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Segment and Geographic Area Information Identifiable Assets and Goodwill by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
--- | --- | --- | ---
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | $ 7,581,674 | $ 7,750,772 | $ 8,161,207
Goodwill | 1,567,169 | 1,610,355 | 1,540,032
Reportable Segments | Lithium |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 4,605,070 | 3,979,615 | 3,499,302
Goodwill | 1,354,779 | 1,389,089 | 1,326,980
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 753,157 | 745,007 | 724,218
Goodwill | 20,319 | 20,319 | 20,319
Reportable Segments | Catalysts |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 1,134,975 | 1,332,599 | 1,224,504
Goodwill | 185,485 | 194,361 | 186,147
All Other |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 128,185 | 126,486 | 130,595
Goodwill | 6,586 | 6,586 | 6,586
Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | 960,287 | 1,567,065 | $ 2,582,588
Immaterial Error Correction | Reportable Segments | Lithium |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets | $ 238,500 |  |
Immaterial Error Correction | Corporate |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Identifiable assets |  | $ 238,500 |

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