Sensient Technologies (SXT) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000310142	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,990,900,796
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	50,194,509	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,467,550	$1,459,050	$1,430,789
Cost of products sold	991,648	995,907	981,137
Selling and administrative expenses	303,540	271,935	258,829
Operating Income	172,362	191,208	190,823
Interest expense	16,147	16,901	19,439
Earnings Before Income Taxes	156,215	174,307	171,384
Income taxes	42,920	50,399	50,900
Net Earnings	$113,295	$123,908	$120,484
Earnings per share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.28	$2.50	$2.42
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.27	$2.49	$2.41
Average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	49,755	49,596	49,746
Diluted (in shares)	49,934	49,822	49,937

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$113,295	$123,908	$120,484
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, arising during the period net of tax of $71, $471 and $356, respectively	-212	-1,212	914
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges included in net income, net of tax of $21, $335 and $272, respectively	78	862	-699
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $3,675, $1,040 and $2,536, respectively	5,294	-2,216	3,652
Tax effect on losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income	0	16,836	0
Foreign currency translation on net investment hedges	-4,020	-1,251	2,532
Tax effect of current year activity on net investment hedges	1,810	0	0
Foreign currency translation on long term intercompany loans	5,781	-1,540	752
Other foreign currency translation	1,856	22,984	-31,569
Total Comprehensive Income	$123,882	$158,371	$96,066

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, arising during the period, tax amount	($71)	($471)	$356
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges included in net income, tax amount	21	335	-272
Pension adjustment, tax amount	$3,675	($1,040)	$2,536

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,836	$15,062
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for losses of $4,327 and $3,045, respectively	233,751	237,626
Inventories	474,452	442,714
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	38,079	41,799
Deferred income taxes	23,707	14,153
Total current assets	789,825	751,354
Other assets	47,786	47,685
Intangible assets - at cost, less accumulated amortization of $15,634 and $14,353, respectively	10,546	11,578
Goodwill	457,269	451,318
Property, Plant and Equipment:	'	'
Land	56,343	53,387
Buildings	374,388	339,732
Machinery and equipment	751,267	735,237
Construction in progress	55,236	41,999
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	1,237,234	1,170,355
Less accumulated depreciation	-671,926	-655,647
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	565,308	514,708
Total assets	1,870,734	1,776,643
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	99,117	96,283
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	32,669	27,162
Other accrued expenses	78,579	56,946
Income taxes	5,478	3,797
Short-term borrowings	7,050	20,048
Total current liabilities	222,893	204,236
Deferred income taxes	19,956	13,032
Other liabilities	8,539	10,971
Accrued employee and retiree benefits	28,538	60,527
Long-term debt	348,124	333,979
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.10 a share, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 53,954,874 shares	5,396	5,396
Additional paid-in capital	105,119	98,253
Earnings reinvested in the business	1,217,874	1,150,092
Treasury stock, 4,105,827 and 4,264,821 shares, respectively, at cost	-91,707	-95,258
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6,002	-4,585
Total shareholders' equity	1,242,684	1,153,898
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,870,734	$1,776,643

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for losses	$4,327	$3,045
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$15,634	$14,353
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	53,954,874	53,954,874
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	4,105,827	4,264,821

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net earnings	$113,295	$123,908	$120,484
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	52,016	48,352	46,099
Share-based compensation	8,430	10,086	7,819
Loss (gain) on assets	695	-869	-4,323
Deferred income taxes	-6,178	2,916	-3,138
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	3,466	-15,158	-5,095
Inventories	-30,217	-23,125	-28,391
Prepaid expenses and other assets	616	-9,405	-1,825
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	3,606	225	6,299
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	5,384	-1,209	3,075
Income taxes	-100	-1,689	-3,148
Other liabilities	2,540	5,334	5,021
Net cash provided by operating activities	153,553	139,366	142,877
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-104,246	-103,806	-72,200
Proceeds from sale of assets	6,225	1,364	2,076
Acquisition of new businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	-3,706
Other investing activities	-208	-242	-207
Net cash used in investing activities	-98,229	-102,684	-74,037
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from additional borrowings	194,973	73,903	184,074
Debt payments	-198,686	-58,052	-198,259
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-23,154	0
Dividends paid	-45,513	-43,426	-41,968
Proceeds from options exercised and other equity transactions	1,007	1,957	3,205
Net cash used in financing activities	-48,219	-48,772	-52,948
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,331	4,297	-7,292
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,774	-7,793	8,600
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,062	22,855	14,255
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	19,836	15,062	22,855
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	16,168	16,897	19,642
Income taxes	47,436	53,492	55,570
Capitalized interest	$1,875	$1,601	$1,240

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Earnings Reinvested in the Business [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$5,396	$89,027	$991,094	($87,102)	($14,630)	'
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	'	'	4,345,712	'	'
Net earnings	'	'	120,484	'	'	120,484
Other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	-24,418	'
Cash dividends paid	'	'	-41,968	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	7,819	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	242	'	2,412	'	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	-120,368	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting	'	-3,526	'	3,526	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting (in shares)	'	'	'	-175,972	'	'
Benefit plans	'	148	'	229	'	'
Benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	'	-11,361	'	'
Other	'	477	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	5,396	94,187	1,069,610	-80,935	-39,048	'
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	'	4,038,011	'	'
Net earnings	'	'	123,908	'	'	123,908
Other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	34,463	'
Cash dividends paid	'	'	-43,426	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	10,086	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	52	'	1,438	'	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	-66,579	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting	'	-6,999	'	6,999	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting (in shares)	'	'	'	-313,812	'	'
Benefit plans	'	388	'	480	'	'
Benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	'	-22,925	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	'	'	'	-23,154	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	'	'	'	626,251	'	'
Other	'	539	'	-86	'	'
Other (in shares)	'	'	'	3,875	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	5,396	98,253	1,150,092	-95,258	-4,585	1,153,898
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	'	4,264,821	'	'
Net earnings	'	'	113,295	'	'	113,295
Other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	10,587	'
Cash dividends paid	'	'	-45,513	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	8,430	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	'	-63	'	1,063	'	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	'	'	'	-47,584	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting	'	-2,113	'	2,113	'	'
Nonvested stock issued upon vesting (in shares)	'	'	'	-94,600	'	'
Benefit plans	'	385	'	595	'	'
Benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	'	-26,635	'	'
Other	'	227	'	-220	'	'
Other (in shares)	'	'	'	9,825	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$5,396	$105,119	$1,217,874	($91,707)	$6,002	$1,242,684
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	4,105,827	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.87	$0.84

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sensient Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	The Company is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. The Company uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’s reportable segments consist of the Flavors & Fragrances and Color Groups, which are managed on a products and services basis. The Asia Pacific Group, China Group and certain of the Company’s flavor businesses in Central and South America (Flavors Central & South America), which are managed on a geographic basis, are included in Corporate & Other.
	Use of Estimates  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title to goods passes, the customer is obligated to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods.
	Cost of Products Sold  Cost of products sold includes materials, labor and overhead expenses incurred in the manufacture of our products. Cost of products sold also includes charges for obsolete and slow moving inventories, as well as costs for quality control, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, other costs of our internal distribution network and costs incurred for shipping and handling. The Company records fees billed to customers for shipping and handling as revenue.
	Selling and Administrative Expenses  Selling and administrative expenses primarily include the salaries and related costs for executive, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, research and development and legal personnel as well as salaries and related costs of salespersons and commissions paid to external sales agents.
	Cash Equivalents  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition as cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable Receivables are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is deemed that the receivable is no longer collectible.
	Inventories  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method with the exception of certain locations of the Flavors & Fragrances Group where cost is determined using a weighted average method. Inventories include finished and in-process products totaling $317.1 million and $301.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $157.4 million and $141.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost reduced by accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of the related asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting. The estimated useful lives for buildings and leasehold improvements range from 5 to 40 years. Machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. Interest costs on significant projects constructed or developed for the Company’s own use are capitalized as part of the asset.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets  The carrying value of goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when an indicator of impairment occurs. The impairment assessment includes comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, of each reporting unit to its respective fair value as of the date of the assessment. Fair value was estimated based upon an evaluation of the reporting unit’s estimated future discounted cash flow as well as the public trading and private transaction valuation multiples for comparable companies. Such determination of fair value yielded no impairment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, ranging from 5 to 20 years. These assets include technological know-how, customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, among others.
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted cash flow analyses to determine if potential impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the difference between fair value and carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded as a result of the Company’s 2013 restructuring program. See Note 12, Restructuring Charges, for additional information.
	Financial Instruments  The Company may use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging currency and interest rate exposures which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
	Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis. Any ineffective portions are recognized in earnings immediately.
	Interest Rate Hedging The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its corporate borrowing activities. The objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management activities is to manage the levels of the Company’s fixed and floating interest rate exposure to be consistent with the Company’s preferred mix. The interest rate risk management program may include entering into interest rate swaps, which qualify as fair value hedges, when there is a desire to modify the Company’s exposure to interest rates. Gains or losses on fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, net of gains and losses on the fair value of the hedged instruments.
	Cash Flow Hedges The primary objectives of the foreign exchange risk management activities are to understand and mitigate the impact of potential foreign exchange fluctuations on the Company’s financial results and its economic well-being. Generally, these risk management transactions involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from recorded accounts receivable and payable. The Company may utilize forward exchange contracts, generally with maturities of less than 12 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges. These foreign exchange contracts are intended to offset the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on recorded intercompany receivables and payables. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) until the underlying transaction is recognized in earnings.
	The Company’s existing cash flow hedges are highly effective. As a result, any current impact on earnings due to cash flow hedge ineffectiveness is immaterial.
	Net Investments Hedging  The Company may enter into foreign-denominated debt to be used as a non-derivative instrument to hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The change in the carrying amount of the foreign-denominated debt on the Company’s books, attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate, is a hedge of the net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. Changes in the fair value of debt designated as a net investment hedge are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI.
	Commodity Purchases  The Company purchases certain commodities in the normal course of business that result in physical delivery of the goods and, hence, are excluded from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
	Translation of Foreign Currencies  For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign accounts into U.S. dollars are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. Transaction gains and losses that occur as a result of transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are included in earnings and were not significant during the three-year period ended December 31, 2013.
	Share-Based Compensation  Share-based compensation expense is recognized during the vesting period of each award as summarized in Note 6, Share-Based Compensation.
	Income Taxes  The Company recognizes a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits for which the utilization of the asset is not considered likely.
	Earnings Per Share The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS“) is the dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that nonvested stock has vested and all dilutive stock options, for which the average market price exceeds the exercise price (in-the-money), are exercised. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price (out-of-the-money) have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation. Weighted-average common shares for the computation of EPS were:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		49,755		49,596		49,746
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		49,934		49,822		49,937
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011 there were no anti-dilutive stock options. All earnings per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis unless otherwise noted.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Accumulated OCI is composed primarily of foreign currency translation, pension liability and unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges. See Note 8, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, for additional information.
	Research and Development Research and development costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the year they are incurred. Research and development costs were $34.5 million, $34.7 million and $33.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Advertising  Advertising costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs were $1.6 million, $2.2 million and $2.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Environmental Liabilities  The Company records liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further information becomes available or as circumstances change. Estimated future expenditures are discounted to their present value when the timing and amount of future cash flows are fixed and readily determinable. Recoveries of remediation costs from other parties, if any, are recognized as assets when their receipt is assured.
	Subsequent Events The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued and no such events were identified.
	New Pronouncements On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires companies to report the effect on the line items for significant items reclassified out of other comprehensive income to net income, prospectively. The Company has included this disclosure in Note 8 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing is necessary. If, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise no further testing is required. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	2. ACQUISITIONS
	There were no acquisitions during 2013 and 2012.
	In 2011, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding stock of Les Colorants Wackherr do Brasil (“Les Colorants”), a distributor of cosmetic ingredients in Brazil, for $4.6 million, which is net of the cash acquired.
	Prior to the acquisition, the Company owned 50% of Les Colorants, a non-controlling interest. ASC 805, Business Combinations, requires that upon acquiring a controlling interest, the acquirer remeasure its previously held interest in the acquiree at its acquisition date fair value and recognize the gain or loss in earnings. The Company revalued its previously held interest in Les Colorants using a market approach and recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.6 million in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2011, included in selling and administrative expense in the Corporate & Other segment in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. There is no tax impact of the gain. The final allocation of the purchase price for Les Colorants combined with the revaluation of the previously held interest resulted in goodwill and intangibles of $8.7 million. This acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of the entity’s full operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements in the Color segment since the date of acquisition.
	Also in 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining outstanding stock of LCW Polska, a cosmetic color and ingredients company located in Poznań, Poland. Prior to the acquisition, the Company owned 75% of LCW Polska. The acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, goodwill is the only intangible asset that is not subject to amortization. The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Weighted Average		2013					2012
	(in thousands except	Amortization		Cost		Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
	weighted average amortization years)	Years				Amortization					Amortization
	Technological know-how		20	$	8,606	$	(5,328	)	$	8,443	$	(4,842	)
	Customer relationships		20		7,944		(4,359	)		7,871		(3,866	)
	Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements and other		18.8		9,630		(5,947	)		9,617		(5,645	)
	Total finite-lived intangibles		19.6	$	26,180	$	(15,634	)	$	25,931	$	(14,353	)
	Amortization of intangible assets was $1.3 million in 2013, $1.4 million in 2012 and $1.3 million in 2011. Estimated amortization expense each year for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2013, is $1.3 million in 2014 and $1.2 million in each year from 2015 through 2018.
	The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, by reportable business segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Flavors &		Color		Corporate &			Consolidated
		Fragrances				Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	132,692	$	307,379	$	4,294		$	444,365
	Currency translation impact		3,092		4,271		(410	)		6,953
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		135,784		311,650		3,884			451,318
	Currency translation impact		853		5,673		(575	)		5,951
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	136,637	$	317,323	$	3,309		$	457,269

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	4. DEBT
	Long-term Debt  Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	3.66% senior notes due November 2023	$	75,000	$	—
	3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023		52,566		—
	4.47% senior notes due November 2018		25,000		25,000
	4.14% senior notes due November 2017		25,000		25,000
	4.91% senior notes due through May 2017		99,000		110,000
	3.77% senior notes due November 2016		25,000		25,000
	7.31% senior notes due November 2013		—		25,000
	5.85% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2013		—		25,508
	Long-term revolving loan agreement		43,982		95,419
	Various other notes		2,576		3,052
			348,124		333,979
	Less current maturities		—		—
	Total long-term debt	$	348,124	$	333,979
	In April 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to issue $75 million and €38 million in ten-year, fixed-rate, senior notes at fixed coupon rates of 3.66% and 3.06%, respectively. These notes were issued in November 2013 and proceeds have been used to repay maturing notes and bank debt.
	The Company has a $350 million revolving loan facility that will mature in April 2016. Interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility are at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The credit facility is used for liquidity needs.
	The borrowings under the long-term revolving loan agreement had an average interest rate of 1.54% and 1.67% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The aggregate amounts of contractual maturities on long-term debt each year for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2013, are as follows: 2014, $12.4 million; 2015, $11.9 million; 2016, $80.3 million; 2017, $91.0 million; and 2018, $25.0 million.
	The Company has approximately $12.4 million of long-term debt that matures in 2014. It is the Company’s intention to refinance these maturities under the long-term revolving loan agreement and accordingly, that maturing debt has been classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The Company has $299.7 million available under the revolving loan agreement and $41.4 million available under other lines of credit from several banks at December 31, 2013.
	Substantially all of the senior loan agreements contain restrictions concerning interest coverage, borrowings, investments and tangible net worth amounts. The Company is in compliance with all of these restrictions at December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the Company’s most restrictive loan covenants calculated in accordance with the applicable agreements as of December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Actual		Required
	Debt to EBITDA (Maximum)		1.4		3.5
	Net Worth (Minimum)	$	1,242,684	$	625,000
	Interest Coverage (Minimum)		8.01		2
	The Company has stand-by and trade letters of credit outstanding of $6.3 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Short-term Borrowings The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Uncommitted loans	$	4,600	$	16,950
	Loans of foreign subsidiaries		2,450		3,098
	Total	$	7,050	$	20,048
	The weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 2.16% and 1.98% at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_hed

Derivative Instruments and hedging activity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and hedging activity [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and hedging activity	'
	5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY
	The Company may use derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging currency, commodity and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged transaction. Hedge accounting, which generally results in the deferral of derivative gains and losses until such time as the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings, is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis. Any ineffective portions are recognized in earnings immediately.
	The Company manages its exposure to foreign exchange risk by the use of forward exchange contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions, nonfunctional currency raw material purchases, non-functional currency sales and other known foreign currency exposures. These forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than twelve months. The Company also uses certain debt denominated in foreign currencies to manage the Company’s net asset positions of its foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s primary hedging activities and their accounting treatment are summarized below:
	Forward Exchange Contracts The forward exchange contracts that have been designated as hedges are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company had $29.6 million and $18.9 million of forward exchange contracts, designated as hedges, outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Due to the short-term nature of these contracts, the results of these transactions are not material to the financial statements. In addition, the Company utilizes forward exchange contracts that are not designated as cash flow hedges and the results of these transactions are also not material to the financial statements.
	Net Investment Hedges  The Company has certain debt denominated in Euros and Swiss Francs. These debt instruments have been designated as partial hedges of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc net asset positions. Changes in the fair value of this debt attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total value of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc debt designated as net investment hedges was $96.5 million and $55.0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the impact of foreign exchange rates on these debt instruments has increased debt by $4.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and these amounts have been recorded as foreign currency translation in OCI.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk  Counterparties to forward exchange contracts consist of large international financial institutions. While these counterparties may expose the Company to potential losses due to the credit risk of nonperformance, losses are not anticipated. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited by the large number of customers, generally short payment terms and their dispersion across geographic areas.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has various stock plans under which employees and directors may be granted nonvested stock which vests over a time period, except as noted below to those employees who have reached age 65 and vest immediately. The 2007 Stock Plan also allows for the granting of non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Upon vesting, the stock options allow the participant to purchase common stock at 100% of the market price on the day the options were granted. No options were granted in 2013, 2012 or 2011. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1.2 million shares available to be granted as nonvested stock under existing stock plans.
	Stock options became exercisable over a three-year vesting period, or earlier upon retirement, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Expense for stock options was recognized on a straight-line basis over three years from the date of grant or over the period from the date of grant until the participant was retirement-eligible, whichever was less. Treasury shares are issued for nonvested stock awards and for the exercise of stock options.
	The following table summarizes the transactions involving the stock option plans:
					Weighted-		Weighted-
					Average		Average		Aggregate
					Exercise		Remaining		Intrinsic
	(in thousands except exercise price and life)	Options			Price		Life (Years)		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		328		$	22.06		3.9	$	4,807
	Exercised		(121	)		21.55
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		207			22.36		3.1		3,222
	Exercised		(66	)		22.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		141			22.35		2.7		1,859
	Exercised		(48	)		21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		93		$	23.04		2.2	$	2,374
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		93		$	23.04		2.2	$	2,374
	The aggregate intrinsic values of stock options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011, were $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, all stock options outstanding were vested.
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2013:
		Range of Exercise Price
	(in thousands except life and exercise price)	$	18.57-22.99		$	23.00-26.11	$	26.12-30.07
	Options outstanding		36			37		20
	Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years		1.6			1.7		3.8
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	19.62		$	23.5	$	28.16
	Options exercisable		36			37		20
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	19.62		$	23.5	$	28.16
	The Company’s stock plans also provide for the awarding of nonvested stock. Expense for shares of nonvested stock is recognized over the vesting period or during the period from the date of grant until the participant attains age 65, whichever is less. The vesting period is five years for awards granted prior to December 2013 and three years beginning with awards in December 2013. During the period of restriction, the holder of nonvested stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock
	Starting with the December 2013 grant, 50% of the grant consisted of performance stock unit awards. The number of shares issued under these awards will be based on certain performance metrics measured over a two-year period. During the vesting period, the holder of the performance stock units will not be entitled to vote or receive dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock, until the units have vested and the shares of stock are issued.
	The Company expenses awards for nonvested stock based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant.
	The following table summarizes the nonvested stock and performance stock units activity:
					Grant Date
					Weighted-		Aggregate
					Average		Intrinsic
	(in thousands except fair value)	Shares			Fair Value		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		363		$	29.2	$	13,340
	Granted		270			35.48
	Vested		(175	)		34.04
	Cancelled		(58	)		28.45
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		400			31.42		15,142
	Granted		293			36.09
	Vested		(314	)		33.59
	Cancelled		(40	)		33.41
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		339			33.22		12,046
	Granted		262			46.14
	Vested		(94	)		40.57
	Cancelled		(10	)		42.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		497		$	38.46	$	24,095
	The total intrinsic values of shares vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $4.4 million, $11.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, total remaining unearned compensation, net of expected forfeitures, related to nonvested stock and performance stock units was $11.6 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 2.4 years.
	Total pre-tax share-based compensation recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $8.4 million, $10.1 million and $7.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Tax related benefits of $2.6 million, $2.4 million and $1.2 million were also recognized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $1.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.6 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	7. RETIREMENT PLANS
	The Company provides benefits under defined contribution plans including a savings plan and an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). The savings plan covers substantially all domestic salaried and certain non-union hourly employees and provides for matching contributions up to 4% of each employee’s salary. The ESOP covers substantially all domestic employees and provides for contributions based on a percentage of each employee’s compensation as determined by the Board of Directors. Total expense for the Company’s defined contribution plans was $4.7 million in 2013 and 2012 and $4.3 million in 2011.
	Although the Company intends for these defined contribution plans to be the primary retirement benefit for most employees, the Company also has several defined benefit plans. The funded status of the defined benefit plans was as follows at December 31:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	76,957			$	67,211
	Service cost			3,260				2,583
	Interest cost			2,557				2,659
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(703	)			799
	Benefits paid			(5,194	)			(3,045	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(4,295	)			6,750
	Benefit obligation at end of year			72,582				76,957
	Plan assets at beginning of year			35,141				30,969
	Company contributions			5,701				4,075
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(539	)			973
	Benefits paid			(5,258	)			(3,045	)
	Actual gain on plan assets			2,077				2,169
	Plan assets at end of year			37,122				35,141
	Funded status		$	(35,460	)		$	(41,816	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	68,391			$	70,230
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Accrued employee and retiree benefits		$	(40,350	)		$	(52,825	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			4,890				11,009
	Net liability		$	(35,460	)		$	(41,816	)
	Components of annual benefit cost:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012				2011
	Service cost		$	3,260			$	2,583			$	2,419
	Interest cost			2,557				2,659				2,778
	Expected return on plan assets			(1,689	)			(1,428	)			(1,520	)
	Amortization of prior service cost			172				1,971				3,112
	Recognized actuarial loss			3,203				799				1,388
	Settlement expense			1,177				–				–
	Defined benefit expense		$	8,680			$	6,584			$	8,177
	Weighted-average liability assumptions as of December 31:
			2013				2012
	Discount rate			3.91	%			3.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets			5.12	%			4.76	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.59	%			4.01	%
	Weighted-average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:
			2013				2012
	Discount rate			3.27	%			4.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets			4.76	%			5	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.01	%			4.11	%
	The aggregate amounts of benefits expected to be paid from defined benefit plans in each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2013, which include employees’ expected future service, are as follows: 2014, $21.7 million; 2015, $13.0 million; 2016, $2.9 million; 2017, $2.4 million; 2018, $2.2 million; and $18.3 million in total for the years 2019 through 2023.
	The Company expects to contribute $22.9 million to defined benefit plans in 2014.
	Amounts at December 31 in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Prior service cost		$	1,182			$	1,362
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss			7,944				17,031
	The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012				2011
	Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period		$	3,180			$	(3,947	)		$	885
	Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense			2,006				526				866
	Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense			108				1,205				1,901
	Pension adjustment, net of tax		$	5,294			$	(2,216	)		$	3,652
	The estimated prior service cost and actuarial gain for the defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into periodic benefit cost during 2014 are $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
	The investment objectives and target allocations for the Company’s pension plans related to the assets of the plans are reviewed on a regular basis. The investment objectives for the pension assets are to maximize the return on assets while maintaining an overall level of risk appropriate for a retirement fund and ensuring the availability of funds for the payment of retirement benefits. The levels of risk assumed by the pension plans are determined by market conditions, the rate of return expectations and the liquidity requirements of each pension plan. The actual asset allocations of each pension plan are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they are in line with the target allocations.
	The Company is required to categorize pension plan assets based on the following fair value hierarchy:
	Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
	The following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Fair Value				Fair Value Measurements at											Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements at
as of			31-Dec-13											as of			31-Dec-12
December 31,			Using Fair Value Hierarchy											December 31,			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
(in thousands)	2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			2012			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Equity Funds
Domestic		$	6,143			$	6,143			$	—			$	—		$	5,253		$	5,253		$	—		$	—
International			7,294				—				7,294				—			5,412			—			5,412			—
International Fixed Income Funds			23,162				1,186				21,976				—			24,369			1,364			23,005			—
Other investments			523				40				483				—			107			34			73			—
Total assets at fair value		$	37,122			$	7,369			$	29,753			$	—		$	35,141		$	6,651		$	28,490		$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following tables summarize the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”) for 2013:
								Foreign
		Cash Flow(a)			Pension(a)			Currency
	(in thousands)	Hedges			Items			Items		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	35		$	(12,062	)	$	7,442	$	(4,585	)
	Other comprehensive income before  reclassifications		(212	)		3,180			5,427		8,395
	Amounts reclassified from OCI		78			2,114			—		2,192
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(99	)	$	(6,768	)	$	12,869	$	6,002
	(a)  Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.
	See Note 7, Retirement Plans, for more information on the pension items reclassified out of OCI and into Selling and Administrative expenses in the Statement of Earnings during 2013. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity, for additional information on the Company’s cash flow hedges.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9. INCOME TAXES
	The provision for income taxes was as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	21,252		$	22,394		$	28,480
	State		3,065			3,024			2,845
	Foreign		24,781			22,065			22,713
			49,098			47,483			54,038
	Deferred (benefit) expense:
	Federal		(5,125	)		170			(5,669	)
	State		502			603			(274	)
	Foreign		(1,555	)		2,143			2,805
			(6,178	)		2,916			(3,138	)
	Income taxes	$	42,920		$	50,399		$	50,900
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Benefit plans	$	21,148		$	17,375
	Liabilities and reserves		11,499			9,140
	Operating loss and credit carryovers		51,292			48,441
	Other		17,151			16,096
	Gross deferred tax assets		101,090			91,052
	Valuation allowance		(43,048	)		(41,049	)
	Deferred tax assets		58,042			50,003
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		(21,139	)		(19,430	)
	Other assets		(1,411	)		(2,784	)
	Other		(31,741	)		(26,668	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(54,291	)		(48,882	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	3,751		$	1,121
	In 2012, the Company recorded a correction of a prior period item related to the tax effect on certain foreign denominated loan losses that were previously recorded in OCI. As a result, net deferred tax assets increased by $10.8 million, other current assets by $6.0 million and OCI by $16.8 million. The tax effect was recognized in OCI in 2012 and was not material to any previously reported year.
	At December 31, 2013, foreign operating loss carryovers were $128.9 million. Included in the foreign operating loss carryovers are losses of $9.9 million that expire through 2028 and $119.0 million that do not have an expiration date. At December 31, 2013, state operating loss carryovers were $103.1 million, all of which expire through 2028.
	The effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as described below:
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.1			1.5			1
	Tax credits		(0.3	)		—			(0.2	)
	Taxes on foreign earnings		(5.3	)		(4.1	)		(2.5	)
	Resolution of prior years’ tax matters		(0.7	)		(1.4	)		(0.6	)
	Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.8	)		(0.5	)		(0.6	)
	Revaluation of previously held interest		—			—			(0.7	)
	Other, net		(1.5	)		(1.6	)		(1.7	)
	Effective tax rate		27.5	%		28.9	%		29.7	%
	Earnings before income taxes were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	United States	$	55,461		$	79,118		$	70,023
	Foreign		100,754			95,189			101,361
	Total	$	156,215		$	174,307		$	171,384
	Federal and state income taxes are provided on international subsidiary income distributed to or taxable in the United States during the year. At December 31, 2013, federal and state taxes have not been provided for approximately $427.9 million of unremitted earnings of the foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be invested indefinitely. Determination of the deferred tax liability on such earnings is not practicable.
	A reconciliation of the change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,091		$	8,787
	Increases for tax positions taken in the current year		818			599
	Increases for tax positions taken in prior years		875			553
	Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities		(3,113	)		(1,678	)
	Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations		(374	)		(1,362	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2	)		192
	Balance at the end of year	$	5,295		$	7,091
	The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $5.1 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties was reported as an income tax liability. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits relates to multiple jurisdictions and is reported in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013.
	The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013, will decrease by approximately $1.7 million during 2014. The potential decrease relates to various tax matters for which the statute of limitations may expire or will be otherwise settled in 2014. The amount that is ultimately recognized in the financial statements will be dependent upon various factors including potential increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of examinations, settlements and other unanticipated items that may occur during the year. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]	'
Segment and Geographic Information	'
	10. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective business units before restructuring charges, interest expense and income taxes. Total revenue and operating income by business segment and geographic region include both sales to customers, as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and intersegment sales, which are accounted for at prices that approximate market prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate & Other revenue consists primarily of flavor, fragrances and color products sold by the Asia Pacific Group, China Group and Flavors Central & South America Group.
	Assets by business segment and geographic region are those assets used in the Company’s operations in each segment and geographic region. Segment assets reflect the allocation of goodwill to each segment. Corporate & Other assets consist primarily of property and investments.
	Segment Information The Company determines its operating segments based on information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s reportable segments consist of Flavors & Fragrances and Color and are both managed on a products and services basis. The Company’s Flavors & Fragrances segment produces flavor and fragrance products that impart a desired taste, texture, aroma or other characteristic to a broad range of consumer and other products. The Color segment produces natural and synthetic color systems for pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages; colors and formulations for cosmetics; and technical colors for industrial applications and digital imaging. Three additional segments, Asia Pacific, China and Flavors Central & South America are managed on a geographic basis and included in Corporate & Other.
	Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, the results of operations for the Company’s cosmetic and pharmaceutical businesses in Asia Pacific and China, previously reported in the Corporate & Other segment, are reported in the Color segment. Results for 2012 and 2011 have been restated to reflect this change.
		Flavors &						Corporate
	(in thousands)	Fragrances			Color			& Other			Consolidated
	2013
	Revenue from external customers	$	845,672		$	473,281		$	148,597		$	1,467,550
	Intersegment revenue		35,626			20,691			1,847			58,164
	Total revenue		881,298			493,972			150,444			1,525,714
	Operating income (loss)		122,410			103,601			(53,649	)		172,362
	Interest expense		—			—			16,147			16,147
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		122,410			103,601			(69,796	)		156,215
	Assets		897,216			790,531			182,987			1,870,734
	Capital expenditures		59,040			39,273			5,933			104,246
	Depreciation and amortization		27,458			18,664			5,894			52,016
	2012
	Revenue from external customers	$	837,549		$	477,385		$	144,116		$	1,459,050
	Intersegment revenue		37,732			21,825			1,464			61,021
	Total revenue		875,281			499,210			145,580			1,520,071
	Operating income (loss)		122,997			96,406			(28,195	)		191,208
	Interest expense		—			—			16,901			16,901
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		122,997			96,406			(45,096	)		174,307
	Assets		860,395			744,200			172,048			1,776,643
	Capital expenditures		49,781			46,003			8,022			103,806
	Depreciation and amortization		27,021			15,499			5,832			48,352
	2011
	Revenue from external customers	$	821,933		$	476,958		$	131,898		$	1,430,789
	Intersegment revenue		35,527			19,833			1,728			57,088
	Total revenue		857,460			496,791			133,626			1,487,877
	Operating income (loss)		129,436			92,518			(31,131	)		190,823
	Interest expense		—			—			19,439			19,439
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		129,436			92,518			(50,570	)		171,384
	Assets		803,844			699,017			151,303			1,654,164
	Capital expenditures		34,999			30,121			7,080			72,200
	Depreciation and amortization		26,743			14,125			5,231			46,099
	Geographic Information The Company has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Revenue from external customers:
	North America	$	784,658		$	785,919		$	737,154
	Europe		382,464			371,658			405,312
	Asia Pacific		191,343			199,849			190,404
	Other		109,085			101,624			97,919
	Consolidated	$	1,467,550		$	1,459,050		$	1,430,789
	Long-lived assets:
	North America	$	531,005		$	504,483		$	444,656
	Europe		506,352			472,865			456,248
	Asia Pacific		32,148			35,891			35,151
	Other		11,404			12,050			11,239
	Consolidated	$	1,080,909		$	1,025,289		$	947,294
	Sales in the United States, based on the final country of destination of the Company’s products, were $592.6 million, $598.5 million and $561.9 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No other country of destination exceeded 10% of consolidated sales. Total long-lived assets in the United States amounted to $389.7 million, $360.1 million and $345.1 million at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Product Information The Company’s revenue summarized by product portfolio is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Traditional Flavors & Fragrances	$	744,934		$	725,165		$	710,450
	Natural Ingredients		244,155			252,941			240,844
	Food & Beverage Colors		307,301			310,739			317,880
	Non-Food Colors		229,324			231,226			218,703
	Intersegment Revenue		(58,164	)		(61,021	)		(57,088	)
	Consolidated	$	1,467,550		$	1,459,050		$	1,430,789

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value for financial assets and liabilities, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s only assets and liabilities subject to this standard are forward contracts, investments in a money market fund and municipal bonds, and defined benefit plan assets (See Note 7, Retirement Plans, for additional information on the defined benefit plan assets). The net fair value of the forward exchange contracts based on current pricing obtained for comparable derivative products (Level 2 inputs) was an asset of $0.2 million at December 31, 2013 and was negligible at December 31, 2012. The fair value of the investments based on December 31, 2013 and 2012, market quotes (Level 1 inputs) was an asset of $19.8 million and $20.3 million, respectively.
	The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term borrowings approximated fair values as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 2 inputs). The carrying value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $348.1 million and $334.0 million, respectively. The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, was approximately $351.0 million and $354.4 million, respectively.

Restructuring_charges

Restructuring charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring charges [Abstract]	'
Restructuring charges	'
	12. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	The Company recorded restructuring costs of $31.7 million ($22.0 million after tax) in 2013 related to the 2013 restructuring program to relocate the Flavors & Fragrances Group headquarters to Chicago, as well as a profit improvement plan across all segments of the Company.
	Detail of the 2013 restructuring costs and the line items in which it was recorded in the Corporate & Other segment are as follows:
		Selling &			Cost of
	(in thousands)	Administrative			Products Sold			Total
	Employee separations	$	18,081		$	—		$	18,081
	Long-lived asset impairment		4,176			—			4,176
	Gain on asset sales		(3,019	)					(3,019	)
	Write-down of inventory		—			1,840			1,840
	Other costs		10,657			—			10,657
	Total	$	29,895		$	1,840		$	31,735
	The following table summarizes the 2013 restructuring costs by segment:
	(in thousands)	2013
	Flavors	$	22,284
	Color		7,065
	Corporate & Other		2,386
	Total	$	31,735
	The Company does not expect restructuring costs in 2014 to be material.
	The following table summarizes the accrual for the restructuring and other charges for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, which is recorded in Other accrued expenses:
		Employee			Assets Related
	(in thousands)	Separations			and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring costs		18,081			13,654			31,735
	Gain on sale of assets		—			3,019			3,019
	Cash spent		(13,505	)		(9,069	)		(22,574	)
	Reduction of assets		—			(6,016	)		(6,016	)
	Translation adjustment		(14	)		—			(14	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,562		$	1,588		$	6,150
	In the fourth quarter of 2011, the company recorded a restructuring charge of $4.8 million ($3.7 million net of tax) related to a plan to improve the profitability and efficiency of selected operations. The restructuring charge mainly included severance and other employee separation costs. In 2012, approximately $1.8 million of payments were applied to the restructuring reserve.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	LEASES
	The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Aggregate minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2013, for all noncancelable operating leases with an initial lease term greater than one year for the years ending December 31 are as follows: 2014, $7.5 million; 2015, $5.3 million; 2016, $2.9 million; 2017, $1.1 million; 2018, $0.7 and $0.2 million thereafter.
	Rent expense totaled $10.7 million, $10.8 million and $11.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
	Cherry Blossom Litigation
	Cherry Blossom LLC, a Traverse City, Michigan contractor that had produced cherry products for the Company, ceased operations in May 2009. At the time, Cherry Blossom had physical possession of brined cherries belonging to the Company with a book value of approximately $0.5 million. Despite the Company’s demands, Cherry Blossom refused to permit the Company to take possession of the cherries for processing elsewhere.
	In June 2009, the Company sued Cherry Blossom in the Circuit Court of Grand Traverse County, Michigan, seeking an order for return of the cherries. Cherry Blossom’s asset based lender, Crossroads Financial (which claimed to be owed over $1.4 million) (“Crossroads”), intervened and claimed a senior lien on the cherries. The Circuit Court denied the Company’s request for immediate possession and permitted Cherry Blossom to retain and process the cherries. The Circuit Court later held that Crossroads had a senior lien on the cherries and was entitled to receive the proceeds from the sale of the cherries. The Circuit Court also denied the Company’s cross claims against Crossroads to recoup certain overpayments that the Company made to Cherry Blossom/Crossroads and to recoup payments made by the Company to the United States Department of Labor on Cherry Blossom’s/Crossroads’ behalf. The Company appealed these adverse decisions of the Circuit Court.
	Crossroads asserted a claim against the Company for money damages in an undetermined amount. Crossroads claimed that it had a lien on all of Cherry Blossom’s accounts receivable from the Company and that the Company had performed a number of offsets against its accounts payable to Cherry Blossom in derogation of Crossroads’ rights as lienholder. The Circuit Court denied Crossroads’ claims for money damages against the Company. Crossroads appealed this adverse decision of the Circuit Court.
	The Michigan Court of Appeals heard oral argument on the appeals on September 10, 2013. On October 31, 2013, the Court issued its decision affirming the trial court in all respects, including the denial of the Crossroad claim to recover over $1.4 million from the Company. The Company and Crossroads both had the right to petition the Michigan Supreme Court to review the decision of the Court of Appeals. Neither party, however, sought Supreme Court review, and the case is now concluded.
	Cherry Blossom counterclaimed against the Company, alleging that Cherry Blossom had purchased exclusive rights to certain proprietary cherry processing formulas used in the Company’s cherry product. Cherry Blossom sought a preliminary injunction against the Company’s delivery of copies of the formulas to any third party. The Court denied Cherry Blossom’s motion regarding the formulas and eventually dismissed Cherry Blossom’s claims. The Company also initiated a suit against Cherry Blossom in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan seeking a declaratory judgment that the Company has the right to use the cherry processing formulas. Because Cherry Blossom subsequently filed a petition in bankruptcy, the Federal District Court closed the matter. This closing was for administrative purposes only and did not constitute a decision on the merits.
	Christopher Hubbell, a principal of Cherry Blossom, personally filed a petition for bankruptcy. The Company originally opposed the bankruptcy petition to the extent Hubbell sought a discharge of the Company’s alleged damages arising from his own fraudulent acts connected to Cherry Blossom’s granting of an allegedly superior interest in the Company’s cherries to Crossroads. The Company and Hubbell filed a joint motion to dismiss the Company’s claims against Hubbell without prejudice pending the Michigan state court action. The Bankruptcy Court granted the motion. Under the terms of the dismissal, if the state courts had determined that the Company was liable to Crossroads, the Company would have had 60 days to reopen the adversary proceeding and pursue its claims against Hubbell. Since neither the Company nor Crossroads pursued Supreme Court review and the state case is now concluded, the dismissal of the Company’s claims against Hubbell in his personal bankruptcy proceeding has become with prejudice.
	Vega v. Sensient Dehydrated Flavors LLC
	On January 3, 2013, Thomas Vega, a now former employee, filed (but did not serve) a Class Action Complaint in San Francisco County Superior Court against Sensient Dehydrated Flavors LLC. On February 11, 2013, Vega filed and served a First Amended Complaint (“Complaint”) against the Company and a Company supervisor. Vega alleges that the Company failed to provide alleged class members with meal periods, compensation for the alleged absence of meal periods, and accurate wage statements, in violation of the California labor code. The alleged class includes all employees paid on an hourly basis and forklift operators. The Complaint seeks damages, back wages, injunctive relief, penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees for the members of the alleged class. The Complaint alleges that the total damages and costs “do not exceed a[n] aggregate of $4,999,999.99.”
	The Complaint alleges two causes of action. The first cause of action is for “Unfair Competition.” The plaintiff’s theory is that the Company, by allegedly not complying with state wage and hour laws, had an unfair competitive advantage against other employers who were complying with those laws. The main strategic reason that plaintiffs plead this cause of action is that the statute of limitations is four years. The second cause of action is for alleged substantive violations of the California labor code provisions governing wages, hours, and meal periods.
	On March 13, 2013, the parties filed a joint stipulation and proposed order to remove the case from San Francisco County Superior Court to Stanislaus County Superior Court. On April 18, 2013, the Court granted the request.
	On October 7, 2013, following a private mediation, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which they agreed to resolve the action for a maximum of $275,000 on a claims made basis. On December 5, 2013, the settlement was presented to the Stanislaus County Superior Court. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and scheduled a final approval hearing for March 14, 2014.
	Other Claims and Litigation
	The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information from Company counsel, the ultimate resolution of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company except as described above.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands); Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	Valuation Accounts Deducted in the Balance Sheet From the Assets to Which They Apply	Balance at Beginning of Period	Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	Additions Recorded During Acquisitions	Deductions	Balance at End of Period
					(A)
	2011	$3,999	$747	$0	$1,158	$3,588
	Allowance for losses:
	Trade accounts receivable
	2012	$3,588	$745	$0	$1,288	$3,045
	Allowance for losses:
	Trade accounts receivable
	2013	$3,045	$1,413	$0	$130	$4,327
	Allowance for losses:
	Trade accounts receivable
	(A) Accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sensient Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	The Company is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. The Company uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’s reportable segments consist of the Flavors & Fragrances and Color Groups, which are managed on a products and services basis. The Asia Pacific Group, China Group and certain of the Company’s flavor businesses in Central and South America (Flavors Central & South America), which are managed on a geographic basis, are included in Corporate & Other.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue (net of estimated discounts, allowances and returns) when title to goods passes, the customer is obligated to pay the Company and the Company has no remaining obligations. Such recognition typically corresponds with the shipment of goods.
Cost of Products Sold	'
	Cost of Products Sold  Cost of products sold includes materials, labor and overhead expenses incurred in the manufacture of our products. Cost of products sold also includes charges for obsolete and slow moving inventories, as well as costs for quality control, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, other costs of our internal distribution network and costs incurred for shipping and handling. The Company records fees billed to customers for shipping and handling as revenue.
Selling and Administrative Expenses	'
	Selling and Administrative Expenses  Selling and administrative expenses primarily include the salaries and related costs for executive, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, research and development and legal personnel as well as salaries and related costs of salespersons and commissions paid to external sales agents.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable Receivables are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is deemed that the receivable is no longer collectible.
Inventories	'
	Inventories  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method with the exception of certain locations of the Flavors & Fragrances Group where cost is determined using a weighted average method. Inventories include finished and in-process products totaling $317.1 million and $301.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $157.4 million and $141.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost reduced by accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of the related asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting. The estimated useful lives for buildings and leasehold improvements range from 5 to 40 years. Machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. Interest costs on significant projects constructed or developed for the Company’s own use are capitalized as part of the asset.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets  The carrying value of goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or when an indicator of impairment occurs. The impairment assessment includes comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, of each reporting unit to its respective fair value as of the date of the assessment. Fair value was estimated based upon an evaluation of the reporting unit’s estimated future discounted cash flow as well as the public trading and private transaction valuation multiples for comparable companies. Such determination of fair value yielded no impairment in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, ranging from 5 to 20 years. These assets include technological know-how, customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, among others.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted cash flow analyses to determine if potential impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the difference between fair value and carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded as a result of the Company’s 2013 restructuring program. See Note 12, Restructuring Charges, for additional information.
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments  The Company may use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging currency and interest rate exposures which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
	Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis. Any ineffective portions are recognized in earnings immediately.
Interest Rate Hedging	'
	Interest Rate Hedging The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its corporate borrowing activities. The objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management activities is to manage the levels of the Company’s fixed and floating interest rate exposure to be consistent with the Company’s preferred mix. The interest rate risk management program may include entering into interest rate swaps, which qualify as fair value hedges, when there is a desire to modify the Company’s exposure to interest rates. Gains or losses on fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, net of gains and losses on the fair value of the hedged instruments.
Cash Flow Hedges	'
	Cash Flow Hedges The primary objectives of the foreign exchange risk management activities are to understand and mitigate the impact of potential foreign exchange fluctuations on the Company’s financial results and its economic well-being. Generally, these risk management transactions involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from recorded accounts receivable and payable. The Company may utilize forward exchange contracts, generally with maturities of less than 12 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges. These foreign exchange contracts are intended to offset the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on recorded intercompany receivables and payables. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) until the underlying transaction is recognized in earnings.
	The Company’s existing cash flow hedges are highly effective. As a result, any current impact on earnings due to cash flow hedge ineffectiveness is immaterial.
Net Investments Hedging	'
	Net Investments Hedging  The Company may enter into foreign-denominated debt to be used as a non-derivative instrument to hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The change in the carrying amount of the foreign-denominated debt on the Company’s books, attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate, is a hedge of the net investment in its foreign subsidiaries. Changes in the fair value of debt designated as a net investment hedge are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI.
Commodity Purchases	'
	Commodity Purchases  The Company purchases certain commodities in the normal course of business that result in physical delivery of the goods and, hence, are excluded from Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	'
	Translation of Foreign Currencies  For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign accounts into U.S. dollars are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. Transaction gains and losses that occur as a result of transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are included in earnings and were not significant during the three-year period ended December 31, 2013.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation  Share-based compensation expense is recognized during the vesting period of each award as summarized in Note 6, Share-Based Compensation.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes  The Company recognizes a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits for which the utilization of the asset is not considered likely.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS“) is the dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that nonvested stock has vested and all dilutive stock options, for which the average market price exceeds the exercise price (in-the-money), are exercised. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price (out-of-the-money) have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation. Weighted-average common shares for the computation of EPS were:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		49,755		49,596		49,746
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		49,934		49,822		49,937
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011 there were no anti-dilutive stock options. All earnings per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis unless otherwise noted.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Accumulated OCI is composed primarily of foreign currency translation, pension liability and unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges. See Note 8, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, for additional information.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development Research and development costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the year they are incurred. Research and development costs were $34.5 million, $34.7 million and $33.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising	'
	Advertising  Advertising costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs were $1.6 million, $2.2 million and $2.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Environmental Liabilities	'
	Environmental Liabilities  The Company records liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further information becomes available or as circumstances change. Estimated future expenditures are discounted to their present value when the timing and amount of future cash flows are fixed and readily determinable. Recoveries of remediation costs from other parties, if any, are recognized as assets when their receipt is assured.
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued and no such events were identified.
New Pronouncements	'
	New Pronouncements On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires companies to report the effect on the line items for significant items reclassified out of other comprehensive income to net income, prospectively. The Company has included this disclosure in Note 8 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing is necessary. If, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise no further testing is required. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average common shares for the computation of EPS	'
	Earnings Per Share The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS“) is the dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that nonvested stock has vested and all dilutive stock options, for which the average market price exceeds the exercise price (in-the-money), are exercised. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price (out-of-the-money) have an anti-dilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation. Weighted-average common shares for the computation of EPS were:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding		49,755		49,596		49,746
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding		49,934		49,822		49,937

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, goodwill is the only intangible asset that is not subject to amortization. The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Weighted Average		2013					2012
	(in thousands except	Amortization		Cost		Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
	weighted average amortization years)	Years				Amortization					Amortization
	Technological know-how		20	$	8,606	$	(5,328	)	$	8,443	$	(4,842	)
	Customer relationships		20		7,944		(4,359	)		7,871		(3,866	)
	Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements and other		18.8		9,630		(5,947	)		9,617		(5,645	)
	Total finite-lived intangibles		19.6	$	26,180	$	(15,634	)	$	25,931	$	(14,353	)
Changes in goodwill by business segment	'
	The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, by reportable business segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Flavors &		Color		Corporate &			Consolidated
		Fragrances				Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	132,692	$	307,379	$	4,294		$	444,365
	Currency translation impact		3,092		4,271		(410	)		6,953
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		135,784		311,650		3,884			451,318
	Currency translation impact		853		5,673		(575	)		5,951
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	136,637	$	317,323	$	3,309		$	457,269

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-term debt	'
	Long-term Debt  Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	3.66% senior notes due November 2023	$	75,000	$	—
	3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023		52,566		—
	4.47% senior notes due November 2018		25,000		25,000
	4.14% senior notes due November 2017		25,000		25,000
	4.91% senior notes due through May 2017		99,000		110,000
	3.77% senior notes due November 2016		25,000		25,000
	7.31% senior notes due November 2013		—		25,000
	5.85% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2013		—		25,508
	Long-term revolving loan agreement		43,982		95,419
	Various other notes		2,576		3,052
			348,124		333,979
	Less current maturities		—		—
	Total long-term debt	$	348,124	$	333,979
Restrictive loan covenants	'
	Substantially all of the senior loan agreements contain restrictions concerning interest coverage, borrowings, investments and tangible net worth amounts. The Company is in compliance with all of these restrictions at December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the Company’s most restrictive loan covenants calculated in accordance with the applicable agreements as of December 31, 2013:
	(dollars in thousands)	Actual		Required
	Debt to EBITDA (Maximum)		1.4		3.5
	Net Worth (Minimum)	$	1,242,684	$	625,000
	Interest Coverage (Minimum)		8.01		2
Short-term borrowings	'
	Short-term Borrowings The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Uncommitted loans	$	4,600	$	16,950
	Loans of foreign subsidiaries		2,450		3,098
	Total	$	7,050	$	20,048

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Summary of transaction involving stock options	'
	The following table summarizes the transactions involving the stock option plans:
					Weighted-		Weighted-
					Average		Average		Aggregate
					Exercise		Remaining		Intrinsic
	(in thousands except exercise price and life)	Options			Price		Life (Years)		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		328		$	22.06		3.9	$	4,807
	Exercised		(121	)		21.55
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		207			22.36		3.1		3,222
	Exercised		(66	)		22.38
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		141			22.35		2.7		1,859
	Exercised		(48	)		21
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		93		$	23.04		2.2	$	2,374
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		93		$	23.04		2.2	$	2,374
Summary of information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options	'
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2013:
		Range of Exercise Price
	(in thousands except life and exercise price)	$	18.57-22.99		$	23.00-26.11	$	26.12-30.07
	Options outstanding		36			37		20
	Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years		1.6			1.7		3.8
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	19.62		$	23.5	$	28.16
	Options exercisable		36			37		20
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	19.62		$	23.5	$	28.16
Summary of nonvested stock and performance unit activity	'
	The following table summarizes the nonvested stock and performance stock units activity:
					Grant Date
					Weighted-		Aggregate
					Average		Intrinsic
	(in thousands except fair value)	Shares			Fair Value		Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		363		$	29.2	$	13,340
	Granted		270			35.48
	Vested		(175	)		34.04
	Cancelled		(58	)		28.45
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		400			31.42		15,142
	Granted		293			36.09
	Vested		(314	)		33.59
	Cancelled		(40	)		33.41
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		339			33.22		12,046
	Granted		262			46.14
	Vested		(94	)		40.57
	Cancelled		(10	)		42.22
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		497		$	38.46	$	24,095

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Funded status of defined benefit plan	'
	Although the Company intends for these defined contribution plans to be the primary retirement benefit for most employees, the Company also has several defined benefit plans. The funded status of the defined benefit plans was as follows at December 31:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	76,957			$	67,211
	Service cost			3,260				2,583
	Interest cost			2,557				2,659
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(703	)			799
	Benefits paid			(5,194	)			(3,045	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(4,295	)			6,750
	Benefit obligation at end of year			72,582				76,957
	Plan assets at beginning of year			35,141				30,969
	Company contributions			5,701				4,075
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(539	)			973
	Benefits paid			(5,258	)			(3,045	)
	Actual gain on plan assets			2,077				2,169
	Plan assets at end of year			37,122				35,141
	Funded status		$	(35,460	)		$	(41,816	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	68,391			$	70,230
Amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet	'
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Accrued employee and retiree benefits		$	(40,350	)		$	(52,825	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			4,890				11,009
	Net liability		$	(35,460	)		$	(41,816	)
Components of annual benefit cost	'
	Components of annual benefit cost:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012				2011
	Service cost		$	3,260			$	2,583			$	2,419
	Interest cost			2,557				2,659				2,778
	Expected return on plan assets			(1,689	)			(1,428	)			(1,520	)
	Amortization of prior service cost			172				1,971				3,112
	Recognized actuarial loss			3,203				799				1,388
	Settlement expense			1,177				–				–
	Defined benefit expense		$	8,680			$	6,584			$	8,177
Summary of weighted average assumptions	'
	Weighted-average liability assumptions as of December 31:
			2013				2012
	Discount rate			3.91	%			3.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets			5.12	%			4.76	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.59	%			4.01	%
	Weighted-average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:
			2013				2012
	Discount rate			3.27	%			4.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets			4.76	%			5	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4.01	%			4.11	%
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	Amounts at December 31 in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Prior service cost		$	1,182			$	1,362
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss			7,944				17,031
Pension adjustments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:
	(in thousands)		2013				2012				2011
	Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period		$	3,180			$	(3,947	)		$	885
	Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense			2,006				526				866
	Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense			108				1,205				1,901
	Pension adjustment, net of tax		$	5,294			$	(2,216	)		$	3,652
Pension plan assets by asset category	'
	The following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Fair Value				Fair Value Measurements at											Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements at
		as of				31-Dec-13											as of			31-Dec-12
		December 31,				Using Fair Value Hierarchy											December 31,			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	(in thousands)	2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			2012			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Equity Funds
	Domestic		$	6,143			$	6,143			$	—			$	—		$	5,253		$	5,253		$	—		$	—
	International			7,294				—				7,294				—			5,412			—			5,412			—
	International Fixed Income Funds			23,162				1,186				21,976				—			24,369			1,364			23,005			—
	Other investments			523				40				483				—			107			34			73			—
	Total assets at fair value		$	37,122			$	7,369			$	29,753			$	—		$	35,141		$	6,651		$	28,490		$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following tables summarize the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“OCI”) for 2013:
								Foreign
		Cash Flow(a)			Pension(a)			Currency
	(in thousands)	Hedges			Items			Items		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	35		$	(12,062	)	$	7,442	$	(4,585	)
	Other comprehensive income before  reclassifications		(212	)		3,180			5,427		8,395
	Amounts reclassified from OCI		78			2,114			—		2,192
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(99	)	$	(6,768	)	$	12,869	$	6,002
	(a)  Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Provision for income taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes was as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	21,252		$	22,394		$	28,480
	State		3,065			3,024			2,845
	Foreign		24,781			22,065			22,713
			49,098			47,483			54,038
	Deferred (benefit) expense:
	Federal		(5,125	)		170			(5,669	)
	State		502			603			(274	)
	Foreign		(1,555	)		2,143			2,805
			(6,178	)		2,916			(3,138	)
	Income taxes	$	42,920		$	50,399		$	50,900
Tax effects of temporary differences - Deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Benefit plans	$	21,148		$	17,375
	Liabilities and reserves		11,499			9,140
	Operating loss and credit carryovers		51,292			48,441
	Other		17,151			16,096
	Gross deferred tax assets		101,090			91,052
	Valuation allowance		(43,048	)		(41,049	)
	Deferred tax assets		58,042			50,003
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		(21,139	)		(19,430	)
	Other assets		(1,411	)		(2,784	)
	Other		(31,741	)		(26,668	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(54,291	)		(48,882	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	3,751		$	1,121
Effective income tax rate reconciliation	'
	The effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as described below:
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.1			1.5			1
	Tax credits		(0.3	)		—			(0.2	)
	Taxes on foreign earnings		(5.3	)		(4.1	)		(2.5	)
	Resolution of prior years’ tax matters		(0.7	)		(1.4	)		(0.6	)
	Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.8	)		(0.5	)		(0.6	)
	Revaluation of previously held interest		—			—			(0.7	)
	Other, net		(1.5	)		(1.6	)		(1.7	)
	Effective tax rate		27.5	%		28.9	%		29.7	%
Earnings before income taxes	'
	Earnings before income taxes were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	United States	$	55,461		$	79,118		$	70,023
	Foreign		100,754			95,189			101,361
	Total	$	156,215		$	174,307		$	171,384
Reconciliation of the change in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	7,091		$	8,787
	Increases for tax positions taken in the current year		818			599
	Increases for tax positions taken in prior years		875			553
	Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities		(3,113	)		(1,678	)
	Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations		(374	)		(1,362	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2	)		192
	Balance at the end of year	$	5,295		$	7,091

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, the results of operations for the Company’s cosmetic and pharmaceutical businesses in Asia Pacific and China, previously reported in the Corporate & Other segment, are reported in the Color segment. Results for 2012 and 2011 have been restated to reflect this change.
		Flavors &						Corporate
	(in thousands)	Fragrances			Color			& Other			Consolidated
	2013
	Revenue from external customers	$	845,672		$	473,281		$	148,597		$	1,467,550
	Intersegment revenue		35,626			20,691			1,847			58,164
	Total revenue		881,298			493,972			150,444			1,525,714
	Operating income (loss)		122,410			103,601			(53,649	)		172,362
	Interest expense		—			—			16,147			16,147
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		122,410			103,601			(69,796	)		156,215
	Assets		897,216			790,531			182,987			1,870,734
	Capital expenditures		59,040			39,273			5,933			104,246
	Depreciation and amortization		27,458			18,664			5,894			52,016
	2012
	Revenue from external customers	$	837,549		$	477,385		$	144,116		$	1,459,050
	Intersegment revenue		37,732			21,825			1,464			61,021
	Total revenue		875,281			499,210			145,580			1,520,071
	Operating income (loss)		122,997			96,406			(28,195	)		191,208
	Interest expense		—			—			16,901			16,901
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		122,997			96,406			(45,096	)		174,307
	Assets		860,395			744,200			172,048			1,776,643
	Capital expenditures		49,781			46,003			8,022			103,806
	Depreciation and amortization		27,021			15,499			5,832			48,352
	2011
	Revenue from external customers	$	821,933		$	476,958		$	131,898		$	1,430,789
	Intersegment revenue		35,527			19,833			1,728			57,088
	Total revenue		857,460			496,791			133,626			1,487,877
	Operating income (loss)		129,436			92,518			(31,131	)		190,823
	Interest expense		—			—			19,439			19,439
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		129,436			92,518			(50,570	)		171,384
	Assets		803,844			699,017			151,303			1,654,164
	Capital expenditures		34,999			30,121			7,080			72,200
	Depreciation and amortization		26,743			14,125			5,231			46,099
Geographical Information	'
	Geographic Information The Company has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Revenue from external customers:
	North America	$	784,658		$	785,919		$	737,154
	Europe		382,464			371,658			405,312
	Asia Pacific		191,343			199,849			190,404
	Other		109,085			101,624			97,919
	Consolidated	$	1,467,550		$	1,459,050		$	1,430,789
	Long-lived assets:
	North America	$	531,005		$	504,483		$	444,656
	Europe		506,352			472,865			456,248
	Asia Pacific		32,148			35,891			35,151
	Other		11,404			12,050			11,239
	Consolidated	$	1,080,909		$	1,025,289		$	947,294
Product Information	'
	Product Information The Company’s revenue summarized by product portfolio is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Traditional Flavors & Fragrances	$	744,934		$	725,165		$	710,450
	Natural Ingredients		244,155			252,941			240,844
	Food & Beverage Colors		307,301			310,739			317,880
	Non-Food Colors		229,324			231,226			218,703
	Intersegment Revenue		(58,164	)		(61,021	)		(57,088	)
	Consolidated	$	1,467,550		$	1,459,050		$	1,430,789

Restructuring_charges_Tables

Restructuring charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring charges [Abstract]	'
Summary of restructuring costs	'
	Detail of the 2013 restructuring costs and the line items in which it was recorded in the Corporate & Other segment are as follows:
		Selling &			Cost of
	(in thousands)	Administrative			Products Sold			Total
	Employee separations	$	18,081		$	—		$	18,081
	Long-lived asset impairment		4,176			—			4,176
	Gain on asset sales		(3,019	)					(3,019	)
	Write-down of inventory		—			1,840			1,840
	Other costs		10,657			—			10,657
	Total	$	29,895		$	1,840		$	31,735
Restructuring cost by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the 2013 restructuring costs by segment:
	(in thousands)	2013
	Flavors	$	22,284
	Color		7,065
	Corporate & Other		2,386
	Total	$	31,735
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges	'
	The following table summarizes the accrual for the restructuring and other charges for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, which is recorded in Other accrued expenses:
		Employee			Assets Related
	(in thousands)	Separations			and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring costs		18,081			13,654			31,735
	Gain on sale of assets		—			3,019			3,019
	Cash spent		(13,505	)		(9,069	)		(22,574	)
	Reduction of assets		—			(6,016	)		(6,016	)
	Translation adjustment		(14	)		—			(14	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,562		$	1,588		$	6,150

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
Inventories include finished and in-process products	$317.10	$301.60	'
Raw materials and supplies	157.4	141.1	'
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum number of months for forward exchange contracts to mature	'12 months	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	49,755,000	49,596,000	49,746,000
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	49,934,000	49,822,000	49,937,000
Number of antidulitive shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	0	0	0
Research and Development [Abstract]	'	'	'
Research and development costs	34.5	34.7	33.2
Advertising [Abstract]	'	'	'
Advertising costs	$1.60	$2.20	$2.40
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangible assets	'5 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Useful lives of intangible assets	'20 years	'	'
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years	'	'
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'40 years	'	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'3 years	'	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'20 years	'	'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Les Colorants [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition of new businesses, net of cash acquired	$4.60	'
Equity interest prior to acquisition (in hundredths)	'	50.00%
Remeasurement gain	3.6	'
Goodwill and intangibles resulting from purchase price allocation	$8.70	'
LCW Polska [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Equity interest prior to acquisition (in hundredths)	'	75.00%

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cost	$26,180,000	$25,931,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-15,634,000	-14,353,000	'
Intangible assets expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense of intangible assets	1,300,000	1,400,000	1,300,000
2014	1,300	'	'
2015	1,200	'	'
2016	1,200	'	'
2017	1,200	'	'
2018	1,200	'	'
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	451,318,000	444,365,000	'
Currency translation impact	5,951,000	6,953,000	'
Balance as of end of period	457,269,000	451,318,000	444,365,000
Flavor And Fragnances [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	135,784,000	132,692,000	'
Currency translation impact	853,000	3,092,000	'
Balance as of end of period	136,637,000	135,784,000	'
Color [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	311,650,000	307,379,000	'
Currency translation impact	5,673,000	4,271,000	'
Balance as of end of period	317,323,000	311,650,000	'
Corporate And Other [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance as of beginning of period	3,884,000	4,294,000	'
Currency translation impact	-575,000	-410,000	'
Balance as of end of period	3,309,000	3,884,000	'
Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Years	'19 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Technological Know How [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cost	8,606,000	8,443,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-5,328,000	-4,842,000	'
Technological Know How [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Years	'20 years	'	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cost	7,944,000	7,871,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-4,359,000	-3,866,000	'
Customer Relationships [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Years	'20 years	'	'
Patents, Trademarks, Noncompete Agreements and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cost	9,630,000	9,617,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	($5,947,000)	($5,645,000)	'
Patents, Trademarks, Noncompete Agreements and Other [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Years	'18 years 9 months 18 days	'	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

Uncommitted Loans [Member]

Uncommitted Loans [Member]

Loans of foreign subsidiaries [Member]

Loans of foreign subsidiaries [Member]

Euro Denominated Senior Notes Due November2023 at 3.06 Percent [Member]

Euro Denominated Senior Notes Due November2023 at 3.06 Percent [Member]

Euro Denominated Senior Notes Due November2023 at 3.06 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2023 at 3.66 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2023 at 3.66 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2018 at 4.47 percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2018 at 4.47 percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2017 at 4.14 percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2017 at 4.14 percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due Through May 2017 at 4.91 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due Through May 2017 at 4.91 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2016 at 3.77 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2016 at 3.77 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2013 at 7.31 Percent [Member]

Senior Notes Due November 2013 at 7.31 Percent [Member]

Euro-denominated Senior Notes Due November 2013 at 5.85 Percent [Member]

Euro-denominated Senior Notes Due November 2013 at 5.85 Percent [Member]

Various Other Notes [Member]

Various Other Notes [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Schedule of long term debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, gross

$348,124,000

$333,979,000

'

'

'

'

$52,566,000

€ 38,000,000

$0

$75,000,000

$0

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$99,000,000

$110,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$0

$25,000,000

$0

$25,508,000

$2,576,000

$3,052,000

$43,982,000

$95,419,000

Less current maturities

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net

348,124,000

333,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.06%

3.06%

'

3.66%

'

4.47%

'

4.14%

'

4.91%

'

3.77%

'

7.31%

'

5.85%

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Nov-23

30-Nov-23

'

30-Nov-23

'

30-Nov-18

'

30-Nov-17

'

31-May-17

'

30-Nov-16

'

30-Nov-13

'

30-Nov-13

'

'

'

'

'

Long term debt additional disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing base on credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

Average effective interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.54%

1.67%

Remaining borrowing capacity

41,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

299,700,000

'

Aggregate amounts of contractual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts due in 2014

12,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts due in 2015

11,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts due in 2016

80,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts due in 2017

91,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts due in 2018

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt covenenants [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt to EBITDA (Maximum), Actual

1.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Worth (Minimum), Actual

1,242,684,000

1,153,898,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Coverage (Minimum), Actual

8.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt to EBITDA (Maximum), Required

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Worth (Minimum), Required

625,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Coverage (Minimum), Required

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stand-by letters of credit outstanding

6,300,000

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowings [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term borrowings

$7,050,000

$20,048,000

$4,600,000

$16,950,000

$2,450,000

$3,098,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rates on short-term borrowings (in hundredths)

2.16%

1.98%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Instruments_and_hed1

Derivative Instruments and hedging activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impact of foreign exchange rates on debt instruments recorded in Other Comprehensive Income	$4,020,000	$1,251,000	($2,532,000)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative, fair value	29,600,000	18,900,000	'
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of foreign denominated debt	$96,500,000	$55,000,000	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percent of market price (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares available to be granted under existing stock plans (in shares)	1,200,000	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Age participant attains for recognition of expenses from date of grant	'65 years	'	'	'
Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total pre-tax share-based compensation recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings	$8,400,000	$10,100,000	$7,800,000	'
Tax related benefits	2,600,000	2,400,000	1,200,000	'
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	1,000,000	1,500,000	2,600,000	'
Range of Exercise Price 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	$18.57	'	'	'
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$22.99	'	'	'
Options outstanding (in shares)	36,000	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$19.62	'	'	'
Options exercisable (in shares)	36,000	'	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$19.62	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Price 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	'	$23	'	'
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	'	$26.11	'	'
Options outstanding (in shares)	'	37,000	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	'	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	$23.50	'	'
Options exercisable (in shares)	'	37,000	'	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	$23.50	'	'
Range of Exercise Price 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range (in dollars per share)	'	'	$26.12	'
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	'	'	$30.07	'
Options outstanding (in shares)	'	'	20,000	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual life	'	'	'3 years 9 months 18 days	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$28.16	'
Options exercisable (in shares)	'	'	20,000	'
Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	'	'	$28.16	'
Nonvested Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expense recognition period (in years)	'5 years	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of future grants that will be performance stock unit awards	50.00%	'	'	'
Number of years to measure performance metrics	'2 years	'	'	'
Nonvested Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, Beginning (in shares)	339,000	400,000	363,000	'
Granted (in shares)	262,000	293,000	270,000	'
Vested (in shares)	-94,000	-314,000	-175,000	'
Cancelled (in shares)	-10,000	-40,000	-58,000	'
Outstanding, Ending (in shares)	497,000	339,000	400,000	'
Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share)	$33.22	$31.42	$29.20	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$46.14	$36.09	$35.48	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$40.57	$33.59	$34.04	'
Cancelled ( in dollars per share)	$42.22	$33.41	$28.45	'
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in dollars per share)	$38.46	$33.22	$31.42	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	24,095,000	12,046,000	15,142,000	13,340,000
Total intrinsic values of shares vested	4,400,000	11,200,000	6,200,000	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expense recognition period (in years)	'3 years	'	'	'
Expiration from date of grant (in years)	'10 years	'	'	'
Stock Options [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	141,000	207,000	328,000	'
Grants in period (in shares)	0	0	0	'
Exercised (in shares)	-48,000	-66,000	-121,000	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	93,000	141,000	207,000	328,000
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)	93,000	'	'	'
Weighted- Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$22.35	$22.36	$22.06	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$21	$22.38	$21.55	'
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.04	$22.35	$22.36	$22.06
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.04	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining life [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining life	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'3 years 1 month 6 days	'3 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable, weighted average remaining life	'2 years 2 months 12 days	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, outstanding	2,374,000	1,859,000	3,222,000	4,807,000
Aggregate intrinsic values of stock options exercised	1,100,000	900,000	1,700,000	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, exercisable	2,374,000	'	'	'
Non vested stock and performance stock units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost net yet recognized	$11,600,000	'	'	'
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	'2 years 4 months 24 days	'	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Contribution Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of matching contributions under defined contribution plan (in hundredths)	4.00%	'	'
Total expense for defined contribution plans	$4,700,000	$4,700,000	$4,300,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	37,122,000	35,141,000	30,969,000
Benefit obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	76,957,000	67,211,000	'
Service cost	3,260,000	2,583,000	2,419,000
Interest cost	2,557,000	2,659,000	2,778,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-703,000	799,000	'
Benefits paid	-5,194,000	-3,045,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-4,295,000	6,750,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	72,582,000	76,957,000	67,211,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at beginning of year	35,141,000	30,969,000	'
Company contributions	5,701,000	4,075,000	'
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-539,000	973,000	'
Benefits paid	-5,194,000	-3,045,000	'
Actual gain on plan assets	2,077,000	2,169,000	'
Plan assets at end of year	37,122,000	35,141,000	30,969,000
Funded status	-35,460,000	-41,816,000	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	68,391,000	70,230,000	'
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accrued employee and retiree benefits	-40,350,000	-52,825,000	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,890,000	11,009,000	'
Net liability	-35,460,000	-41,816,000	'
Components of annual benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	3,260,000	2,583,000	2,419,000
Interest cost	2,557,000	2,659,000	2,778,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,689,000	-1,428,000	-1,520,000
Amortization of prior service cost	172,000	1,971,000	3,112,000
Recognized actuarial loss	3,203,000	799,000	1,388,000
Settlement expense	1,177,000	0	0
Defined benefit expense	8,680,000	6,584,000	8,177,000
Weighted-average liability assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.91%	3.27%	'
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	5.12%	4.76%	'
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.59%	4.01%	'
Weighted-average cost assumption [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.27%	4.27%	'
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	4.76%	5.00%	'
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.01%	4.11%	'
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Prior service cost	1,182,000	1,362,000	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	7,944,000	17,031,000	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	3,180,000	-3,947,000	885,000
Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense	2,006,000	526,000	866,000
Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense	108,000	1,205,000	1,901,000
Pension adjustment, net of tax	5,294,000	-2,216,000	3,652,000
Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	21,700,000	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	13,000,000	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	2,900,000	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	2,400,000	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	2,200,000	'	'
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	18,300,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	22,900,000	'	'
Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected amoritization of actuarial gain in next fiscal year	600,000	'	'
Expected amoritization of prior service cost in next fiscal year	200,000	'	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	7,369,000	6,651,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	7,369,000	6,651,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	29,753,000	28,490,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	29,753,000	28,490,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Domestic [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	6,143,000	5,253,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	6,143,000	5,253,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Domestic [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	6,143,000	5,253,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	6,143,000	5,253,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Domestic [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Domestic [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	7,294,000	5,412,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	7,294,000	5,412,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	7,294,000	5,412,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	7,294,000	5,412,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Private Equity Funds, Foreign [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	23,162,000	24,369,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	23,162,000	24,369,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	1,186,000	1,364,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	1,186,000	1,364,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	21,976,000	23,005,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	21,976,000	23,005,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	0	0	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	523,000	107,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	523,000	107,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	40,000	34,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	40,000	34,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	483,000	73,000	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	483,000	73,000	'
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	0	0	'
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Plan assets at end of year	$0	$0	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	($4,585)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	8,395
Amounts reclassified from OCI	2,192
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	6,002
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	35	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-212	[1]
Amounts reclassified from OCI	78	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-99	[1]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	-12,062	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,180	[1]
Amounts reclassified from OCI	2,114	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-6,768	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	7,442
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,427
Amounts reclassified from OCI	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	$12,869
[1]	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Currently payable [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	$21,252,000	$22,394,000	$28,480,000
State	3,065,000	3,024,000	2,845,000
Foreign	24,781,000	22,065,000	22,713,000
Current income tax (expense), total	49,098,000	47,483,000	54,038,000
Deferred expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	-5,125,000	170,000	-5,669,000
State	502,000	603,000	-274,000
Foreign	-1,555,000	2,143,000	2,805,000
Deferred income tax (expense), total	-6,178,000	2,916,000	-3,138,000
Income taxes	42,920,000	50,399,000	50,900,000
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Benefit plans	21,148,000	17,375,000	'
Liabilities and reserves	11,499,000	9,140,000	'
Operating loss and credit carryovers	51,292,000	48,441,000	'
Other	17,151,000	16,096,000	'
Gross deferred tax assets	101,090,000	91,052,000	'
Valuation allowance	-43,048,000	-41,049,000	'
Deferred tax assets	58,042,000	50,003,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	-21,139,000	-19,430,000	'
Other assets	-1,411,000	-2,784,000	'
Other	-31,741,000	-26,668,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-54,291,000	-48,882,000	'
Increase in Net Deferred Tax Assets	'	10,800,000	'
Increase in Other Current Assets	'	6,000,000	'
Increase in Other Comprehensive Income	'	16,800,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	3,751,000	1,121,000	'
Effective tax rate reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Taxes at statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (in hundredths)	1.10%	1.50%	1.00%
Tax credits (in hundredths)	-0.30%	0.00%	-0.20%
Taxes on foreign earnings (in hundredths)	-5.30%	-4.10%	-2.50%
Resolution of prior years' tax matters (in hundredths)	-0.70%	-1.40%	-0.60%
Valuation allowance adjustments (in hundredths)	-0.80%	-0.50%	-0.60%
Revaluation of previously held interest	0.00%	0.00%	-0.70%
Other, net (in hundredths)	-1.50%	-1.60%	-1.70%
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	27.50%	28.90%	29.70%
Earnings before income taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	55,461,000	79,118,000	70,023,000
Foreign	100,754,000	95,189,000	101,361,000
Total	156,215,000	174,307,000	171,384,000
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	427,900,000	'	'
Reconciliation of change in liability for unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	7,091,000	8,787,000	'
Increases for tax positions taken in the current year	818,000	599,000	'
Increases for tax positions taken in prior years	875,000	553,000	'
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities	-3,113,000	-1,678,000	'
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations	-374,000	-1,362,000	'
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-2,000	192,000	'
Balance at the end of year	5,295,000	7,091,000	8,787,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized	5,100,000	'	'
Income tax interest and penalties accrued	100,000	1,000,000	'
Expected decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the next fiscal year	1,700,000	'	'
Foreign Country [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating loss carryovers	128,900,000	'	'
Operating loss carryovers, subject to expiration	9,900,000	'	'
Operating loss carryovers, not subject to expiration	119,000,000	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating loss carryovers	103,100,000	'	'
Operating loss carryovers, subject to expiration	$103,100,000	'	'

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	$1,467,550	$1,459,050	$1,430,789
Total revenue	1,525,714	1,520,071	1,487,877
Operating income (loss)	172,362	191,208	190,823
Interest expense	16,147	16,901	19,439
Earnings Before Income Taxes	156,215	174,307	171,384
Assets	1,870,734	1,776,643	1,654,164
Capital expenditures	104,246	103,806	72,200
Depreciation and amortization	52,016	48,352	46,099
Number of additional segments managed on a geographical basis	3	'	'
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total revenue	58,164	61,021	57,088
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	845,672	837,549	821,933
Total revenue	881,298	875,281	857,460
Operating income (loss)	122,410	122,997	129,436
Interest expense	0	0	0
Earnings Before Income Taxes	122,410	122,997	129,436
Assets	897,216	860,395	803,844
Capital expenditures	59,040	49,781	34,999
Depreciation and amortization	27,458	27,021	26,743
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total revenue	35,626	37,732	35,527
Color [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	473,281	477,385	476,958
Total revenue	493,972	499,210	496,791
Operating income (loss)	103,601	96,406	92,518
Interest expense	0	0	0
Earnings Before Income Taxes	103,601	96,406	92,518
Assets	790,531	744,200	699,017
Capital expenditures	39,273	46,003	30,121
Depreciation and amortization	18,664	15,499	14,125
Color [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total revenue	20,691	21,825	19,833
Corporate & Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from external customers	148,597	144,116	131,898
Total revenue	150,444	145,580	133,626
Operating income (loss)	-53,649	-28,195	-31,131
Interest expense	16,147	16,901	19,439
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-69,796	-45,096	-50,570
Assets	182,987	172,048	151,303
Capital expenditures	5,933	8,022	7,080
Depreciation and amortization	5,894	5,832	5,231
Corporate & Other [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total revenue	$1,847	$1,464	$1,728

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information, Segment and Geographic Info (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,467,550	$1,459,050	$1,430,789
Long-lived assets	1,080,909	1,025,289	947,294
North America [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	784,658	785,919	737,154
Long-lived assets	531,005	504,483	444,656
Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	382,464	371,658	405,312
Long-lived assets	506,352	472,865	456,248
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	191,343	199,849	190,404
Long-lived assets	32,148	35,891	35,151
Other Countries [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	109,085	101,624	97,919
Long-lived assets	11,404	12,050	11,239
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	592,600	598,500	561,900
Long-lived assets	$389,700	$360,100	$345,100

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa4

Segment and Geographic Information, Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,467,550	$1,459,050	$1,430,789
Traditional Flavors & Fragrances [Member]	'	'	'
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	744,934	725,165	710,450
Natural Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	244,155	252,941	240,844
Food & Beverage Colors [Member]	'	'	'
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	307,301	310,739	317,880
Non-Food Colors [Member]	'	'	'
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	229,324	231,226	218,703
Intersegment Revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue	($58,164)	($61,021)	($57,088)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	$19.80	$20.30
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward exchange contracts, asset	0.2	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt	351	354.4
Level 2 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt	$348.10	$334

Restructuring_charges_Details

Restructuring charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	$31,735,000	'	$4,800,000
Restructuring charge, after tax	'	'	3,700,000
Amount of restructuring charges spent	22,574,000	1,800,000	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employee separation	18,081,000	'	'
Long-lived asset impairment	4,176,000	'	'
Gain on asset sales	-3,019,000	'	'
Write-down of inventory	1,840,000	'	'
Other Costs	10,657,000	'	'
Total	31,735,000	'	4,800,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	31,735,000	'	4,800,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	31,735,000	'	4,800,000
Gain on sale of assets	3,019,000	'	'
Cash spent	-22,574,000	-1,800,000	'
Reduction of assets	-6,016,000	'	'
Translation adjustment	-14,000	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	6,150,000	0	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	0	'	'
2013 Restructuring plan [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	31,735,000	'	'
Restructuring charge, after tax	22,000,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	31,735,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	31,735,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	31,735,000	'	'
Employee Separations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	18,081,000	'	'
Amount of restructuring charges spent	13,505,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gain on asset sales	0	'	'
Total	18,081,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	18,081,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	18,081,000	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	0	'	'
Cash spent	-13,505,000	'	'
Reduction of assets	0	'	'
Translation adjustment	-14,000	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	4,562,000	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	0	'	'
Asset Related and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	13,654,000	'	'
Amount of restructuring charges spent	9,069,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gain on asset sales	-3,019,000	'	'
Total	13,654,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	13,654,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	13,654,000	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	3,019,000	'	'
Cash spent	-9,069,000	'	'
Reduction of assets	-6,016,000	'	'
Translation adjustment	0	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	1,588,000	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	0	'	'
Selling & Administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	29,895,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employee separation	18,081,000	'	'
Long-lived asset impairment	4,176,000	'	'
Gain on asset sales	-3,019,000	'	'
Write-down of inventory	0	'	'
Other Costs	10,657,000	'	'
Total	29,895,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	29,895,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	29,895,000	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	3,019,000	'	'
Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	1,840,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employee separation	0	'	'
Long-lived asset impairment	0	'	'
Gain on asset sales	0	'	'
Write-down of inventory	1,840,000	'	'
Other Costs	0	'	'
Total	1,840,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	1,840,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	1,840,000	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	0	'	'
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	22,284,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	22,284,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	22,284,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	22,284,000	'	'
Color [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	7,065,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	7,065,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	7,065,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	7,065,000	'	'
Corporate & Other [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	2,386,000	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	2,386,000	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total	2,386,000	'	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	$2,386,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating leases, future minimum payments due [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, current	$7,500,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in two years	5,300,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in three years	2,900,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in four years	1,100,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in five years	700,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due thereafter	200,000	'	'
Rent expense	10,700,000	10,800,000	11,700,000
Cherry Blossom [Member]	'	'	'
Cherry Blossom Litigation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Book value of brined cherries held by Cherry Blossom	500,000	'	'
Amount owed by Cherry Blossom to Crossroads	1,400,000	'	'
Vega [Member]	'	'	'
Vega v. Sensient Dehydrated Flavors LLC [Abstract]	'	'	'
The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter	4,999,999.99	'	'
Number of causes of action	2	'	'
Litigation settlement amount	$275,000	'	'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$3,045	$3,588	$3,999
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,413	745	747
Additions Recorded During Acquisitions	0	0	0
Deductions (A)	130	1,288	1,158
Balance at End of Period	$4,327	$3,045	$3,588