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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
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | $ 200,698 | $ 196,928 | $ 226,169
Capital expenditures | 699,991 | 317,703 | 196,654
Reportable Segments | Lithium |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 95,193 | 87,879 | 86,862
Capital expenditures | 500,849 | 192,318 | 72,038
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 41,607 | 40,062 | 39,562
Capital expenditures | 79,357 | 46,427 | 46,414
Reportable Segments | Catalysts |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 49,131 | 54,468 | 51,193
Capital expenditures | 52,019 | 46,808 | 47,475
All Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 8,073 | 8,357 | 7,302
Capital expenditures | 5,232 | 3,657 | 9,251
Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 6,694 | 6,162 | 6,056
Capital expenditures | 62,534 | 28,493 | 2,195
Discontinued Operations |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 0 | 0 | 35,194
Capital expenditures | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 19,281

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