tax assets	$	7,247			$	7,596
Non-current deferred tax assets	2,176				1,326
Current deferred tax liabilities	(1,633		)		(182		)
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(15,262		)		(18,359		)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,472	)		$	(9,619	)
As of December 31, 2014, we had $305.4 million of net operating loss carryforwards, of which $58.7 million relates to foreign jurisdictions and $246.7 million relates to the United States, which will expire beginning in 2024 through 2033, if not utilized. We expect to generate sufficient taxable income in future years that will allow utilization of the portion of the net operating loss carryforwards for which no valuation allowance has been provided.
We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a valuation allowance of $90.4 million and $90.0 million, respectively, has been provided for net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. We increased our valuation allowance by $0.4 million in 2014, which includes a $9.8 million increase related to changes in other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by a $9.4 million decrease to the income tax provision. The $9.4 million is comprised of $7.6 million related to current year operating income and $1.8 million related to the assessment of our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards in future periods. We decreased our valuation allowance by $0.4 million in 2013, which includes a $0.5 million decrease due to changes in other comprehensive income (loss), partially offset by a $0.1 million increase to the income tax provision. The $0.1 million is comprised of $10.2 million related to current year operating losses, offset by a $10.1 million benefit related to the tax effect of unrealized pension gains. We consider the reversal of deferred tax liabilities within the net operating loss carryforward period, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
For the period ending December 31, 2014, the unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are permanently reinvested in the corresponding country of origin. Accordingly, we have not provided deferred taxes for the differences between the book basis and underlying tax basis in those subsidiaries or on the foreign currency translation adjustment amounts related to such operations.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. For our U.S. federal income tax returns, the statute of limitations has expired through the tax year ended December 31, 2003. As a result of net operating loss carryforwards from 2004, the statute remains open for all years subsequent to 2003. In addition, open tax years for state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination.
We recognize the tax impact of certain tax positions only when it is more likely than not those such positions are sustainable. The taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which prescribes the minimum recognition threshold.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $4.7 million and $6.4 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain foreign tax positions, all of which, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. For the years ending December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $0.1 million, $0.4 million and $0.2 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $0.6 million of penalties and interest included in the total unrecognized tax benefits. We believe that no current tax positions that have resulted in unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within one year.
The following presents a rollforward of our unrecognized tax benefits including associated interest and penalties.
	December 31
	2014				2013
	(in thousands)
Balance at January 1	$	6,423			$	5,056
Increase in current year tax positions	432				622
Increase in prior year tax positions	320				745
Decrease in prior year tax positions	(743		)		—
Lapse of statute of limitations	(255		)		—
Settlements	(1,514		)		—
Balance at December 31	$	4,663			$	6,423

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) Lease Commitments
	We have entered into various long-term non-cancelable operating leases. Future minimum lease commitments at December 31, 2014, are as follows: 2015—$15.5 million; 2016—$11.7 million; 2017—$7.1 million; 2018—$4.2 million; 2019—$3.7 million; and 2020 and thereafter—$5.3 million. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recorded $18.7 million, $11.2 million, and $12.8 million in rent expense, respectively.
	(b) Environmental and Safety Matters
	Our finished products are not generally classified as hazardous under U.S. environmental laws. However, our operations involve the handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal of potentially hazardous materials that are extensively regulated by environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permit requirements. Environmental permits required for our operations are subject to periodic renewal and can be revoked or modified for cause or when new or revised environmental requirements are implemented. Changing and increasingly strict environmental requirements can affect the manufacturing, handling, processing, distribution and use of our chemical products and the raw materials used to produce such products and, if so affected, our business and operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, changes in environmental requirements can cause us to incur substantial costs in upgrading or redesigning our facilities and processes, including waste treatment, disposal, and other waste handling practices and equipment.
	We conduct environmental management programs designed to maintain compliance with applicable environmental requirements at all of our facilities. We routinely conduct inspection and surveillance programs designed to detect and respond to leaks or spills of regulated hazardous substances and to correct identified regulatory deficiencies. However, a business risk inherent with chemical operations is the potential for personal injury and property damage claims from employees, contractors and their employees, and nearby landowners and occupants. While we believe our business operations and facilities generally are operated in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable environmental and health and safety requirements, we cannot be sure that past practices or future operations will not result in material claims or regulatory action, require material environmental expenditures, or result in exposure or injury claims by employees, contractors and their employees, and the public. Some risk of environmental costs and liabilities are inherent in our operations and products, as it is with other companies engaged in similar businesses.
	Our Paulinia, Brazil, and Belpre, Ohio, facilities are subject to a number of actual and/or potential environmental liabilities primarily relating to contamination caused by former operations at those facilities. Some environmental laws could impose on us the entire costs of cleanup regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal, or ownership of the disposal site. In some cases, the governmental entity with jurisdiction could seek an assessment for damage to the natural resources caused by contamination from those sites. Shell Chemicals has agreed, subject to certain limitations, in time and amounts, to indemnify us against most environmental liabilities related to the acquired facilities that arise from conditions existing prior to the closing.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we experienced weather-related downtime at our Belpre, Ohio facility. In addition, our facility in Berre, France, experienced an operating disruption resulting from a small fire that impacted one of the production lines at this facility. We incurred $10.3 million of net costs in the year ended December 31, 2014 associated with these two events.
	We had no material operating expenditures for environmental fines, penalties, government imposed remedial or corrective actions in each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	(c) Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”)
	The changes in the aggregate carrying amount of our ARO liability are as follows:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	10,497		$	9,837
	Accretion expense	533			505
	Obligations settled	(95		)	—
	Foreign currency translation	(541		)	155
	Ending balance	$	10,394		$	10,497
	For a portion of our ARO liability related to the decommissioning of the coal boilers at our Belpre, Ohio, facility, we recorded a $3.1 million receivable from Shell Chemicals pursuant to the indemnity included in the February 2001 separation agreement.
	(d) Legal Proceedings
	We received notice from the tax authorities in Brazil assessing R$6.1 million or $2.3 million (converted at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate) in connection with tax credits that were generated from the purchase of certain goods which were subsequently applied by us against taxes owed. We have appealed the assertion by the tax authorities in Brazil that the goods purchased were not eligible to earn the credits. While the outcome of this proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	On January 28, 2014, we executed a definitive agreement (the “Combination Agreement”) to combine with the styrenic block copolymer (“SBC”) operations of Taiwan-based LCY Chemical Corp. (“LCY”). The Combination Agreement called for LCY to contribute its SBC business in exchange for newly issued shares in the combined company, such that our existing stockholders and LCY would each own 50% of the outstanding shares of the combined enterprise.
	On June 30, 2014, we notified LCY that our Board of Directors intended to withdraw its recommendation to our stockholders to approve the Combination Agreement unless the parties could agree upon mutually acceptable revised terms to the Combination Agreement. This notice cited the decline in operating results for LCY’s SBC business in the first quarter of 2014 and a related decline in forecasted results thereafter, together with the decline in our stock price and negative reactions from our stockholders. Following our notification of our Board’s intention to change its recommendation, the parties engaged in discussions to determine whether they could mutually agree to changes to the terms of the Combination Agreement that would enable our Board to continue to recommend that our stockholders approve the Combination Agreement. The parties engaged in numerous discussions subsequent to June 30, 2014 regarding possible revisions to the terms of the Combination Agreement.
	On July 31, 2014, an explosion occurred in a pipeline owned by LCY in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, causing substantial property damage and loss of life, and numerous governmental and private investigations and claims have been initiated and asserted against LCY. On August 4, 2014, LCY notified us that it would no longer negotiate, and it would not agree to, any revisions to the terms of the Combination Agreement.  On August 6, 2014, our Board withdrew its recommendation that our stockholders approve the Combination Agreement. On August 8, 2014, we received notice from LCY that LCY had exercised its right to terminate the Combination Agreement.
	The provisions of the Combination Agreement provide for us to pay LCY a $25.0 million break-up fee upon a termination of the Combination Agreement following a withdrawal of our Board’s recommendation, unless an LCY material adverse effect has occurred and is continuing at the time of the withdrawal of our Board’s recommendation. In LCY’s notice terminating the Combination Agreement, LCY requested payment of such $25.0 million termination fee. On October 6, 2014, LCY filed a lawsuit against us in connection with our refusal to pay the $25.0 million termination fee. We believe that the impact upon LCY of the July 31, 2014 explosion in a gas pipeline in Kaohsiung, Taiwan constitutes an LCY material adverse effect as defined in the Combination Agreement, and we have notified LCY that accordingly we are not obligated to pay the termination fee.  While the ultimate resolution of this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows from the ultimate outcome of this matter.
	We and certain of our subsidiaries, from time to time, are parties to various other legal proceedings, claims and disputes that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These claims may involve significant amounts, some of which would not be covered by insurance. A substantial settlement payment or judgment in excess of our accruals could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any of these existing matters, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits
	(a) U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan. We have a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) which covers all salaried and hourly wage employees in the United States who were employed by us on or before December 31, 2005. Employees who began their employment with us after December 31, 2005 are not covered by our Pension Plan. The benefits under the Pension Plan are based primarily on years of service and employees’ pay near retirement. For our employees who were employed as of March 1, 2001 and who: (1) were previously employed by Shell Chemicals; and (2) elected to transfer their pension assets to us, we consider the total combined Shell Chemicals and Kraton service when calculating the employee’s pension benefit. For those employees who: (1) elected to retire from Shell Chemicals; or (2) elected not to transfer their pension benefit, only Kraton service (since March 1, 2001) is considered when calculating benefits.
	The 2014 measurement date of the Pension Plan’s assets and obligations was December 31, 2014. Based on the funded status of our Pension Plan as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we reported an increase in our accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $28.6 million and a decrease of $22.4 million, respectively, and a related change in accrued pension obligations.
	Information concerning the pension obligation, plan assets, amounts recognized in our financial statements and underlying actuarial and other assumptions are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	122,222			$	133,727
	Service cost	2,800				3,332
	Interest cost	6,171				5,506
	Benefits paid	(4,170		)		(3,641		)
	Actuarial (gain) / loss	31,862				(16,702		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	158,885			$	122,222
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	92,709			$	81,364
	Actual return on plan assets	9,053				8,776
	Employer contributions	7,200				6,210
	Benefits paid	(4,170		)		(3,641		)
	Fair value at end of year	$	104,792			$	92,709
	Funded status at end of year	$	(54,093	)		$	(29,513	)
	Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
	Noncurrent liabilities	$	(54,093	)		$	(29,513	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Prior service cost	$	—			$	—
	Net actuarial loss	52,666				24,021
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	52,666			$	24,021
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plan was $145.1 million and $112.7 million at December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
	Estimated Future Benefit Payments.
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	4,714
	2016	4,986
	2017	5,344
	2018	5,702
	2019	6,124
	Years 2020-2024	37,303
		$	64,173
	Net periodic pension costs consist of the following components:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost benefits earned during the period	$	2,800			$	3,332		$	3,130
	Interest on prior year’s projected benefit obligation	6,171				5,506			5,510
	Expected return on plan assets	(7,677		)		(6,608		)	(5,936		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,841				3,576			2,617
	Net periodic pension costs	$	3,135			$	5,806		$	5,321
	Discount rates are determined annually and are based on rates of return of high-quality long-term fixed income securities currently available and expected to be available during the maturity of the pension benefits.
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
	Measure date	12/31/14			12/31/13
	Discount rate	4.12	%		5.02	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3	%		3	%
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	5.02	%		4.21	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3	%		3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.5	%		8.5	%
	Our management relied in part on actuarial studies in establishing the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption. The study includes a review of anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset classes and consideration of the appropriate asset allocation strategy given the anticipated requirements of the Pension Plan to determine the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested to provide for the Pension Plan benefits. While the study gives appropriate consideration to recent fund performance and historical returns, the assumption is primarily a long-term, prospective rate. Based on our most recent study, the expected long-term return assumption for our Pension Plan effective for 2014 will remain at 8.5%.
	Pension Plan Assets. We maintain target allocation percentages among various asset classes based on an investment policy established for our Pension Plan. The target allocation is designed to achieve long term objectives of return, while mitigating downside risk and considering expected cash flows. The plan’s strategic target allocation as of December 31, 2014 was 50.0% equity, 30.0% debt and 20.0% consisting of real estate funds, hedge funds and commodity funds. The latter was assumed to behave similar to debt securities and therefore we included this 20.0% asset allocation as bonds in the model. Our investment policy is reviewed from time to time to ensure consistency with our long term objective.
	Our Pension Plan asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are as follows:
		Percentage of Plan
		Assets
		at December 31,
	2014			2013
Equity securities	61.7	%		57.6	%
Debt securities	28.8	%		33.8	%
Real estate	3	%		4	%
Other	6.5	%		4.6	%
Total	100	%		100	%
No pension assets were invested in debt or equity securities of Kraton at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The inputs and methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a description of the primary valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value:
•	Common/Collective Trust Funds: Valued at the net asset value per unit held at year end as quoted by the funds.
•	Mutual Funds, Real Estate Funds and Other Funds: Valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end as quoted in the active market.
A summary of total investments for our pension plan assets measured at fair value is presented below. See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk to the consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of fair value measurements and the hierarchy established for Level 1, 2 and 3 valuation inputs.
	Pension Plan Assets Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
	Total				Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
					In Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	529			$	529		$	—		$	—
Common/Collective Trust Funds(a):
Equity Funds	35,864				—			35,864			—
Debt Funds	21,155				—			21,155			—
Mutual Funds:
Equity Funds	28,815				28,815			—			—
Debt Funds	9,009				9,009			—			—
Real Estate	3,106				3,106			—			—
Other	6,314				6,314			—			—
Total	$	104,792			$	47,773		$	57,019		$	—
	Pension Plan Assets Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Total				Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
					In Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
					Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	(in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	472			$	472		$	—		$	—
Common/Collective Trust Funds(a):
Equity Funds	30,547				—			30,547			—
Debt Funds	19,094				—			19,094			—
Mutual Funds:
Equity Funds	22,899				22,899			—			—
Debt Funds	12,262				12,262			—			—
Real Estate	3,668				3,668			—			—
Other	3,767				3,767			—			—
Total	$	92,709			$	43,068		$	49,641		$	—
__________________________________________
(a)	Strategies are generally to invest in equity or debt securities, or a combination thereof, that match or outperform certain predefined indices.
(b) Other Retirement Benefit Plans. Certain employees were eligible to participate in a non-qualified defined benefit restoration plan (“BRP”) which was intended to restore certain benefits under the Pension Plan in the United States and the Kraton Savings Plan in the United States, which would otherwise be lost due to certain limitations imposed by law on tax-qualified plans.
On November 26, 2014, the Company terminated the BRP effective November 30, 2014. As a result of this termination, future benefit accruals were eliminated in the BRP and the lump sum amount payable to each participant was determined with an anticipated payment date in December 2015. As such, a curtailment event was recognized at December 1, 2014 resulting in a curtailment expense of $0.4 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we made contributions related to the BRP of $0.1 million, $0.0 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, $2.2 million was recognized as a component of other current liabilities and as of December 31, 2013, $1.3 million was recognized as a component of other long-term liabilities.
(c) Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Health and welfare benefits are provided to benefit eligible employees in the United States who retire from Kraton and were employed by us prior to January 1, 2006. Retirees under the age of 65 are eligible for the same medical, dental, and vision plans as active employees, but with an annual cap on premiums that vary based on years of service and ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 per employee. Our subsidy schedule for medical plans is based on accredited service at retirement. Retirees are responsible for the full cost of premiums for postretirement dental and vision coverage. In general, the plans stipulate that health and welfare benefits are paid as covered expenses as incurred. We accrue the cost of these benefits during the period in which the employee renders the necessary service.
Employees who were retirement eligible as of February 28, 2001, have the option to participate in either Shell Chemicals or Kraton postretirement health and welfare plans.
ASC 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits,” requires that we measure the plans’ assets and obligations that determine our funded status at the end of each fiscal year and the 2014 measurement date of the plans’ assets and obligations was December 31, 2014. We are also required to recognize as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss the changes in funded status that occurred during the year that are not recognized as part of new periodic benefit cost.
Based on the funded status of our postretirement benefit plan as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we reported an increase in our accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $4.1 million and a decrease of $3.9 million, respectively, and a related change in accrued pension obligations.
Information concerning the plan obligation, the funded status and amounts recognized in our financial statements and underlying actuarial and other assumptions are as follows:
	December 31,
	2014				2013
	(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	26,893			$	29,437
Service cost	498				557
Interest cost	1,275				1,155
Benefits and expenses paid (premiums)	(767		)		(1,052		)
Actuarial (gain) loss	4,545				(3,204		)
Benefit obligation at end of period	$	32,444			$	26,893
Reconciliation of plan assets(1):
Employer contributions	$	767			$	1,052
Benefits paid	(767		)		(1,052		)
	$	—			$	—
Funded status at end of year	$	(32,444	)		$	(26,893	)
___________________________________________
-1	Shell Chemicals has committed to a future cash payment related to retiree medical expenses based on a specified dollar amount per employee, if certain contractual commitments are met. We have recorded an asset of approximately $9.9 million and $9.0 million as our estimate of the present value of this commitment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	December 31,
	2014				2013
	(in thousands)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Current liabilities	$	(1,320	)		$	(1,173	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(31,124		)		(25,720		)
	$	(32,444	)		$	(26,893	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Prior service cost	$	—			$	—
Net actuarial loss	11,684				7,554
	$	11,684			$	7,554
Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components:
	Years ended December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
	(in thousands)
Service cost	$	498			$	557		$	493
Interest cost	1,275				1,155			1,206
Amortization of net actuarial loss	416				708			566
Net periodic benefit costs	$	2,189			$	2,420		$	2,265
	December 31,
	2014			2013
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Measurement date	12/31/14			12/31/13
Discount rate	4.02	%		4.86	%
Rates of increase in salary compensation level	N/A			N/A
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.86	%		4.02	%
Rates of increase in salary compensation level	N/A			N/A
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	N/A			N/A
	December 31,
	2014			2013
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7	%		7.5	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2020			2020
Discount rates are determined annually and are based on rates of return of high-quality long-term fixed income securities currently available and expected to be available during the maturity of the postretirement benefit plan.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1.0% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effect (in thousands):
	1% Increase				1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	26			$	(34	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	560			$	(693	)
(d) Kraton Savings Plan. The Kraton Savings Plan, as adopted on March 1, 2001, covers substantially all U.S. employees, including executive officers. Through automatic payroll deduction, participants have the option to defer up to 60% of eligible earnings in any combination of pretax and/or post-tax contributions, subject to annual dollar limitations set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, we have two types of employer contributions:
(1) For our standard contributions, we make matching contributions of 50.0% of the first 6.0% contributed by the employee after completing one year of service, and we make matching contributions of 100.0% of the first 6.0% contributed by the employee after completing five years of service.
(2) For our enhanced contributions, we make employer contributions of 3.0% for employees who have less than five years of service and a 4.0% contribution for employees who have five or more years of service.
For our employees who were employed as of February 28, 2001, and who were previously employed by Shell Chemicals, we recognize their Shell Chemicals years of service for purposes of determining employer contributions under our Plan. Our contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, were $4.0 million, $3.7 million, and $3.4 million, respectively.

Industry_Segment_and_Foreign_O

Industry Segment and Foreign Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Industry Segment and Foreign Operations	Industry Segment and Foreign Operations
	We operate in one segment for the manufacturing and marketing of engineered polymers. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” our chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer, who regularly reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire company. Since we operate in one segment and in one group of similar products, all financial segment and product group information required by ASC 280 can be found in the consolidated financial statements.
	Our products are manufactured and our commercial activities are organized in the following product groups based upon polymer chemistry and process technologies:
		Revenue for the years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Performance Products	$	678,930	$	762,939	$	850,762
	Specialty Polymers	412,435		412,009		464,260
	Cariflex	138,596		116,003		105,898
	Other	472		1,170		2,202
		$	1,230,433	$	1,292,121	$	1,423,122
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, no single customer accounted for 10.0% or more of our total revenue.
	For geographic reporting, revenue is attributed to the geographic location in which the customers’ facilities are located. Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment, which are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located and presented at historical cost.
	Following is a summary of revenue by geographic region:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	380,620	$	399,547	$	466,496
	Germany	163,065		172,625		191,636
	Japan	83,193		81,056		89,131
	China	80,219		72,103		76,283
	Thailand	53,667		42,402		40,959
	Brazil	49,944		55,549		49,735
	Belgium	43,748		39,825		45,599
	France	41,878		47,443		48,352
	United Kingdom	33,610		36,736		37,993
	Italy	33,315		43,321		44,490
	Malaysia	27,175		26,353		19,208
	Netherlands	25,384		29,146		32,110
	Sweden	17,961		17,269		17,467
	Taiwan	17,914		17,182		19,914
	Mexico	16,447		17,710		13,188
	Canada	15,466		16,187		18,856
	South Korea	15,442		12,923		15,489
	Argentina	14,453		15,672		14,833
	Austria	12,855		12,863		16,811
	Turkey	12,463		23,403		29,777
	Poland	9,310		13,751		21,945
	All other countries	82,304		99,055		112,850
		$	1,230,433	$	1,292,121	$	1,423,122
	Following is a summary of long-lived assets by geographic region:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Long-lived assets, at cost:
	United States	$	495,313	$	453,157
	France	115,987		123,804
	Brazil	71,970		76,524
	Germany	60,022		64,258
	Taiwan	56,994		12,935
	Netherlands	29,838		27,865
	China	7,273		7,226
	Japan	1,637		1,696
	All other countries	194		220
		$	839,228	$	767,685

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	We own a 50.0% equity investment in a SBC manufacturing joint venture in Kashima, Japan. Our due to related party liability on the consolidated balance sheet is related to this joint venture and the purchases from the joint venture amounted to $40.3 million, $50.7 million, and $48.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Variable Interest Entity
	The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for KFPC before intercompany eliminations. See Note 6 Long Term Debt, for further discussion related to the KFPC Loan Agreement executed on July 17, 2014.
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,993	$	66,816
	Other current assets	2,533		256
	Property, plant and equipment	56,904		12,912
	Intangible assets	9,579		10,094
	Other long-term assets	1,098		462
	Total assets	$	78,107	$	90,540
	Current liabilities	2,771		8,724
	Total liabilities	$	2,771	$	8,724

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information	Supplemental Guarantor Information
	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. and Elastomers Holdings LLC, a U.S. holding company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Kraton Polymers LLC, collectively, the Guarantors, fully and unconditionally guarantee on a joint and several basis, the Issuers’ obligations under the 6.75% senior notes. Our remaining subsidiaries are not guarantors of the 6.75% senior notes. We do not believe that separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantor Subsidiaries would provide any additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
	(In thousands, except par value)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	646		$	5,881		$	47,291		$	—		$	53,818
	Receivables, net of allowances	—			553			37,266			69,613			—			107,432
	Inventories of products	—			35			201,146			125,811			—			326,992
	Inventories of materials and supplies	—			—			9,092			1,876			—			10,968
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			3,566			3,681			—			7,247
	Other current assets	—			5,317			931			18,273			—			24,521
	Total current assets	—			6,551			257,882			266,545			—			530,978
	Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	—			46,081			248,220			157,464			—			451,765
	Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			45,356			4,000			254			—			49,610
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	529,701			1,382,584			—			—			(1,912,285		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			813			—			11,835			—			12,648
	Debt issuance costs	—			4,674			1,297			1,182			—			7,153
	Deferred income taxes	—			428			—			1,748			—			2,176
	Other long-term assets	—			6,384			591,841			85,520			(655,623		)	28,122
	Total assets	$	529,701		$	1,492,871		$	1,103,240		$	524,548		$	(2,567,908	)	$	1,082,452
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			87			—			—			87
	Accounts payable-trade	—			637			30,332			41,817			—			72,786
	Other payables and accruals	—			21,913			14,017			14,958			—			50,888
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			—			1,633			—			1,633
	Due to related party	—			—			—			18,121			—			18,121
	Total current liabilities	—			22,550			44,436			76,529			—			143,515
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	—			350,825			960			—			—			351,785
	Deferred income taxes	—			8,443			3,566			3,253			—			15,262
	Other long-term liabilities	—			582,462			93,191			83,709			(655,623		)	103,739
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	964,280		$	142,153		$	163,491		$	(655,623	)	$	614,301
	Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
	Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
	Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized	318			—			—			—			—			318
	Additional paid in capital	361,342			—			—			—			—			361,342
	Member’s equity	—			529,701			1,030,294			352,290			(1,912,285		)	—
	Retained earnings	168,041			—			—			—			—			168,041
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(1,110		)	(69,207		)	(28,901		)	—			(99,218		)
	Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701			528,591			961,087			323,389			(1,912,285		)	430,483
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			37,668			—			37,668
	Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701			528,591			961,087			361,057			(1,912,285		)	468,151
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	$	529,701		$	1,492,871		$	1,103,240		$	524,548		$	(2,567,908	)	$	1,082,452
	____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(In thousands, except par value)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	11,792		$	164,080		$	—		$	175,872
	Receivables, net of allowances	—			80			45,971			83,305			—			129,356
	Inventories of products	—			—			176,823			151,949			—			328,772
Inventories of materials and supplies	—			—			8,898			2,049			—			10,947
Deferred income taxes	—			—			3,952			3,644			—			7,596
Other current assets	—			2,071			1,541			17,053			—			20,665
Total current assets	—			2,151			248,977			422,080			—			673,208
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	—			47,157			241,650			125,450			—			414,257
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			34,208			23,280			—			—			57,488
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	534,742			1,325,811			—			—			(1,860,553		)	—
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			813			—			13,261			—			14,074
Debt issuance costs	—			6,000			1,874			1,339			—			9,213
Deferred income taxes	—			536			—			790			—			1,326
Other long-term assets	—			612			563,305			108,393			(647,079		)	25,231
Total assets	$	534,742		$	1,417,288		$	1,079,086		$	671,313		$	(2,507,632	)	$	1,194,797
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	—			104			48,259			67,373			—			115,736
Other payables and accruals	—			7,875			25,970			20,694			—			54,539
Due to related party	—			—			—			24,603			—			24,603
Deferred income taxes	—			—			—			182			—			182
Total current liabilities	—			7,979			74,229			112,852			—			195,060
Long-term debt, net of current portion	—			350,989			—			—			—			350,989
Deferred income taxes	—			10,553			3,953			3,853			—			18,359
Other long-term liabilities	—			513,560			64,394			145,116			(647,079		)	75,991
Total liabilities	—			883,081			142,576			261,821			(647,079		)	640,399
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—			—			—			—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized	325			—			—			—			—			325
Additional paid in capital	363,590			—			—			—			—			363,590
Member’s equity	—			534,742			972,485			353,326			(1,860,553		)	—
Retained earnings	170,827			—			—			—			—			170,827
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(535		)	(35,975		)	15,258			—			(21,252		)
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	534,742			534,207			936,510			368,584			(1,860,553		)	513,490
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			40,908			—			40,908
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	534,742			534,207			936,510			409,492			(1,860,553		)	554,398
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	$	534,742		$	1,417,288		$	1,079,086		$	671,313		$	(2,507,632	)	$	1,194,797
_______________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC(1)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	626,791		$	773,091		$	(169,449	)	$	1,230,433
Cost of goods sold	—			11,146			506,932			644,737			(169,449		)	993,366
Gross profit	—			(11,146		)	119,859			128,354			—			237,067
Operating expenses
Research and development	—			10,997			2,666			17,707			—			31,370
Selling, general and administrative	—			10,989			400			92,820			—			104,209
Depreciation and amortization	—			22,515			29,728			13,999			—			66,242
Impairment of long-lived assets	—			1,407			3,324			—			—			4,731
Total operating expenses	—			45,908			36,118			124,526			—			206,552
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries	1,210			81,126			—			—			(82,336		)	—
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			407			—			407
Interest expense (income), net	—			24,864			(179		)	(91		)	—			24,594
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,210			(792		)	83,920			4,326			(82,336		)	6,328
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(2,002		)	550			6,570			—			5,118
Consolidated net income (loss)	1,210			1,210			83,370			(2,244		)	(82,336		)	1,210
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(1,209		)	—			(1,209		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	1,210		$	1,210		$	83,370		$	(1,035	)	$	(82,336	)	$	2,419
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC(1)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	635,456		$	812,412		$	(155,747	)	$	1,292,121
Cost of goods sold	—			1,988			511,220			708,828			(155,747		)	1,066,289
Gross profit (loss)	—			(1,988		)	124,236			103,584			—			225,832
Operating expenses
Research and development	—			—			17,372			14,642			—			32,014
Selling, general and administrative	—			154			73,202			32,202			—			105,558
Depreciation and amortization	—			16,317			32,049			14,816			—			63,182
Total operating expenses	—			16,471			122,623			61,660			—			200,754
Earnings (loss) in consolidated subsidiaries	(975		)	58,772			—			—			(57,797		)	—
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			530			—			530
Interest expense (income), net	—			43,477			(14,490		)	1,483			—			30,470
Income (loss) before income taxes	(975		)	(3,164		)	16,103			40,971			(57,797		)	(4,862		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(2,189		)	(10,114		)	8,416			—			(3,887		)
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,555		$	(57,797	)	$	(975	)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(357	)	$	—		$	(357	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,912		$	(57,797	)	$	(618	)
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC(1)
Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	708,666		$	870,810		$	(156,354	)	$	1,423,122
Cost of goods sold	—			(1,696		)	596,078			753,652			(156,354		)	1,191,680
Gross profit	—			1,696			112,588			117,158			—			231,442
Operating expenses
Research and development	—			—			19,024			11,987			—			31,011
Selling, general and administrative	—			54			68,320			30,181			—			98,555
Depreciation and amortization	—			16,317			34,860			13,377			—			64,554
Impairment of long-lived assets	—			—			5,434			—			—			5,434
Total operating expenses	—			16,371			127,638			55,545			—			199,554
Earnings (loss) in consolidated subsidiaries	(16,191		)	33,451			—			—			(17,260		)	—
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			530			—			530
Interest expense (income), net	—			38,405			(15,111		)	6,009			—			29,303
Income (loss) before income taxes	(16,191		)	(19,629		)	61			56,134			(17,260		)	3,115
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(3,438		)	10,289			12,455			—			19,306
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(16,191		)	(16,191		)	(10,228		)	43,679			(17,260		)	(16,191		)
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC (1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	1,210		$	1,210		$	83,370		$	(1,035	)	$	(82,336	)	$	2,419
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			(575		)	—			(44,053		)	—			(44,628		)
Increase in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $0	—			—			(33,232		)	(106		)	—			(33,338		)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—			(575		)	(33,232		)	(44,159		)	—			(77,966		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton	1,210			635			50,138			(45,194		)	(82,336		)	(75,547		)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(3,240		)	—			(3,240		)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	1,210		$	635		$	50,138		$	(48,434	)	$	(82,336	)	$	(78,787	)
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC (1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,912		$	(57,797	)	$	(618	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			(4		)	—			(4,194		)	—			(4,198		)
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0	—			837			—			—			—			837
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0	—			(189		)	—			(301		)	—			(490		)
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $10,065	—			—			17,112			(3		)	—			17,109
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			644			17,112			(4,498		)	—			13,258
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(975		)	(331		)	43,329			28,414			(57,797		)	12,640
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(722		)	—			(722		)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	(975	)	$	(331	)	$	43,329		$	27,692		$	(57,797	)	$	11,918
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
				LLC (1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(16,191	)	$	(16,191	)	$	(10,228	)	$	43,679		$	(17,260	)	$	(16,191	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			263			—			(2,857		)	—			(2,594		)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0	—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0	—			(2,335		)	—			—			—			(2,335		)
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $0	—			—			(12,088		)	153			—			(11,935		)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—			(2,100		)	(12,088		)	(2,704		)	—			(16,892		)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	(16,191	)	$	(18,291	)	$	(22,316	)	$	40,975		$	(17,260	)	$	(33,083	)
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
				LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(8,744	)	$	81,969		$	(43,367	)	$	—		$	29,858
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	—			31,959			—			—			(31,959		)	—
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(1,628		)	(49,210		)	(15,560		)	—			(66,398		)
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			—			(44,277		)	—			(44,277		)
Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			(3,710		)	—			—			—			(3,710		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			26,621			(49,210		)	(59,837		)	(31,959		)	(114,385		)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	—			—			39,000			—			—			39,000
Repayments of debt	—			—			(39,000		)	—			—			(39,000		)
Capital lease payments	—			—			(6,007		)	—			—			(6,007		)
Purchase of treasury stock	(19,383		)	—			—			—			—			(19,383		)
Cash contribution from member	—			(18,679		)	(704		)	—			19,383			—
Cash distribution to member	17,935			1,448			—			—			(19,383		)	—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,448			—			—			—			—			1,448
Debt issuance costs	—			—			—			(485		)	—			(485		)
Payments on intercompany loans	—			—			(31,959		)	—			31,959			—
Net cash used in financing activities	—			(17,231		)	(38,670		)	(485		)	31,959			(24,427		)
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			(13,100		)	—			(13,100		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			646			(5,911		)	(116,789		)	—			(122,054		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			11,792			164,080			—			175,872
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	646		$	5,881		$	47,291		$	—		$	53,818
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
				LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	29,662		$	(46,569	)	$	122,363		$	—		$	105,456
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	—			68,962			—			—			(68,962		)	—
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			(40,048		)	(29,095		)	—			(69,143		)
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			—			(11,937		)	—			(11,937		)
Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			—			(5,125		)	—			—			(5,125		)
Settlement of net investment hedge	—			(2,490		)	—			—			—			(2,490		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			66,472			(45,173		)	(41,032		)	(68,962		)	(88,695		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	—			—			40,000			—			—			40,000
Repayments of debt	—			(96,875		)	(40,000		)	—			—			(136,875		)
Capital lease payments	—			—			(2,950		)	—			—			(2,950		)
Cash contribution from member	—			741			(741		)	—			—			—
Cash distribution to member	(741		)	—			741			—			—			—
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			41,630			—			41,630
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	741			—			—			—			—			741
Debt issuance costs	—			—			(3,310		)	(1,484		)	—			(4,794		)
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	—			—			28,891			(97,853		)	68,962			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			(96,134		)	22,631			(57,707		)	68,962			(62,248		)
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			(1,807		)	—			(1,807		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(69,111		)	21,817			—			(47,294		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			80,903			142,263			—			223,166
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	11,792		$	164,080		$	—		$	175,872
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
				LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(46,544	)	$	99,059		$	93,818		$	—		$	146,333
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			(6,522		)	—			—			6,522			—
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			(51,516		)	(13,490		)	—			(65,006		)
Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			—			(4,603		)	—			—			(4,603		)
Settlement of net investment hedge	—			(335		)	—			—			—			(335		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(6,857		)	(56,119		)	(13,490		)	6,522			(69,944		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	—			101,250			—			—			—			101,250
Repayments of debt	—			(45,626		)	—			—			—			(45,626		)
Cash contribution from member	—			933			—			—			(933		)	—
Cash distribution to member	(933		)	—			—			—			933			—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	933			—			—			—			—			933
Debt issuance costs	—			(3,156		)	—			—			—			(3,156		)
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	—			—			31,933			(25,411		)	(6,522		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			53,401			31,933			(25,411		)	(6,522		)	53,401
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			4,797			—			4,797
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			74,873			59,714			—			134,587
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			6,030			82,549			—			88,579
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	80,903		$	142,263		$	—		$	223,166
________________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth a summary of Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.’s quarterly financial information for each of the four quarters ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter(1)			Quarter(2)		Quarter(3)			Quarter(4)
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Revenue	$	311,656		$	323,767	$	318,971		$	276,039		$	1,230,433
	Gross profit	57,073			72,080		63,824			44,090			237,067
	Operating income (loss)	(1,851		)	19,132		23,458			(10,224		)	30,515
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(7,909		)	11,143		16,615			(17,430		)	2,419
	Earnings (loss) per common share
	Basic	(0.24		)	0.34		0.51			(0.54		)	0.07
	Diluted	(0.24		)	0.33		0.5			(0.54		)	0.07
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	32,162			32,268		32,315			31,907			32,163
	Diluted	32,162			32,777		32,600			31,907			32,483
	2013
	Revenue	$	340,107		$	334,543	$	327,109		$	290,362		$	1,292,121
	Gross profit	59,911			59,861		47,450			58,610			225,832
	Operating income	10,786			10,670		1,793			1,829			25,078
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(3,748		)	3,829		(5,598		)	4,899			(618		)
	Earnings (loss) per common share
	Basic	(0.12		)	0.12		(0.17		)	0.15			(0.02		)
	Diluted	(0.12		)	0.12		(0.17		)	0.15			(0.02		)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	32,062			32,073		32,073			32,111			32,096
	Diluted	32,062			32,378		32,073			32,439			32,096
	_______________________________________
	-1	During the first quarter of 2014, we incurred charges of approximately $13.0 million associated with production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, and Berre, France, facilities, which are primarily recorded in cost of goods sold and charges of approximately $9.2 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the first quarter of 2013, we charged $5.1 million to interest expense, related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the refinancing of our credit facility and $0.7 million related to the termination and settlement of our interest rate swap agreement.
	-2	During the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $3.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	-3	The third quarter of 2014 included a $4.2 million benefit from a reduction in estimated transaction fees related to the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and a $1.0 million benefit from an insurance recovery related to the first quarter 2014 production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility, which is recorded in cost of goods sold and a $1.9 million tax benefit due to a reduction of income tax valuation allowance related to the assessment of our ability to utilize net operating losses in future periods. During the third quarter of 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $3.5 million, attributable to the MACT related production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility, which is recorded in costs of goods sold, and charges of approximately $1.0 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	-4	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we incurred charges of approximately $2.3 million related to restructuring costs which are primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and recognized impairments of long lived assets of approximately $4.7 million. The fourth quarter of 2014 also included an approximate $1.7 million benefit from insurance recoveries and reductions in estimated expenses related to the first quarter 2014 production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $7.1 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY. The fourth quarter of 2013 also included a $10.1 million tax benefit related to a portion of the change in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.
	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted per share information may not equal annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	We have evaluated significant events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date and determined that there were no events or transactions that would require recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2014.

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
	(In thousands)
		Balance		Net			Write-offs			Balance
		at Beginning		Expenses						at End of
		of Period								Period
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	315	$	13		$	(83	)	$	245
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	401	$	6		$	(92	)	$	315
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	549	$	(23	)	$	(125	)	$	401
		Balance		Net			Foreign			Balance
		at Beginning		Expenses			Currency			at End of
		of Period								Period
	Inventory reserves:
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	10,476	$	339		$	213		$	11,028
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	11,179	$	(693	)	$	(10	)	$	10,476
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	11,843	$	(665	)	$	1		$	11,179

Description_of_Business_Basis_1

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business. We are a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”) and other engineered polymers. SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which we invented and commercialized almost 50 years ago, that enhance the performance of numerous products by imparting greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability.
	Our polymers are typically formulated or compounded with other products to achieve improved, customer-specific performance characteristics in a variety of applications. We seek to maximize the value of our product portfolio by emphasizing complex or specialized polymers and innovations that yield higher margins than more commoditized products. We refer to these complex or specialized polymers or innovations as being more “differentiated.”
	Our products are found in many everyday applications, including personal care products such as disposable diapers and the rubberized grips of toothbrushes, razor blades and power tools. Our products are also used to impart tack and shear properties in a wide variety of adhesive products and to impart characteristics such as, flexibility and durability in sealants and corrosion resistance in coatings. Our paving and roofing applications provide durability, extending road and roof life.
	We also produce CariflexTM isoprene rubber and isoprene rubber latex. Our Cariflex products are highly-engineered, non-SBC synthetic substitutes for natural rubber and natural rubber latex. Our Cariflex products, which have not been found to contain the proteins present in natural rubber latex and are, therefore, not known to cause allergies, are used in applications such as surgical gloves and condoms. We believe the versatility of Cariflex products provide opportunities for new, high margin applications.
	We have a portfolio of innovations at various stages of development and commercialization, including
	•	polyvinyl chloride alternatives for wire and cable, and medical applications;
	•	polymers and compounds for soft skin and coated fabric applications for transportation and consumer markets;
	•	highly-modified asphalt (“HiMA”) for high-performance paving applications;
	•	NEXARTM family of membrane polymers for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and breathable fabrics; and
	•	synthetic cement formulations and polymers used for viscosity modification in oilfield applications.
	We manufacture our polymers at five manufacturing facilities globally, including our flagship facility in Belpre, Ohio, as well as facilities in Germany, France, Brazil and Japan. The facility in Japan is operated by an unconsolidated manufacturing joint venture. The terms “Kraton,” “our company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” as used in this report refer collectively to Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements presented herein are for us and our consolidated subsidiaries, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary, except our 50% investment in our joint venture, Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation (“KFPC”), located in Mailiao, Taiwan. KFPC is a variable interest entity for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary and, therefore, have consolidated into our financial statements. Our 50% investment in our joint venture located in Kashima, Japan is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies. These financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our results of operations and financial position.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include
	•	the useful lives of fixed assets;
	•	allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns;
	•	the valuation of derivatives, deferred tax assets, property, plant and equipment, inventory, investments and share-based compensation; and
	•	liabilities for employee benefit obligations, environmental matters, asset retirement obligations, income tax uncertainties and other contingencies.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. It is our policy to invest our excess cash in investment instruments whose value is not subject to market fluctuations, such as bank deposits or certificates of deposit. Other permitted investments include commercial paper of major U.S. corporations with ratings of A1 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or P1 by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., loan participations of major U.S. corporations with a short term credit rating of A1/P1 and direct obligations of the U.S. government or its agencies. We consider all investments having a remaining maturity, at the time of purchase, of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Receivables	Receivables. Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing receivables and is determined based on our assessment of the credit worthiness of individual customers, historical write-off experience and global economic data. We review the allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have significant off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories	Inventories. Our inventory is principally comprised of finished goods inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market as primarily determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We evaluate the carrying cost of our inventory on a quarterly basis for this purpose. If the cost of the inventories exceeds their market value, provisions are made for the differences between the cost and the market value.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which requires entities to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in cash flow hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.
	For all hedging relationships, we formally document the hedging relationship and our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. We also formally assess both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when we determine that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, and the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or we remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.
	In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, we continue to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognize any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, we discontinue hedge accounting and recognize immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) related to the hedging relationship.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements which extend the useful lives of equipment are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at carrying cost less accumulated depreciation with any resulting gain or loss reflected in earnings. We capitalize interest costs which are incurred as part of the cost of constructing major facilities and equipment. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Machinery and equipment	20 years
	Building and land improvements	20 years
	Manufacturing control equipment	10 years
	Office equipment	5 years
	Research equipment and facilities	5 years
	Vehicles	5 years
	Computer hardware and information systems	3 years
Major Maintenance Activities	Major Maintenance Activities. Major maintenance or turnaround costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations (“ARO”). We have determined that we have contractual or regulatory requirements to decommission and perform other remediation for many of our manufacturing and research facilities upon retirement. We account for ARO’s pursuant to the provisions of ASC 410-20, “Asset Retirement Obligations.” ASC 410-20 requires us to record the fair value of an ARO as a liability in the period in which we have a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The ARO is also capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the asset and is depreciated over the life of the asset. The recognition of an ARO requires us to make numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO; estimated probabilities, amounts and timing of settlements; the credit-adjusted risk-free rate to be used; discount rate and inflation rates. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the ARO, the obligation is to be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect accretion of the liability to its non-discounted amount and changes in either the timing or the amount of the original estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Revisions also result in increases or decreases in the carrying cost of these assets. Increases in the ARO liability due to accretion is charged to depreciation and amortization expense. The related capitalized cost, including revisions thereto, is charged to depreciation and amortization expense.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets. In accordance with the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment—Overall,” long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets. We have intangible assets related to technology, tradenames/trademarks, customer relationships and software as detailed in Note 4 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts to the consolidated financial statements. Intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life of technology, tradenames/trademarks and customer relationships is 15 years, while the estimated useful life of software is 10 years.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan, and an additional post-retirement benefit plan. We annually evaluate significant assumptions related to the benefits and obligations of these plans. Our estimation of the projected benefit obligations and related benefit expense requires that certain assumptions be made regarding such variables as expected return on plan assets, discount rates, rates of future compensation increases, estimated future employee turnover rates and retirement dates, distribution election rates, mortality rates, retiree utilization rates for health care services and health care cost trend rates. The determination of the appropriate assumptions requires considerable judgment concerning future events and has a significant impact on the amount of the obligations and expense recorded. We rely in part on actuarial studies when determining the appropriateness of certain of the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the annual expenses for these plans.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture. Our 50% equity investment in a manufacturing joint venture at our Kashima site is accounted for under the equity method with our share of the operating results of the joint venture classified within earnings of unconsolidated joint venture.
	We evaluate our equity method investment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment, that the carrying value of such investment may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether impairment has occurred. We assess the fair value of our equity method investment using commonly accepted techniques, and may use more than one method, including, but not limited to, recent third party comparable sales, internally developed analysis and analysis from outside advisors. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other than temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the financial statements as an impairment.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs. We capitalize financing fees and other costs related to issuing long-term debt. We amortize these costs using the effective interest method, except for costs related to revolving debt, which are amortized using the straight-line method. The amortization of debt issuance costs are recorded in interest expense.
Contingencies	Contingencies. We are routinely involved in litigation, claims and disputes incidental to our business. Professional judgment is required to classify the likelihood of these contingencies occurring. All relevant information that can be acquired concerning the uncertain set of circumstances needs to be obtained and used to determine the probability classification. A contingency is categorized as probable, reasonably possible, or remote. A contingency is classified as probable if the future event or events are likely to occur. For the probable contingencies, a loss is accrued and disclosed as of the date of the financial statements if it is both probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. A reasonably possible contingency occurs if the chance of the future event or events happening is more than remote but less than likely (reasonably possible but not probable). We disclose the loss contingencies in the footnotes to the financial statements but do not recognize any liability. A remote contingency is one where the chance of the future event or events occurring is slight. We neither accrue for nor disclose the liability in the notes to the financial statements. For loss contingencies, our accounting policy is to expense legal costs as incurred.
Environmental Costs	Environmental Costs. Environmental costs are expensed as incurred unless the expenditures extend the economic useful life of the relevant assets. Costs that extend the economic useful life of assets are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of those assets. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments, or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably estimated.
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. For cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. For long-term debt instruments and interest rate swap agreements, fair value is estimated based upon market values (if applicable) or on the current interest rates available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Considerable judgment is required in developing these estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition—Overall,” when the revenue is realized or realizable, and has been earned. Revenue for product sales is recognized when risk and title to the product transfer to the customer, which usually occurs at the time shipment is made. Our products are generally sold free on board shipping point or, with respect to countries other than the United States, an equivalent basis. As such, title to the product passes when the product is delivered to the freight carrier. Our standard terms of delivery are included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold.
	We have entered into agreements with some of our customers whereby they earn rebates from us when the volume of their purchases of our product reach certain agreed upon levels. We recognize the rebate obligation ratably, as a reduction of revenue.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. We recognize these costs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. The Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) allows for the grant to key employees, independent contractors, and eligible non-employee directors of incentive stock options (for employees only), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards, in addition to other equity or equity-based awards (including performance-based awards) as our board determines from time to time. We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Since our equity interests were privately held prior to our initial public offering, we have limited publicly traded stock history, and as a result our estimated volatility is based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. Until such time that we have enough publicly traded stock history to estimate volatility based solely on our stock, we expect to estimate volatility of options granted based on a combination of our historical volatility and similar companies’ stock that are publicly traded. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. For all periods presented, we used the simplified method to calculate the expected term of options. The risk free interest rate for the periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For all periods presented, the dividend yield is assumed to be zero based on historical and expected dividend activity. Forfeitures are based substantially on the history of cancellations of similar awards granted in prior years. See Note 3 Share-Based Compensation to the consolidated financial statements.
Leases	Leases. Our leases entered into as of December 31, 2014 are classified as either operating or capital leases. A lease is deemed a capital lease when one of the following conditions is met: (1) ownership of the asset is transferred to the lessee at the end of the lease term, (2) the lease contains a bargain purchase option, (3) the lease term is 75% or more of the asset’s useful life, or (4) the net present value of minimum lease payments is equal to 90% or more of the asset’s fair market value. All other leases are classified as an operating lease. The capital lease obligation is classified as either a current liability or long term liability based on the lease payment schedule, and is offset by an asset purchased pursuant to the lease which is depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the asset useful life, in accordance with our depreciation policy. For operating leases which contain escalating rent payment clauses, we use the straight-line method to record lease expense.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. We conduct operations in separate legal entities in different jurisdictions. As a result, income tax amounts are reflected in these consolidated financial statements for each of those jurisdictions.
	Income taxes are recorded utilizing an asset and liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with the differences between the financial accounting and tax basis of the assets and liabilities as well as the ultimate realization of any deferred tax asset resulting from such differences. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances.
Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Currency Exchange Rates	Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. Financial statements of our operations outside the United States where the local currency is considered to be the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the average exchange rate for each period for revenue, expenses, gains, losses and cash flows. The effects of translating such operations into U.S. dollars are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Description_of_Business_Basis_2

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Machinery and equipment	20 years
	Building and land improvements	20 years
	Manufacturing control equipment	10 years
	Office equipment	5 years
	Research equipment and facilities	5 years
	Vehicles	5 years
	Computer hardware and information systems	3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of option activity	Option activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Options		Weighted
				Average
				Exercise
				Price
		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,595		$	23.56
	Granted	158		27.98
	Exercised	104		13.95
	Forfeited	12		24.47
	Expired	18		30.53
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,619		24.52
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,164		$	24.35
Summary of additional information regarding outstanding and exercisable options	The following table summarizes additional information regarding the outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2014.
		Options		Weighted			Aggregate		Weighted
				Average			Intrinsic		Average
				Exercise			Value(1)		Remaining
				Price					Contractual
									Term
		(in thousands)					(in thousands)		(in years)
	Outstanding options	1,619		$	24.52		$	3,851	6.15
	Exercisable options	1,164		$	24.35		$	3,365	5.57
	________________________________________________
	-1	The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option as of December 31, 2014.
Summary of weighted-average assumptions for option pricing	Weighted-Average Assumptions for Option Pricing
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.82	%	1.01	%	1.11	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%	—	%
	Expected volatility	47.2	%	55	%	54	%
	Expected term	6.0 years		6.0 years		6.0 years
Schedule of non-vested restricted stock awards, restricted share units and performance share units granted, vested and forfeited	The following table represents the non-vested restricted stock awards, restricted share units and performance share units granted, vested and forfeited during 2014.
		Shares		Weighted-
				average
				Grant-date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Non-vested shares at December 31, 2013	513		$	27.05
	Granted	344		26.33
	Vested	133		34.36
	Forfeited	33		24.38
	Non-vested shares at December 31, 2014	691		$	25.4

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee1

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Detail of certain balance sheet accounts - assets
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Inventories of products:
	Finished products	$	253,834		$	246,758
	Work in progress	5,552			5,384
	Raw materials	67,606			76,630
	Total inventories of products	$	326,992		$	328,772
	Property, plant and equipment:
	Land	$	11,240		$	11,191
	Buildings	47,646			47,340
	Plant and equipment	658,258			650,034
	Construction in progress(1)	122,084			59,120
	Property, plant and equipment	839,228			767,685
	Less accumulated depreciation	387,463			353,428
	Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	$	451,765		$	414,257
	Intangible assets:
	Technology	$	44,979		$	44,202
	Customer relationships	35,145			35,145
	Tradenames/trademarks	25,393			24,445
	Software	33,032			32,480
	Intangible assets	138,549			136,272
	Less accumulated amortization:
	Technology	32,835			29,870
	Customer relationships	25,827			23,470
	Tradenames/trademarks	17,127			15,488
	Software	13,150			9,956
	Total accumulated amortization	88,939			78,784
	Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	49,610		$	57,488
	________________________________________
	-1	Construction in progress includes $7.0 million and $4.5 million of assets financed with short term capital leases as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Detail of certain balance sheet accounts - other liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive loss
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Other payables and accruals:
	Employee related	$	16,156		$	16,066
	Interest payable	7,959			7,955
	Other	26,773			30,518
	Total other payables and accruals	$	50,888		$	54,539
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Pension and other postretirement benefits	$	86,605		$	57,924
	Other	17,134			18,067
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	103,739		$	75,991
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(21,870	)	$	22,758
	Net unrealized loss on net investment hedge	(1,926		)	(1,926		)
	Benefit plans liability	(75,422		)	(42,084		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(99,218	)	$	(21,252	)
Estimated amortization expense	Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:
	December 31:	Amortization
		Expense
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	11,088
	2016	$	10,380
	2017	$	9,819
	2018	$	9,426
	2019	$	2,256

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculations of basic and diluted EPS	The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are as follows:
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Net			Weighted		Earnings
		Income attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	2,419		32,655
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(36		)	(492	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	2,383		32,163		$	0.07
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	36			492
	Non participating share units				114
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				206
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	(36		)	(492	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	2,383		32,483		$	0.07
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Net			Weighted		Loss
		Loss attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	(618	)	32,488
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	7			(392	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	(611	)	32,096		$	(0.02	)
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(7		)	392
	Non participating share units				—
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				—
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	7			(392	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	(611	)	32,096		$	(0.02	)
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Net			Weighted		Loss
		Loss attributable to Kraton			Average		Per
					Shares		Share
					Outstanding
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic:
	As reported	$	(16,191	)	32,226
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	144			(287	)
	Amounts available to common stockholders	$	(16,047	)	31,939		$	(0.50	)
	Diluted:
	Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(144		)	287
	Non participating share units				—
	Stock options added under the treasury stock method				—
	Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	144			(287	)
	Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	(16,047	)	31,939		$	(0.50	)

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	6.75% unsecured notes	$	350,825	$	350,989
	Capital lease obligation	1,047		—
	Total debt	351,872		350,989
	Less current portion of total debt	87		—
	Long-term debt	$	351,785	$	350,989
Schedule of principal payments on outstanding total debt	Debt Maturities. The principal payments on our outstanding total debt as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	December 31:	Principal
		Payments
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	87
	2016	93
	2017	98
	2018	91
	2019	350,097
	Thereafter	581
	Total debt	$	351,047

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ1

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of fair value measurements at reporting date	Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of their fair value and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
								Using
		Balance Sheet Location		31-Dec-14				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
								in Active				Other				Unobservable
								Markets for				Observable				Inputs
								Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
								(Level 1)				(Level 2)
								(in thousands)
	Retirement plan asset—current	Other current assets		272				272				—				—
	Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	Other long-term assets		2,055				2,055				—				—
	Total			$	2,327			$	2,327			$	—			$	—
								Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
								Using
		Balance Sheet Location		31-Dec-13				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
								in Active				Other				Unobservable
								Markets for				Observable				Inputs
								Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
								(Level 1)				(Level 2)
								(in thousands)
	Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	Other long-term assets		1,908				1,908
	Total			$	1,908			$	1,908			$	—			$	—
Summary of fair value measurements with respect to non-financial assets at reporting date	Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of their fair value and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. See Note 9 Impairment and Restructuring Charges, for further discussion.
		Fair Value Measurements as of Reporting Date
		Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant				31-Dec-14				Total
		in Active				Other				Unobservable								Impairment
		Markets for				Observable				Inputs								Charges
		Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)
		(in thousands)
	Long-lived assets	$	—			$	—			$	723			$	723			$	4,731
	Total	$	—			$	—			$	723			$	723			$	4,731
Summary of carrying values and approximate fair values of long-term debt	The following table presents the carrying values and approximate fair values of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Carrying				Fair				Carrying				Fair
		Value				Value				Value				Value
		(in thousands)
	6.75% unsecured notes (quoted prices in active market for identical assets – level 1)	$	350,825			$	358,750			$	350,989			$	369,250
	Capital lease obligation (significant other observable inputs - level 2)	$	1,047			$	1,047			$	—			$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expense for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Current tax provision (benefit):
	U.S.	$	550			$	(49	)		$	(50	)
	Foreign	7,091				11,708				9,408
	Total current tax provision	7,641				11,659				9,358
	Deferred tax provision (benefit):
	U.S.	—				(10,065		)		9,211
	Foreign	(2,523		)		(5,481		)		737
	Total deferred tax provision (benefit)	(2,523		)		(15,546		)		9,948
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,118			$	(3,887	)		$	19,306
Income Before Income Taxes	Income (loss) before income taxes is comprised of the following:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	U.S.	$	8,391			$	(39,445	)		$	(46,930	)
	Foreign	(2,063		)		34,583				50,045
	Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	6,328			$	(4,862	)		$	3,115
Reconciliation of Statutory Income Tax Rate	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. corporate statutory income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes for the reasons set forth below:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Income taxes at the statutory rate	$	2,215			$	(1,702	)		$	1,090
	Foreign tax rate differential	11,777				(4,278		)		(20,931		)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	140				(285		)		2,010
	Permanent differences	182				1,145				1,158
	Deferred adjustments	—				—				2,847
	Tax credits	(535		)		—				92
	Alternative minimum tax	541				—				—
	Uncertain tax positions	(429		)		1,020				2,214
	Valuation allowance	(9,370		)		72				30,709
	Other	597				141				117
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,118			$	(3,887	)		$	19,306
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes at the statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Foreign tax rate differential	186.1			88			(671.9	)
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	2.2			5.9			64.5
	Permanent differences	2.9			(23.6	)		37.2
	Deferred adjustments	—			—			91.4
	Tax credits	(8.5	)		—			3
	Alternative minimum tax	8.5			—			—
	Uncertain tax positions	(6.7	)		(21.0	)		71.1
	Valuation allowance	(148.1	)		(1.5	)		985.8
	Other	9.5			(2.9	)		3.7
	Effective tax rate	80.9	%		79.9	%		619.8	%
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The tax effects of temporary differences are comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	106,944			$	121,644
	Inventory	7,116				7,308
	Benefit plans accrual	28,042				15,961
	Other accruals and reserves	18,694				17,975
		160,796				162,888
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(90,433		)		(89,994		)
	Total deferred tax assets	$	70,363			$	72,894
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	(74,363	)		$	(75,467	)
	Intangible assets	(3,472		)		(7,046		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(77,835		)		(82,513		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,472	)		$	(9,619	)
		December 31
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Net deferred tax liabilities consist of:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	7,247			$	7,596
	Non-current deferred tax assets	2,176				1,326
	Current deferred tax liabilities	(1,633		)		(182		)
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(15,262		)		(18,359		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(7,472	)		$	(9,619	)
Rollforward of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following presents a rollforward of our unrecognized tax benefits including associated interest and penalties.
		December 31
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1	$	6,423			$	5,056
	Increase in current year tax positions	432				622
	Increase in prior year tax positions	320				745
	Decrease in prior year tax positions	(743		)		—
	Lapse of statute of limitations	(255		)		—
	Settlements	(1,514		)		—
	Balance at December 31	$	4,663			$	6,423

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Aggregate Carrying Amount of Asset Retirement Obligation Liability	The changes in the aggregate carrying amount of our ARO liability are as follows:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	10,497		$	9,837
	Accretion expense	533			505
	Obligations settled	(95		)	—
	Foreign currency translation	(541		)	155
	Ending balance	$	10,394		$	10,497

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	4,714
	2016	4,986
	2017	5,344
	2018	5,702
	2019	6,124
	Years 2020-2024	37,303
		$	64,173
Pension Plan Asset Allocations by Asset Category	Our Pension Plan asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category are as follows:
		Percentage of Plan
		Assets
		at December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity securities	61.7	%		57.6	%
	Debt securities	28.8	%		33.8	%
	Real estate	3	%		4	%
	Other	6.5	%		4.6	%
	Total	100	%		100	%
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category	A summary of total investments for our pension plan assets measured at fair value is presented below. See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk to the consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of fair value measurements and the hierarchy established for Level 1, 2 and 3 valuation inputs.
		Pension Plan Assets Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total				Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
						In Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
						Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(in thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	529			$	529		$	—		$	—
	Common/Collective Trust Funds(a):
	Equity Funds	35,864				—			35,864			—
	Debt Funds	21,155				—			21,155			—
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds	28,815				28,815			—			—
	Debt Funds	9,009				9,009			—			—
	Real Estate	3,106				3,106			—			—
	Other	6,314				6,314			—			—
	Total	$	104,792			$	47,773		$	57,019		$	—
		Pension Plan Assets Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
						In Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
						Identical Assets			Inputs			Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
		(in thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	472			$	472		$	—		$	—
	Common/Collective Trust Funds(a):
	Equity Funds	30,547				—			30,547			—
	Debt Funds	19,094				—			19,094			—
	Mutual Funds:
	Equity Funds	22,899				22,899			—			—
	Debt Funds	12,262				12,262			—			—
	Real Estate	3,668				3,668			—			—
	Other	3,767				3,767			—			—
	Total	$	92,709			$	43,068		$	49,641		$	—
	__________________________________________
	(a)	Strategies are generally to invest in equity or debt securities, or a combination thereof, that match or outperform certain predefined indices.
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assumed health care cost trend rates:
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7	%		7.5	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2020			2020
Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A 1.0% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effect (in thousands):
		1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	26			$	(34	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	560			$	(693	)
U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan
Plan Obligation, Plan Assets, Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Underlying Actuarial and Other Assumptions	Information concerning the pension obligation, plan assets, amounts recognized in our financial statements and underlying actuarial and other assumptions are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	122,222			$	133,727
	Service cost	2,800				3,332
	Interest cost	6,171				5,506
	Benefits paid	(4,170		)		(3,641		)
	Actuarial (gain) / loss	31,862				(16,702		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	158,885			$	122,222
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	92,709			$	81,364
	Actual return on plan assets	9,053				8,776
	Employer contributions	7,200				6,210
	Benefits paid	(4,170		)		(3,641		)
	Fair value at end of year	$	104,792			$	92,709
	Funded status at end of year	$	(54,093	)		$	(29,513	)
	Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
	Noncurrent liabilities	$	(54,093	)		$	(29,513	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Prior service cost	$	—			$	—
	Net actuarial loss	52,666				24,021
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	52,666			$	24,021
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs	Net periodic pension costs consist of the following components:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost benefits earned during the period	$	2,800			$	3,332		$	3,130
	Interest on prior year’s projected benefit obligation	6,171				5,506			5,510
	Expected return on plan assets	(7,677		)		(6,608		)	(5,936		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,841				3,576			2,617
	Net periodic pension costs	$	3,135			$	5,806		$	5,321
Weighted Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Discount rates are determined annually and are based on rates of return of high-quality long-term fixed income securities currently available and expected to be available during the maturity of the pension benefits.
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
	Measure date	12/31/14			12/31/13
	Discount rate	4.12	%		5.02	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3	%		3	%
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	5.02	%		4.21	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3	%		3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.5	%		8.5	%
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Plan Obligation, Plan Assets, Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Underlying Actuarial and Other Assumptions	Information concerning the plan obligation, the funded status and amounts recognized in our financial statements and underlying actuarial and other assumptions are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	26,893			$	29,437
	Service cost	498				557
	Interest cost	1,275				1,155
	Benefits and expenses paid (premiums)	(767		)		(1,052		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss	4,545				(3,204		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	32,444			$	26,893
	Reconciliation of plan assets(1):
	Employer contributions	$	767			$	1,052
	Benefits paid	(767		)		(1,052		)
		$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year	$	(32,444	)		$	(26,893	)
	___________________________________________
	-1	Shell Chemicals has committed to a future cash payment related to retiree medical expenses based on a specified dollar amount per employee, if certain contractual commitments are met. We have recorded an asset of approximately $9.9 million and $9.0 million as our estimate of the present value of this commitment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
	Current liabilities	$	(1,320	)		$	(1,173	)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(31,124		)		(25,720		)
		$	(32,444	)		$	(26,893	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Prior service cost	$	—			$	—
	Net actuarial loss	11,684				7,554
		$	11,684			$	7,554
Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs	Net periodic benefit costs consist of the following components:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	498			$	557		$	493
	Interest cost	1,275				1,155			1,206
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	416				708			566
	Net periodic benefit costs	$	2,189			$	2,420		$	2,265
Weighted Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
	Measurement date	12/31/14			12/31/13
	Discount rate	4.02	%		4.86	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	N/A			N/A
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.86	%		4.02	%
	Rates of increase in salary compensation level	N/A			N/A
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	N/A			N/A

Industry_Segment_and_Foreign_O1

Industry Segment and Foreign Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Sales Revenue for Primary Product Lines	Our products are manufactured and our commercial activities are organized in the following product groups based upon polymer chemistry and process technologies:
		Revenue for the years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Performance Products	$	678,930	$	762,939	$	850,762
	Specialty Polymers	412,435		412,009		464,260
	Cariflex	138,596		116,003		105,898
	Other	472		1,170		2,202
		$	1,230,433	$	1,292,121	$	1,423,122
Sales Revenue by Geographic Region	Following is a summary of revenue by geographic region:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	380,620	$	399,547	$	466,496
	Germany	163,065		172,625		191,636
	Japan	83,193		81,056		89,131
	China	80,219		72,103		76,283
	Thailand	53,667		42,402		40,959
	Brazil	49,944		55,549		49,735
	Belgium	43,748		39,825		45,599
	France	41,878		47,443		48,352
	United Kingdom	33,610		36,736		37,993
	Italy	33,315		43,321		44,490
	Malaysia	27,175		26,353		19,208
	Netherlands	25,384		29,146		32,110
	Sweden	17,961		17,269		17,467
	Taiwan	17,914		17,182		19,914
	Mexico	16,447		17,710		13,188
	Canada	15,466		16,187		18,856
	South Korea	15,442		12,923		15,489
	Argentina	14,453		15,672		14,833
	Austria	12,855		12,863		16,811
	Turkey	12,463		23,403		29,777
	Poland	9,310		13,751		21,945
	All other countries	82,304		99,055		112,850
		$	1,230,433	$	1,292,121	$	1,423,122
Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Region	Following is a summary of long-lived assets by geographic region:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Long-lived assets, at cost:
	United States	$	495,313	$	453,157
	France	115,987		123,804
	Brazil	71,970		76,524
	Germany	60,022		64,258
	Taiwan	56,994		12,935
	Netherlands	29,838		27,865
	China	7,273		7,226
	Japan	1,637		1,696
	All other countries	194		220
		$	839,228	$	767,685

Variable_Interest_Entity_Table

Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities	The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for KFPC before intercompany eliminations. See Note 6 Long Term Debt, for further discussion related to the KFPC Loan Agreement executed on July 17, 2014.
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,993	$	66,816
	Other current assets	2,533		256
	Property, plant and equipment	56,904		12,912
	Intangible assets	9,579		10,094
	Other long-term assets	1,098		462
	Total assets	$	78,107	$	90,540
	Current liabilities	2,771		8,724
	Total liabilities	$	2,771	$	8,724

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Balance Sheet	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2014
	(In thousands, except par value)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	646		$	5,881		$	47,291		$	—		$	53,818
	Receivables, net of allowances	—			553			37,266			69,613			—			107,432
	Inventories of products	—			35			201,146			125,811			—			326,992
	Inventories of materials and supplies	—			—			9,092			1,876			—			10,968
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			3,566			3,681			—			7,247
	Other current assets	—			5,317			931			18,273			—			24,521
	Total current assets	—			6,551			257,882			266,545			—			530,978
	Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	—			46,081			248,220			157,464			—			451,765
	Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			45,356			4,000			254			—			49,610
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	529,701			1,382,584			—			—			(1,912,285		)	—
	Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			813			—			11,835			—			12,648
	Debt issuance costs	—			4,674			1,297			1,182			—			7,153
	Deferred income taxes	—			428			—			1,748			—			2,176
	Other long-term assets	—			6,384			591,841			85,520			(655,623		)	28,122
	Total assets	$	529,701		$	1,492,871		$	1,103,240		$	524,548		$	(2,567,908	)	$	1,082,452
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	—			—			87			—			—			87
	Accounts payable-trade	—			637			30,332			41,817			—			72,786
	Other payables and accruals	—			21,913			14,017			14,958			—			50,888
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			—			1,633			—			1,633
	Due to related party	—			—			—			18,121			—			18,121
	Total current liabilities	—			22,550			44,436			76,529			—			143,515
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	—			350,825			960			—			—			351,785
	Deferred income taxes	—			8,443			3,566			3,253			—			15,262
	Other long-term liabilities	—			582,462			93,191			83,709			(655,623		)	103,739
	Total liabilities	$	—		$	964,280		$	142,153		$	163,491		$	(655,623	)	$	614,301
	Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
	Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
	Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized	318			—			—			—			—			318
	Additional paid in capital	361,342			—			—			—			—			361,342
	Member’s equity	—			529,701			1,030,294			352,290			(1,912,285		)	—
	Retained earnings	168,041			—			—			—			—			168,041
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(1,110		)	(69,207		)	(28,901		)	—			(99,218		)
	Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701			528,591			961,087			323,389			(1,912,285		)	430,483
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			37,668			—			37,668
	Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701			528,591			961,087			361,057			(1,912,285		)	468,151
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	$	529,701		$	1,492,871		$	1,103,240		$	524,548		$	(2,567,908	)	$	1,082,452
	____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(In thousands, except par value)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	11,792		$	164,080		$	—		$	175,872
	Receivables, net of allowances	—			80			45,971			83,305			—			129,356
	Inventories of products	—			—			176,823			151,949			—			328,772
	Inventories of materials and supplies	—			—			8,898			2,049			—			10,947
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			3,952			3,644			—			7,596
Other current assets	—			2,071			1,541			17,053			—			20,665
Total current assets	—			2,151			248,977			422,080			—			673,208
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	—			47,157			241,650			125,450			—			414,257
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	—			34,208			23,280			—			—			57,488
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	534,742			1,325,811			—			—			(1,860,553		)	—
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			813			—			13,261			—			14,074
Debt issuance costs	—			6,000			1,874			1,339			—			9,213
Deferred income taxes	—			536			—			790			—			1,326
Other long-term assets	—			612			563,305			108,393			(647,079		)	25,231
Total assets	$	534,742		$	1,417,288		$	1,079,086		$	671,313		$	(2,507,632	)	$	1,194,797
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade	—			104			48,259			67,373			—			115,736
Other payables and accruals	—			7,875			25,970			20,694			—			54,539
Due to related party	—			—			—			24,603			—			24,603
Deferred income taxes	—			—			—			182			—			182
Total current liabilities	—			7,979			74,229			112,852			—			195,060
Long-term debt, net of current portion	—			350,989			—			—			—			350,989
Deferred income taxes	—			10,553			3,953			3,853			—			18,359
Other long-term liabilities	—			513,560			64,394			145,116			(647,079		)	75,991
Total liabilities	—			883,081			142,576			261,821			(647,079		)	640,399
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—			—			—			—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized	325			—			—			—			—			325
Additional paid in capital	363,590			—			—			—			—			363,590
Member’s equity	—			534,742			972,485			353,326			(1,860,553		)	—
Retained earnings	170,827			—			—			—			—			170,827
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(535		)	(35,975		)	15,258			—			(21,252		)
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	534,742			534,207			936,510			368,584			(1,860,553		)	513,490
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			40,908			—			40,908
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	534,742			534,207			936,510			409,492			(1,860,553		)	554,398
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	$	534,742		$	1,417,288		$	1,079,086		$	671,313		$	(2,507,632	)	$	1,194,797
_______________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
Consolidating Statement of Operations	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC(1)
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	626,791		$	773,091		$	(169,449	)	$	1,230,433
	Cost of goods sold	—			11,146			506,932			644,737			(169,449		)	993,366
	Gross profit	—			(11,146		)	119,859			128,354			—			237,067
	Operating expenses
	Research and development	—			10,997			2,666			17,707			—			31,370
	Selling, general and administrative	—			10,989			400			92,820			—			104,209
	Depreciation and amortization	—			22,515			29,728			13,999			—			66,242
	Impairment of long-lived assets	—			1,407			3,324			—			—			4,731
	Total operating expenses	—			45,908			36,118			124,526			—			206,552
	Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries	1,210			81,126			—			—			(82,336		)	—
	Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			407			—			407
	Interest expense (income), net	—			24,864			(179		)	(91		)	—			24,594
	Income (loss) before income taxes	1,210			(792		)	83,920			4,326			(82,336		)	6,328
	Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(2,002		)	550			6,570			—			5,118
	Consolidated net income (loss)	1,210			1,210			83,370			(2,244		)	(82,336		)	1,210
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(1,209		)	—			(1,209		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	1,210		$	1,210		$	83,370		$	(1,035	)	$	(82,336	)	$	2,419
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC(1)
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	635,456		$	812,412		$	(155,747	)	$	1,292,121
	Cost of goods sold	—			1,988			511,220			708,828			(155,747		)	1,066,289
	Gross profit (loss)	—			(1,988		)	124,236			103,584			—			225,832
	Operating expenses
	Research and development	—			—			17,372			14,642			—			32,014
	Selling, general and administrative	—			154			73,202			32,202			—			105,558
	Depreciation and amortization	—			16,317			32,049			14,816			—			63,182
	Total operating expenses	—			16,471			122,623			61,660			—			200,754
	Earnings (loss) in consolidated subsidiaries	(975		)	58,772			—			—			(57,797		)	—
	Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			530			—			530
	Interest expense (income), net	—			43,477			(14,490		)	1,483			—			30,470
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(975		)	(3,164		)	16,103			40,971			(57,797		)	(4,862		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(2,189		)	(10,114		)	8,416			—			(3,887		)
	Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,555		$	(57,797	)	$	(975	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(357	)	$	—		$	(357	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,912		$	(57,797	)	$	(618	)
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC(1)
	Revenue	$	—		$	—		$	708,666		$	870,810		$	(156,354	)	$	1,423,122
	Cost of goods sold	—			(1,696		)	596,078			753,652			(156,354		)	1,191,680
	Gross profit	—			1,696			112,588			117,158			—			231,442
	Operating expenses
	Research and development	—			—			19,024			11,987			—			31,011
	Selling, general and administrative	—			54			68,320			30,181			—			98,555
Depreciation and amortization	—			16,317			34,860			13,377			—			64,554
Impairment of long-lived assets	—			—			5,434			—			—			5,434
Total operating expenses	—			16,371			127,638			55,545			—			199,554
Earnings (loss) in consolidated subsidiaries	(16,191		)	33,451			—			—			(17,260		)	—
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			—			530			—			530
Interest expense (income), net	—			38,405			(15,111		)	6,009			—			29,303
Income (loss) before income taxes	(16,191		)	(19,629		)	61			56,134			(17,260		)	3,115
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			(3,438		)	10,289			12,455			—			19,306
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(16,191		)	(16,191		)	(10,228		)	43,679			(17,260		)	(16,191		)
_____________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC (1)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	1,210		$	1,210		$	83,370		$	(1,035	)	$	(82,336	)	$	2,419
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			(575		)	—			(44,053		)	—			(44,628		)
	Increase in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $0	—			—			(33,232		)	(106		)	—			(33,338		)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—			(575		)	(33,232		)	(44,159		)	—			(77,966		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton	1,210			635			50,138			(45,194		)	(82,336		)	(75,547		)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(3,240		)	—			(3,240		)
	Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	1,210		$	635		$	50,138		$	(48,434	)	$	(82,336	)	$	(78,787	)
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC (1)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(975	)	$	(975	)	$	26,217		$	32,912		$	(57,797	)	$	(618	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			(4		)	—			(4,194		)	—			(4,198		)
	Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0	—			837			—			—			—			837
	Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0	—			(189		)	—			(301		)	—			(490		)
	(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $10,065	—			—			17,112			(3		)	—			17,109
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			644			17,112			(4,498		)	—			13,258
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(975		)	(331		)	43,329			28,414			(57,797		)	12,640
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(722		)	—			(722		)
	Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	(975	)	$	(331	)	$	43,329		$	27,692		$	(57,797	)	$	11,918
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
					LLC (1)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	$	(16,191	)	$	(16,191	)	$	(10,228	)	$	43,679		$	(17,260	)	$	(16,191	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	—			263			—			(2,857		)	—			(2,594		)
	Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0	—			(28		)	—			—			—			(28		)
	Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0	—			(2,335		)	—			—			—			(2,335		)
	(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax of $0	—			—			(12,088		)	153			—			(11,935		)
	Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—			(2,100		)	(12,088		)	(2,704		)	—			(16,892		)
	Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)	$	(16,191	)	$	(18,291	)	$	(22,316	)	$	40,975		$	(17,260	)	$	(33,083	)
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(8,744	)	$	81,969		$	(43,367	)	$	—		$	29,858
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
	Proceeds from intercompany loans	—			31,959			—			—			(31,959		)	—
	Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			(1,628		)	(49,210		)	(15,560		)	—			(66,398		)
	KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			—			(44,277		)	—			(44,277		)
	Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			(3,710		)	—			—			—			(3,710		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			26,621			(49,210		)	(59,837		)	(31,959		)	(114,385		)
	Cash flows used in financing activities:
	Proceeds from debt	—			—			39,000			—			—			39,000
	Repayments of debt	—			—			(39,000		)	—			—			(39,000		)
	Capital lease payments	—			—			(6,007		)	—			—			(6,007		)
	Purchase of treasury stock	(19,383		)	—			—			—			—			(19,383		)
	Cash contribution from member	—			(18,679		)	(704		)	—			19,383			—
	Cash distribution to member	17,935			1,448			—			—			(19,383		)	—
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,448			—			—			—			—			1,448
	Debt issuance costs	—			—			—			(485		)	—			(485		)
	Payments on intercompany loans	—			—			(31,959		)	—			31,959			—
	Net cash used in financing activities	—			(17,231		)	(38,670		)	(485		)	31,959			(24,427		)
	Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			(13,100		)	—			(13,100		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			646			(5,911		)	(116,789		)	—			(122,054		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			11,792			164,080			—			175,872
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	646		$	5,881		$	47,291		$	—		$	53,818
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
					LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	29,662		$	(46,569	)	$	122,363		$	—		$	105,456
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
	Proceeds from intercompany loans	—			68,962			—			—			(68,962		)	—
	Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			(40,048		)	(29,095		)	—			(69,143		)
	KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			—			(11,937		)	—			(11,937		)
	Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			—			(5,125		)	—			—			(5,125		)
	Settlement of net investment hedge	—			(2,490		)	—			—			—			(2,490		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			66,472			(45,173		)	(41,032		)	(68,962		)	(88,695		)
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
	Proceeds from debt	—			—			40,000			—			—			40,000
	Repayments of debt	—			(96,875		)	(40,000		)	—			—			(136,875		)
	Capital lease payments	—			—			(2,950		)	—			—			(2,950		)
	Cash contribution from member	—			741			(741		)	—			—			—
	Cash distribution to member	(741		)	—			741			—			—			—
	Contribution from noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			41,630			—			41,630
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	741			—			—			—			—			741
	Debt issuance costs	—			—			(3,310		)	(1,484		)	—			(4,794		)
	Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	—			—			28,891			(97,853		)	68,962			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			(96,134		)	22,631			(57,707		)	68,962			(62,248		)
	Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			(1,807		)	—			(1,807		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(69,111		)	21,817			—			(47,294		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			80,903			142,263			—			223,166
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	11,792		$	164,080		$	—		$	175,872
	_____________________________________
	-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.
	KRATON PERFORMANCE POLYMERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Kraton			Kraton			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Polymers			Subsidiaries			Guarantor
				LLC(1)						Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	—		$	(46,544	)	$	99,059		$	93,818		$	—		$	146,333
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Repayments of intercompany loans	—			(6,522		)	—			—			6,522			—
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	—			—			(51,516		)	(13,490		)	—			(65,006		)
Purchase of software and other intangibles	—			—			(4,603		)	—			—			(4,603		)
Settlement of net investment hedge	—			(335		)	—			—			—			(335		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(6,857		)	(56,119		)	(13,490		)	6,522			(69,944		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	—			101,250			—			—			—			101,250
Repayments of debt	—			(45,626		)	—			—			—			(45,626		)
Cash contribution from member	—			933			—			—			(933		)	—
Cash distribution to member	(933		)	—			—			—			933			—
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	933			—			—			—			—			933
Debt issuance costs	—			(3,156		)	—			—			—			(3,156		)
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	—			—			31,933			(25,411		)	(6,522		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			53,401			31,933			(25,411		)	(6,522		)	53,401
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	—			—			—			4,797			—			4,797
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			74,873			59,714			—			134,587
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	—			—			6,030			82,549			—			88,579
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	80,903		$	142,263		$	—		$	223,166
________________________________________
-1	Kraton Polymers LLC and Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation, a financing subsidiary, collectively, the Issuers, are co-issuers of the 6.75% senior notes due March 1, 2019. Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation has minimal assets and income. We do not believe that separate financial information concerning the Issuers would provide additional information that would be material to investors in making an investment decision.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financials Data	The following table sets forth a summary of Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.’s quarterly financial information for each of the four quarters ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		First			Second		Third			Fourth			Total
		Quarter(1)			Quarter(2)		Quarter(3)			Quarter(4)
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	2014
	Revenue	$	311,656		$	323,767	$	318,971		$	276,039		$	1,230,433
	Gross profit	57,073			72,080		63,824			44,090			237,067
	Operating income (loss)	(1,851		)	19,132		23,458			(10,224		)	30,515
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(7,909		)	11,143		16,615			(17,430		)	2,419
	Earnings (loss) per common share
	Basic	(0.24		)	0.34		0.51			(0.54		)	0.07
	Diluted	(0.24		)	0.33		0.5			(0.54		)	0.07
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	32,162			32,268		32,315			31,907			32,163
	Diluted	32,162			32,777		32,600			31,907			32,483
	2013
	Revenue	$	340,107		$	334,543	$	327,109		$	290,362		$	1,292,121
	Gross profit	59,911			59,861		47,450			58,610			225,832
	Operating income	10,786			10,670		1,793			1,829			25,078
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	(3,748		)	3,829		(5,598		)	4,899			(618		)
	Earnings (loss) per common share
	Basic	(0.12		)	0.12		(0.17		)	0.15			(0.02		)
	Diluted	(0.12		)	0.12		(0.17		)	0.15			(0.02		)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	32,062			32,073		32,073			32,111			32,096
	Diluted	32,062			32,378		32,073			32,439			32,096
	_______________________________________
	-1	During the first quarter of 2014, we incurred charges of approximately $13.0 million associated with production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, and Berre, France, facilities, which are primarily recorded in cost of goods sold and charges of approximately $9.2 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the first quarter of 2013, we charged $5.1 million to interest expense, related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the refinancing of our credit facility and $0.7 million related to the termination and settlement of our interest rate swap agreement.
	-2	During the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $3.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	-3	The third quarter of 2014 included a $4.2 million benefit from a reduction in estimated transaction fees related to the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and a $1.0 million benefit from an insurance recovery related to the first quarter 2014 production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility, which is recorded in cost of goods sold and a $1.9 million tax benefit due to a reduction of income tax valuation allowance related to the assessment of our ability to utilize net operating losses in future periods. During the third quarter of 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $3.5 million, attributable to the MACT related production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility, which is recorded in costs of goods sold, and charges of approximately $1.0 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	-4	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we incurred charges of approximately $2.3 million related to restructuring costs which are primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and recognized impairments of long lived assets of approximately $4.7 million. The fourth quarter of 2014 also included an approximate $1.7 million benefit from insurance recoveries and reductions in estimated expenses related to the first quarter 2014 production downtime at our Belpre, Ohio, facility. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we incurred charges of approximately $7.1 million related to professional fees for the terminated Combination Agreement with LCY. The fourth quarter of 2013 also included a $10.1 million tax benefit related to a portion of the change in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Description_of_Business_Basis_3

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	facility
Schedule Of Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of manufacturing facilities	5
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Technology, tradenames/trademarks and customer relationships
Schedule Of Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of assets, years	15 years
Software
Schedule Of Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of assets, years	10 years
KFPC
Schedule Of Description Of Business Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of investment in joint venture	50.00%

Description_of_Business_Basis_4

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	20 years
Building and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	20 years
Manufacturing control equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	10 years
Office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	5 years
Research equipment and facilities
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	5 years
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	5 years
Computer hardware and information systems
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives, years	3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$10.30	$7.90	$6.60
Tax impact to share-based compensation expense	0.2	0	0
Common stock reserved for issuance	4,350,000
Common stock available for issuance	1,859,189	2,304,949
Options granted	158,118
Exercised options	103,873	52,971	65,352
Total intrinsic value of options	1.1	0.5	0.7
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of number of shares of common stock to initial grant value to be issued when performance shares units vest	0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of number of shares of common stock to initial grant value to be issued when performance shares units vest	200.00%
Nonvested Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	2.2
Weighted-average period, years	1 year 7 months 10 days
Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Share and Performance Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	6.3
Weighted-average period, years	1 year 10 months 10 days
Share units granted to employees	344,000
Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Share and Performance Share Units | Cliff Vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, years	3 years
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted		131,321	348,502
Expiration period of options, years	10 years
Vesting period, years	3 years
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$12.32	$12.30	$13.23
Performance Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, years	3 years
Share units granted to employees	90,186	67,585
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period, years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Awarded shares	192,812	203,027	116,982
Total fair value of shares vested	$4.60	$0.90	$1.20
Restricted Stock | Board Of Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock to members	22,518	26,424	19,394
Restricted Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share units granted to employees	38,918	28,976

ShareBased_Compensation_Option

Share-Based Compensation - Option Activities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Options
Outstanding beginning balance	1,594,581	1,535,655
Granted	158,118
Exercised	103,873	52,971	65,352
Forfeited	12,000
Expired	18,000
Outstanding ending balance	1,619,091	1,594,581	1,535,655
Exercisable at end of year	1,164,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding beginning balance	$23.56
Granted	$27.98
Exercised	$13.95
Forfeited	$24.47
Expired	$30.53
Outstanding ending balance	$24.52	$23.56
Exercisable at end of year	$24.35

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Additional Information Regarding Outstanding and Exercisable Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding options	1,619,091	1,594,581	1,535,655
Exercisable options	1,164,000
Outstanding options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.52	$23.56
Exercisable options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.35
Outstanding options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$3,851
Exercisable options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$3,365
Outstanding options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 1 month 24 days
Exercisable options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 6 months 26 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted-Average Assumptions for Option Pricing (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.82%	1.01%	1.11%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	47.20%	55.00%	54.00%
Expected term	6 years	6 years	6 years

ShareBased_Compensation_NonVes

Share-Based Compensation - Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Share Units Granted, Vested and Forfeited (Detail) (Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Share and Performance Share Units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Share and Performance Share Units
Shares
Non-vested shares, beginning balance	513,000
Granted	344,000
Vested	133,000
Forfeited	33,000
Non-vested shares, ending balance	691,000
Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value
Non-vested shares, beginning balance	$27.05
Granted	$26.33
Vested	$34.36
Forfeited	$24.38
Non-vested shares, ending balance	$25.40

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee2

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Assets financed with short term capital leases	$7	$4.50
Aggregate depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment	54.5	52.4	54.6
Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets	$11.20	$10.30	$10

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee3

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Inventories of Products and Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories of products:
Finished products	$253,834	$246,758
Work in progress	5,552	5,384
Raw materials	67,606	76,630
Total inventories of products	326,992	328,772
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	11,240	11,191
Buildings	47,646	47,340
Plant and equipment	658,258	650,034
Construction in progress	122,084	59,120
Property, plant and equipment	839,228	767,685
Less accumulated depreciation	387,463	353,428
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	451,765	414,257
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	138,549	136,272
Customer relationships	35,145	35,145
Tradenames/trademarks	25,393	24,445
Software	33,032	32,480
Less accumulated amortization	88,939	78,784
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	49,610	57,488
Technology
Intangible assets:
Intangible assets	44,979	44,202
Less accumulated amortization	32,835	29,870
Customer relationships
Intangible assets:
Less accumulated amortization	25,827	23,470
Tradenames/trademarks
Intangible assets:
Less accumulated amortization	17,127	15,488
Software
Intangible assets:
Less accumulated amortization	$13,150	$9,956

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee4

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Other Liabilities and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other payables and accruals:
Employee related	$16,156				$16,066				$16,156	$16,066
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	-17,430	16,615	11,143	-7,909	4,899	-5,598	3,829	-3,748	2,419	-618	-16,191
Interest payable	7,959				7,955				7,959	7,955
Other	26,773				30,518				26,773	30,518
Total other payables and accruals	50,888				54,539				50,888	54,539
Other long-term liabilities:
Pension and other postretirement benefits	86,605				57,924				86,605	57,924
Other	17,134				18,067				17,134	18,067
Total other long-term liabilities	103,739				75,991				103,739	75,991
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-21,870				22,758				-21,870	22,758
Net unrealized loss on net investment hedge	-1,926				-1,926				-1,926	-1,926
Benefit plans liability	-75,422				-42,084				-75,422	-42,084
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($99,218)				($21,252)				($99,218)	($21,252)

Detail_of_Certain_Balance_Shee5

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$11,088
2016	10,380
2017	9,819
2018	9,426
2019	$2,256

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Effects

Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Effects of Share-Based Compensation Awards on Diluted Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding used in Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic:
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	($17,430)	$16,615	$11,143	($7,909)	$4,899	($5,598)	$3,829	($3,748)	$2,419	($618)	($16,191)
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares									-36	7	144
Amounts available to common stockholders									2,383	-611	-16,047
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Basic
As reported									32,655	32,488	32,226
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares									-492	-392	-287
Amounts available to common stockholders	31,907	32,315	32,268	32,162	32,111	32,073	32,073	32,062	32,163	32,096	31,939
Earnings Per Share	($0.54)	$0.51	$0.34	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)
Diluted:
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares									36	-7	-144
Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares									-36	7	144
Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions									$2,383	($611)	($16,047)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares									492	392	287
Non participating share units									114	0	0
Stock options added under the treasury stock method									206	0	0
Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares									-492	-392	-287
Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	31,907	32,600	32,777	32,162	32,439	32,073	32,378	32,062	32,483	32,096	31,939
Earnings Per Share	($0.54)	$0.50	$0.33	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Additio

Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Weighted average restricted share units outstanding		492,000	392,000	287,000
Shares paid for tax withholding for share based compensation		27,173
Weighted average share units outstanding		206,000	0	0
Outstanding stock options		1,619,091	1,594,581	1,535,655
Aggregate purchase price	$50,000,000
Number of repurchased common stock		998,080
Average price of repurchased common stock		$18.69
Total repurchase cost (excluding trading commissions)		$18,600,000
Restricted Stock Awards
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Outstanding restricted and performance share		489,543	416,662	248,097
Weighted average restricted share units outstanding		491,698	392,329	286,879
Restricted Share Units
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Outstanding restricted and performance share		95,055	58,467	29,491
Weighted average share units outstanding		84,658
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation			52,784	29,491
Performance Share Units
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Outstanding restricted and performance share		137,206	67,585
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation		102,396	67,585
Weighted average shares included in the computation of diluted EPS		28,902
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation		1,001,198	1,594,581	1,535,655

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$351,872	$350,989
Less current portion of total debt	-87	0
Long-term debt	351,785	350,989
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	350,825	350,989
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%
Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$1,047	$0

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 17, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 20, 2012

Feb. 11, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Jul. 17, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 01, 2019

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

US Commitment and Borrowing Base

6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019

6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019

6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019

6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019

6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019

Dutch Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

Dutch Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

Additional Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

U.S. borrowing base

U.S. borrowing base

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

Kraton Polymers LLC

US Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

Scenario, Forecast

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

TWD

Tranche A

Tranche A

Tranche B

Tranche B

First Five Installments

Final Installment

Minimum

Maximum

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

USD ($)

Base Rate

Base Rate

Base Rate

Base Rate

LIBOR Rate Plus

LIBOR Rate Plus

United States Revolving Credit Facility

United States Revolving Credit Facility

Swingline Loans

Swingline Loans

Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation Loan Agreement

USD ($)

TWD

USD ($)

TWD

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Federal Funds

LIBOR Rate Plus

Federal Funds

LIBOR Rate Plus

USD ($)

U.S. Base Rate Loans

Foreign Base Rate Loans

U.S. Base Rate Loans

Foreign Base Rate Loans

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Credit facility, borrowing capacity

$31,250,000

$18,750,000

$40,000,000

$100,000,000

$100,000,000

$173,100,000

5,500,000,000

$135,000,000

4,290,000,000

$38,100,000

1,210,000,000

$150,000,000

Percentage of revolving credit facility commitments

60.00%

Percentage added to basis

1.70%

0.50%

1.50%

1.00%

2.00%

1.50%

2.00%

0.50%

1.00%

0.50%

1.00%

Commitment fee, annual rate

0.38%

Percentage of commitment and borrowing base

12.50%

12.50%

Fixed charge coverage ratio

1.00%

Borrowing base

191,600,000

183,700,000

Borrowing base drawn

0

0

Senior note face amount

350,000,000

100,000,000

250,000,000

Debt instrument maturity date

1-Mar-19

1-Mar-19

1-Mar-19

Debt instrument frequency of periodic payment

semi-annually

Debt instrument interest rate

6.75%

6.75%

6.75%

Term of capital lease

10 years

Principal amount of capital lease

7,000,000

7,033,000

2,950,000

0

Draws made on line of credit

0

Percentage of principal payment

10.00%

50.00%

Interest rate margin

0.80%

Debt to equity ratio

1.2

3

Minimum tangible net worth requirement

$50,000,000

$100,000,000

Interest coverage ratio

2.5

5

Percentage of debt guaranteed by guarantor

50.00%

LongTerm_Debt_Remaining_Princi

Long-Term Debt - Remaining Principal Payments on Outstanding Total Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$87
2016	93
2017	98
2018	91
2019	350,097
Thereafter	581
Total debt	$351,047

Debt_Issuance_Costs_Additional

Debt Issuance Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net debt issuance costs		$9.50	$11.40
Debt issuance cost charged to interest expense	5.1
Debt issuance costs		4.8
Amortization of debt issuance costs		2.2	2.4	3
KFPC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs capitalized		0.5
Extinguished Indebtedness
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost charged to interest expense		5.1
Other Current Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net debt issuance costs		$2.30	$2.20

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ2

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Summary of Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Retirement plan asset—current	$272
Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	2,055	1,908
Total	2,327	1,908
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Retirement plan asset—current	272
Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	2,055	1,908
Total	2,327	1,908
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Retirement plan asset—current	0
Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	0
Total	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Retirement plan asset—current	0
Retirement plan asset—noncurrent	0
Total	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ3

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Fair Value Measurements of Non-Financial Assets at Reporting Date (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$4,700	$4,731	$0	$5,434
Long-lived assets
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets		4,731
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	723	723
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Long-lived assets
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	723	723
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Long-lived assets
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Long-lived assets
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	723	723
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Long-lived assets
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$723	$723

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ4

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Carrying Values and Approximate Fair Values of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Term Loans | Carrying Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,047	$0
Term Loans | Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,047	0
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 | Carrying Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	350,825	350,989
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019 | Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$358,750	$369,250

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ5

Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Minimum	Interest Rate Swap Agreement	Interest Rate Swap Agreement	Net Investment Hedges	Net Investment Hedges	Net Investment Hedges	Foreign Currency Hedges	Foreign Currency Hedges	Foreign Currency Hedges
			country	USD ($)	USD ($)	TWD	Minimum	Maximum	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
			customer				EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest expense recognized				$700,000
Net unrealized loss on interest rate swaps					100,000
Gain on effective portion forward contracts qualified for hedge	100,000	100,000
Loss on effective portion forward contracts qualified for hedge	100,000	100,000
Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount						450,000,000	50,000,000	100,000,000
Forward contracts, expiration period							30 days
Unrealized gain (loss) of net investment hedge	490,000	2,335,000
Aggregate gain (loss) on settlement of hedges									($6,500,000)	($1,800,000)	$1,600,000
Number of customers			800
Operations in number of countries			60

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C1

Impairment and Restructuring Charges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax impairment charges	$4,700,000	$4,731,000	$0	$5,434,000
Long-lived assets, value	839,228,000	839,228,000	767,685,000
Restructuring and restructuring-related expenses		3,000,000	800,000	1,400,000
Severance expenses		2,500,000
Other Restructuring Costs		400,000
Asia | HSBCs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets				3,400,000
Engineering and Design Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets		2,400,000
Information Technology
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets		1,400,000
Other Long-Lived Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets		900,000		2,000,000
Impaired Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, value	5,400,000	5,400,000
Impaired Assets | HSBCs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, value				18,100,000
Impaired Assets | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, value	$700,000	$700,000		$12,700,000

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax provision (benefit):
U.S.	$550	($49)	($50)
Foreign	7,091	11,708	9,408
Total current tax provision	7,641	11,659	9,358
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
U.S.	0	-10,065	9,211
Foreign	-2,523	-5,481	737
Total deferred tax provision (benefit)	-2,523	-15,546	9,948
Income tax expense (benefit)	$5,118	($3,887)	$19,306

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_Befor

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (loss) before income taxes:
U.S.	$8,391	($39,445)	($46,930)
Foreign	-2,063	34,583	50,045
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$6,328	($4,862)	$3,115

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Income taxes at the statutory rate	$2,215	($1,702)	$1,090
Foreign tax rate differential	11,777	-4,278	-20,931
State taxes, net of federal benefit	140	-285	2,010
Permanent differences	182	1,145	1,158
Deferred adjustments	0	0	2,847
Tax credits	-535	0	92
Alternative minimum tax	541	0	0
Uncertain tax positions	-429	1,020	2,214
Valuation allowance	-9,370	72	30,709
Other	597	141	117
Income tax expense (benefit)	$5,118	($3,887)	$19,306
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Income taxes at the statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign tax rate differential	186.10%	88.00%	-671.90%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	2.20%	5.90%	64.50%
Permanent differences	2.90%	-23.60%	37.20%
Deferred adjustments	0.00%	0.00%	91.40%
Tax credits	-8.50%	0.00%	3.00%
Alternative minimum tax	8.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Uncertain tax positions	-6.70%	-21.00%	71.10%
Valuation allowance	-148.10%	-1.50%	985.80%
Other	9.50%	-2.90%	3.70%
Effective tax rate	80.90%	79.90%	619.80%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$106,944	$121,644
Inventory	7,116	7,308
Benefit plans accrual	28,042	15,961
Other accruals and reserves	18,694	17,975
Deferred tax assets, gross	160,796	162,888
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-90,433	-89,994
Total deferred tax assets	70,363	72,894
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	-74,363	-75,467
Intangible assets	-3,472	-7,046
Total deferred tax liabilities	-77,835	-82,513
Net deferred tax liabilities	($7,472)	($9,619)

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Taxes_Cl

Income Taxes - Deferred Taxes Classifications (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current deferred tax assets	$7,247	$7,596
Non-current deferred tax assets	2,176	1,326
Current deferred tax liabilities	-1,633	-182
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	-15,262	-18,359
Net deferred tax liabilities	($7,472)	($9,619)

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$6,423,000	$5,056,000
Increase in current year tax positions	432,000	622,000
Increase in prior year tax positions	320,000	745,000
Decrease in prior year tax positions	-743,000	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	-255,000	0
Settlements	-1,514,000	0
Ending Balance	4,663,000	6,423,000	5,056,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, tax penalties and interest expense	100,000	400,000	200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued income tax penalties and interest expense	$600,000	$600,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)		$5,118,000	($3,887,000)	$19,306,000
Effective tax rates		80.90%	79.90%	619.80%
Income taxes at the statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective tax rate expense (benefit), excluding change in valuation allowance		229.00%	-81.40%	-366.10%
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		305,400,000
Increase in valuation allowance, impacts on tax provision		-9,400,000	100,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	89,994,000	90,433,000	89,994,000
Change in valuation allowance	10,100,000	400,000	-400,000
Increase in valuation allowance to, changes in other comprehensive income		9,800,000	-500,000
Current Year Operating Losses
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Increase in valuation allowance, impacts on tax provision		-7,600,000	10,200,000
Assessment of Ability to Utilize Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Increase in valuation allowance, impacts on tax provision		-1,800,000
Tax Effect of Unrealized Pension Gains
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Increase in valuation allowance, impacts on tax provision			-10,100,000
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		58,700,000
Domestic
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$246,700,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating lease 2015	$15.50
Operating lease 2016	11.7
Operating lease 2017	7.1
Operating lease 2018	4.2
Operating lease 2019	3.7
Operating lease 2020 and thereafter	5.3
Rent expense	$18.70	$11.20	$12.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Environmental and Safety Matters (Details) (Belpre, Ohio and Berre, France, Facilities, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Belpre, Ohio and Berre, France | Facilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Production downtime, costs incurred	$10.30

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Asset Retirement Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation
Beginning balance	$10,497	$9,837
Accretion expense	533	505
Obligations settled	-95	0
Foreign currency translation	-541	155
Ending balance	$10,394	$10,497

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Proceedings (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	BRL	LCY Chemical Corp	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
				LCY Chemical Corp
				SBC
				USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Tax credits generated from purchase of certain goods	$2.30	6.1
Percentage of equity investment			50.00%
Loss Contingency, Accrual, Noncurrent				$25

Employee_Benefits_Pension_Obli

Employee Benefits - Pension Obligation, Plan Assets, Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Underlying Actuarial Assumptions 123 (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at end of year	$104,792	$92,709
U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	122,222	133,727
Service cost	2,800	3,332	3,130
Interest cost	6,171	5,506	5,510
Benefits paid	-4,170	-3,641
Actuarial (gain) / loss	31,862	-16,702
Benefit obligation at end of year	158,885	122,222	133,727
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of year	92,709	81,364
Actual return on plan assets	9,053	8,776
Employer contributions	7,200	6,210
Benefits paid	-4,170	-3,641
Fair value at end of year	104,792	92,709	81,364
Funded status at end of year	-54,093	-29,513
Amounts recognized on balance sheet:
Noncurrent liabilities	-54,093	-29,513
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Prior service cost	0	0
Net actuarial loss	52,666	24,021
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$52,666	$24,021

Employee_Benefits_Estimated_Fu

Employee Benefits - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$4,714
2016	4,986
2017	5,344
2018	5,702
2019	6,124
Years 2020-2024	37,303
Estimated future benefit payments, total	$64,173

Employee_Benefits_Components_o

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs - United States Retirement Benefit Plan (Detail) (U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost benefits earned during the period	$2,800	$3,332	$3,130
Interest on prior year’s projected benefit obligation	6,171	5,506	5,510
Expected return on plan assets	-7,677	-6,608	-5,936
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,841	3,576	2,617
Net periodic pension costs	$3,135	$5,806	$5,321

Employee_Benefits_Weighted_Ave

Employee Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost - United States Retirement Benefit Plan (Detail) (U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Measure date	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-13
Discount rate	4.12%	5.02%
Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3.00%	3.00%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	5.02%	4.21%
Rates of increase in salary compensation level	3.00%	3.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.50%	8.50%

Employee_Benefits_Pension_Plan

Employee Benefits - Pension Plan Asset Allocations by Asset Category (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, asset allocation	61.70%	57.60%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, asset allocation	28.80%	33.80%
Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, asset allocation	3.00%	4.00%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, asset allocation	6.50%	4.60%

Employee_Benefits_Fair_Value_o

Employee Benefits - Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$104,792	$92,709
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	47,773	43,068
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	57,019	49,641
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	529	472
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	529	472
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Equity Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35,864	30,547
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Equity Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Equity Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35,864	30,547
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Equity Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Debt Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,155	19,094
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Debt Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Debt Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,155	19,094
Common/Collective Trust Funds | Debt Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mutual Funds | Equity Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,815	22,899
Mutual Funds | Equity Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,815	22,899
Mutual Funds | Equity Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mutual Funds | Equity Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mutual Funds | Debt Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,009	12,262
Mutual Funds | Debt Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9,009	12,262
Mutual Funds | Debt Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mutual Funds | Debt Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,106	3,668
Real estate | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,106	3,668
Real estate | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real estate | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,314	3,767
Other | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,314	3,767
Other | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

Employee_Benefits_Plan_Obligat

Employee Benefits - Plan Obligation, Funded Status and Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements and Underlying Actuarial and Other Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at end of year	$104,792	$92,709
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	26,893	29,437
Service cost	498	557	493
Interest cost	1,275	1,155	1,206
Benefits and expenses paid (premiums)	-767	-1,052
Actuarial (gain) / loss	4,545	-3,204
Benefit obligation at end of year	32,444	26,893	29,437
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions	767	1,052
Benefits paid	-767	-1,052
Fair value at end of year	0	0
Funded status at end of year	-32,444	-26,893
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current liabilities	-1,320	-1,173
Noncurrent liabilities	-31,124	-25,720
Defined benefit pension plan liabilities	-32,444	-26,893
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Prior service cost	0	0
Net actuarial loss	11,684	7,554
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, total	$11,684	$7,554

Employee_Benefits_Components_o1

Employee Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Pension Costs - Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Detail) (Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$498	$557	$493
Interest cost	1,275	1,155	1,206
Amortization of net actuarial loss	416	708	566
Net periodic benefit costs	$2,189	$2,420	$2,265

Employee_Benefits_Weighted_Ave1

Employee Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost - Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (Detail) (Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Measurement date	31-Dec-14	31-Dec-13
Discount rate	4.02%	4.86%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.86%	4.02%

Employee_Benefits_Assumed_Heal

Employee Benefits - Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assumed health care cost trend rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.00%	7.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2020	2020

Employee_Benefits_Effect_of_On

Employee Benefits - Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Increase	$26
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Increase	560
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1% Decrease	-34
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Decrease	($693)

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax		$33,338,000	($17,109,000)	$11,935,000
Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan strategic target allocation on plan assets		50.00%
Debt
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan strategic target allocation on plan assets		30.00%
Real Estate Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan strategic target allocation on plan assets		20.00%
Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan strategic target allocation on plan assets		20.00%
U.S. Retirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax		-28,600,000	22,400,000
Accumulated benefit obligation		145,100,000	112,700,000
Expected long-term return on assets under pension plan		8.50%	8.50%
Employer contributions		7,200,000	6,210,000
Other Retirement Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment expense	400,000
Employer contributions		100,000	0	1,600,000
Employer contributions		2,200,000	1,300,000
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax		-4,100,000	3,900,000
Employer contributions		767,000	1,052,000
Retirement age of employees		65 years
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution per employee		7,000
Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution per employee		10,000
Kraton Savings Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee contribution expense		4,000,000	3,700,000	3,400,000
Eligible earnings deferral, maximum		60.00%
Kraton Savings Plan | One Year Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer standard contribution, rate		50.00%
Employee matching contribution, rate		6.00%
Number of years of service		1 year
Kraton Savings Plan | Five Year Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer standard contribution, rate		100.00%
Employee matching contribution, rate		6.00%
Number of years of service		5 years
Kraton Savings Plan | Less Than Five Years Of Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee enhanced contribution, rate		3.00%
Kraton Savings Plan | More Than Five Years Of Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee enhanced contribution, rate		4.00%
Kraton Savings Plan | Minimum | More Than Five Years Of Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of years of service		5 years
Kraton Savings Plan | Maximum | Less Than Five Years Of Service
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of years of service		5 years
Ripplewood Transaction Shell Chemicals | Post-Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets recorded for plan benefits		$9,900,000	$9,000,000

Industry_Segment_and_Foreign_O2

Industry Segment and Foreign Operations - Revenue for Product Lines (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$276,039	$318,971	$323,767	$311,656	$290,362	$327,109	$334,543	$340,107	$1,230,433	$1,292,121	$1,423,122
Performance Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									678,930	762,939	850,762
Specialty Polymers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									412,435	412,009	464,260
Cariflex
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									138,596	116,003	105,898
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$472	$1,170	$2,202

Industry_Segment_and_Foreign_O3

Industry Segment and Foreign Operations - Revenue by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$276,039	$318,971	$323,767	$311,656	$290,362	$327,109	$334,543	$340,107	$1,230,433	$1,292,121	$1,423,122
Korea (South), Won
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									15,442	12,923	15,489
ARGENTINA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									14,453	15,672	14,833
Austria [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									12,855	12,863	16,811
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									380,620	399,547	466,496
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									163,065	172,625	191,636
Japan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									83,193	81,056	89,131
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									80,219	72,103	76,283
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									49,944	55,549	49,735
BELGIUM
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									43,748	39,825	45,599
France
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									41,878	47,443	48,352
UNITED KINGDOM
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									33,610	36,736	37,993
Italy
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									33,315	43,321	44,490
Thailand
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									53,667	42,402	40,959
Netherlands
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									25,384	29,146	32,110
Malaysia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									27,175	26,353	19,208
Turkey
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									12,463	23,403	29,777
Mexico
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									16,447	17,710	13,188
CANADA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									15,466	16,187	18,856
Sweden
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									17,961	17,269	17,467
Taiwan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									17,914	17,182	19,914
Poland
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									9,310	13,751	21,945
All other countries
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$82,304	$99,055	$112,850

Industry_Segment_and_Foreign_O4

Industry Segment and Foreign Operations - Long-Lived Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	$839,228	$767,685
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	495,313	453,157
France
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	115,987	123,804
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	71,970	76,524
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	60,022	64,258
Netherlands
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	29,838	27,865
Taiwan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	56,994	12,935
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	7,273	7,226
Japan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	1,637	1,696
All other countries
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, at cost	$194	$220

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Detail) (Join Venture, SBC, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Join Venture | SBC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of equity investment	50.00%
Purchases from related party	$40.30	$50.70	$48.40

Variable_Interest_Entity_Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,818	$175,872	$223,166	$88,579
Other current assets	24,521	20,665
Property, plant and equipment	451,765	414,257
Intangible assets	49,610	57,488
Other long-term assets	28,122	25,231
Total assets	1,082,452	1,194,797
Current liabilities	143,515	195,060
Total liabilities	614,301	640,399
KFPC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,993				66,816
Other current assets	2,533				256
Property, plant and equipment	56,904				12,912
Intangible assets	9,579				10,094
Other long-term assets	1,098				462
Total assets	78,107				90,540
Current liabilities	2,771				8,724
Total liabilities	$2,771				$8,724

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	53,818	$175,872	$223,166	$88,579
Receivables, net of allowances	107,432	129,356
Inventories of products	326,992	328,772
Inventories of materials and supplies	10,968	10,947
Deferred income taxes	7,247	7,596
Other current assets	24,521	20,665
Total current assets	530,978	673,208
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	451,765	414,257
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	49,610	57,488
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	12,648	14,074
Debt issuance costs	7,153	9,213
Deferred income taxes	2,176	1,326
Other long-term assets	28,122	25,231
Total assets	1,082,452	1,194,797
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	87	0
Accounts payable-trade	72,786	115,736
Other payables and accruals	50,888	54,539
Deferred income taxes	1,633	182
Due to related party	18,121	24,603
Total current liabilities	143,515	195,060
Long-term debt, net of current portion	351,785	350,989
Deferred income taxes	15,262	18,359
Other long-term liabilities	103,739	75,991
Total liabilities	614,301	640,399
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	318	325
Additional paid in capital	361,342	363,590
Member’s equity	0	0
Retained earnings	168,041	170,827
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-99,218	-21,252
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	430,483	513,490
Noncontrolling interest	37,668	40,908
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	468,151	554,398	492,215	517,794
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	1,082,452	1,194,797
Preferred stock, par value	0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	3/1/19
Kraton
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net of allowances	0	0
Inventories of products	0	0
Inventories of materials and supplies	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	0	0
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	0	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	529,701	534,742
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	529,701	534,742
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable-trade	0	0
Other payables and accruals	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Due to related party	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	318	325
Additional paid in capital	361,342	363,590
Member’s equity	0	0
Retained earnings	168,041	170,827
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701	534,742
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701	534,742
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	529,701	534,742
Kraton Polymers LLC
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	646	0	0	0
Receivables, net of allowances	553	80
Inventories of products	35	0
Inventories of materials and supplies	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other current assets	5,317	2,071
Total current assets	6,551	2,151
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	46,081	47,157
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	45,356	34,208
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,382,584	1,325,811
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	813	813
Debt issuance costs	4,674	6,000
Deferred income taxes	428	536
Other long-term assets	6,384	612
Total assets	1,492,871	1,417,288
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable-trade	637	104
Other payables and accruals	21,913	7,875
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Due to related party	0	0
Total current liabilities	22,550	7,979
Long-term debt, net of current portion	350,825	350,989
Deferred income taxes	8,443	10,553
Other long-term liabilities	582,462	513,560
Total liabilities	964,280	883,081
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid in capital	0	0
Member’s equity	529,701	534,742
Retained earnings	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,110	-535
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	528,591	534,207
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	528,591	534,207
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	1,492,871	1,417,288
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	5,881	11,792	80,903	6,030
Receivables, net of allowances	37,266	45,971
Inventories of products	201,146	176,823
Inventories of materials and supplies	9,092	8,898
Deferred income taxes	3,566	3,952
Other current assets	931	1,541
Total current assets	257,882	248,977
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	248,220	241,650
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	4,000	23,280
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Debt issuance costs	1,297	1,874
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	591,841	563,305
Total assets	1,103,240	1,079,086
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	87
Accounts payable-trade	30,332	48,259
Other payables and accruals	14,017	25,970
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Due to related party	0	0
Total current liabilities	44,436	74,229
Long-term debt, net of current portion	960	0
Deferred income taxes	3,566	3,953
Other long-term liabilities	93,191	64,394
Total liabilities	142,153	142,576
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid in capital	0	0
Member’s equity	1,030,294	972,485
Retained earnings	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-69,207	-35,975
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	961,087	936,510
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	961,087	936,510
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	1,103,240	1,079,086
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	47,291	164,080	142,263	82,549
Receivables, net of allowances	69,613	83,305
Inventories of products	125,811	151,949
Inventories of materials and supplies	1,876	2,049
Deferred income taxes	3,681	3,644
Other current assets	18,273	17,053
Total current assets	266,545	422,080
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	157,464	125,450
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	254	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	11,835	13,261
Debt issuance costs	1,182	1,339
Deferred income taxes	1,748	790
Other long-term assets	85,520	108,393
Total assets	524,548	671,313
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable-trade	41,817	67,373
Other payables and accruals	14,958	20,694
Deferred income taxes	1,633	182
Due to related party	18,121	24,603
Total current liabilities	76,529	112,852
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Deferred income taxes	3,253	3,853
Other long-term liabilities	83,709	145,116
Total liabilities	163,491	261,821
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid in capital	0	0
Member’s equity	352,290	353,326
Retained earnings	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-28,901	15,258
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	323,389	368,584
Noncontrolling interest	37,668	40,908
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	361,057	409,492
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	524,548	671,313
Eliminations
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net of allowances	0	0
Inventories of products	0	0
Inventories of materials and supplies	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	0	0
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	0	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	-1,912,285	-1,860,553
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	-655,623	-647,079
Total assets	-2,567,908	-2,507,632
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable-trade	0	0
Other payables and accruals	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Due to related party	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	-655,623	-647,079
Total liabilities	-655,623	-647,079
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Stockholders’ and member’s equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,831 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 32,547 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid in capital	0	0
Member’s equity	-1,912,285	-1,860,553
Retained earnings	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Kraton stockholders’ and member’s equity	-1,912,285	-1,860,553
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ and member’s equity	-1,912,285	-1,860,553
Total liabilities and stockholders’ and member’s equity	-2,567,908	($2,507,632)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	$276,039	$318,971	$323,767	$311,656	$290,362	$327,109	$334,543	$340,107	$1,230,433	$1,292,121	$1,423,122
Cost of goods sold									993,366	1,066,289	1,191,680
Gross profit	44,090	63,824	72,080	57,073	58,610	47,450	59,861	59,911	237,067	225,832	231,442
Operating expenses
Research and development									31,370	32,014	31,011
Selling, general and administrative									104,209	105,558	98,555
Depreciation and amortization									66,242	63,182	64,554
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,700								4,731	0	5,434
Total operating expenses									206,552	200,754	199,554
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									407	530	530
Interest expense (income), net									24,594	30,470	29,303
Income (loss) before income taxes									6,328	-4,862	3,115
Income tax expense (benefit)									5,118	-3,887	19,306
Consolidated net income (loss)									1,210	-975	-16,191
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									-1,209	-357	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	-17,430	16,615	11,143	-7,909	4,899	-5,598	3,829	-3,748	2,419	-618	-16,191
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019
Operating expenses
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%				6.75%				6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Debt instrument maturity date									3/1/19
Kraton
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of goods sold									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Operating expenses
Research and development									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Impairment of long-lived assets									0		0
Total operating expenses									0	0	0
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									1,210	-975	-16,191
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes									1,210	-975	-16,191
Income tax expense (benefit)									0	0	0
Consolidated net income (loss)									1,210	-975
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									1,210	-975	-16,191
Kraton Polymers LLC
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Cost of goods sold									11,146	1,988	-1,696
Gross profit									-11,146	-1,988	1,696
Operating expenses
Research and development									10,997	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									10,989	154	54
Depreciation and amortization									22,515	16,317	16,317
Impairment of long-lived assets									1,407		0
Total operating expenses									45,908	16,471	16,371
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									81,126	58,772	33,451
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									24,864	43,477	38,405
Income (loss) before income taxes									-792	-3,164	-19,629
Income tax expense (benefit)									-2,002	-2,189	-3,438
Consolidated net income (loss)									1,210	-975
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									1,210	-975	-16,191
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									626,791	635,456	708,666
Cost of goods sold									506,932	511,220	596,078
Gross profit									119,859	124,236	112,588
Operating expenses
Research and development									2,666	17,372	19,024
Selling, general and administrative									400	73,202	68,320
Depreciation and amortization									29,728	32,049	34,860
Impairment of long-lived assets									3,324		5,434
Total operating expenses									36,118	122,623	127,638
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									-179	-14,490	-15,111
Income (loss) before income taxes									83,920	16,103	61
Income tax expense (benefit)									550	-10,114	10,289
Consolidated net income (loss)									83,370	26,217
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									83,370	26,217	-10,228
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									773,091	812,412	870,810
Cost of goods sold									644,737	708,828	753,652
Gross profit									128,354	103,584	117,158
Operating expenses
Research and development									17,707	14,642	11,987
Selling, general and administrative									92,820	32,202	30,181
Depreciation and amortization									13,999	14,816	13,377
Impairment of long-lived assets									0		0
Total operating expenses									124,526	61,660	55,545
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									407	530	530
Interest expense (income), net									-91	1,483	6,009
Income (loss) before income taxes									4,326	40,971	56,134
Income tax expense (benefit)									6,570	8,416	12,455
Consolidated net income (loss)									-2,244	32,555
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									-1,209	-357
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-1,035	32,912	43,679
Eliminations
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									-169,449	-155,747	-156,354
Cost of goods sold									-169,449	-155,747	-156,354
Gross profit									0	0	0
Operating expenses
Research and development									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Impairment of long-lived assets									0		0
Total operating expenses									0	0	0
Earnings in consolidated subsidiaries									-82,336	-57,797	-17,260
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture									0	0	0
Interest expense (income), net									0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes									-82,336	-57,797	-17,260
Income tax expense (benefit)									0	0	0
Consolidated net income (loss)									-82,336	-57,797
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									$0	$0

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa4

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	($17,430)	$16,615	$11,143	($7,909)	$4,899	($5,598)	$3,829	($3,748)	$2,419	($618)	($16,191)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									-44,628	-4,198	-2,594
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											-28
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										837
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										-490	-2,335
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									-33,338	17,109	-11,935
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-77,966	13,258	-16,892
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-75,547	12,640	-33,083
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									-3,240	-722	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									-78,787	11,918	-33,083
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect									0	0	0
Reclassification of (gain) loss on interest rate swap, tax effect									0	0	0
(Increase) decrease in pension liability, tax effect									0	10,065	0
Net Investment Hedge
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gain (loss), tax effect									0	0	0
Interest Rate Swap
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax									0	0	-28
Unrealized gain (loss), tax effect									0	0	0
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019
Other comprehensive loss:
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%				6.75%				6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Debt instrument maturity date									3/1/19
Eliminations
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-82,336	-57,797	-17,260
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									0	0	0
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											0
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										0
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										0	0
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-82,336	-57,797
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									-82,336	-57,797	-17,260
Kraton
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									1,210	-975	-16,191
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									0	0	0
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											0
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										0
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										0	0
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									1,210	-975
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									1,210	-975	-16,191
Kraton Polymers LLC
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									1,210	-975	-16,191
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									-575	-4	263
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											-28
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										837
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										-189	-2,335
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-575	644	-2,100
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									635	-331
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									635	-331	-18,291
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									83,370	26,217	-10,228
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									0	0	0
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											0
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										0
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										0	0
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									-33,232	17,112	-12,088
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-33,232	17,112	-12,088
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									50,138	43,329
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									50,138	43,329	-22,316
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-1,035	32,912	43,679
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0									-44,053	-4,194	-2,857
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax											0
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $0										0
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax of $0										-301	0
(Increase) decrease in benefit plans liability, net of tax									-106	-3	153
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-44,159	-4,498	-2,704
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kraton									-45,194	28,414
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									-3,240	-722
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)									($48,434)	$27,692	$40,975

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa5

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$29,858	$105,456	$146,333
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	0	0	0
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	-66,398	-69,143	-65,006
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	-44,277	-11,937	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	-3,710	-5,125	-4,603
Settlement of net investment hedge	0	-2,490	-335
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-114,385	-88,695	-69,944
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	39,000	40,000	101,250
Repayments of debt	-39,000	-136,875	-45,626
Capital lease payments	-6,007	-2,950	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-19,383	0	0
Cash contribution from member	0	0	0
Cash distribution to member	0	0	0
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	0	41,630	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,448	741	933
Debt issuance costs	-485	-4,794	-3,156
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-24,427	-62,248	53,401
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	-13,100	-1,807	4,797
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-122,054	-47,294	134,587
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	175,872	223,166	88,579
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	53,818	175,872	223,166
6.75% Unsecured Notes Due 2019
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Debt instrument interest rate	6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Debt instrument maturity date	3/1/19
Kraton
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	0	0	0
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	0	0	0
Settlement of net investment hedge		0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0	0
Capital lease payments	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-19,383
Cash contribution from member	0	0	0
Cash distribution to member	17,935	-741	-933
Contribution from noncontrolling interest		0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,448	741	933
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0	0
Kraton Polymers LLC
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-8,744	29,662	-46,544
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	31,959	68,962	-6,522
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	-1,628	0	0
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	-3,710	0	0
Settlement of net investment hedge		-2,490	-335
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	26,621	66,472	-6,857
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0	101,250
Repayments of debt	0	-96,875	-45,626
Capital lease payments	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0
Cash contribution from member	-18,679	741	933
Cash distribution to member	1,448	0	0
Contribution from noncontrolling interest		0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	-3,156
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-17,231	-96,134	53,401
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	646	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	646	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	81,969	-46,569	99,059
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	0	0	0
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	-49,210	-40,048	-51,516
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	0	-5,125	-4,603
Settlement of net investment hedge		0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-49,210	-45,173	-56,119
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	39,000	40,000	0
Repayments of debt	-39,000	-40,000	0
Capital lease payments	-6,007	-2,950
Purchase of treasury stock	0
Cash contribution from member	-704	-741	0
Cash distribution to member	0	741	0
Contribution from noncontrolling interest		0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	-3,310	0
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	-31,959	28,891	31,933
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-38,670	22,631	31,933
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-5,911	-69,111	74,873
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	11,792	80,903	6,030
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5,881	11,792	80,903
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-43,367	122,363	93,818
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	0	0	0
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	-15,560	-29,095	-13,490
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	-44,277	-11,937
Purchase of software and other intangibles	0	0	0
Settlement of net investment hedge		0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-59,837	-41,032	-13,490
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0	0
Capital lease payments	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0
Cash contribution from member	0	0	0
Cash distribution to member	0	0	0
Contribution from noncontrolling interest		41,630
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	-485	-1,484	0
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	0	-97,853	-25,411
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-485	-57,707	-25,411
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	-13,100	-1,807	4,797
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-116,789	21,817	59,714
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	164,080	142,263	82,549
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	47,291	164,080	142,263
Eliminations
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from intercompany loans	-31,959	-68,962	6,522
Kraton purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
KFPC purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0
Purchase of software and other intangibles	0	0	0
Settlement of net investment hedge		0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-31,959	-68,962	6,522
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	0	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0	0
Capital lease payments	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0
Cash contribution from member	19,383	0	-933
Cash distribution to member	-19,383	0	933
Contribution from noncontrolling interest		0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Proceeds from (payments on) intercompany loans	31,959	68,962	-6,522
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	31,959	68,962	-6,522
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0	$0	$0

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$276,039	$318,971	$323,767	$311,656	$290,362	$327,109	$334,543	$340,107	$1,230,433	$1,292,121	$1,423,122
Gross profit	44,090	63,824	72,080	57,073	58,610	47,450	59,861	59,911	237,067	225,832	231,442
Operating income (loss)	-10,224	23,458	19,132	-1,851	1,829	1,793	10,670	10,786	30,515	25,078
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton	($17,430)	$16,615	$11,143	($7,909)	$4,899	($5,598)	$3,829	($3,748)	$2,419	($618)	($16,191)
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic	($0.54)	$0.51	$0.34	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)
Diluted	($0.54)	$0.50	$0.33	($0.24)	$0.15	($0.17)	$0.12	($0.12)	$0.07	($0.02)	($0.50)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	31,907	32,315	32,268	32,162	32,111	32,073	32,073	32,062	32,163	32,096	31,939
Diluted	31,907	32,600	32,777	32,162	32,439	32,073	32,378	32,062	32,483	32,096	31,939

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D3

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost charged to interest expense			$5,100,000
Payment to exit an interest rate swap agreement			700,000
Change in realizability of net operating loss carryforwards		-1,900,000
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,700,000				4,731,000	0	5,434,000
Change in valuation allowance				10,100,000	400,000	-400,000
Facilities | Belpre, Ohio and Berre, France
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Production downtime, costs incurred					10,300,000
Cost of Goods Sold
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Production downtime charges related to MACT legislation		3,500,000
Cost of Goods Sold | Facilities | Belpre, Ohio and Berre, France
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Production downtime, costs incurred			13,000,000
Cost of Goods Sold | Facilities | Belpre, Ohio
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Insurance recoveries	-1,700,000	-1,000,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | LCY Chemical Corp
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Legal Fees			9,200,000
Change in loss contingency		-4,200,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | LCY Chemical Corp | SBC
Accrued Interest [Line Items]
Professional Fees		1,000,000		7,100,000				3,800,000	1,100,000
Restructuring costs incurred	$2,300,000

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI1

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$315	$401	$549
Net Expenses	13	6	-23
Write-offs	-83	-92	-125
Balance at End of Period	245	315	401
Inventory reserves
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	10,476	11,179	11,843
Net Expenses	339	-693	-665
Foreign Currency	213	-10	1
Balance at End of Period	$11,028	$10,476	$11,179