Sensient Technologies (SXT) 10-Q 8 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	310,142
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,780,813
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMEN

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 360,836	$ 346,009	$ 703,304	$ 692,235
Cost of products sold	236,402	227,854	463,027	456,647
Selling and administrative expenses	80,769	73,088	149,093	144,075
Operating income	43,665	45,067	91,184	91,513
Interest expense	4,637	4,106	9,437	8,021
Earnings before income taxes	39,028	40,961	81,747	83,492
Income taxes	14,277	11,419	25,803	23,215
Earnings from continuing operations	24,751	29,542	55,944	60,277
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	3,365	(92)	3,343	(301)
Net earnings	$ 28,116	$ 29,450	$ 59,287	$ 59,976
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	44,562	46,168	44,640	46,670
Diluted (in shares)	44,822	46,470	44,902	46,984
Basic:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.64	$ 1.25	$ 1.29
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.08	0	0.07	(0.01)
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	0.63	0.64	1.33	1.29
Diluted:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.55	0.64	1.25	1.28
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.08	0	0.07	(0.01)
Earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	0.63	0.63	1.32	1.28
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.25	$ 0.54	$ 0.50

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	$ 7,174	$ 48,758	$ 53,924	$ 17,845

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,193	$ 11,997
Trade accounts receivable, net	254,635	232,047
Inventories	381,945	409,159
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,176	44,673
Assets held for sale	50,452	31,029
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	749,401	728,905
OTHER ASSETS	71,170	71,117
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS	18,686	25,177
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	8,755	9,209
GOODWILL	397,742	399,646
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Land	35,251	33,975
Buildings	269,151	274,318
Machinery and equipment	633,068	664,917
Construction in progress	86,169	62,515
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	1,023,639	1,035,725
Less accumulated depreciation	(555,391)	(566,047)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	468,248	469,678
TOTAL ASSETS	1,714,002	1,703,732
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade accounts payable	97,631	95,442
Accrued salaries, wages and withholdings from employees	22,869	23,530
Other accrued expenses	64,934	61,701
Income taxes	4,864	7,504
Short-term borrowings	20,747	20,655
Liabilities held for sale	4,509	4,090
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	215,554	212,922
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	6,532	5,640
OTHER LIABILITIES	7,458	7,534
ACCRUED EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS	20,300	19,007
LONG-TERM DEBT	601,840	613,502
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock	5,396	5,396
Additional paid-in capital	112,739	109,974
Earnings reinvested in the business	1,337,323	1,302,302
Treasury stock, at cost	(417,715)	(402,483)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(175,425)	(170,062)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	862,318	845,127
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 1,714,002	$ 1,703,732

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME5

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 59,287	$ 59,976
Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,301	24,258
Share-based compensation	4,803	711
Loss on assets	8,107	6,168
Deferred income taxes	6,231	3,032
Liquidation of foreign entity	(3,257)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	2,373	(17,268)
Net cash provided by operating activities	100,845	76,877
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(34,294)	(36,970)
Proceeds from sale of assets	910	12,627
Acquisition of new business	0	(8,393)
Other investing activity	(48)	(101)
Net cash used in investing activities	(33,432)	(32,837)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from additional borrowings	107,484	130,240
Debt payments	(123,067)	(20,097)
Purchase of treasury stock	(21,055)	(123,094)
Dividends paid	(24,266)	(23,600)
Proceeds from options exercised and other equity transactions	290	554
Net cash used in financing activities	(60,614)	(35,997)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,397	(6,587)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8,196	1,456
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	11,997	20,329
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 20,193	$ 21,785

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	1. Accounting Policies In the opinion of Sensient Technologies Corporation (the “Company”), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2016, the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Expenses are charged to operations in the period incurred. In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements In July 2015, the FASB affirmed its proposed one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Please refer to the notes in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, for additional details of the Company’s financial condition and a description of the Company’s accounting policies, which have been continued without change.

Fair Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	2. Fair Value Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 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 June 30, 2016. 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 June 30, 2016, was $601.8 million. The fair value of the long-term debt at June 30, 2016, was $624.4 million.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	3. Segment Information Operating results by segment for the periods presented are as follows: (In thousands) Flavors & Fragrances Color Asia Pacific Corporate & Other Consolidated Three months ended June 30, 2016: Revenue from external customers $ 201,590 $ 127,461 $ 31,785 $ - $ 360,836 Intersegment revenue 7,737 4,135 38 - 11,910 Total revenue $ 209,327 $ 131,596 $ 31,823 $ - $ 372,746 Operating income (loss) $ 35,307 $ 28,004 $ 6,112 $ (25,758 ) $ 43,665 Interest expense - - - 4,637 4,637 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 35,307 $ 28,004 $ 6,112 $ (30,395 ) $ 39,028 Three months ended June 30, 2015: Revenue from external customers $ 198,077 $ 118,236 $ 29,696 $ - $ 346,009 Intersegment revenue 6,555 3,614 53 - 10,222 Total revenue $ 204,632 $ 121,850 $ 29,749 $ - $ 356,231 Operating income (loss) $ 32,526 $ 25,528 $ 6,094 $ (19,081 ) $ 45,067 Interest expense - - - 4,106 4,106 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 32,526 $ 25,528 $ 6,094 $ (23,187 ) $ 40,961 (In thousands) Flavors & Fragrances Color Asia Pacific Corporate & Other Consolidated Six months ended June 30, 2016: Revenue from external customers $ 392,110 $ 249,742 $ 61,452 $ - $ 703,304 Intersegment revenue 15,556 7,888 78 - 23,522 Total revenue $ 407,666 $ 257,630 $ 61,530 $ - $ 726,826 Operating income (loss) $ 62,817 $ 55,848 $ 12,117 $ (39,598 ) $ 91,184 Interest expense - - - 9,437 9,437 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 62,817 $ 55,848 $ 12,117 $ (49,035 ) $ 81,747 Six months ended June 30, 2015: Revenue from external customers $ 397,177 $ 236,591 $ 58,467 $ - $ 692,235 Intersegment revenue 13,433 7,457 85 - 20,975 Total revenue $ 410,610 $ 244,048 $ 58,552 $ - $ 713,210 Operating income (loss) $ 62,985 $ 51,791 $ 11,745 $ (35,008 ) $ 91,513 Interest expense - - - 8,021 8,021 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 62,985 $ 51,791 $ 11,745 $ (43,029 ) $ 83,492 Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the results of operations for the Company’s color business in China, South Korea and Japan, previously reported in the Asia Pacific segment, are now reported in the Color segment. The results for 2015 have been restated to reflect these changes. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective segments before restructuring and other costs, interest expense and income taxes. The 2016 and 2015 restructuring and other costs related to continuing operations are reported in the Corporate & Other segment. See Note 10, Restructuring Anticipated Divestiture

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	4. Inventories At June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, inventories included finished and in-process products totaling $259.2 million and $291.9 million, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $122.7 million and $117.3 million, respectively.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	5. Retirement Plans The Company’s components of annual benefit cost for the defined benefit plans for the periods presented are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 503 $ 661 $ 1,006 $ 1,323 Interest cost 425 473 845 945 Expected return on plan assets (300 ) (324 ) (597 ) (646 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 55 74 108 147 Total defined benefit expense $ 683 $ 884 $ 1,362 $ 1,769

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	6. Shareholders’ Equity The Company repurchased 47,456 and 311,226 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $3.1 million and $18.5 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, and 1.0 million and 1.9 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $66.3 million and $127.2 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The amount of treasury stock purchases reported in the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flow represent purchases that have settled within each respective quarter.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	7. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity The Company may use forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk by reducing the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions, non-functional currency raw material purchases, non-functional currency sales and other known foreign currency exposures. These forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than 18 months. The Company’s primary hedging activities and their accounting treatment are summarized below: Forward exchange contracts Net investment hedges

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes The effective income tax rates for continuing operations for the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, were 36.6% and 27.9%, respectively. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the effective income tax rates for continuing operations were 31.6% and 27.8%, respectively. The effective tax rates in both 2016 and 2015 were impacted by restructuring activities, changes in estimates associated with the finalization of prior year foreign and domestic tax items, audit settlements and mix of foreign earnings. The rate in 2016 was also impacted by the deferred tax adjustments related to the anticipated divestiture discussed in Note 12, Anticipated Divestiture.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The following table summarizes the changes in OCI during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016: (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Items (a) Foreign Currency Items Total Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,028 ) $ (4,357 ) $ (149,098 ) $ (154,483 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 828 - (18,720 ) (17,892 ) Amounts reclassified from OCI 170 37 (3,257 ) (3,050 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (30 ) $ (4,320 ) $ (171,075 ) $ (175,425 ) (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Items (a) Foreign Currency Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 164 $ (4,393 ) $ (165,833 ) $ (170,062 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (743 ) - (1,985 ) (2,727 ) Amounts reclassified from OCI 549 73 (3,257 ) (2,636 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (30 ) $ (4,320 ) $ (171,075 ) $ (175,425 ) (a) Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax. During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company completed the liquidation of a business unit within the Color segment, resulting in the reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment into net earnings. See Note 11, Discontinued Operations

Restructuring

Restructuring	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring	10. Restructuring 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 11, Discontinued Operations In March 2014, the Company announced that it was initiating a restructuring plan (“2014 Restructuring Plan” or “Plan”) to eliminate underperforming operations, consolidate manufacturing facilities and improve efficiencies within the Company. The Company determined that it had redundant manufacturing capabilities in both North America and Europe and that it could lower costs and operate more efficiently by consolidating into fewer facilities. Eight facilities were identified for consolidation in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, four in North America and four in Europe. To date, closures have been announced in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States; Cornwall, Mississauga and Halton Hills, Canada; Bremen, Germany; and Milan, Italy. The Company also plans to sell its two European Natural Ingredients facilities, as discussed below. In addition, the Company discontinued one of the businesses in the Color segment, located near Leipzig, Germany, because it did not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan and it had generated losses for several years. In 2015, the Company identified additional opportunities to consolidate manufacturing operations at one of the Color segment’s facilities in Europe and eliminate additional positions in the European Flavors & Fragrances businesses. Based on this Plan, the Company determined that certain long-lived assets associated with the underperforming operations were impaired. The Company reduced the carrying amounts of these assets to their aggregate respective fair values, which were determined based on independent market valuations. The fair values of the remaining long-lived assets are estimated to be approximately $19 million, which includes certain of the land, buildings and equipment in the assets held for sale, as noted below. Also certain machinery and equipment has been identified to be disposed of at the time of the facility closures and the associated depreciation for these assets has been accelerated. The Company recorded long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of $0.3 million and $3.7 million, during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $0.7 million and $7.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Since initiating the Plan, the Company has recorded $85.5 million of long-lived asset impairments, including the impairment charges and accelerated depreciation. In addition, certain intangible assets, inventory and other current assets were also determined to be impaired and were written down. The Company has also incurred employee separation and other restructuring costs as a result of this Plan. The Company anticipates that it will reduce headcount by approximately 400 positions at the affected facilities, primarily in the Flavors & Fragrances segment, related to direct and indirect labor at manufacturing sites. As of June 30, 2016, 272 positions had been eliminated as a result of this Plan. As mentioned above, the Company plans to sell its European Natural Ingredients business, a business in the Flavors & Fragrances segment. This business has two facilities, located in Marchais, France and Elburg, the Netherlands. The European Natural Ingredients business has not generated significant profits for several years and it does not fit with the Company’s long-term strategic plan. The Company is currently working to sell this business and anticipates selling the business within the next year. Upon the completion of a sale of this business, the Company anticipates recognizing an additional non-cash loss of approximately $13 million. As of June 30, 2016, the Company has recorded assets held for sale of land, buildings and equipment of $9.4 million related to the 2014 Restructuring Plan, and inventory, receivables and other assets of $18.8 million related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business. The Company also has $3.1 million of liabilities held for sale related to the anticipated sale of the European Natural Ingredients business. The Company recorded total restructuring income of $0.2 million (as a result of a pre-tax gain from discontinued operations in connection with liquidation of the Leipzig entity, as discussed below) for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and restructuring costs of $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, in accordance with GAAP and based on an internal review of the affected facilities and consultation with legal and other advisors, and restructuring costs of $3.1 million and $16.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Since initiating the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company has incurred $144.6 million of restructuring costs through June 30, 2016. The Company expects to incur approximately $13 million of additional restructuring costs by the end of 2016 and approximately $4 million of restructuring costs in 2017. The Company expects that the closure and sale of these operations will significantly lower the Company’s operating costs over the next few years. Upon initiating the Plan, the Company estimated the annual cost reductions to be approximately $30 million, when fully implemented. The U.S. dollar has strengthened considerably since the initiation of the Plan, and as a result the dollar value of the cost savings has been reduced. In 2015, the Company identified additional cost savings opportunities, and as a result of these actions, the current estimate of annual cost savings is approximately $27 million. The Company has also implemented price increases to further mitigate the impact of foreign currency movements. The Company has already realized cost savings of approximately $3 million in 2014 and an additional $9 million in 2015. The Company expects to realize approximately $6 million to $7 million of incremental savings in 2016, of which $2.1 million and $4.1 million were realized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The remaining savings are expected to be realized in 2017. In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a certain business, located near Leipzig, Germany, within the Color segment. Production ceased in 2014 and the business met the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation. During the current quarter, the facility and remaining assets were sold for a gain of $0.2 million. In addition, the entity was liquidated resulting in a reclassification of the cumulative translation adjustment related to that entity of $3.3 million into net earnings. The pre-tax gain from discontinued operations, which includes restructuring costs, was $3.4 million during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of each segment before restructuring and other costs. All restructuring and other costs related to continuing operations are recorded in the Corporate & Other segment. The following table summarizes the restructuring expense by segment and discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Flavors & Fragrances $ 2,925 $ 7,191 $ 5,867 $ 13,020 Color 93 1,422 132 1,583 Asia Pacific - - - 58 Corporate & Other 257 1,009 618 2,076 Total Continuing Operations 3,275 9,622 6,617 16,737 Discontinued Operations (3,485 ) 85 (3,485 ) 114 Total Restructuring $ (210 ) $ 9,707 $ 3,132 $ 16,851 The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 319 $ - $ 319 Long-lived asset impairment 262 - 262 Write-down of inventory - 166 166 Other restructuring costs (1) 2,528 - 2,528 Total $ 3,109 $ 166 $ 3,275 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 450 $ - $ 450 Long-lived asset impairment 733 - 733 Write-down of inventory - 810 810 Other restructuring costs (1) 4,624 - 4,624 Total $ 5,807 $ 810 $ 6,617 (1) Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs. The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 1,796 $ - $ 1,796 Long-lived asset impairment 3,665 - 3,665 Write-down of inventory - 140 140 Other restructuring costs (1) 4,021 - 4,021 Total $ 9,482 $ 140 $ 9,622 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 3,704 $ - $ 3,704 Long-lived asset impairment 7,480 - 7,480 Gain on asset sales (1,301 ) - (1,301 ) Write-down of inventory - 281 281 Other restructuring costs (1) 6,573 - 6,573 Total $ 16,456 $ 281 $ 16,737 (1) Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs. The following table summarizes the accrual activities for the restructuring activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016: (In thousands) Employee Separations Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 10,260 $ 912 $ 11,172 Expense activity 450 4,624 5,074 Cash spent (2,574 ) (4,718 ) (7,292 ) Translation adjustment 145 - 145 Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,281 $ 818 $ 9,099

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	11. Discontinued Operations In connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company approved a plan to dispose of a business unit within the Color segment, located near Leipzig, Germany. Since 2014, the business has met the criteria to be presented as a discontinued operation as established in ASC Subtopic 205-20, Discontinued Operations The following table summarizes the discontinued operation’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ - $ - $ - $ 187 Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 3,441 (134 ) 3,410 (428 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (76 ) 42 (67 ) 127 Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 3,365 $ (92 ) $ 3,343 $ (301 )

Anticipated Divestiture

Anticipated Divestiture	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Anticipated Divestiture [Abstract]
Anticipated Divestiture	12. Anticipated Divestiture During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized management to explore strategic alternatives for a facility and certain related business lines within the Flavors & Fragrances segment in Europe. The Company anticipates a sale within the next year and has recorded assets held for sale of inventory and other assets of $22.2 million and $1.4 million of liabilities held for sale related to the anticipated sale. In addition, the Company has recorded an impairment charge of $10.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016 in selling and administrative expense, reducing the carrying value of the long-lived assets for this facility to zero. An estimate of the fair value of this business less cost to sell was determined to be lower than its carrying value. The difference between the fair value and its carrying value exceeded the existing net book value of the long-lived assets. If a sale is completed, the Company expects to recognize an additional non-cash loss of approximately $9.1 million.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. Commitments and Contingencies U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Civil Complaint On September 21, 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a civil complaint against Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC (SNI) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. SNI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The EEOC’s complaint alleges that SNI failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, when it terminated five employees in 2011. The EEOC seeks to enjoin SNI from engaging in employment practices that discriminate on the basis of disability; asks the Court to order SNI to implement policies, practices, and programs to ensure it does not violate the ADA; and requests back pay with prejudgment interest, reinstatement, front pay, compensation for past and future pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses, and punitive damages on behalf of the five named former employees and any similarly aggrieved individuals. Recoverable compensatory and punitive damages are subject to statutory caps. The complaint does not request a specific damages amount. To date, the EEOC has provided the Company with a list of 13 additional potentially aggrieved former employees not listed in the complaint who may have been terminated in violation of the ADA during the relevant time period. In its discovery responses, the EEOC has identified 3 of those 13 former employees as additional claimants for whom the Agency seeks relief. The Parties are currently engaged in the discovery process. The Company is vigorously investigating the facts alleged in the complaint to determine what exposure SNI may have. Since 2013, SNI’s on-site human resources representatives have worked closely with both Company counsel and outside labor and employment counsel to ensure that all policies, procedures and actions, including terminations, comply with applicable law. At this early stage, it is not possible to assess the probability of any legal or financial exposure. Other Claims and Litigation 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.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Operating results by segment for the periods presented are as follows: (In thousands) Flavors & Fragrances Color Asia Pacific Corporate & Other Consolidated Three months ended June 30, 2016: Revenue from external customers $ 201,590 $ 127,461 $ 31,785 $ - $ 360,836 Intersegment revenue 7,737 4,135 38 - 11,910 Total revenue $ 209,327 $ 131,596 $ 31,823 $ - $ 372,746 Operating income (loss) $ 35,307 $ 28,004 $ 6,112 $ (25,758 ) $ 43,665 Interest expense - - - 4,637 4,637 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 35,307 $ 28,004 $ 6,112 $ (30,395 ) $ 39,028 Three months ended June 30, 2015: Revenue from external customers $ 198,077 $ 118,236 $ 29,696 $ - $ 346,009 Intersegment revenue 6,555 3,614 53 - 10,222 Total revenue $ 204,632 $ 121,850 $ 29,749 $ - $ 356,231 Operating income (loss) $ 32,526 $ 25,528 $ 6,094 $ (19,081 ) $ 45,067 Interest expense - - - 4,106 4,106 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 32,526 $ 25,528 $ 6,094 $ (23,187 ) $ 40,961 (In thousands) Flavors & Fragrances Color Asia Pacific Corporate & Other Consolidated Six months ended June 30, 2016: Revenue from external customers $ 392,110 $ 249,742 $ 61,452 $ - $ 703,304 Intersegment revenue 15,556 7,888 78 - 23,522 Total revenue $ 407,666 $ 257,630 $ 61,530 $ - $ 726,826 Operating income (loss) $ 62,817 $ 55,848 $ 12,117 $ (39,598 ) $ 91,184 Interest expense - - - 9,437 9,437 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 62,817 $ 55,848 $ 12,117 $ (49,035 ) $ 81,747 Six months ended June 30, 2015: Revenue from external customers $ 397,177 $ 236,591 $ 58,467 $ - $ 692,235 Intersegment revenue 13,433 7,457 85 - 20,975 Total revenue $ 410,610 $ 244,048 $ 58,552 $ - $ 713,210 Operating income (loss) $ 62,985 $ 51,791 $ 11,745 $ (35,008 ) $ 91,513 Interest expense - - - 8,021 8,021 Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ 62,985 $ 51,791 $ 11,745 $ (43,029 ) $ 83,492

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Components of Annual Benefit Cost	The Company’s components of annual benefit cost for the defined benefit plans for the periods presented are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost $ 503 $ 661 $ 1,006 $ 1,323 Interest cost 425 473 845 945 Expected return on plan assets (300 ) (324 ) (597 ) (646 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 55 74 108 147 Total defined benefit expense $ 683 $ 884 $ 1,362 $ 1,769

Accumulated Other Comprehensi21

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)	The following table summarizes the changes in OCI during the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016: (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Items (a) Foreign Currency Items Total Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (1,028 ) $ (4,357 ) $ (149,098 ) $ (154,483 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 828 - (18,720 ) (17,892 ) Amounts reclassified from OCI 170 37 (3,257 ) (3,050 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (30 ) $ (4,320 ) $ (171,075 ) $ (175,425 ) (In thousands) Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Items (a) Foreign Currency Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 164 $ (4,393 ) $ (165,833 ) $ (170,062 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (743 ) - (1,985 ) (2,727 ) Amounts reclassified from OCI 549 73 (3,257 ) (2,636 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (30 ) $ (4,320 ) $ (171,075 ) $ (175,425 ) (a) Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring Cost by Segment	The following table summarizes the restructuring expense by segment and discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Flavors & Fragrances $ 2,925 $ 7,191 $ 5,867 $ 13,020 Color 93 1,422 132 1,583 Asia Pacific - - - 58 Corporate & Other 257 1,009 618 2,076 Total Continuing Operations 3,275 9,622 6,617 16,737 Discontinued Operations (3,485 ) 85 (3,485 ) 114 Total Restructuring $ (210 ) $ 9,707 $ 3,132 $ 16,851
Summary of Restructuring Costs	The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 319 $ - $ 319 Long-lived asset impairment 262 - 262 Write-down of inventory - 166 166 Other restructuring costs (1) 2,528 - 2,528 Total $ 3,109 $ 166 $ 3,275 Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 450 $ - $ 450 Long-lived asset impairment 733 - 733 Write-down of inventory - 810 810 Other restructuring costs (1) 4,624 - 4,624 Total $ 5,807 $ 810 $ 6,617 (1) Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs. The Company recorded restructuring costs in continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 1,796 $ - $ 1,796 Long-lived asset impairment 3,665 - 3,665 Write-down of inventory - 140 140 Other restructuring costs (1) 4,021 - 4,021 Total $ 9,482 $ 140 $ 9,622 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (In thousands) Selling & Administrative Cost of Products Sold Total Employee separation $ 3,704 $ - $ 3,704 Long-lived asset impairment 7,480 - 7,480 Gain on asset sales (1,301 ) - (1,301 ) Write-down of inventory - 281 281 Other restructuring costs (1) 6,573 - 6,573 Total $ 16,456 $ 281 $ 16,737 (1) Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs.
Summary of Accrual for Restructuring and Other Charges	The following table summarizes the accrual activities for the restructuring activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016: (In thousands) Employee Separations Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 10,260 $ 912 $ 11,172 Expense activity 450 4,624 5,074 Cash spent (2,574 ) (4,718 ) (7,292 ) Translation adjustment 145 - 145 Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,281 $ 818 $ 9,099

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Certain Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings Information for Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the discontinued operation’s results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ - $ - $ - $ 187 Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 3,441 (134 ) 3,410 (428 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (76 ) 42 (67 ) 127 Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 3,365 $ (92 ) $ 3,343 $ (301 )

Accounting Policies (Details)

Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
ASU 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Debt fees from other assets reclassified as long term debt	$ 0.4
ASU 2015-17 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets current reclassified as deferred tax asset noncurrent	17.1
Deferred tax assets current reclassified as deferred tax liability noncurrent	$ 7.3

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	$ 1.5	$ 1.5
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Forward exchange contracts, liability	0.1	$ 0.2
Level 2 [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long term debt	601.8
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 624.4

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 360,836	$ 346,009	$ 703,304	$ 692,235
Total Revenue	372,746	356,231	726,826	713,210
Operating income (loss)	43,665	45,067	91,184	91,513
Interest expense	4,637	4,106	9,437	8,021
Earnings before income taxes	39,028	40,961	81,747	83,492
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	209,327	204,632	407,666	410,610
Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	131,596	121,850	257,630	244,048
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	31,823	29,749	61,530	58,552
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	360,836	346,009	703,304	692,235
Operating Segments [Member] | Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	201,590	198,077	392,110	397,177
Operating income (loss)	35,307	32,526	62,817	62,985
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	35,307	32,526	62,817	62,985
Operating Segments [Member] | Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	127,461	118,236	249,742	236,591
Operating income (loss)	28,004	25,528	55,848	51,791
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	28,004	25,528	55,848	51,791
Operating Segments [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	31,785	29,696	61,452	58,467
Operating income (loss)	6,112	6,094	12,117	11,745
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	6,112	6,094	12,117	11,745
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(25,758)	(19,081)	(39,598)	(35,008)
Interest expense	4,637	4,106	9,437	8,021
Earnings before income taxes	(30,395)	(23,187)	(49,035)	(43,029)
Intersegment Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	11,910	10,222	23,522	20,975
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	7,737	6,555	15,556	13,433
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Color [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	4,135	3,614	7,888	7,457
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	38	53	78	85
Intersegment Revenue [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from external customers	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories, including finished and in-process products	$ 259.2	$ 291.9
Raw materials and supplies	$ 122.7	$ 117.3

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - Defined Benefit Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 503	$ 661	$ 1,006	$ 1,323
Interest cost	425	473	845	945
Expected return on plan assets	(300)	(324)	(597)	(646)
Amortization of actuarial loss	55	74	108	147
Total defined benefit expense	$ 683	$ 884	$ 1,362	$ 1,769

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock repurchased during the period (in shares)	47,456	1,000,000	311,226	1,900,000
Common stock repurchased during the period, value	$ 3.1	$ 66.3	$ 18.5	$ 127.2

Derivative Instruments and He30

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Impact of foreign exchange rates on debt instruments recorded in Other Comprehensive Income	$ (4.8)	$ 3.6
Maximum [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Number of months for forward exchange contracts to mature		18 months
Forward Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified into net earnings	(0.2)	$ (0.7)	$ (0.3)
Forward Exchange Contracts [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Derivative, fair value	18.8	18.8		$ 35.2
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt, Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative instruments and hedging activity for the period [Abstract]
Carrying value of foreign denominated debt	$ 206.3	$ 206.3		$ 162.5

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective income tax rates	36.60%	27.90%	31.60%	27.80%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi32

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 845,127
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		$ (17,892)	(2,727)
Amounts reclassified from OCI		(3,050)	(2,636)
Ending balance		862,318	862,318
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(154,483)	(170,062)
Ending balance		(175,425)	(175,425)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(1,028)	164
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	[1]	828	(743)
Amounts reclassified from OCI	[1]	170	549
Ending balance	[1]	(30)	(30)
Pension Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(4,357)	(4,393)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	[1]	0	0
Amounts reclassified from OCI	[1]	37	73
Ending balance	[1]	(4,320)	(4,320)
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(149,098)	(165,833)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(18,720)	(1,985)
Amounts reclassified from OCI		(3,257)	(3,257)
Ending balance		$ (171,075)	$ (171,075)
[1]	Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax.

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		27 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)FacilitiesPositions	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Positions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Estimated fair values of the remaining long-lived assets		$ 19,000		$ 19,000				$ 19,000
Long lived asset impairments recorded to date								$ 85,500
Position reduction due to restructuring | Positions				400
Number of positions eliminated due to restructuring | Positions								272
Non-cash loss on sale of business				$ 13,000
Liabilities held for sale		4,509		4,509		$ 4,090		$ 4,509
Total restructuring costs incurred to date		144,600		144,600				144,600
Estimated cost savings due to restructuring				30,000
Annual cost of savings				27,000
Realized cost of savings						9,000	$ 3,000
Expected incremental saving realized		2,100		4,100
Pre-tax gain from discontinued operations		3,441	$ (134)	3,410	$ (428)
Gain on sale of facilities		200
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		3,275	9,622	6,617	16,737
Discontinued operations		(3,485)	85	(3,485)	114
Total restructuring		(210)	9,707	3,132	16,851
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation		319	1,796	450	3,704
Long-lived asset impairment		262	3,665	733	7,480
Gain on asset sales					(1,301)
Write-down of inventory		166	140	810	281
Other restructuring costs	[1]	2,528	4,021	4,624	6,573
Future restructuring costs, 2016		13,000		13,000				13,000
Future restructuring costs, 2017		4,000		4,000				4,000
Translation adjustment reclassified into net earnings		3,300
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period				11,172
Expense activity				5,074
Cash spent				(7,292)
Translation adjustment				145
Balance as of end of period		9,099		9,099		11,172		9,099
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected incremental savings in 2016		6,000		6,000				6,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected incremental savings in 2016		7,000		$ 7,000				7,000
Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Facilities identified for sell | Facilities				2
Selling & Administrative [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		3,109	9,482	$ 5,807	16,456
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation		319	1,796	450	3,704
Long-lived asset impairment		262	3,665	733	7,480
Gain on asset sales					(1,301)
Write-down of inventory		0	0	0	0
Other restructuring costs	[1]	2,528	4,021	4,624	6,573
Cost of Products Sold [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		166	140	810	281
Detail of the restructuring costs [Abstract]
Employee separation		0	0	0	0
Long-lived asset impairment		0	0	0	0
Gain on asset sales					0
Write-down of inventory		166	140	810	281
Other restructuring costs	[1]	0	0	$ 0	0
Flavors & Fragrances [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Facilities identified for consolidation | Facilities				8
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		2,925	7,191	$ 5,867	13,020
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Facilities identified for consolidation | Facilities				4
Flavors & Fragrances [Member] | Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Facilities identified for consolidation | Facilities				4
Color [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		93	1,422	$ 132	1,583
Asia Pacific [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		0	0	0	58
Corporate & Other [Member]
Restructuring cost by segment [Abstract]
Total continuing operations		257	$ 1,009	618	$ 2,076
European Natural Ingredients Business [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Assets held for sale of inventory, receivable and other assets		18,800		18,800				18,800
Liabilities held for sale		3,100		3,100				3,100
2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Assets held for sale of land, building and equipment		9,400		9,400				9,400
Employee Separations [Member]
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period				10,260
Expense activity				450
Cash spent				(2,574)
Translation adjustment				145
Balance as of end of period		8,281		8,281		10,260		8,281
Other [Member]
Summary of accrual for restructuring and other charges [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period				912
Expense activity				4,624
Cash spent				(4,718)
Translation adjustment				0
Balance as of end of period		$ 818		$ 818		$ 912		$ 818
[1]	Other costs include decommissioning costs, professional services, temporary labor, moving costs and other related costs.

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Certain Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings information for discontinued operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 187
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	3,441	(134)	3,410	(428)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(76)	42	(67)	127
Gain (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	3,365	$ (92)	$ 3,343	$ (301)
Gain on sale of assets	200
Translation adjustment reclassified into net earnings	$ 3,300

Anticipated Divestiture (Detail

Anticipated Divestiture (Details) - Flavors & Fragrances [Member] - Europe [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale of inventory and other assets	$ 22.2
Liabilities held for sale	1.4
Impairment charges included in selling, general and administrative expenses	10.3
Expected non-cash loss on assets held for sale	$ 9.1

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016Employee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of employees terminated	5
Number of additional potentially aggrieved former employees	13
Number of additional claimants	3