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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, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ 857,789 | $ 754,866 | $ 737,258 | $ 722,063 | $ 696,655 | $ 654,010 | $ 669,327 | $ 657,211 | $ 3,071,976 | $ 2,677,203 | $ 2,826,429
Lithium and Advanced Materials |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,308,153 | 968,216 | 834,590
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Lithium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,018,885 | 668,852 | 508,844
Lithium and Advanced Materials | Performance Catalyst Solutions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 289,268 | 299,364 | 325,746
Bromine Specialties | Bromine Specialties |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 855,143 | 792,425 | 775,729
Refining Solutions | Refining Solutions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 778,304 | $ 732,137 | $ 729,261

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