| Cover | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000051253 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity File Number | 1-4858 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-1432060 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 521 West 57th Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10019 |
| City Area Code | (212) |
| Local Phone Number | 765-5500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share |
| Trading Symbol | IFF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.00% Tangible Equity Units | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.00% Tangible Equity Units |
| Trading Symbol | IFFT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.500% Senior Notes due 2021 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.500% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 21 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.75% Senior Notes due 2024 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.75% Senior Notes due 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 24 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.800% Senior Notes due 2026 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.800% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
