Sensient Technologies (SXT) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,459,909
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$368,131	$365,640
Cost of products sold	243,623	248,503
Selling and administrative expenses	122,929	80,799
Operating income	1,579	36,338
Interest expense	4,131	4,261
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-2,552	32,077
Income taxes	-477	10,638
Net (loss) earnings	($2,075)	$21,439
Average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	49,853	49,711
Diluted (in shares)	50,079	49,867
Earnings per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.43
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.04)	$0.43
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.48	$0.22

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME1

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'
Comprehensive (loss) Income	($1,920)	$3,386

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,463	$19,836
Trade accounts receivable, net	262,220	233,751
Inventories	467,331	474,452
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	70,207	61,786
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	817,221	789,825
OTHER ASSETS	85,760	47,786
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	9,474	10,546
GOODWILL	457,749	457,269
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:	'	'
Land	47,232	56,343
Buildings	335,014	374,388
Machinery and equipment	736,593	751,267
Construction in progress	60,474	55,236
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	1,179,313	1,237,234
Less accumulated depreciation	-653,634	-671,926
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	525,679	565,308
TOTAL ASSETS	1,895,883	1,870,734
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	96,286	99,117
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	25,748	32,669
Other accrued expenses	102,558	78,579
Income taxes	5,328	5,478
Short-term borrowings	13,298	7,050
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	243,218	222,893
OTHER LIABILITIES	30,770	28,495
ACCRUED EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS	27,144	28,538
LONG-TERM DEBT	386,737	348,124
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Common stock	5,396	5,396
Additional paid-in capital	106,576	105,119
Earnings reinvested in the business	1,191,759	1,217,874
Treasury stock, at cost	-101,874	-91,707
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,157	6,002
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,208,014	1,242,684
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$1,895,883	$1,870,734

CONSOLIDATED_CONDENSED_STATEME2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net (loss) earnings	($2,075)	$21,439
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,424	12,963
Share-based compensation	1,022	640
Loss on assets	39,082	2,380
Deferred income taxes	-7,405	1,804
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	-24,213	-13,637
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,835	25,589
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-14,711	-21,039
Proceeds from sale of assets	919	24
Other investing activity	-94	-70
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,886	-21,085
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from additional borrowings	49,254	33,438
Debt payments	-43,096	-23,954
Purchase of treasury stock	-2,724	0
Dividends paid	-11,539	-10,999
Proceeds from options exercised and other equity transactions	331	56
Net cash used in financing activities	-7,774	-1,459
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-548	1,363
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-2,373	4,408
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,836	15,062
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$17,463	$19,470

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract ]	'
Accounting Policies	'
	1	Accounting Policies
	In the opinion of Sensient Technologies Corporation (the "Company"), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Expenses are charged to operations in the year incurred.  However, for interim reporting purposes, certain expenses are charged to operations based on a proportionate share of estimated annual amounts rather than as they are actually incurred. In interim periods, depreciation expense is estimated using actual depreciation on fixed assets that have been placed in service at the beginning of the year, combined with an estimate of depreciation expense on expected current year additions.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which requires companies to change the balance sheet presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred tax assets. The adoption of this ASU had no material impact on the Company's balance sheet presentation, financial condition or results of operations.
	Refer to the notes in the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, for additional details of the Company's financial condition and a description of the Company's accounting policies, which have been continued without change.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	2	Fair Value
	Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value for financial assets and liabilities, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company's assets and liabilities subject to this standard are forward exchange contracts and investments in a money market fund and municipal investments. The fair value of the forward exchange contracts based on current pricing obtained for comparable derivative products (Level 2 inputs) was an asset of $0.3 million and $0.2 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the investments based on March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, market quotes (Level 1 inputs) was an asset of $18.7 million and $19.8 million, respectively, and is reported in Other Assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.
	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 March 31, 2014. 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 March 31, 2014, was $386.7 million. The fair value of the long-term debt at March 31, 2014, was $394.3 million.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	3	Segment Information
	Operating results by segment for the periods presented are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Flavors & Fragrances		Color		Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Revenue from external customers		$	204,120	$	128,669	$	35,342		$	368,131
	Intersegment revenue			9,259		4,969		-			14,228
	Total revenue		$	213,379	$	133,638	$	35,342		$	382,359
	Operating income (loss)		$	29,939	$	29,407	$	(57,767	)	$	1,579
	Interest expense			--		--		4,131			4,131
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		$	29,939	$	29,407	$	(61,898	)	$	(2,552	)
	Three months ended March 31, 2013:
	Revenue from external customers		$	206,996	$	123,783	$	34,861		$	365,640
	Intersegment revenue			8,845		5,696		15			14,556
	Total revenue		$	215,841	$	129,479	$	34,876		$	380,196
	Operating income (loss)		$	28,406	$	26,683	$	(18,751	)	$	36,338
	Interest expense			--		--		4,261			4,261
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes		$	28,406	$	26,683	$	(23,012	)	$	32,077
	Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, the results of operations for the Company's fragrances businesses in Asia Pacific and China, previously reported in the Corporate & Other segment, are reported in the Flavors & Fragrances Group, and the results of operations for the Company's pharmaceutical flavors business, previously reported in the Flavors & Fragrances Group, are reported in the Color Group with the pharmaceutical colors business. Results for 2013 have been restated to reflect these changes.
	The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective segments before restructuring and other costs, interest expense and income taxes. The 2014 and 2013 restructuring and other costs are included in the Corporate & Other segment.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	4	Inventories
	At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, inventories included finished and in-process products totaling $325.8 million and $317.1 million, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $141.5 million and $157.4 million, respectively.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	5	Retirement Plans
	The Company's components of annual benefit cost for the defined benefit plans for the periods presented are as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)		2014			2013
	Service cost		$	632		$	758
	Interest cost			599			604
	Expected return on plan assets			(474	)		(365	)
	Amortization of prior service cost			43			43
	Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss			(160	)		800
	Defined benefit expense		$	640		$	1,840

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	6	Shareholders' Equity
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate price of $11.0 million. The settlement of 150,000 of these shares occurred in April 2014. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	'
	7	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity
	The Company may use forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk by reducing the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions, non-functional currency raw material purchases, non-functional currency sales and other known foreign currency exposures. These forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than twelve months. 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 $28.3 million and $29.6 million of forward exchange contracts, designated as hedges, outstanding as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, 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 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 other comprehensive income ("OCI"). As of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the total value of the Company's Euro and Swiss Franc debt was $110.3 million and $96.5 million, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the impact of foreign exchange rates on these debt instruments increased debt by $0.3 million and has been recorded as foreign currency translation in OCI.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8	Income Taxes
	The effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, were 18.7% and 33.2%, respectively. The effective tax rates in both 2014 and 2013 were reduced by changes in estimates associated with the finalization of prior year tax items. The rates in both periods also include the impact of the restructuring and other costs which were more significant in the first quarter of 2014.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	9	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)		Cash Flow Hedges (a)			Pension Items (a)			Foreign Currency Items		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	(99	)	$	(6,768	)	$	12,869	$	6,002
	Other comprehensive income/ (loss) before reclassifications			261			-			21		282
	Amounts reclassified from OCI			(65	)		(62	)		-		(127	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	97		$	(6,830	)	$	12,890	$	6,157
	(a)	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.
	The following table summarizes the pension items reclassified out of OCI and into the Statement of Earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Amortization of pension expense included in selling and administrative expense:
	Prior service cost		$	43		$	43
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(160	)		800
	Total before income taxes			(117	)		843
	Tax expense (benefit)			55			(315	)
	Total net of tax		$	(62	)	$	528

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring [Abstract]	'
Restructuring	'
	10	Restructuring
	In the current quarter, the Company announced a restructuring plan related to eliminating underperforming operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies with the Company.
	Based on this plan, the Company determined that certain long-lived assets, including land, buildings and certain pieces of equipment, associated with the identified underperforming operations, were impaired. As a result, the carrying amount of these assets was reduced to their respective fair values, which were based on independent market valuations for these assets. Certain intangible assets were also determined to be impaired and were written down in the current quarter. The Company also incurred $0.9 million during the current quarter related to the 2014 proxy contest. These costs are included in Other costs in the table below and mainly relate to proxy solicitation, public relations, technical consulting and legal services.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded restructuring and other costs of $52.7 million ($37.4 million after-tax).  Detail of the restructuring and other costs recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the Corporate & Other segment during the three month period ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Three Months Ended,
	(In thousands)		31-Mar-14
	Employee separations		$	12,322
	Long-lived asset impairment			38,660
	Intangibles impairment			1,049
	Gain on asset sales			(602	)
	Other costs			1,293
	Total		$	52,722
	The Company expects to incur approximately $20 million to $25 million of additional restructuring costs by the end of December 2014 and $12 million to $17 million of additional restructuring costs in 2015.
	For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $12.8 million ($9.4 million after-tax), 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 restructuring expenses recorded in Corporate & Other segment during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:
			Selling &			Cost of
	(In thousands)		Administrative			Products Sold			Total
	Employee separation		$	8,912		$	-		$	8,912
	Long-lived asset  impairment			2,526			-			2,526
	Write-down of inventory			-			595			595
	Other			740			-			740
	Total		$	12,178		$	595		$	12,773
	The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of each segment before restructuring costs. The restructuring and other costs are recorded in the Corporate & Other segment. The following table summarizes the restructuring and other costs by the segments that the costs relate to for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended,
	(In thousands)		31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Flavors & Fragrances		$	44,983		$	8,539
	Color			6,539			3,709
	Corporate & Other			1,200			525
	Total		$	52,722		$	12,773
	The following table summarizes the accrual for the restructuring and other charges for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
			Employee			Asset Related
	(In thousands)		Separations			and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	4,562		$	1,588		$	6,150
	Restructuring and other costs			12,322			40,400			52,722
	Gain on sale of assets			-			602			602
	Cash spent			(2,287	)		(1,147	)		(3,434	)
	Reduction of assets			-			(39,709	)		(39,709	)
	Translation adjustment			(35	)		-			(35	)
	Balance as of March, 31, 2014		$	14,562		$	1,734		$	16,296

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	11	Commitments and Contingencies
	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 alleged 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 included all employees paid on an hourly basis and forklift operators. The Complaint sought damages, back wages, injunctive relief, penalties, interest, and attorneys' fees for the members of the alleged class. The Complaint alleged that the total damages and costs "do not exceed a[n] aggregate of $4,999,999.99."
	The Complaint alleged two causes of action. The first cause of action was for "Unfair Competition." The second cause of action was 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 that 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. On March 14, 2014, the Court granted final approval of the settlement. On April 11, 2014, Sensient made a final payment of $205,297 in full satisfaction of the Final Funding Amount (as defined in the settlement agreement). This matter has now concluded.
	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.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event [Text Block]	'
	12	Subsequent Event
	In conjunction with the company's share repurchase program, subsequent to March 31, 2014, the Company has repurchased 740,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate price of $40.2 million.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Operating results by segment for the periods presented are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Flavors & Fragrances		Color		Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2014:
	Revenue from external customers	$	204,120	$	128,669	$	35,342		$	368,131
	Intersegment revenue		9,259		4,969		-			14,228
	Total revenue	$	213,379	$	133,638	$	35,342		$	382,359
	Operating income (loss)	$	29,939	$	29,407	$	(57,767	)	$	1,579
	Interest expense		--		--		4,131			4,131
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	29,939	$	29,407	$	(61,898	)	$	(2,552	)
	Three months ended March 31, 2013:
	Revenue from external customers	$	206,996	$	123,783	$	34,861		$	365,640
	Intersegment revenue		8,845		5,696		15			14,556
	Total revenue	$	215,841	$	129,479	$	34,876		$	380,196
	Operating income (loss)	$	28,406	$	26,683	$	(18,751	)	$	36,338
	Interest expense		--		--		4,261			4,261
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	28,406	$	26,683	$	(23,012	)	$	32,077

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Components of annual benefit cost	'
	The Company's components of annual benefit cost for the defined benefit plans for the periods presented are as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Service cost	$	632		$	758
	Interest cost		599			604
	Expected return on plan assets		(474	)		(365	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		43			43
	Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss		(160	)		800
	Defined benefit expense	$	640		$	1,840

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and reclassification adjustments out of AOCI	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) during the three months ended March 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)		Cash Flow Hedges (a)			Pension Items (a)			Foreign Currency Items		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	(99	)	$	(6,768	)	$	12,869	$	6,002
	Other comprehensive income/ (loss) before reclassifications			261			-			21		282
	Amounts reclassified from OCI			(65	)		(62	)		-		(127	)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	97		$	(6,830	)	$	12,890	$	6,157
	(a)	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.
	The following table summarizes the pension items reclassified out of OCI and into the Statement of Earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Amortization of pension expense included in selling and administrative expense:
	Prior service cost		$	43		$	43
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(160	)		800
	Total before income taxes			(117	)		843
	Tax expense (benefit)			55			(315	)
	Total net of tax		$	(62	)	$	528

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring [Abstract]	'
Summary of restructuring costs	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded restructuring and other costs of $52.7 million ($37.4 million after-tax).  Detail of the restructuring and other costs recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the Corporate & Other segment during the three month period ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended,
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14
	Employee separations	$	12,322
	Long-lived asset impairment		38,660
	Intangibles impairment		1,049
	Gain on asset sales		(602	)
	Other costs		1,293
	Total	$	52,722
	The Company expects to incur approximately $20 million to $25 million of additional restructuring costs by the end of December 2014 and $12 million to $17 million of additional restructuring costs in 2015.
	For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $12.8 million ($9.4 million after-tax), 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 restructuring expenses recorded in Corporate & Other segment during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:
		Selling &			Cost of
	(In thousands)	Administrative			Products Sold			Total
	Employee separation	$	8,912		$	-		$	8,912
	Long-lived asset  impairment		2,526			-			2,526
	Write-down of inventory		-			595			595
	Other		740			-			740
	Total	$	12,178		$	595		$	12,773
Restructuring cost by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the restructuring and other costs by the segments that the costs relate to for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended,
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
	Flavors & Fragrances	$	44,983		$	8,539
	Color		6,539			3,709
	Corporate & Other		1,200			525
	Total	$	52,722		$	12,773
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges	'
	The following table summarizes the accrual for the restructuring and other charges for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Employee			Asset Related
	(In thousands)	Separations			and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,562		$	1,588		$	6,150
	Restructuring and other costs		12,322			40,400			52,722
	Gain on sale of assets		-			602			602
	Cash spent		(2,287	)		(1,147	)		(3,434	)
	Reduction of assets		-			(39,709	)		(39,709	)
	Translation adjustment		(35	)		-			(35	)
	Balance as of March, 31, 2014	$	14,562		$	1,734		$	16,296

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Mutual fund investments	$18.70	$19.80
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Forward exchange contracts, asset	0.3	0.2
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt	394.3	'
Level 2 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt	$386.70	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue from external customers	$368,131	$365,640
Total revenue	382,359	380,196
Operating income (loss)	1,579	36,338
Interest expense	4,131	4,261
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-2,552	32,077
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenue	14,228	14,556
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue from external customers	204,120	206,996
Total revenue	213,379	215,841
Operating income (loss)	29,939	28,406
Interest expense	0	0
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	29,939	28,406
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenue	9,259	8,845
Color [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue from external customers	128,669	123,783
Total revenue	133,638	129,479
Operating income (loss)	29,407	26,683
Interest expense	0	0
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	29,407	26,683
Color [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenue	4,969	5,696
Corporate & Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue from external customers	35,342	34,861
Total revenue	35,342	34,876
Operating income (loss)	-57,767	-18,751
Interest expense	4,131	4,261
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	-61,898	-23,012
Corporate & Other [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Total revenue	$0	$15

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Inventories, including finished and in-process products	$325.80	$317.10
Raw materials and supplies	$141.50	$157.40

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$632	$758
Interest cost	599	604
Expected return on plan assets	-474	-365
Amortization of prior service cost	43	43
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	-160	800
Defined benefit expense	$640	$1,840

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock repurchased during the period (in shares)	200,000	0
Common stock repurchased during the period, value	$11	'
Common stock settled (in shares)	150,000	'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]	Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]
		Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, fair value	'	$28.30	$29.60	'	'
Carrying value of foreign denominated debt	'	'	'	110.3	96.5
Impact of foreign exchange rates on debt instruments recorded in Other Comprehensive Income	$0.30	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rates (in hundredths)	18.70%	33.20%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	$6,002		'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	282		'
Amounts reclassified from OCI	-127		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	6,157		'
Amortization of pension expense included in selling and administrative expense [Abstract]	'		'
Selling and administrative expense	122,929		80,799
Total before income taxes	-117		843
Tax expense (benefit)	55		-315
Total net of tax	-62		528
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	-99	[1]	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	261	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from OCI	-65	[1]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	97	[1]	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	-6,768	[1]	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from OCI	-62	[1]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-6,830	[1]	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	12,869		'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	21		'
Amounts reclassified from OCI	0		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	12,890		'
Prior Service Cost [Member]	'		'
Amortization of pension expense included in selling and administrative expense [Abstract]	'		'
Selling and administrative expense	43		43
Actuarial Gain Loss [Member]	'		'
Amortization of pension expense included in selling and administrative expense [Abstract]	'		'
Selling and administrative expense	($160)		$800
[1]	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Restructuring charge, after tax	$37,400,000	$9,400,000
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Employee separation	12,322,000	8,912,000
Long-lived asset impairment	38,660,000	2,526,000
Intangibles impairment	1,049,000	'
Gain on asset sales	-602,000	'
Write-down of inventory	'	595,000
Other Costs	1,293,000	740,000
Total	52,722,000	12,773,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	52,722,000	12,773,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	6,150,000	'
Restructuring and other costs	52,722,000	12,773,000
Gain on sale of assets	602,000	'
Cash spent	-3,434,000	'
Reduction of assets	-39,709,000	'
Translation adjustment	-35,000	'
Balance as of March 31, 2014	16,296,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Future restructuring costs, current year	20,000,000	'
Future restructuring costs, next year	12,000,000	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Future restructuring costs, current year	25,000,000	'
Future restructuring costs, next year	17,000,000	'
Employee Separations [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Gain on asset sales	0	'
Total	12,322,000	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	12,322,000	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	4,562,000	'
Restructuring and other costs	12,322,000	'
Gain on sale of assets	0	'
Cash spent	-2,287,000	'
Reduction of assets	0	'
Translation adjustment	-35,000	'
Balance as of March 31, 2014	14,562,000	'
Asset Related and Other [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Gain on asset sales	-602,000	'
Total	40,400,000	'
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	40,400,000	'
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	1,588,000	'
Restructuring and other costs	40,400,000	'
Gain on sale of assets	602,000	'
Cash spent	-1,147,000	'
Reduction of assets	-39,709,000	'
Translation adjustment	0	'
Balance as of March 31, 2014	1,734,000	'
Selling & Administrative [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Employee separation	'	8,912,000
Long-lived asset impairment	'	2,526,000
Write-down of inventory	'	0
Other Costs	'	740,000
Total	52,722,000	12,178,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	52,722,000	12,178,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring and other costs	52,722,000	12,178,000
Cost of Products Sold [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Employee separation	'	0
Long-lived asset impairment	'	0
Write-down of inventory	'	595,000
Other Costs	'	0
Total	'	595,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	'	595,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring and other costs	'	595,000
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Total	44,983,000	8,539,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	44,983,000	8,539,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring and other costs	44,983,000	8,539,000
Color [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Total	6,539,000	3,709,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	6,539,000	3,709,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring and other costs	6,539,000	3,709,000
Corporate & Other [Member]	'	'
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]	'	'
Total	1,200,000	525,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]	'	'
Total	1,200,000	525,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]	'	'
Restructuring and other costs	$1,200,000	$525,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Vega [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 07, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014
	Cause		Subsequent Event [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	'
Payment of litigation amount	'	'	$205,297

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	740,000
Aggregate price of shares repurchased	$40.20