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Segment and Geographic Area Information Net Sales to External Customers by Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ 696,655 | $ 654,010 | $ 669,327 | $ 657,211 | $ 722,610 | $ 693,216 | $ 718,290 | $ 692,313 | $ 2,677,203 | $ 2,826,429 | $ 2,445,548
Lithium and Advanced Materials |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 968,216 | 834,590 | 312,788
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Lithium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 668,852 | 508,844 | 0
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Performance Catalyst Solutions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 299,364 | 325,746 | 312,788
Bromine Specialties | Bromine Specialties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 792,425 | 775,729 | 808,857
Refining Solutions | Refining Solutions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 732,137 | $ 729,261 | $ 852,139

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