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Segment and Geographic Area Information Identifiable Assets and Goodwill by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
--- | --- | --- | ---
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | $ 7,750,772 | $ 8,161,207 | $ 9,597,954
Goodwill | 1,610,355 | 1,540,032 | 1,460,552
All Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 126,486 | 130,595 | 517,695
Goodwill | 6,586 | 6,586 | 0
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 4,057,242 | 3,809,883 | 3,658,669
Goodwill | 1,396,140 | 1,348,261 | 1,267,505
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 745,007 | 724,218 | 699,929
Goodwill | 20,319 | 20,319 | 20,319
Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 1,016,519 | 913,923 | 937,445
Goodwill | 187,310 | 164,866 | 172,728
Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 1,805,518 | 2,582,588 | 575,314
Discontinued Operations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 3,208,902

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