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Segment and Geographic Area Information Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Feb. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Multiemployer plan, period contributions | $ 1,500 | $ 1,500 | $ 1,700 |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 0 | (52,801) | (1,921) |
Cost of sales |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | 100 | 2,900 |  |
Write-off of fixed assets | 4,900 |  |  |
Non-routine Chilean labor costs | 8,800 |  |  |
Reversal of a liability from an abandoned project |  | 1,300 |  |
Research and development expenses |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net |  | 5,700 |  |
Write-off of fixed assets |  |  | 1,400 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | 3,700 | 8,400 |  |
Charitable contribution | 1,200 |  |  |
Gain related to a refund form Chilean authorities | 1,500 |  |  |
Reversal of purchase accounting accrual |  | 1,000 |  |
Net gain (loss) on sales of properties |  |  | (900) |
Other expenses, net |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Revision of tax indemnification expense | 19,700 | 3,700 |  |
Revision of previously recorded expenses of a disposed business | 5,500 |  |  |
Reversal of a liability from previous business | 1,500 | 1,100 |  |
Asset retirement obligation charges |  | 3,200 |  |
Net gain (loss) on sales of properties |  | (8,700) | 1,100 |
Settlement of a legal claim |  | 1,000 |  |
Reversal of a liability from previous acquisition |  | 10,600 |  |
Environmental charges |  |  | $ 2,400 |
Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd. |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Inventory markup |  | 23,100 |  |
Sales de Magnesio Ltda. |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interests acquired |  |  |  | 50.00%
Financial Improvement Plan | Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Multiemployer plan, period contributions | $ 2,300 | $ 3,300 |  |

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