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Segment and Geographic Area Information Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | $ 196,928 | $ 226,169 | $ 260,076
Capital expenditures | 317,703 | 196,654 | 227,649
All Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 8,357 | 7,302 | 18,183
Capital expenditures | 3,657 | 9,251 | 13,054
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 102,389 | 101,966 | 84,069
Capital expenditures | 207,410 | 91,967 | 104,344
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 40,062 | 39,562 | 36,179
Capital expenditures | 46,427 | 46,414 | 54,994
Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 39,958 | 36,089 | 34,039
Capital expenditures | 31,716 | 27,546 | 28,836
Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 6,162 | 6,056 | 8,703
Capital expenditures | 28,493 | 2,195 | 2,683
Discontinued Operations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 35,194 | 78,903
Capital expenditures | $ 0 | $ 19,281 | $ 23,738

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