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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2013
Chemical Segment
Dec. 31, 2012
Chemical Segment
Dec. 31, 2011
Chemical Segment
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum
Dec. 31, 2013
Contran
Dec. 31, 2012
Contran
Dec. 31, 2011
Contran
Feb. 28, 2014
Contran
Subsequent Event
Feb. 28, 2014
Contran
Subsequent Event
Minimum
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                        
Controlling interest in subsidiary               94.00%        
Common stock, voting rights                     The voting agreement expires in February 2017 (unless Ms. Lisa Simmons, Ms. Connelly and Ms. Annette Simmons otherwise mutually agree), and the ability of Ms. Lisa Simmons, Ms. Connelly, and Ms. Annette Simmons to each designate one member of the Contran board is dependent upon each of their continued beneficial ownership of at least 5% of the combined voting stock of Contran.  
Voting agreement expiration date                     2017-02  
Percentage of voting stock ownership required to designate a board member                       5.00%
Percentage of investment required to report under equity method investment             20.00%          
Capitalized interest cost on property and equipment $ 1.6 $ 1.7 $ 3.3                  
Net cash payments received from/paid to tax group parent               6.5 6.0 10.3    
Earnings of foreign subsidiaries subject to permanent reinvestment plan 900.0 1,000.0                    
Percentage of likelihood for recognition of uncertain tax positions 50.00%                      
Shipping and handling costs       93 89 93            
Advertising costs 2 1 2                  
Research, development and certain sales technical support costs $ 18 $ 19 $ 20