| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000051253 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State 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, Postal Zip Code | 10019 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 765-5500 |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value 12 1/2¢ per share |
| Trading Symbol | IFF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 6.00 Tangible Equity Units [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 6.00% Tangible Equity Units |
| Trading Symbol | IFFT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.500 Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.500% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 21 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.750 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.75% Senior Notes due 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 24 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.800 Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.800% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | IFF 26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
