| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 16, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | WI |
| Entity File Number | 001-07626 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 39-0561070 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | MILWAUKEE |
| Entity Address, State or Province | WI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 53202-5304 |
| City Area Code | 414 |
| Local Phone Number | 271-6755 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000310142 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.10 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SXT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
