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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands |  | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jan. 01, 2016 segment | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | segment |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Joint ventures |  |  | $ 429,794 | $ 411,119 | [1] |
Long-term advances to joint ventures | [2] |  | 31,776 | 31,780 |  |
Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) |  |  | $ 2,400 | 51,800 |  | $ (3,700)
Maximum remaining expiration period for foreign currency forward contracts |  |  | 1 year |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, useful life |  |  | 2 years |  |  |
Definite-lived intangible assets useful life |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, useful life |  |  | 60 years |  |  |
Definite-lived intangible assets useful life |  |  | 25 years |  |  |
Planned Major Maintenance Activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, useful life |  |  | 12 months |  |  |
Performance Chemicals |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | segment |  | 2 |  |  |  |
Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Joint ventures |  |  | $ 7,500 |  |  |
Other Assets | Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term advances to joint ventures |  |  | $ 30,000 | $ 30,000 |  |
[1] | Balance at December 31, 2015 excludes our investment in Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG (“Magnifin”) and two investments included in the sale of the Chemetall Surface Treatment business, which are included in Assets held for sale. Refer to Note 3, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
[2] | See Note 10, “Investments.”

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