Sensient Technologies (SXT) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	310142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$2,635,674,530
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,521,901
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Revenue	$1,447,821	$1,462,126	$1,453,555
Cost of products sold	959,311	987,080	990,911
Selling and administrative expenses	357,845	301,266	269,765
Operating Income	130,665	173,780	192,879
Interest expense	16,067	16,147	16,901
Earnings Before Income Taxes	114,598	157,633	175,978
Income taxes	32,827	43,335	50,896
Earnings from continuing operations	81,771	114,298	125,082
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-8,125	-1,003	-1,174
Net Earnings	$73,646	$113,295	$123,908
Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.69	$2.30	$2.52
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.17)	($0.02)	($0.02)
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.52	$2.28	$2.50
Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.67	$2.29	$2.51
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.17)	($0.02)	($0.02)
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$1.51	$2.27	$2.49
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	48,525	49,755	49,596
Diluted (in shares)	48,819	49,934	49,822

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$73,646	$113,295	$123,908
Cash flow hedges adjustment, net of tax of $153, $50 and $136, respectively	423	-134	-350
Pension adjustment, net of tax of $226, $3,675 and $1,040, respectively	1,598	5,294	-2,216
Tax effect on losses previously recorded in other comprehensive income	0	0	16,836
Foreign currency translation on net investment hedges	12,677	-4,020	-1,251
Tax effect of current year activity on net investment hedges	-4,947	1,810	0
Foreign currency translation on long term intercompany loans	-8,325	5,781	-1,540
Other foreign currency translation	-92,556	1,856	22,984
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income	($17,484)	$123,882	$158,371

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Cash flow hedges adjustment, tax	$153	($50)	($136)
Pension adjustment, tax amount	$226	($3,675)	$1,040

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,329	$19,836
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for losses of $3,838 and $4,327, respectively	228,907	233,751
Inventories	449,409	474,452
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,713	38,079
Deferred income taxes	21,735	23,707
Assets held for sale	1,296	0
Total current assets	759,389	789,825
Other assets	77,376	47,786
Intangible assets - at cost, less accumulated amortization of $14,390 and $15,634, respectively	8,760	10,546
Goodwill	424,114	457,269
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land	42,868	56,343
Buildings	295,381	374,388
Machinery and equipment	723,631	751,267
Construction in progress	54,579	55,236
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	1,116,459	1,237,234
Less accumulated depreciation	-620,892	-671,926
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	495,567	565,308
Total assets	1,765,206	1,870,734
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	99,033	99,117
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	30,010	32,669
Other accrued expenses	76,383	78,579
Income taxes	3,591	5,478
Short-term borrowings	15,888	7,050
Total current liabilities	224,905	222,893
Deferred income taxes	0	19,956
Other liabilities	17,372	8,539
Accrued employee and retiree benefits	24,983	28,538
Long-term debt	451,011	348,124
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	110,969	105,119
Earnings reinvested in the business	1,243,627	1,217,874
Treasury stock, 6,529,891 and 4,105,827 shares, respectively, at cost	-227,929	-91,707
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-85,128	6,002
Total shareholders' equity	1,046,935	1,242,684
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,765,206	$1,870,734

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for losses	$3,838	$4,327
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$14,390	$15,634
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)	6,529,891	4,105,827

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net earnings	$73,646	$113,295	$123,908
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	51,456	52,016	48,352
Share-based compensation	6,265	8,430	10,086
Loss (gain) on assets	70,745	695	-869
Deferred income taxes	-16,780	-6,178	2,916
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	-10,582	3,466	-15,158
Inventories	64	-30,217	-23,125
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,479	616	-9,405
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	6,745	3,606	225
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	-365	5,384	-1,209
Income taxes	7,047	-100	-1,689
Other liabilities	-5,532	2,540	5,334
Net cash provided by operating activities	189,188	153,553	139,366
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-79,398	-104,246	-103,806
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,029	6,225	1,364
Other investing activities	-780	-208	-242
Net cash used in investing activities	-79,149	-98,229	-102,684
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from additional borrowings	213,985	194,973	73,903
Debt payments	-128,186	-198,686	-58,052
Purchase of treasury stock	-137,192	0	-23,154
Dividends paid	-47,893	-45,513	-43,426
Proceeds from options exercised and other equity transactions	733	1,007	1,957
Net cash used in financing activities	-98,553	-48,219	-48,772
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-10,993	-2,331	4,297
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	493	4,774	-7,793
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,836	15,062	22,855
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	20,329	19,836	15,062
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	16,158	16,168	16,897
Income taxes	42,335	47,436	53,492
Capitalized interest	$1,449	$1,875	$1,601

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, 2011	$5,396	$94,187	$1,069,610	($80,935)	($39,048)
Beginning 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
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting		-6,999		6,999
Non-vested 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
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
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting		-2,113		2,113
Non-vested 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
Net earnings			73,646			73,646
Other comprehensive income					-91,130
Cash dividends paid			-47,893
Share-based compensation		6,265
Stock options exercised		-161		753
Stock options exercised (in shares)				-27,001
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting		-1,206		1,206
Non-vested stock issued upon vesting (in shares)				-40,300
Benefit plans		510		406
Benefit plans (in shares)				-18,185
Purchase of treasury stock				-138,288
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)				2,500,000
Other		442		-299
Other (in shares)				9,550
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$5,396	$110,969	$1,243,627	($227,929)	($85,128)	$1,046,935
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				6,529,891

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.98	$0.91	$0.87

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries (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, 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 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.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The results of operations for one of the Company’s business units within the Color Group have been reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. The corresponding assets have been reclassified in accordance with the authoritative literature on assets held for sale as of December 31, 2014. See Note 12, Discontinued Operations, for further information regarding discontinued operations.
	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s 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 $308.7 million and $317.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $140.7 million and $157.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 more frequently 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 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	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 2014 Restructuring Plan and 2013 restructuring plan. See Note 11, 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 (loss) income (“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, 2014.
	Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of each award based on the fair value of the instrument at the time of grant as summarized in Note 5, 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 non-vested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that non-vested 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.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
	(in thousands except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings from continuing operations	$	81,771	$	114,298	$	125,082
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average common shares		48,525		49,755		49,596
	Effect of dilutive securities		294		179		226
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares outstanding		48,819		49,934		49,822
	Earnings per common share from continuing operations
	Basic	$	1.69	$	2.3	$	2.52
	Diluted	$	1.67	$	2.29	$	2.51
	The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards in which non-forfeitable dividends are paid on non-vested shares for certain awards. As such, these shares are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating EPS as described in ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share. The two-class method of calculating EPS did not have a material impact on the Company’s EPS calculations as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no anti-dilutive stock options. All EPS 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 7, 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 related to continuing operations were $35.9 million, $34.1 million and $34.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Advertising Advertising costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs related to continuing operations were $1.9 million, $1.6 million and $2.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, 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.
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20, “Discontinued Operations” and requires companies to provide additional disclosures for disposal transactions. Under the revised standard, a discontinued operation represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. ASU 2014-08 is required to be applied prospectively to all disposals that occur in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company will prospectively apply this guidance in 2015.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The requirements of the new standard are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact of this new standard.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	2
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014 and 2013:
					2014						2013
	(in thousands except weighted average amortization years)	Weighted Average Amortization Years			Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Cost			Accumulated Amortization
	Technological know-how		20		$	6,459		$	(4,352	)	$	8,606		$	(5,328	)
	Customer relationships		20			6,938			(4,170	)		7,944			(4,359	)
	Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements and other		19.2			9,753			(5,868	)		9,630			(5,947	)
	Total finite-lived intangibles		19.7		$	23,150		$	(14,390	)	$	26,180		$	(15,634	)
	Amortization of intangible assets was $1.2 million in 2014, $1.3 million in 2013 and $1.4 million in 2012. Estimated amortization expense each year for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, is $1.2 million in each year from 2015 through 2019.
	The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, by reportable business segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Flavors & Fragrances			Color			Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	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
	Currency translation impact		(10,614	)		(22,050	)		(333	)		(32,997	)
	Impairment		—			(158	)		—			(158	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	126,023		$	295,115		$	2,976		$	424,114
	A portion of the Color segment’s goodwill was written down in 2014 related to the discontinued operation.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]
DEBT	3
	DEBT
	Long-term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	3.66% senior notes due November 2023	$	75,000	$	75,000
	3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023		46,270		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		88,000		99,000
	3.77% senior notes due November 2016		25,000		25,000
	Term loan		98,750		—
	Long-term revolving loan agreement		65,987		43,982
	Various other notes		2,004		2,576
			451,011		348,124
	Less current maturities		—		—
	Total long-term debt	$	451,011	$	348,124
	On October 24, 2014, the Company entered into a $450 million credit facility, consisting of a $350 million revolver and a $100 million term loan. The revolver will mature on October 24, 2019. Interest rates on borrowings under the revolver are at LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Currently, when fully drawn, the interest rate is at LIBOR plus 1.375% under the new agreement. The term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.375% and has a final maturity date of October 24, 2019. The credit facility will be used to repay maturing debt and for general corporate purposes.
	The borrowings under the long-term revolving loan agreement had an average interest rate of 1.54% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	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 aggregate amounts of contractual maturities on long-term debt each year for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, are as follows: 2015, $18.4 million; 2016, $43.8 million; 2017, $99.1 million; 2018, $35.0 million; and 2019, $133.5 million.
	The Company has approximately $18.4 million of long-term debt that matures in 2015. It is the Company’s intention and ability 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 $277.7 million available under the revolving loan agreement and $41.8 million available under other lines of credit from several banks at December 31, 2014.
	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, 2014. The following table summarizes the Company’s most restrictive loan covenants calculated in accordance with the applicable agreements as of December 31, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Actual		Required
	Debt to EBITDA (Maximum)		1.74		3.5
	Net Worth (Minimum)	$	1,046,935	$	625,000
	Interest Coverage (Minimum)		8.64		2
	The Company has stand-by and trade letters of credit outstanding of $6.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Short-term Borrowings The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Uncommitted loans	$	14,086	$	4,600
	Loans of foreign subsidiaries		1,802		2,450
	Total	$	15,888	$	7,050
	The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 1.66% and 2.16% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY	4
	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, non-functional 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 net asset positions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s primary hedging activities and their accounting treatment are summarized below:
	Forward Exchange ContractsThe forward exchange contracts that have been designated as hedges are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company had $17.8 million and $29.6 million of forward exchange contracts, designated as hedges, outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 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 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, 2014 and 2013, the total value of the Company’s Euro and Swiss Franc debt designated as net investment hedges was $97.3 million and $96.5 million, respectively. The impact of foreign exchange rates on these debt instruments has decreased debt by $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and increased debt by $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. 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 non-performance, 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, 2014
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	5
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has various stock plans under which employees and directors may be granted non-vested stock which vests over a specific time period. 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 closing market price on the day the options were granted. No options were granted in 2014, 2013 or 2012. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1.2 million shares available to be granted as non-vested stock under the Company’s 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 non-vested stock awards and for the exercise of stock options.
	The following table summarizes the transactions involving the Company’s stock option plans:
	(in thousands except exercise price and life)	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	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
	Exercised		(27	)		21.92
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		66		$	23.49		1.7	$	2,438
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		66		$	23.49		1.7	$	2,438
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, all stock options outstanding were vested.
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014:
		Range of Exercise Price
	(in thousands except life and exercise price)	$	18.57-23.08		$	23.09-26.11	$	26.12-30.07
	Options outstanding		25			20		21
	Weighted average remaining contractual life, in years		1.1			1.3		2.8
	Weighted average exercise price	$	19.34		$	23.86	$	28.16
	Options exercisable		25			20		21
	Weighted average exercise price	$	19.34		$	23.86	$	28.16
	The Company’s stock plans also provide for the awarding of non-vested stock. Prior to December 2014, expense for shares of non-vested stock is recognized over the vesting period or during the period from the date of grant until the participant reaches age 65, whichever is shorter. The vesting period is five years for awards granted prior to December 2013 and three years beginning with awards granted in December 2013. During the period of restriction, the holder of non-vested stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock.
	The December 2013 grant consisted of 50% performance stock units and 50% time-vesting stock. The number of shares issued under the performance stock units are based on certain performance metrics measured over a two-year performance period and the awards have a three-year vesting period. Two year performance that exceeds the stated performance metrics would result in an award up to 150% of the original grant. The holder of the performance stock units are not 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 December 2014 grant consisted of 100% performance stock unit awards which are based on a three-year performance and vesting period and a pro-rata vesting upon retirement. Three year performance that exceeds the stated performance metrics would result in an award up to 150% of the original grant. The holder of the performance stock units are not 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 non-vested stock based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant.
	The following table summarizes the non-vested stock and performance stock unit activity:
	(in thousands except fair value)	Shares			Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	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
	Granted		171			55.21
	Vested		(40	)		27.15
	Cancelled		(24	)		40.84
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		604		$	43.84	$	36,454
	The total intrinsic values of shares vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $2.2 million, $4.4 million and $11.2 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, total remaining unearned compensation, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested stock and performance stock units was $15.7 million, which will be amortized over the weighted average remaining service period of 1.98 years.
	Total pre-tax share-based compensation recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $6.3 million, $8.4 million and $10.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Tax related benefits of $2.4 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million were also recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.6 million, $1.0 million and $1.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2014
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS	6
	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 Company’s Board of Directors. Total expense for the Company’s defined contribution plans was $5.0 million in 2014 and $4.7 million in 2013 and 2012.
	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)	2014			2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	72,582		$	76,957
	Service cost		2,523			3,260
	Interest cost		2,390			2,557
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,889	)		(703	)
	Benefits paid		(23,726	)		(5,194	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)		5,858			(4,295	)
	Curtailment gain		(2,342	)		—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		55,396			72,582
	Plan assets at beginning of year		37,122			35,141
	Company contributions		22,402			5,701
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2,379	)		(539	)
	Benefits paid		(23,726	)		(5,258	)
	Actual gain on plan assets		6,101			2,077
	Plan assets at end of year		39,520			37,122
	Funded status	$	(15,876	)	$	(35,460	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	54,435		$	68,391
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Accrued employee and retiree benefits	$	(18,258	)	$	(21,206	)
	Other accrued expenses		(7,263	)		(19,144	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,645			4,890
	Net liability	$	(15,876	)	$	(35,460	)
	Components of annual benefit cost:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	2,523		$	3,260		$	2,583
	Interest cost		2,390			2,557			2,659
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,791	)		(1,689	)		(1,428	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		171			172			1,971
	Recognized actuarial (gain) loss		(305	)		3,203			799
	Settlement expense		1,467			1,177			—
	Curtailment gain		(754	)		—			—
	Defined benefit expense	$	3,701		$	8,680		$	6,584
	Weighted average liability assumptions as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		3.7	%		3.91	%
	Expected return on plan assets		3.32	%		5.12	%
	Rate of compensation increase		0.37	%		4.59	%
	Weighted average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		3.91	%		3.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets		5.12	%		4.76	%
	Rate of compensation increase		4.59	%		4.01	%
	The aggregate amounts of benefits expected to be paid from defined benefit plans in each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2014, which include employees’ expected future service, are as follows: 2015, $9.6 million; 2016, $7.7 million; 2017, $2.3 million; 2018, $4.5 million; 2019, $2.5 million; and $17.5 million in total for the years 2020 through 2024.
	The Company expects to contribute $9.7 million to defined benefit plans in 2015.
	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Prior service cost	$	—		$	1,182
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss		7,407			7,944
	The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	$	(387	)	$	3,180		$	(3,947	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense		1,252			2,006			526
	Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense		733			108			1,205
	Pension adjustment, net of tax	$	1,598		$	5,294		$	(2,216	)
	The estimated actuarial loss for the defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into periodic benefit cost during 2015 is $0.3 million.
	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 following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Fair value as of December 31,			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using Fair Value Hierarchy								Fair Value as of December 31,		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	(in thousands)	2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Equity Funds
Domestic	$	6,424		$	6,424		$	—		$	—	$	6,143	$	6,143	$	—	$	—
International		242			—			242			—		7,294		—		7,294		—
International Fixed Income Funds		22,710			960			21,750			—		23,162		1,186		21,976		—
Other investments		10,144			38			10,106			—		523		40		483		—
Total assets at fair value	$	39,520		$	7,422		$	32,098		$	—	$	37,122	$	7,369	$	29,753	$	—
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.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	7
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following tables summarize the changes in OCI for 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 before reclassifications		554			(387	)		(93,151	)		(92,984	)
	Amounts reclassified from OCI		(131	)		1,985			—			1,854
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	324		$	(5,170	)	$	(80,282	)	$	(85,128	)
	(a) Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.
	See Note 6, 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 2014. See Note 4, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity, for additional information on the Company’s cash flow hedges.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	8
	INCOME TAXES
	The provision for income taxes for continuing operations was as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	18,642		$	21,252		$	22,394
	State		2,264			3,065			3,024
	Foreign		25,435			25,175			22,670
			46,341			49,492			48,088
	Deferred (benefit) expense:
	Federal		1,532			(5,125	)		170
	State		(935	)		502			603
	Foreign		(14,111	)		(1,534	)		2,035
			(13,514	)		(6,157	)		2,808
	Income taxes	$	32,827		$	43,335		$	50,896
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Benefit plans	$	15,507		$	21,148
	Liabilities and reserves		19,384			11,499
	Operating loss and credit carryovers		57,128			51,292
	Other		6,872			17,151
	Gross deferred tax assets		98,891			101,090
	Valuation allowance		(43,055	)		(43,048	)
	Deferred tax assets		55,836			58,042
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		(1,619	)		(21,139	)
	Other assets		(1,462	)		(1,411	)
	Goodwill		(28,583	)		(28,573	)
	Other		(1,426	)		(3,168	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(33,090	)		(54,291	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	22,746		$	3,751
	As of December 31, 2014, $1.0 million of the net deferred tax asset balance, is a non-current asset and is reported in the other assets line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	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, 2014, foreign operating loss carryovers were $116.2 million. Included in the foreign operating loss carryovers are losses of $10.1 million that expire through 2029 and $106.0 million that do not have an expiration date. At December 31, 2014, state operating loss carryovers were $99.3 million, all of which expire through 2029.
	The effective tax rate for continuing operations differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as described below:
		2014			2013			2012
	Taxes at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.9			1.1			1.5
	Tax credits		(0.4	)		(0.3	)		—
	Taxes on foreign earnings		(4.7	)		(5.3	)		(4.1	)
	Resolution of prior years’ tax matters		(0.6	)		(0.7	)		(1.4	)
	U.S. manufacturing deduction		(2.0	)		(1.6	)		(1.8	)
	Valuation allowance adjustments		0.2			(0.8	)		(0.5	)
	Other, net		(0.8	)		0.1			0.2
	Effective tax rate		28.6	%		27.5	%		28.9	%
	Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	56,211		$	55,461		$	79,118
	Foreign		58,387			102,172			96,860
	Total	$	114,598		$	157,633		$	175,978
	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, 2014, federal and state taxes have not been provided for approximately $449.8 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 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	5,295		$	7,091
	Increases for tax positions taken in the current year		718			818
	Increases for tax positions taken in prior years		10,238			875
	Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities		(1,044	)		(3,113	)
	Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations		(751	)		(374	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(516	)		(2	)
	Balance at the end of year	$	13,940		$	5,295
	The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $4.3 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties were 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, 2014.
	The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014, will decrease by approximately $10.2 million during 2015, of which $0.3 million is estimated to impact the effective tax rate. The potential decrease relates to various tax matters for which the statute of limitations may expire or will be otherwise settled in 2015. 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, 2014
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION [Abstract]
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	9
	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 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. Two additional segments, Asia Pacific and Flavors Central & South America are managed on a geographic basis and included in Corporate & Other.
	Beginning in 2014, the results of operations for the Company’s fragrances businesses in Asia Pacific, previously reported in the Corporate & Other segment, are reported in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, and the results of operations for the Company’s pharmaceutical flavors business, previously reported in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, are reported in the Color segment with the pharmaceutical colors business. The Color segment results have been restated to remove the impact of a discontinued operation. The prior year results have been restated as a result of these changes.
	Restructuring and other costs related to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are further described in Note 11, Restructuring Charges, and are included in the Operating income (loss) results in the Corporate & Other segment below. Consistent with presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows, the below amounts for Assets, Capital expenditures, and Depreciation and amortization include discontinued operations for all periods presented and are included in the Corporate & Other segment.
	(in thousands)	Flavors & Fragrances			Color			Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	2014
	Revenue from external customers	$	813,808		$	487,503		$	146,510		$	1,447,821
	Intersegment revenue		33,214			20,574			229			54,017
	Total revenue		847,022			508,077			146,739			1,501,838
	Operating income (loss)		119,093			114,884			(103,312	)		130,665
	Interest expense		—			—			16,067			16,067
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		119,093			114,884			(119,379	)		114,598
	Assets		814,215			732,364			218,627			1,765,206
	Capital expenditures		41,131			31,883			6,384			79,398
	Depreciation and amortization		26,180			18,785			6,491			51,456
	2013
	Revenue from external customers	$	843,233		$	473,811		$	145,082		$	1,462,126
	Intersegment revenue		33,269			21,246			97			54,612
	Total revenue		876,502			495,057			145,179			1,516,738
	Operating income (loss)		120,278			107,873			(54,371	)		173,780
	Interest expense		—			—			16,147			16,147
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		120,278			107,873			(70,518	)		157,633
	Assets		896,335			761,485			212,914			1,870,734
	Capital expenditures		59,040			38,639			6,567			104,246
	Depreciation and amortization		27,435			17,541			7,040			52,016
	2012
	Revenue from external customers	$	835,619		$	478,341		$	139,595		$	1,453,555
	Intersegment revenue		34,428			22,326			34			56,788
	Total revenue		870,047			500,667			139,629			1,510,343
	Operating income (loss)		120,825			101,062			(29,008	)		192,879
	Interest expense		—			—			16,901			16,901
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		120,825			101,062			(45,909	)		175,978
	Assets		859,303			715,683			201,657			1,776,643
	Capital expenditures		49,781			45,858			8,167			103,806
	Depreciation and amortization		26,996			14,393			6,963			48,352
	Geographic Information The Company has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Africa. The Company’s annual revenue from continuing operations summarized by geo­graphic location is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Revenue from external customers:
	North America	$	750,345		$	782,088		$	783,840
	Europe		389,588			382,077			370,490
	Asia Pacific		193,163			188,917			197,658
	Other		114,725			109,044			101,567
	Consolidated	$	1,447,821		$	1,462,126		$	1,453,555
	Long-lived assets:
	North America	$	537,668		$	531,005		$	504,483
	Europe		423,972			506,352			472,865
	Asia Pacific		29,948			32,148			35,891
	Other		14,229			11,404			12,050
	Consolidated	$	1,005,817		$	1,080,909		$	1,025,289
	Sales in the United States, based on the final country of destination of the Company’s products, were $573.6 million, $590.0 million and $596.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No other country of destination exceeded 10% of consolidated sales. Total long-lived assets in the United States amounted to $450.8 million, $389.7 million and $360.1 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Product InformationThe Company’s revenue from continu­ing operations summarized by product portfolio is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Traditional Flavors & Fragrances	$	724,693		$	736,107		$	715,227
	Natural Ingredients		227,538			244,155			252,941
	Food & Beverage Colors		334,565			307,179			310,639
	Non-Food Colors		215,042			229,297			231,536
	Interdivision Revenue		(54,017	)		(54,612	)		(56,788	)
	Consolidated	$	1,447,821		$	1,462,126		$	1,453,555

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	10
	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 GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 6, 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 a liability of $0.1 million at December 31, 2014 and an asset of $0.2 million at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the investments based on December 31, 2014, and 2013, market quotes (Level 1 inputs) was an asset of $1.9 million and $19.8 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, 2014 and 2013.
	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, 2014 and 2013, was $451.0 million and $348.1 million, respectively. The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013, was approximately $464.5 million and $351.0 million, respectively.

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	11
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	The Company incurred restructuring costs in both continu­ing and discontinued operations. The discussion in this note relates to the combination of both continuing and discon­tinued operations unless otherwise noted. Restructuring costs related to discontinued operations are recorded in discontinued operations within the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings and are discussed in Note 12, Discontinued Operations, in more detail.
	In March of this year, the Company announced the 2014 Restructuring Plan related to eliminating underperform­ing operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities and improving efficiencies within the Company. The 2014 Restructuring Plan will impact several facilities and will generate cost savings estimated to be approximately $30 million per year, with incremental savings expected to be achieved over the next few years and the full benefit expected to be achieved after 2016. The Company also anticipates that the 2014 Restructuring Plan will include a reduction in headcount by approximately 300 employees, primarily direct and indirect manufacturing labor, and pre-tax charges of approximately $120 million to $130 million. In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, approximately 100 employees were terminated as of December 31, 2014, and approximately $2.6 million of savings were recognized by December 31, 2014.
	The Company determined that certain long-lived assets, including land, buildings and certain pieces of equipment associated with the identified operations were impaired. As a result, the Company has reduced the carrying amounts of these assets to approximately $35 million, their aggregate respective fair values, which were determined based on independent market valuations for these assets. Also, certain machinery and equipment has been identified to be disposed of at the time of the facility closures, and the associated depreciation has been accelerated. In addition, certain intangible assets and inventory were determined to be impaired and were written down.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded restructuring and other costs of $101.5 million ($73.3 million after-tax), in accordance with GAAP and based on an internal review of the affected facilities and consultation with legal and other advisors. Included within the restructuring and other costs, the Company incurred $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, related to the 2014 proxy contest. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $31.7 million ($22.0 million after-tax) related to the 2013 restructuring program to relocate the Flavors & Fragrances Group headquarters to Chicago and to implement a profit improvement plan across all segments of the Company. Costs incurred in 2014 related to the 2013 restructuring program were not material.
	The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of each segment before restructuring costs. The restructuring and other costs related to continuing operations are recorded in the Corporate & Other segment. The following table summarizes the restructuring and other costs by segment and discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Flavors & Fragrances	$	83,871		$	22,284
	Color		—			7,065
	Corporate & Other		6,679			2,386
	Total Continuing Operations		90,550			31,735
	Discontinued Operations		10,998			—
	Total Restructuring	$	101,548		$	31,735
	The Company recorded restructuring and other charges in continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as follows:
	(in thousands)	Selling & Administrative			Cost of Products Sold			Total
	2014
	Employee separations	$	17,794		$	—		$	17,794
	Long-lived asset impairment		63,431			—			63,431
	Gain on asset sales		(602	)		—			(602	)
	Write-down of inventory		—			1,914			1,914
	Other costs(1)		8,013			—			8,013
	Total	$	88,636		$	1,914		$	90,550
	(1)Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel moving costs, other related costs and 2014 proxy contest costs.
	(in thousands)	Selling & Administrative			Cost of Products Sold			Total
	2013
	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(2)		10,657			—			10,657
	Total	$	29,895		$	1,840		$	31,735
	(2)Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel (other than employee separations) and moving related costs.
	The Company expects to incur approximately $21 million to $31 million of additional restructuring costs by the end of 2016, consisting primarily of employee separations, asset impairments, and other restructuring related costs.
	Activities impacting the Company’s reserve for restructuring and other charges for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Employee Separations			Assets Related and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring and other 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
	Restructuring and other costs		18,951			82,597			101,548
	Gain on sale of assets		—			602			602
	Cash spent		(7,067	)		(8,773	)		(15,840	)
	Reduction of assets		—			(75,117	)		(75,117	)
	Translation adjustment		(1,537	)		—			(1,537	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	14,909		$	897		$	15,806
	These reserves are classified as current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a business unit within the Color segment. The Company determined that as of September 30, 2014, the business met the criteria to be presented as a discontinued operation as established in ASC Subtopic 205-20, Discontinued Operations. The results of this business have been reported as a discontinued operation in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for all periods presented. The corresponding assets, which include property, plant, and equipment, have met the held for sale criteria and have been properly presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following table summarizes the discontinued operation’s results, which are included in the loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	5,197		$	5,424		$	5,495
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(11,496	)		(1,418	)		(1,671	)
	Income tax benefit		3,371			415			497
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(8,125	)	$	(1,003	)	$	(1,174	)
	Included in the loss before income taxes from discontinued operations are pre-tax restructuring costs of $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 11, Restructuring Charges, for additional information.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, for all noncancelable operating leases with an initial lease term greater than one year for the years ending December 31 are as follows: 2015, $7.7 million; 2016, $4.3 million; 2017, $2.5 million; 2018, $1.8 million; 2019, $1.4 and $1.8 million thereafter.
	Rent expense from continuing operations totaled $10.7 million, $10.6 million and $10.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Litigation and Other Claims
	The Company is subject to various claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company establishes reserves for claims and proceedings when it is probable that liabilities exist and reasonable estimates of loss can be made. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters, based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we do not believe that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, actual outcomes may be different from those expected and could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012
	Valuation Accounts Deducted in the Balance Sheet From the Assets to Which They Apply	Balance		Additions		Additions		Deductions		Balance at
		at Beginning		Charged to		Recorded		(A)		End of
		of Period		Costs and		During				Period
				Expenses		Acquisitions
	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
	2014	$	4,327	$	896	$	0	$	1,385	$	3,838
	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, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries (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, 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 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.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The results of operations for one of the Company’s business units within the Color Group have been reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. The corresponding assets have been reclassified in accordance with the authoritative literature on assets held for sale as of December 31, 2014. See Note 12, Discontinued Operations, for further information regarding discontinued operations.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s 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 $308.7 million and $317.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $140.7 million and $157.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 more frequently 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 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	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 2014 Restructuring Plan and 2013 restructuring plan. See Note 11, 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 (loss) income (“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, 2014.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of each award based on the fair value of the instrument at the time of grant as summarized in Note 5, 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 non-vested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that non-vested 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.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
	(in thousands except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings from continuing operations	$	81,771	$	114,298	$	125,082
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average common shares		48,525		49,755		49,596
	Effect of dilutive securities		294		179		226
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares outstanding		48,819		49,934		49,822
	Earnings per common share from continuing operations
	Basic	$	1.69	$	2.3	$	2.52
	Diluted	$	1.67	$	2.29	$	2.51
	The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards in which non-forfeitable dividends are paid on non-vested shares for certain awards. As such, these shares are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating EPS as described in ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share. The two-class method of calculating EPS did not have a material impact on the Company’s EPS calculations as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no anti-dilutive stock options. All EPS 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 7, 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 related to continuing operations were $35.9 million, $34.1 million and $34.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising	Advertising Advertising costs are recorded in selling and administrative expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs related to continuing operations were $1.9 million, $1.6 million and $2.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, 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.
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in ASC 205-20, “Discontinued Operations” and requires companies to provide additional disclosures for disposal transactions. Under the revised standard, a discontinued operation represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. ASU 2014-08 is required to be applied prospectively to all disposals that occur in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company will prospectively apply this guidance in 2015.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The requirements of the new standard are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the expected impact of this new standard.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares for the computation of EPS	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
	(in thousands except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings from continuing operations	$	81,771	$	114,298	$	125,082
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average common shares		48,525		49,755		49,596
	Effect of dilutive securities		294		179		226
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share-adjusted weighted average shares outstanding		48,819		49,934		49,822
	Earnings per common share from continuing operations
	Basic	$	1.69	$	2.3	$	2.52
	Diluted	$	1.67	$	2.29	$	2.51

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]
Schedule of intangible assets	The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					2014						2013
	(in thousands except weighted average amortization years)	Weighted Average Amortization Years			Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Cost			Accumulated Amortization
	Technological know-how		20		$	6,459		$	(4,352	)	$	8,606		$	(5,328	)
	Customer relationships		20			6,938			(4,170	)		7,944			(4,359	)
	Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements and other		19.2			9,753			(5,868	)		9,630			(5,947	)
	Total finite-lived intangibles		19.7		$	23,150		$	(14,390	)	$	26,180		$	(15,634	)
Changes in goodwill by business segment	The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, by reportable business segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Flavors & Fragrances			Color			Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	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
	Currency translation impact		(10,614	)		(22,050	)		(333	)		(32,997	)
	Impairment		—			(158	)		—			(158	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	126,023		$	295,115		$	2,976		$	424,114

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	3.66% senior notes due November 2023	$	75,000	$	75,000
	3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023		46,270		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		88,000		99,000
	3.77% senior notes due November 2016		25,000		25,000
	Term loan		98,750		—
	Long-term revolving loan agreement		65,987		43,982
	Various other notes		2,004		2,576
			451,011		348,124
	Less current maturities		—		—
	Total long-term debt	$	451,011	$	348,124
Restrictive loan covenants	The following table summarizes the Company’s most restrictive loan covenants calculated in accordance with the applicable agreements as of December 31, 2014:
	(dollars in thousands)	Actual		Required
	Debt to EBITDA (Maximum)		1.74		3.5
	Net Worth (Minimum)	$	1,046,935	$	625,000
	Interest Coverage (Minimum)		8.64		2
Short-term borrowings	The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Uncommitted loans	$	14,086	$	4,600
	Loans of foreign subsidiaries		1,802		2,450
	Total	$	15,888	$	7,050

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Summary of transaction involving stock options	The following table summarizes the transactions involving the Company’s stock option plans:
	(in thousands except exercise price and life)	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	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
	Exercised		(27	)		21.92
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		66		$	23.49		1.7	$	2,438
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014		66		$	23.49		1.7	$	2,438
Summary of information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014:
		Range of Exercise Price
	(in thousands except life and exercise price)	$	18.57-23.08		$	23.09-26.11	$	26.12-30.07
	Options outstanding		25			20		21
	Weighted average remaining contractual life, in years		1.1			1.3		2.8
	Weighted average exercise price	$	19.34		$	23.86	$	28.16
	Options exercisable		25			20		21
	Weighted average exercise price	$	19.34		$	23.86	$	28.16
Summary of nonvested stock and performance unit activity	The following table summarizes the non-vested stock and performance stock unit activity:
	(in thousands except fair value)	Shares			Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	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
	Granted		171			55.21
	Vested		(40	)		27.15
	Cancelled		(24	)		40.84
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		604		$	43.84	$	36,454

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tables

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
RETIREMENT PLANS [Abstract]
Funded status of defined benefit plan	The funded status of the defined benefit plans was as follows at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	72,582		$	76,957
	Service cost		2,523			3,260
	Interest cost		2,390			2,557
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,889	)		(703	)
	Benefits paid		(23,726	)		(5,194	)
	Actuarial loss (gain)		5,858			(4,295	)
	Curtailment gain		(2,342	)		—
	Benefit obligation at end of year		55,396			72,582
	Plan assets at beginning of year		37,122			35,141
	Company contributions		22,402			5,701
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2,379	)		(539	)
	Benefits paid		(23,726	)		(5,258	)
	Actual gain on plan assets		6,101			2,077
	Plan assets at end of year		39,520			37,122
	Funded status	$	(15,876	)	$	(35,460	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	54,435		$	68,391
Amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Accrued employee and retiree benefits	$	(18,258	)	$	(21,206	)
	Other accrued expenses		(7,263	)		(19,144	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,645			4,890
	Net liability	$	(15,876	)	$	(35,460	)
Components of annual benefit cost	Components of annual benefit cost:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	2,523		$	3,260		$	2,583
	Interest cost		2,390			2,557			2,659
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,791	)		(1,689	)		(1,428	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		171			172			1,971
	Recognized actuarial (gain) loss		(305	)		3,203			799
	Settlement expense		1,467			1,177			—
	Curtailment gain		(754	)		—			—
	Defined benefit expense	$	3,701		$	8,680		$	6,584
Summary of weighted average assumptions	Weighted average liability assumptions as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		3.7	%		3.91	%
	Expected return on plan assets		3.32	%		5.12	%
	Rate of compensation increase		0.37	%		4.59	%
	Weighted average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		3.91	%		3.27	%
	Expected return on plan assets		5.12	%		4.76	%
	Rate of compensation increase		4.59	%		4.01	%
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Prior service cost	$	—		$	1,182
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss		7,407			7,944
Pension adjustments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	$	(387	)	$	3,180		$	(3,947	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense		1,252			2,006			526
	Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense		733			108			1,205
	Pension adjustment, net of tax	$	1,598		$	5,294		$	(2,216	)
Pension plan assets by asset category	The following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Fair value as of December 31,			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using Fair Value Hierarchy								Fair Value as of December 31,		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	(in thousands)	2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Equity Funds
	Domestic	$	6,424		$	6,424		$	—		$	—	$	6,143	$	6,143	$	—	$	—
	International		242			—			242			—		7,294		—		7,294		—
	International Fixed Income Funds		22,710			960			21,750			—		23,162		1,186		21,976		—
	Other investments		10,144			38			10,106			—		523		40		483		—
	Total assets at fair value	$	39,520		$	7,422		$	32,098		$	—	$	37,122	$	7,369	$	29,753	$	—

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables summarize the changes in OCI for 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 before reclassifications		554			(387	)		(93,151	)		(92,984	)
	Amounts reclassified from OCI		(131	)		1,985			—			1,854
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	324		$	(5,170	)	$	(80,282	)	$	(85,128	)
	(a) Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes for continuing operations was as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	18,642		$	21,252		$	22,394
	State		2,264			3,065			3,024
	Foreign		25,435			25,175			22,670
			46,341			49,492			48,088
	Deferred (benefit) expense:
	Federal		1,532			(5,125	)		170
	State		(935	)		502			603
	Foreign		(14,111	)		(1,534	)		2,035
			(13,514	)		(6,157	)		2,808
	Income taxes	$	32,827		$	43,335		$	50,896
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)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Benefit plans	$	15,507		$	21,148
	Liabilities and reserves		19,384			11,499
	Operating loss and credit carryovers		57,128			51,292
	Other		6,872			17,151
	Gross deferred tax assets		98,891			101,090
	Valuation allowance		(43,055	)		(43,048	)
	Deferred tax assets		55,836			58,042
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		(1,619	)		(21,139	)
	Other assets		(1,462	)		(1,411	)
	Goodwill		(28,583	)		(28,573	)
	Other		(1,426	)		(3,168	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(33,090	)		(54,291	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	22,746		$	3,751
Effective income tax rate reconciliation	The effective tax rate for continuing operations differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as described below:
		2014			2013			2012
	Taxes at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		1.9			1.1			1.5
	Tax credits		(0.4	)		(0.3	)		—
	Taxes on foreign earnings		(4.7	)		(5.3	)		(4.1	)
	Resolution of prior years’ tax matters		(0.6	)		(0.7	)		(1.4	)
	U.S. manufacturing deduction		(2.0	)		(1.6	)		(1.8	)
	Valuation allowance adjustments		0.2			(0.8	)		(0.5	)
	Other, net		(0.8	)		0.1			0.2
	Effective tax rate		28.6	%		27.5	%		28.9	%
Earnings before income taxes	Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	56,211		$	55,461		$	79,118
	Foreign		58,387			102,172			96,860
	Total	$	114,598		$	157,633		$	175,978
Reconciliation of the change in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	5,295		$	7,091
	Increases for tax positions taken in the current year		718			818
	Increases for tax positions taken in prior years		10,238			875
	Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities		(1,044	)		(3,113	)
	Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations		(751	)		(374	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(516	)		(2	)
	Balance at the end of year	$	13,940		$	5,295

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA1

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION [Abstract]
Segment Disclosure	Consistent with presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows, the below amounts for Assets, Capital expenditures, and Depreciation and amortization include discontinued operations for all periods presented and are included in the Corporate & Other segment.
	(in thousands)	Flavors & Fragrances			Color			Corporate & Other			Consolidated
	2014
	Revenue from external customers	$	813,808		$	487,503		$	146,510		$	1,447,821
	Intersegment revenue		33,214			20,574			229			54,017
	Total revenue		847,022			508,077			146,739			1,501,838
	Operating income (loss)		119,093			114,884			(103,312	)		130,665
	Interest expense		—			—			16,067			16,067
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		119,093			114,884			(119,379	)		114,598
	Assets		814,215			732,364			218,627			1,765,206
	Capital expenditures		41,131			31,883			6,384			79,398
	Depreciation and amortization		26,180			18,785			6,491			51,456
	2013
	Revenue from external customers	$	843,233		$	473,811		$	145,082		$	1,462,126
	Intersegment revenue		33,269			21,246			97			54,612
	Total revenue		876,502			495,057			145,179			1,516,738
	Operating income (loss)		120,278			107,873			(54,371	)		173,780
	Interest expense		—			—			16,147			16,147
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		120,278			107,873			(70,518	)		157,633
	Assets		896,335			761,485			212,914			1,870,734
	Capital expenditures		59,040			38,639			6,567			104,246
	Depreciation and amortization		27,435			17,541			7,040			52,016
	2012
	Revenue from external customers	$	835,619		$	478,341		$	139,595		$	1,453,555
	Intersegment revenue		34,428			22,326			34			56,788
	Total revenue		870,047			500,667			139,629			1,510,343
	Operating income (loss)		120,825			101,062			(29,008	)		192,879
	Interest expense		—			—			16,901			16,901
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations		120,825			101,062			(45,909	)		175,978
	Assets		859,303			715,683			201,657			1,776,643
	Capital expenditures		49,781			45,858			8,167			103,806
	Depreciation and amortization		26,996			14,393			6,963			48,352
Geographical Information	The Company’s annual revenue from continuing operations summarized by geo­graphic location is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Revenue from external customers:
	North America	$	750,345		$	782,088		$	783,840
	Europe		389,588			382,077			370,490
	Asia Pacific		193,163			188,917			197,658
	Other		114,725			109,044			101,567
	Consolidated	$	1,447,821		$	1,462,126		$	1,453,555
	Long-lived assets:
	North America	$	537,668		$	531,005		$	504,483
	Europe		423,972			506,352			472,865
	Asia Pacific		29,948			32,148			35,891
	Other		14,229			11,404			12,050
	Consolidated	$	1,005,817		$	1,080,909		$	1,025,289
Product Information	The Company’s revenue from continu­ing operations summarized by product portfolio is as follows:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Traditional Flavors & Fragrances	$	724,693		$	736,107		$	715,227
	Natural Ingredients		227,538			244,155			252,941
	Food & Beverage Colors		334,565			307,179			310,639
	Non-Food Colors		215,042			229,297			231,536
	Interdivision Revenue		(54,017	)		(54,612	)		(56,788	)
	Consolidated	$	1,447,821		$	1,462,126		$	1,453,555

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Tables

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES [Abstract]
Restructuring cost by segment	The following table summarizes the restructuring and other costs by segment and discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Flavors & Fragrances	$	83,871		$	22,284
	Color		—			7,065
	Corporate & Other		6,679			2,386
	Total Continuing Operations		90,550			31,735
	Discontinued Operations		10,998			—
	Total Restructuring	$	101,548		$	31,735
Summary of restructuring costs	The Company recorded restructuring and other charges in continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as follows:
	(in thousands)	Selling & Administrative			Cost of Products Sold			Total
	2014
	Employee separations	$	17,794		$	—		$	17,794
	Long-lived asset impairment		63,431			—			63,431
	Gain on asset sales		(602	)		—			(602	)
	Write-down of inventory		—			1,914			1,914
	Other costs(1)		8,013			—			8,013
	Total	$	88,636		$	1,914		$	90,550
	(1)Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel moving costs, other related costs and 2014 proxy contest costs.
	(in thousands)	Selling & Administrative			Cost of Products Sold			Total
	2013
	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(2)		10,657			—			10,657
	Total	$	29,895		$	1,840		$	31,735
	(2)Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel (other than employee separations) and moving related costs.
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges	Activities impacting the Company’s reserve for restructuring and other charges for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Employee Separations			Assets Related and Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Restructuring and other 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
	Restructuring and other costs		18,951			82,597			101,548
	Gain on sale of assets		—			602			602
	Cash spent		(7,067	)		(8,773	)		(15,840	)
	Reduction of assets		—			(75,117	)		(75,117	)
	Translation adjustment		(1,537	)		—			(1,537	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	14,909		$	897		$	15,806

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Schedule of certain Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings information for discontinued operations	The following table summarizes the discontinued operation’s results, which are included in the loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	5,197		$	5,424		$	5,495
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(11,496	)		(1,418	)		(1,671	)
	Income tax benefit		3,371			415			497
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(8,125	)	$	(1,003	)	$	(1,174	)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories include finished and in-process products	$308,700,000	$317,100,000
Raw materials and supplies	140,700,000	157,400,000
Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Maximum number of months for forward exchange contracts to mature	12 months
Numerator [Abstract]
Net earnings from continuing operations	81,771,000	114,298,000	125,082,000
Denominator [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted - average common shares (in shares)	48,525,000	49,755,000	49,596,000
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	294,000	179,000	226,000
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted - average shares outstanding (in shares)	48,819,000	49,934,000	49,822,000
Basic:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.69	$2.30	$2.52
Diluted:
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.67	$2.29	$2.51
Number of antidilutive shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	0	0	0
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and development costs	35,900,000	34,100,000	34,200,000
Advertising [Abstract]
Advertising costs	$1,900,000	$1,600,000	$2,200,000
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

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Cost	$23,150,000	$26,180,000
Accumulated Amortization	-14,390,000	-15,634,000
Intangible assets expense [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	1,200,000	1,300,000	1,400,000
2015	1,200,000
2016	1,200,000
2017	1,200,000
2018	1,200,000
2019	1,200,000
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	457,269,000	451,318,000
Currency translation impact	-32,997,000	5,951,000
Impairment	-158,000
Balance as of end of period	424,114,000	457,269,000	451,318,000
Flavor and Fragrances [Member]
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	136,637,000	135,784,000
Currency translation impact	-10,614,000	853,000
Impairment	0
Balance as of end of period	126,023,000	136,637,000
Color [Member]
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	317,323,000	311,650,000
Currency translation impact	-22,050,000	5,673,000
Impairment	-158,000
Balance as of end of period	295,115,000	317,323,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill activity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	3,309,000	3,884,000
Currency translation impact	-333,000	-575,000
Impairment	0
Balance as of end of period	2,976,000	3,309,000
Weighted Average [Member]
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Weighted Average Amortization Years	19 years 8 months 12 days
Technological Know How [Member]
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Cost	6,459,000	8,606,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,352,000	-5,328,000
Technological Know How [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Weighted Average Amortization Years	20 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Cost	6,938,000	7,944,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,170,000	-4,359,000
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	9,753,000	9,630,000
Accumulated Amortization	($5,868,000)	($5,947,000)
Patents, Trademarks, Noncompete Agreements and Other [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Intangible assets [Abstract]
Weighted Average Amortization Years	19 years 2 months 12 days

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Oct. 24, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

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]

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]

Long-term Debt [Member]

Long-term Debt [Member]

Various Other Notes [Member]

Various Other Notes [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

LIBOR [Member]

USD ($)

LIBOR [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Schedule of long term debt [Abstract]

Long-term debt, gross

$451,011,000

$348,124,000

$46,270,000

€ 38,000,000

$52,566,000

€ 38,000,000

$75,000,000

$75,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$88,000,000

$99,000,000

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

$98,750,000

$0

$2,004,000

$2,576,000

$65,987,000

$43,982,000

Less current maturities

0

0

Long-term debt, net

451,011,000

348,124,000

Interest rate, stated percentage

3.06%

3.06%

3.66%

4.47%

4.14%

4.91%

3.77%

Maturity date

24-Oct-19

Term loan, maturity date

30-Nov-23

30-Nov-23

30-Nov-23

30-Nov-18

30-Nov-17

31-May-17

30-Nov-16

24-Oct-19

Term loan, face amount

100,000,000

Interest rate, description

LIBOR Plus 1.375%

LIBOR Plus 1.375%

Interest rate (in hundredths)

1.38%

1.38%

Credit facility, amount

350,000,000

450,000,000

Long term debt additional disclosures [Abstract]

Average effective interest rate (in hundredths)

1.54%

1.54%

Remaining borrowing capacity

277,700,000

41,800,000

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

Amounts due in 2015

18,400,000

Amounts due in 2016

43,800,000

Amounts due in 2017

99,100,000

Amounts due in 2018

35,000,000

Amounts due in 2019

133,500,000

Debt covenants [Abstract]

Debt to EBITDA (Maximum), Actual

1.74

Net Worth (Minimum), Actual

1,046,935,000

1,242,684,000

Interest Coverage (Minimum), Actual

8.64

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

6,300,000

Short-term borrowings [Abstract]

Short-term borrowings

$15,888,000

$7,050,000

$14,086,000

$4,600,000

$1,802,000

$2,450,000

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

1.66%

2.16%

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Impact of foreign exchange rates on debt instruments recorded in Other Comprehensive Income	($12,677,000)	$4,020,000	$1,251,000
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Derivative, fair value	17,800,000	29,600,000
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Carrying value of foreign denominated debt	$97,300,000	$96,500,000

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
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	$6,300,000	$8,400,000	$10,100,000
Tax related benefits	2,400,000	2,600,000	2,400,000
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	600,000	1,000,000	1,500,000
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)	$23.08
Options outstanding (in shares)	25,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life	1 year 1 month 6 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$19.34
Options exercisable (in shares)	25,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$19.34
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)	$23.09
Exercise price range, upper range (in dollars per share)	$26.11
Options outstanding (in shares)	20,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life	1 year 3 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$23.86
Options exercisable (in shares)	20,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$23.86
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)	21,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$28.16
Options exercisable (in shares)	21,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$28.16
Non-vested 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	100.00%	50.00%
Percentage of future grants that will be time vesting stock unit awards		50.00%
Percentage of stated performance metrics award of grant	150.00%	150.00%
Number of years to measure performance metrics	3 years	2 years
Non-vested Stock [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, Beginning (in shares)	497,000	339,000	400,000
Granted (in shares)	171,000	262,000	293,000
Vested (in shares)	-40,000	-94,000	-314,000
Cancelled (in shares)	-24,000	-10,000	-40,000
Outstanding, Ending (in shares)	604,000	497,000	339,000
Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share)	$38.46	$33.22	$31.42
Granted (in dollars per share)	$55.21	$46.14	$36.09
Vested (in dollars per share)	$27.15	$40.57	$33.59
Cancelled ( in dollars per share)	$40.84	$42.22	$33.41
Outstanding, Ending Balance (in dollars per share)	$43.84	$38.46	$33.22
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	36,454,000	24,095,000	12,046,000	15,142,000
Total intrinsic values of shares vested	2,200,000	4,400,000	11,200,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period (in shares)	0	0	0
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)	93,000	141,000	207,000
Exercised (in shares)	-27,000	-48,000	-66,000
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	66,000	93,000	141,000	207,000
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)	66,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$23.04	$22.35	$22.36
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$21.92	$21	$22.38
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.49	$23.04	$22.35	$22.36
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.49
Weighted average remaining life [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining life	1 year 8 months 12 days	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable, weighted average remaining life	1 year 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, outstanding	2,438,000	2,374,000	1,859,000	3,222,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options, exercisable	2,438,000
Aggregate intrinsic values of stock options exercised	800,000	1,100,000	900,000
Non-vested stock and performance stock units [Member]
Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value [Abstract]
Compensation cost net yet recognized	$15,700,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	1 year 11 months 23 days

RETIREMENT_PLANS_Details

RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	$5,000,000	$4,700,000	$4,700,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	39,520,000	37,122,000	35,141,000
Benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	72,582,000	76,957,000
Service cost	2,523,000	3,260,000	2,583,000
Interest cost	2,390,000	2,557,000	2,659,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-1,889,000	-703,000
Benefits paid	-23,726,000	-5,194,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	5,858,000	-4,295,000
Curtailment gain	-2,342,000	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	55,396,000	72,582,000	76,957,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at beginning of year	37,122,000	35,141,000
Company contributions	22,402,000	5,701,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-2,379,000	-539,000
Benefits paid	-23,726,000	-5,258,000
Actual gain on plan assets	6,101,000	2,077,000
Plan assets at end of year	39,520,000	37,122,000	35,141,000
Funded status	-15,876,000	-35,460,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	54,435,000	68,391,000
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accrued employee and retiree benefits	-18,258,000	-21,206,000
Other accrued expenses	-7,263,000	-19,144,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,645,000	4,890,000
Net liability	-15,876,000	-35,460,000
Components of annual benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	2,523,000	3,260,000	2,583,000
Interest cost	2,390,000	2,557,000	2,659,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,791,000	-1,689,000	-1,428,000
Amortization of prior service cost	171,000	172,000	1,971,000
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	-305,000	3,203,000	799,000
Settlement expense	1,467,000	1,177,000	0
Curtailment gain	-754,000	0	0
Defined benefit expense	3,701,000	8,680,000	6,584,000
Weighted average liability assumptions [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.70%	3.91%
Expected return on plan assets (in hundredths)	3.32%	5.12%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.37%	4.59%
Weighted average cost assumption [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%
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Prior service cost	0	1,182,000
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	7,407,000	7,944,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	-387,000	3,180,000	-3,947,000
Amortization of actuarial loss, included in defined benefit expense	1,252,000	2,006,000	526,000
Amortization of prior service cost, included in defined benefit expense	733,000	108,000	1,205,000
Pension adjustment, net of tax	1,598,000	5,294,000	-2,216,000
Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	9,600,000
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	7,700,000
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	2,300,000
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	4,500,000
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	2,500,000
Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	17,500,000
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	9,700,000
Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year [Abstract]
Expected amortization of actuarial gain in next fiscal year	300,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	7,422,000	7,369,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	7,422,000	7,369,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits	32,098,000	29,753,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	32,098,000	29,753,000
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	6,424,000	6,143,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	6,424,000	6,143,000
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	6,424,000	6,143,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	6,424,000	6,143,000
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	242,000	7,294,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	242,000	7,294,000
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	242,000	7,294,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	242,000	7,294,000
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	22,710,000	23,162,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	22,710,000	23,162,000
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	960,000	1,186,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	960,000	1,186,000
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	21,750,000	21,976,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	21,750,000	21,976,000
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	10,144,000	523,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	10,144,000	523,000
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	38,000	40,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	38,000	40,000
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	10,106,000	483,000
Change in fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Plan assets at end of year	10,106,000	483,000
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, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	$6,002
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-92,984
Amounts reclassified from OCI	1,854
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-85,128
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	-99	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	554	[1]
Amounts reclassified from OCI	-131	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	324	[1]
Pension Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	-6,768	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-387	[1]
Amounts reclassified from OCI	1,985	[1]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-5,170	[1]
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	12,869
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-93,151
Amounts reclassified from OCI	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	($80,282)
[1]	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Currently payable [Abstract]
Federal	$18,642,000	$21,252,000	$22,394,000
State	2,264,000	3,065,000	3,024,000
Foreign	25,435,000	25,175,000	22,670,000
Current income tax (expense), total	46,341,000	49,492,000	48,088,000
Deferred (benefit) expense [Abstract]
Federal	1,532,000	-5,125,000	170,000
State	-935,000	502,000	603,000
Foreign	-14,111,000	-1,534,000	2,035,000
Deferred income tax (expense), total	-13,514,000	-6,157,000	2,808,000
Income taxes	32,827,000	43,335,000	50,896,000
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Benefit plans	15,507,000	21,148,000
Liabilities and reserves	19,384,000	11,499,000
Operating loss and credit carryovers	57,128,000	51,292,000
Other	6,872,000	17,151,000
Gross deferred tax assets	98,891,000	101,090,000
Valuation allowance	-43,055,000	-43,048,000
Deferred tax assets	55,836,000	58,042,000
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	-1,619,000	-21,139,000
Other assets	-1,462,000	-1,411,000
Goodwill	-28,583,000	-28,573,000
Other	-1,426,000	-3,168,000
Deferred tax liabilities	-33,090,000	-54,291,000
Net deferred tax assets, noncurrent	1,000,000
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	22,746,000	3,751,000
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)	1.90%	1.10%	1.50%
Tax credits (in hundredths)	-0.40%	-0.30%	0.00%
Taxes on foreign earnings (in hundredths)	-4.70%	-5.30%	-4.10%
Resolution of prior years' tax matters (in hundredths)	-0.60%	-0.70%	-1.40%
U.S. manufacturing deduction (in hundredths)	-2.00%	-1.60%	-1.80%
Valuation allowance adjustments (in hundredths)	0.20%	-0.80%	-0.50%
Other, net (in hundredths)	-0.80%	0.10%	0.20%
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	28.60%	27.50%	28.90%
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes [Abstract]
United States	56,211,000	55,461,000	79,118,000
Foreign	58,387,000	102,172,000	96,860,000
Total	114,598,000	157,633,000	175,978,000
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	449,800,000
Reconciliation of change in liability for unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	5,295,000	7,091,000
Increases for tax positions taken in the current year	718,000	818,000
Increases for tax positions taken in prior years	10,238,000	875,000
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities	-1,044,000	-3,113,000
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations	-751,000	-374,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-516,000	-2,000
Balance at the end of year	13,940,000	5,295,000	7,091,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized	4,300,000
Income tax interest and penalties accrued	500,000	700,000
Expected decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the next fiscal year	10,200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate in the next fiscal year	300,000
Foreign Country [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryovers	116,200,000
Operating loss carryovers, subject to expiration	10,100,000
Operating loss carryovers, not subject to expiration	106,000,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryovers	99,300,000
Operating loss carryovers, subject to expiration	$99,300,000

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA2

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$1,447,821	$1,462,126	$1,453,555
Total revenue	1,501,838	1,516,738	1,510,343
Operating income (loss)	130,665	173,780	192,879
Interest expense	16,067	16,147	16,901
Earnings Before Income Taxes	114,598	157,633	175,978
Assets	1,765,206	1,870,734	1,776,643
Capital expenditures	79,398	104,246	103,806
Depreciation and amortization	51,456	52,016	48,352
Number of additional segments managed on a geographical basis	2
Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	-54,017	-54,612	-56,788
Total revenue	54,017	54,612	56,788
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	813,808	843,233	835,619
Total revenue	847,022	876,502	870,047
Operating income (loss)	119,093	120,278	120,825
Interest expense	0	0	0
Earnings Before Income Taxes	119,093	120,278	120,825
Assets	814,215	896,335	859,303
Capital expenditures	41,131	59,040	49,781
Depreciation and amortization	26,180	27,435	26,996
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	33,214	33,269	34,428
Color [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	487,503	473,811	478,341
Total revenue	508,077	495,057	500,667
Operating income (loss)	114,884	107,873	101,062
Interest expense	0	0	0
Earnings Before Income Taxes	114,884	107,873	101,062
Assets	732,364	761,485	715,683
Capital expenditures	31,883	38,639	45,858
Depreciation and amortization	18,785	17,541	14,393
Color [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	20,574	21,246	22,326
Corporate & Other [Member] | Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	146,510	145,082	139,595
Total revenue	146,739	145,179	139,629
Operating income (loss)	-103,312	-54,371	-29,008
Interest expense	16,067	16,147	16,901
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-119,379	-70,518	-45,909
Assets	218,627	212,914	201,657
Capital expenditures	6,384	6,567	8,167
Depreciation and amortization	6,491	7,040	6,963
Corporate & Other [Member] | Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$229	$97	$34

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA3

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFO (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$1,447,821	$1,462,126	$1,453,555
Long-lived assets	1,005,817	1,080,909	1,025,289
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	573,600	590,000	596,400
Long-lived assets	450,800	389,700	360,100
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | North America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	750,345	782,088	783,840
Long-lived assets	537,668	531,005	504,483
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	389,588	382,077	370,490
Long-lived assets	423,972	506,352	472,865
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	193,163	188,917	197,658
Long-lived assets	29,948	32,148	35,891
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	114,725	109,044	101,567
Long-lived assets	$14,229	$11,404	$12,050

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$1,447,821	$1,462,126	$1,453,555
Traditional Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	724,693	736,107	715,227
Natural Ingredients [Member]
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	227,538	244,155	252,941
Food & Beverage Colors [Member]
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	334,565	307,179	310,639
Non-Food Colors [Member]
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	215,042	229,297	231,536
Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Product Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	($54,017)	($54,612)	($56,788)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$1.90	$19.80
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward exchange contracts, asset	0.1	0.2
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long term debt	464.5	351
Level 2 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long term debt	$451	$348.10

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Details

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
	Employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected annual savings from restructuring	$30,000,000
Headcount reduction due to restructuring	300
Number of employees terminated due to restructuring	100
Savings recognized in restructuring plan	2,600,000
Carrying amount reduction due to asset impairment	35,000,000
Restructuring charge, after tax	73,300,000		22,000,000
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation	17,794,000		18,081,000
Long-lived asset impairment	63,431,000		4,176,000
Gain on asset sales	-602,000		-3,019,000
Write-down of inventory	1,914,000		1,840,000
Other Costs	8,013,000	[1]	10,657,000	[2]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	90,550,000		31,735,000
Discontinued Operations	10,998,000
Total Restructuring	101,548,000		31,735,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]
Balance	6,150,000		0
Restructuring and other costs	101,548,000		31,735,000
Gain on sale of assets	602,000		3,019,000
Cash spent	-15,840,000		-22,574,000
Reduction of assets	-75,117,000		-6,016,000
Translation adjustment	-1,537,000		-14,000
Balance	15,806,000		6,150,000
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in manufacturing labor and pre-tax charges	120,000,000
Additional restructuring cost	21,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in manufacturing labor and pre-tax charges	130,000,000
Additional restructuring cost	31,000,000
Employee Separations [Member]
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Gain on asset sales	0		0
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total Restructuring	18,951,000		18,081,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]
Balance	4,562,000		0
Restructuring and other costs	18,951,000		18,081,000
Gain on sale of assets	0		0
Cash spent	-7,067,000		-13,505,000
Reduction of assets	0		0
Translation adjustment	-1,537,000		-14,000
Balance	14,909,000		4,562,000
Asset Related and Other [Member]
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Gain on asset sales	-602,000		-3,019,000
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total Restructuring	82,597,000		13,654,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]
Balance	1,588,000		0
Restructuring and other costs	82,597,000		13,654,000
Gain on sale of assets	602,000		3,019,000
Cash spent	-8,773,000		-9,069,000
Reduction of assets	-75,117,000		-6,016,000
Translation adjustment	0		0
Balance	897,000		1,588,000
Selling & Administrative [Member]
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation	17,794,000		18,081,000
Long-lived asset impairment	63,431,000		4,176,000
Gain on asset sales	-602,000		-3,019,000
Write-down of inventory	0		0
Other Costs	8,013,000	[1]	10,657,000	[2]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	88,636,000		29,895,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]
Gain on sale of assets	602,000		3,019,000
Cost of Products Sold [Member]
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation	0		0
Long-lived asset impairment	0		0
Gain on asset sales	0		0
Write-down of inventory	1,914,000		1,840,000
Other Costs	0	[1]	0	[2]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	1,914,000		1,840,000
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Abstract]
Gain on sale of assets	0		0
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	83,871,000		22,284,000
Color [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	0		7,065,000
Corporate & Other [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	6,679,000		2,386,000
Discontinued Operations	10,998,000		0
2014 Proxy Contest [Member]
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Other Costs	$3,200,000
[1]	Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel moving costs, other related costs and 2014 proxy contest costs.
[2]	Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, personnel (other than employee separations) and moving related costs.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Certain Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings information for discontinued operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$5,197	$5,424	$5,495
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	-11,496	-1,418	-1,671
Income tax benefit	3,371	415	497
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	-8,125	-1,003	-1,174
Pre-tax restructuring costs from discontinued operations	$10,998

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating leases, future minimum payments due [Abstract]
Operating leases, due in 2015	$7.70
Operating leases, due in 2016	4.3
Operating leases, due in 2017	2.5
Operating leases, due in 2018	1.8
Operating leases, due in 2019	1.4
Operating leases, due thereafter	1.8
Rent expense	$10.70	$10.60	$10.70

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$4,327		$3,045		$3,588
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	896		1,413		745
Additions Recorded During Acquisitions	0		0		0
Deductions	1,385	[1]	130	[1]	1,288	[1]
Balance at End of Period	$3,838		$4,327		$3,045
[1]	Accounts written off, net of recoveries.