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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STEPAN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000094049
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 812,371,804
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,965,972

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net Sales (Note 1)	$ 1,803,737	$ 1,843,092	$ 1,431,122
Cost of Sales	1,512,184	1,587,539	1,195,144
Gross Profit	291,553	255,553	235,978
Operating Expenses:
Selling (Note 1)	53,145	45,807	40,273
Administrative (Note 1)	63,979	50,766	49,501
Research, development and technical services (Note 1)	45,713	40,524	38,307
Total Operating Expenses	162,837	137,097	128,081
Operating Income	128,716	118,456	107,897
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net (Note 6)	(9,599)	(9,095)	(6,341)
Loss from equity in joint ventures (Note 1)	(4,724)	(3,616)	(1,663)
Other, net (Note 8)	1,329	(851)	1,586
Total Other Income (Expense)	(12,994)	(13,562)	(6,418)
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	115,722	104,894	101,479
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 9)	36,035	32,292	35,888
Net Income	79,687	72,602	65,591
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 1)	(291)	(626)	(164)
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$ 79,396	$ 71,976	$ 65,427
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 18):
Basic	$ 3.71	$ 3.44	$ 3.18
Diluted	$ 3.49	$ 3.21	$ 2.95
Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 18):
Basic	21,273	20,726	20,326
Diluted	22,730	22,440	22,180

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 79,687	$ 72,602	$ 65,591
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,101	(12,523)	2,585
Defined benefit pension plans:
Net actuarial loss arising in period (net of taxes of $2,568, $3,617, $2,349 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)	(5,387)	(5,259)	(3,618)
Amortization of prior service cost included in pension expense (net of taxes of $5, $6, $6 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)	13	13	13
Amortization of actuarial loss included in pension expense (net of taxes of $1,371, $1,154, $866 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)	2,261	1,913	1,479
Amortization of transition obligation included in pension expense (net of taxes of $5, $8, $8 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)	13	19	19
Net defined benefit pension plan activity	(3,100)	(3,314)	(2,107)
Cash flow hedges:
Gains (losses) arising in period (net of taxes of $16 in 2012 and $12 in 2011, respectively)	116	(1)
Reclassifications to income in period (net of taxes of $8 in 2012)	19
Net cash flow hedge activity	135	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,136	(15,838)	478
Comprehensive Income	82,823	56,764	66,069
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(389)	(674)	(348)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$ 82,434	$ 56,090	$ 65,721

Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss arising in period, tax	$ 2,568	$ 3,617	$ 2,349
Amortization of prior service cost included in pension expense, tax	5	6	6
Amortization of actuarial loss included in pension expense, tax	1,371	1,154	866
Amortization of transition obligation included in pension expense, tax	5	8	$ 8
Gains (losses) arising in period, tax	16	$ 12
Reclassifications to income in period, tax	$ 8

- Definition

Tax effect of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment for prior service costs recognized as a component of net period benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 25
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 25
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment of accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges realized in net income. Also includes reclassification adjustments of an entity's share of an equity investee's deferred hedging gain (loss) realized in net income.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 76,875

$ 84,099

Receivables, less allowances of $5,533 in 2012 and $5,214 in 2011.

255,858

260,784

Inventories (Note 5)

162,013

111,175

Deferred income taxes (Note 9)

9,876

8,769

Other current assets

18,456

14,915

Total current assets

523,078

479,742

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Land

11,942

11,794

Buildings and improvements

151,831

143,910

Machinery and equipment

969,603

889,721

Construction in progress

66,979

74,472

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross

1,200,355

1,119,897

Less: accumulated depreciation

778,333

735,914

Property, plant and equipment, net

422,022

383,983

Goodwill, net (Note 4)

7,199

7,000

Other intangible assets, net (Note 4)

8,778

11,181

Long-term investments (Note 2)

14,093

12,464

Other non-current assets

10,308

6,748

Total assets

985,478

901,118

Current Liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 6)

32,838

34,487

Accounts payable

141,668

137,764

Accrued liabilities (Note 14)

72,661

60,975

Total current liabilities

247,167

233,226

Deferred income taxes (Note 9)

9,200

8,644

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 6)

149,564

164,967

Other non-current liabilities (Note 15)

98,667

88,816

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)

Equity (Note 10):

5-1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 61,935 shares in 2012 and 518,293 shares in 2011

1,548

12,957

Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 25,141,610 shares in 2012 and 23,418,624 shares in 2011 (a)

^[1]

25,142

11,709

Additional paid-in capital

125,003

94,932

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 1)

(38,250)

(41,485)

Retained earnings

420,472

366,293

Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 3,175,638 shares in 2012 and 2,925,960 shares in 2011(a)

^[1]

(54,930)

(43,195)

Total Stepan Company stockholders' equity

478,985

401,211

Noncontrolling interests

1,895

4,254

Total equity

480,880

405,465

Total liabilities and equity

$ 985,478

$ 901,118

[1]	Share amounts reflect the two-for-one common stock split that was effective December 14, 2012.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowances	$ 5,533	$ 5,214
Convertible preferred stock dividend rate	5.50%	5.50%
5-1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, par value
5-1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
5-1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares issued	61,935	518,293
5-1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares outstanding	61,935	518,293
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,141,610	23,418,624
Treasury stock, shares	3,175,638	2,925,960

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$ 79,687	$ 72,602	$ 65,591
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	51,294	47,099	40,351
Deferred compensation	10,252	1,529	5,020
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on long-term investments	(1,460)	156	(1,367)
Stock-based compensation	3,122	3,676	3,789
Deferred income taxes	134	5,056	5,365
Other non-cash items	2,755	4,967	1,292
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:
Receivables, net	3,906	(60,842)	(34,449)
Inventories	(50,260)	(12,854)	(16,975)
Other current assets	(2,210)	(2,246)	(576)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	24,055	25,901	7,409
Pension liabilities	(4,341)	(2,470)	(2,252)
Environmental and legal liabilities	(66)	(772)	(2,481)
Deferred revenues	(662)	(1,474)	(1,404)
Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards	(7,237)	(2,951)	(3,187)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	108,969	77,377	66,126
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(83,159)	(83,166)	(73,748)
Asset acquisition (Note 20)			(10,400)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 20)		(13,562)	(9,835)
Sale of mutual funds	537	1,615	780
Other, net	(4,827)	(6,274)	(4,051)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	(87,449)	(101,387)	(97,254)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net	770	223	16,849
Term Loan		65,000	40,000
Build-to-suit obligation buyout		(12,206)
Other debt borrowings		6,573	6,449
Other debt repayments	(18,460)	(52,454)	(10,427)
Dividends paid	(12,757)	(11,513)	(10,570)
Company stock repurchased	(2,098)	(1,508)	(4,906)
Stock option exercises	4,473	3,228	4,335
Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards	7,237	2,951	3,187
Other, net	(8,640)	(2,398)	(2,544)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	(29,475)	(2,104)	42,373
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	731	(985)	1,435
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(7,224)	(27,099)	12,680
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	84,099	111,198	98,518
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	76,875	84,099	111,198
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds	29,698	24,327	25,091
Cash payments of interest	$ 10,491	$ 8,647	$ 6,630

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Convertible Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 290,427	$ 13,660	$ 22,458	$ 71,267	$ (31,951)	$ (25,893)	$ 250,973	$ 1,142
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	5,006		187	4,819
Acquisition of controlling interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc	2,090							2,090
Purchase of common stock	(7,155)				(7,155)
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		(688)	60	628
Stock-based compensation	3,789		66	3,723
Deferred compensation	228			228
Net income	65,591						65,427	164
Other comprehensive income	478					294		184
Cash dividends paid:
Preferred stock	(747)						(747)
Common stock	(9,823)						(9,823)
Non-qualified stock option and stock award income tax benefit	3,187			3,187
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	353,071	13,002	11,512	83,852	(39,106)	(25,599)	305,830	3,580
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	3,796		134	3,662
Purchase of common stock	(4,112)				(4,112)
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		(45)	2	43
Stock-based compensation	3,676		54	3,622
Deferred compensation	832		7	802	23
Net income	72,602						71,976	626
Other comprehensive income	(15,838)					(15,886)		48
Cash dividends paid:
Preferred stock	(714)						(714)
Common stock	(10,799)						(10,799)
Non-qualified stock option and stock award income tax benefit	2,951			2,951
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	405,465	12,957	11,709	94,932	(43,195)	(41,485)	366,293	4,254
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan	8,806		321	8,485
Purchase of common stock	(11,759)				(11,759)
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest	(2,000)			551		197		(2,748)
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		(11,409)	604	10,805
Stock-based compensation	2,484		42	2,442
Deferred compensation	581		6	551	24
Net income	79,687						79,396	291
Other comprehensive income	3,136					3,038		98
Cash dividends paid:
Preferred stock	(579)						(579)
Common stock	(12,178)						(12,178)
Non-qualified stock option and stock award income tax benefit	7,237			7,237
Two-for-one stock split			12,460				(12,460)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 480,880	$ 1,548	$ 25,142	$ 125,003	$ (54,930)	$ (38,250)	$ 420,472	$ 1,895

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 $ / shares shares
Number of shares of common stock issued under stock option plan	582,730	268,978	374,508
Number of common stock shares purchased	251,312	115,460	250,070
Preferred stock \| $ / shares	$ 1.375	$ 1.375	$ 1.375
Common stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.58	$ 0.53	$ 0.49
Common Stock Split Ratio Declared	2
Common Stock
Number of shares of common stock issued under stock option plan	582,730	268,978	374,508
Additional Paid-in Capital
Number of shares of common stock issued under stock option plan	582,730	268,978	374,508
Treasury Stock
Number of common stock shares purchased	251,312	115,460	250,070
Retained Earnings
Preferred stock \| $ / shares	$ 1.375	$ 1.375	$ 1.375
Common stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.58	$ 0.53	$ 0.49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Stepan Company (the Company) operations consist predominantly of the production and sale of specialty and intermediate chemicals, which are sold to other manufacturers for use in a variety of end products. Principal markets for all products are manufacturers of cleaning and washing compounds (including detergents, shampoos, fabric softeners, toothpastes and household cleaners), paints, cosmetics, food, beverages, nutritional supplements, agricultural products, plastics, furniture, automotive equipment, insulation and refrigeration.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Company management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company exercises controlling influence. The equity method is used to account for investments in which the Company exercises significant but noncontrolling influence. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company is a partner in two joint ventures: Nanjing Stepan Jinling Chemical Limited Liability Company (Stepan China) in Nanjing, China and TIORCO, LLC in Denver, Colorado. Stepan China manufactures aromatic polyester polyols for China’s domestic market. The Company has an 80 percent ownership interest in the joint venture and exercises controlling influence. Therefore, Stepan China’s accounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the joint venture partner’s interests in Stepan China’s income and net assets are reported in the noncontrolling interest lines of the consolidated statements of income and balance sheets, respectively.

TIORCO, LLC markets chemical solutions for increased production of crude oil and natural gas from existing fields. The joint venture is equally owned and controlled by the Company and Nalco Company (now a part of Ecolab Inc.). The Company’s investment in TIORCO, LLC is accounted for using the equity method and is included in the other non-current assets line on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s share of TIORCO, LLC’s net earnings is included in the loss from equity in joint ventures line of the consolidated statements of income.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests are reported in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of equity, separate from Company equity. In the consolidated statements of income, net income is reported on a consolidated basis that includes amounts attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

At December 31, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $76.9 million, including $25.6 million in two separate U.S. money market funds, each of which was rated AAA by Standard and Poor’s and Aaa by Moody’s. Cash in U.S. demand deposit accounts totaled $7.3 million and cash of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held outside the U.S. totaled $44.0 million as of December 31, 2012.

Receivables and Credit Risk

Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and other allowances and primarily include trade receivables, as well as nontrade receivables from suppliers, governmental tax agencies and others.

The Company is exposed to credit risk on accounts receivable balances. This risk is mitigated by the Company’s large, diverse customer base, which is dispersed over various geographic regions and industrial sectors. No single customer comprised more than 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Specific customer allowances are recorded when a review of customer creditworthiness and current economic conditions indicate that collection is doubtful. In addition, the Company maintains a general allowance as a percentage of total trade receivables. The general allowance percentage is periodically reviewed and adjusted based on historical bad debt losses of the Company.

The Company also maintains other allowances for active customers that occur in the normal course of business. Such allowances are based on historical averages and trade receivable levels.

The following is an analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts and other accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	2012		2011			2010
Balance at January 1	$	5,214	$	6,145		$	6,762
Provision charged (credited) to income		314		(568	)		(108	)
Accounts written off, net of recoveries		5		(363	)		(509	)

Balance at December 31	$	5,533	$	5,214		$	6,145

Inventories

Inventories are valued at cost, which is not in excess of market value, and include material, labor and plant overhead costs. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method is used to determine the cost of the Company’s U.S. inventories. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) method is used for all other inventories. Inventories priced at LIFO as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, accounted for 59 and 66 percent of total inventories, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Lives used for calculating depreciation are generally 30 years for buildings and 15 years for building improvements. For assets classified as machinery and equipment, lives generally used for calculating depreciation expense range from 10 to 15 years for manufacturing equipment, five to 10 years for furniture and fixtures, three to five years for vehicles and three to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Manufacturing of chemicals is capital intensive with over 90 percent of the assets included in machinery and equipment representing manufacturing equipment. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized in the property accounts, while maintenance and repairs ($45,072,000, $43,128,000, and $36,912,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively), which do not renew or extend the life of the respective assets, are charged to operations as incurred. Land is not depreciated. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income.

Included in the computer equipment and software component of machinery and equipment are costs related to the acquisition and development of internal-use software. Capitalized costs include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in obtaining and developing the software. For development projects where major internal resources are committed, payroll and payroll-related costs incurred during the application development phase of the project are also capitalized. The capitalized costs are amortized over the useful lives of the software, which are generally three to 10 years. Costs incurred in the preliminary project phase are expensed.

Interest charges on borrowings applicable to major construction projects are capitalized.

Property, plant and equipment assets are tested for impairment when events indicate that impairment may have occurred.

Fair Value Measurements

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Furthermore, GAAP establishes a framework, in the form of a three-level hierarchy, for measuring fair value that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following describes the hierarchy levels:

Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - unobservable inputs which reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants use in pricing the assets and liabilities.

The Company applies the fair value measurement provisions of GAAP to any of its financial assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2), its outstanding debt for disclosure purposes (also Note 6) and its pension plan assets (see Note 13).

The Company also applies the fair value measurement requirements to nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and liabilities such as goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets recorded in conjunction with business combinations and as part of impairment reviews for goodwill and long-lived assets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon shipment of goods to customers, at which time title and risk of loss pass to the customer. For arrangements where the Company consigns product to a customer location, revenue is recognized when the customer uses the inventory. The Company records shipping and handling billed to a customer in a sales transaction as revenue. Costs incurred for shipping and handling are reported in cost of sales. Volume discounts due customers are estimated and recorded in the same period as the sales to which the discounts relate and reported as reductions of revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales comprises raw material costs, including inbound freight expense to deliver the raw materials, manufacturing plant labor expenses and various manufacturing overhead expenses, which include utility, maintenance, operating supply, amortization and manufacturing asset depreciation expenses. Cost of sales also includes outbound freight expenses, purchasing and receiving costs, quality assurance expenses, inter-plant transfer costs and warehouse expenses.

Operating Expenses

Selling expense comprises salary and the related fringe benefit expenses for marketing and sales personnel and operating costs, such as outside agent commissions, automobile rental and travel-related expenses, which support the sales and marketing functions. Bad debt charges and any depreciation expenses related to marketing assets (e.g., computers) are also classified as marketing expense.

Administrative expense comprises salary and the related fringe benefit expenses and operating costs for the Company’s various administrative functions, which include information services, finance, legal, and human resources. Compensation expense related to the Company’s deferred compensation plans and legal and environmental remediation expenses are also classified as administrative expense.

The Company’s research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These expenses are aimed at discovery and commercialization of new knowledge with the intent that such effort will be useful in developing a new product or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process. Total research and development expenses were $28,032,000, $25,128,000 and $24,218,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The remainder of research, development and technical service expenses reflected on the consolidated statements of income relates to technical services, which include routine product testing, quality control and sales support service.

Environmental Expenditures

Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed in cost of sales or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that mitigate or prevent environmental contamination and that benefit future operations are capitalized. Capitalized expenditures are depreciated generally utilizing a 10 year life. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed to administrative expense. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost or range of possible costs can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum is accrued. Some of the factors on which the Company bases its estimates include information provided by feasibility studies, potentially responsible party negotiations and the development of remedial action plans. Because reported liabilities are recorded based on estimates, actual amounts could significantly differ from those estimates. Legal costs related to environmental matters are expensed as incurred (see Note 16 for environmental contingencies).

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include patents, agreements not to compete, trademarks, customer lists, technological and manufacturing know-how and goodwill, all of which were acquired as part of business or product line acquisitions. The Company separately identifies intangible assets other than goodwill and amortizes them in accordance with their useful lives, generally ranging from five to 15 years. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if an event indicates that impairment may have occurred. Finite life intangible assets are tested for impairment when events indicate that impairment may have occurred. For more details see Note 4.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for changes in tax rates or laws, and the effects of the changes are recorded in income in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax benefit recognized in the consolidated financial statements is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon effective settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between the tax position taken on a tax return and the amounts recognized in the financial statements, are recorded either as an increase to a tax liability or as a decrease to an income tax receivable. The Company includes estimated interest and penalty amounts related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the tax provision.

See Note 9 for detailed information about income taxes.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Assets and liabilities of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at year end. The resulting translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses for the consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are reflected in the other, net caption of the consolidated statements of income.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options, performance stock awards and stock appreciation rights (SARs) to certain employees under its incentive compensation plans. The Company calculates the fair values of stock options, performance stock awards and SARs on the date such instruments are granted. The fair values of the stock option and performance stock awards are then recognized as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the instruments. SARs, which were granted for the first time in 2012, are cash-settled and, therefore, accounted for as liabilities that must be re-measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Compensation expense for each reporting period is based on the period-to-period change (or portion of the change, depending on the proportion of the vesting period that has been completed at the reporting date) in the fair value of the SARs. See Note 11 for detailed information about the Company’s stock-based compensation.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Net income used in computing basic earnings per share is net income attributable to the Company reduced by dividends paid to preferred stockholders. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the increased number of common shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options (under the treasury stock method), the conversion of the convertible preferred stock (when such conversion would have the effect of reducing earnings per share), and contingent stock awards that are part of the Company’s incentive stock-based compensation program (see Note 11). All share and per share data reflect the two-for-one common stock split that was effective December 14, 2012. See Note 18 for detailed information about the Company’s earnings per share calculations.

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and all other non-owner changes in equity that are not reported in net income. Comprehensive income is disclosed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company (net of income taxes) as reported in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, comprised the following:


(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments						Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments						Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance as of January 1	$	(9,086	)	$	3,485		$	(32,398	)	$	(29,084	)	$	(1	)		—		$	(41,485	)	$	(25,599	)
Current period other comprehensive income		6,200	^(a)		(12,571	)		(3,100	)		(3,314	)		135		$	(1	)		3,235	^(a)		(15,886	)

Balance as of December 31	$	(2,886	)	$	(9,086	)	$	(35,498	)	$	(32,398	)	$	134		$	(1	)	$	(38,250	)	$	(41,485	)

^(a)	Amounts also include $197 of favorable currency translation adjustments reclassified from the noncontrolling interest to the Company upon the Company’s purchase of the remaining ownership interest in SPI.

Segment Reporting

The Company reports financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments are components of the Company that have separate financial information that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources. The Company discloses segment revenue, operating income, assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization expenses. Enterprise-wide financial information about the geographic locations in which the Company earns revenues and holds assets is also disclosed (see Note 17).

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are recognized currently in earnings. For derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are either offset in earnings against changes in the fair values of the hedged items or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. At the time a hedging relationship is designated, the Company establishes the method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. The Company held derivative instruments designated as hedges during 2012 and 2011. Company policy prohibits the use of derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 3 for further information regarding the Company’s use of derivatives.

At December 31, 2012, the Company held open forward purchase contracts for the purchase of 1.1 million dekatherms of natural gas in 2013 at a cost of $4,224,000 and contracts to purchase approximately 14,000 megawatt hours of electricity in 2013 at a cost of $956,000. The Company uses forward purchase contracts to minimize its exposure to volatile natural gas and electric prices. Because the Company anticipates taking delivery of the gas and electricity for use in its operations, the contracts qualify for the normal purchase exception election provided under the accounting rules for derivative instruments. The Company has elected the exceptions for such contracts. As a result, the contracts are not accounted for as derivative instruments. The costs of the natural gas and electricity are charged to expense at the time the gas and electricity are delivered and used.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), and do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices. The amendments in this update are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the new requirement did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In this update, the FASB eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these years, beginning after December 15, 2011. This date does not apply to the requirement for the presentation of reclassifications of items out of other comprehensive income to net income. This requirement has been deferred indefinitely by ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. Although adoption of the new requirement had an effect on the Company’s presentation of comprehensive income (the Company chose the two separate but consecutive statement format), it did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which amends the guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new standard provides entities that are testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step 1 of the goodwill impairment test). If an entity determines, on the basis of the qualitative assessment, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) less than the reporting unit’s carrying amount, the traditional two-step impairment test would be required. The ASU does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. Furthermore, the ASU does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events or circumstances warrant. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company did not employ the qualitative assessment made available by this update for the Company’s 2012 annual goodwill impairment testing. Application of the option provided in this update did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Also, in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. These updates create new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions. Entities are required to apply the new disclosure requirements for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Retrospective application is required. Adoption of the new requirements will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. The amendments in this update aim to simplify the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by permitting an entity the option to first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether the quantitative impairment test included in Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – General Intangibles Other than Goodwill must be performed. The amendment is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company currently has no indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill reported on its consolidated balance sheet. As such, adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments Disclosure [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

2. Financial Instruments

The following are the financial instruments held by the Company at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and descriptions of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values:

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying value approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Derivative assets and liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities relate to the foreign currency exchange and interest rate contracts discussed in Note 3. Fair value and carrying value were the same because the contracts were recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the difference between the applicable forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date and the contracted foreign exchange rates multiplied by the contracted notional amounts. The fair values of the interest rate swaps were calculated as the difference between the contracted swap rate and the current market replacement swap rate multiplied by the present value of one basis point for the notional amount of the contract. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities.

Long-term investments

Long-term investments are the mutual fund assets the Company holds to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations (see the defined contribution plans section of Note 13). Fair value and carrying value were the same because the mutual fund assets were recorded at fair value in accordance with the FASB’s fair value option rules. Fair values for the mutual funds were calculated using the published market price per unit at the reporting date multiplied by the number of units held at the reporting date. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments.

Debt obligations

The fair value of debt with original maturities greater than one year comprised the combined present values of scheduled principal and interest payments for each of the various loans, individually discounted at rates equivalent to those which could be obtained by the Company for new debt issues with durations equal to the average life to maturity of each loan. The fair values of the remaining Company debt obligations approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the debt. The Company’s fair value measurements for debt fall in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair values of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows:


(In thousands)
	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Fair value	$	194,620	$	206,789
Carrying value		182,402		199,454

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:


(In thousands)	December 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	14,093	$	14,093	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		67		—		67		—

Total assets at fair value	$	14,160	$	14,093	$	67	$	—

Derivative liabilities :
Foreign currency contracts	$	2	$	—	$	2	$	—
Interest rate contracts	$	57	$	—	$	57	$	—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	59	$	—	$	59	$	—


(In thousands)	December 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	12,464	$	12,464	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		100		—		100		—

Total assets at fair value	$	12,564	$	12,464	$	100	$	—

Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	52	$	—	$	52	$	—
Interest rate contracts	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	88	$	—	$	88	$	—

Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

3. Derivative Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange risk. The Company holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as any type of accounting hedge as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (although they are effectively economic hedges). The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary accounts receivable, accounts payable and other obligation balances that are denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currencies. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from recording the foreign exchange contracts at fair value are reported in earnings as offsets to the losses and gains reported in earnings arising from the re-measurement of the receivable and payable balances into the applicable functional currencies. At December 31, 2012, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with settlement dates of about one month, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $16,258,000. At December 31, 2011, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with settlement dates of about one month, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $26,627,000.

The Company also holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are designated as a cash flow hedge. The Company uses these contracts to manage the risks and related cash flow variability resulting from exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted progress payments related to a construction project undertaken in Singapore. The progress payments are denominated in a currency other than the Singapore location’s functional currency. The latest date through which the Company expects to hedge its exposure to the variability in cash flows for the progress payments is December 31, 2014. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Period-to-period changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments are recognized as gains or losses in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. The accumulated gains and losses are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) into earnings in the periods over which the asset is being depreciated. The amount currently in AOCI that is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is immaterial. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held open forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges with a U.S. dollar equivalent amount of $1,197,000 and $5,266,000, respectively.

The Company is exposed to volatility in short-term interest rates and mitigates certain portions of that risk using interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps are recognized on the balance sheet as either as asset or a liability measured at fair value. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company held interest rate swap contracts with notional values of $2,969,000 and $3,693,624, respectively, which were designated as cash flow hedges. Period-to-period changes in the fair value of interest rate swap hedges are recognized as gains or losses in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. As each interest rate swap hedge contract is settled, the corresponding gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI into earnings in that settlement period. The latest date through which the Company expects to hedge its exposure to the volatility of short-term interest rates is September 30, 2014.

The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, and derivative instrument gains and losses and amounts reclassified out of AOCI into earnings for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were immaterial.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in carrying value of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:


(In thousands)	Surfactants Segment						Polymer Segment					Specialty Products Segment				Total
	2012			2011			2012		2011			2012		2011		2012			2011
Balance as of January 1
Goodwill	$	9,143		$	9,206		$	841	$	978		$	483	$	—	$	10,467		$	10,184
Accumulated impairment loss		(3,467	)		(3,467	)		—		—			—		—		(3,467	)		(3,467	)

		5,676			5,739			841		978			483		—		7,000			6,717
Goodwill acquired ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—		—			—		483		—			483

Foreign currency translation		103			(63	)		96		(137	)		—		—		199			(200	)

Balance as of December 31
Goodwill		9,246			9,143			937		841			483		483		10,666			10,467
Accumulated impairment loss		(3,467	)		(3,467	)		—		—			—		—		(3,467	)		(3,467	)

	$	5,779		$	5,676		$	937	$	841		$	483	$	483	$	7,199		$	7,000

⁽¹⁾	See Note 20 for information regarding the goodwill acquired in business combinations.

The Company tests its goodwill balances for impairment in the second quarter of each calendar year. The 2012 and 2011 tests indicated no impairment.

The following table reflects the components of other intangible assets, all of which have finite lives, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The year-to-year changes in gross carrying values resulted from the effects of foreign currency translation.


(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Value				Accumulated Amortization
	December 31				December 31
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Other Intangible Assets:
Patents	$	8,947	$	8,947	$	2,831	$	2,099
Trademarks		5,843		5,834		5,468		5,070
Customer lists		7,359		7,215		5,802		5,264
Know-how ^(a)		8,950		8,915		8,453		7,798
Non-compete agreements		1,235		1,182		1,002		681

Total	$	32,334	$	32,093	$	23,556	$	20,912

(a)

Know-how includes intellectual property rights covering proprietary information, written formulae, trade secrets or secret processes, inventions and developmental products (whether patentable or not), discoveries, improvements, compositions, manufacturing processes, manuals, specifications and technical data.

Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, was $2,516,000, $2,164,000 and $1,549,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for identifiable intangibles assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:


(In thousands)
For year ended 12/31/13	$	1,759
For year ended 12/31/14	$	1,021
For year ended 12/31/15		$996
For year ended 12/31/16		$852
For year ended 12/31/17		$735

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

5. Inventories

The composition of inventories at December 31, 2012 and 2011, was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011

Finished products	$	113,589	$	73,076
Raw materials		48,424		38,099

Total inventories	$	162,013	$	111,175

Inventories are primarily priced using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method. If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method had been used for all inventories, inventory balances would have been approximately $33,868,000 and $43,954,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The year-over-year increase in inventories was attributable to the addition of production in Singapore as well as generally higher quantities to support customer service.

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

6. Debt

Debt comprised the following at December 31, 2012 and 2011:


(In thousands)	Maturity Dates		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Unsecured private placement notes
4.86%		2017-2023	$	65,000	$	65,000
5.88%		2016-2022		40,000		40,000
5.69%		2013-2018		34,286		40,000
6.86%		2013-2015		12,856		17,142
6.59%		—		—		2,727

Debt of foreign subsidiaries
Secured bank term loans, foreign currency		2013-2015		9,531		12,496
Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars		2013-2014		3,500		5,833
Other loans, foreign currency		2013-2015		17,229		16,256

Total debt			$	182,402	$	199,454
Less current maturities				32,838		34,487

Long-term debt			$	149,564	$	164,967

The majority of the Company’s long-term debt financing is composed of unsecured private placement notes issued to insurance companies, totaling $152,142,000 as of December 31, 2012. These notes are denominated in U.S. dollars and have fixed interest rates ranging from 4.86 percent to 6.86 percent. At inception, these notes had final maturities of 13 to 15 years with remaining amortization scheduled from 2013 to 2023.

On September 20, 2012, the Company entered into a committed $125,000,000 multi-currency five-year revolving credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and four other U.S. banks. The credit agreement allows the Company to make unsecured borrowings, as requested from time to time, for working capital and other corporate purposes. The credit agreement replaces the Company’s previous revolving credit agreement that would have expired in August 2013 and has been terminated simultaneously with the credit agreement.

Loans under the credit agreement may be incurred, at the discretion of the Company, with terms to maturity of 1 to 180 days with interest rate options including (1) LIBOR, corresponding to the term and currency, plus spreads ranging from 0.95 percent to 1.65 percent, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, (2) the prime rate plus zero percent to 0.65 percent, depending on the leverage ratio, or (3) market rates in effect from time to time. The credit agreement requires the Company to pay a facility fee ranging from 0.175 percent to 0.350 percent, which also depends on the leverage ratio. The credit agreement requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios and compliance with certain other covenants that are similar to the Company’s existing debt agreements, including net worth, interest coverage and leverage financial covenants and limitations on restricted payments, indebtedness and liens.

During 2012, the Company had no domestic revolver borrowings. The Company also maintains standby letters of credit under its workers’ compensation insurance agreements and for other purposes, as needed from time to time, which are issued under the revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $2,627,000 and no outstanding debt under this agreement. There was $122,373,000 available under the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2012.

At December 31, 2012, European debt included $8,575,000 of bank term loans. One of these term loans, for $4,947,000 matures in 2016 and has a variable interest rate of 90-day EURIBOR plus a spread of 1.08 percent. The other term loan, for $3,628,000, matures in 2015 and bears a fixed interest rate of 2.15 percent. At December 31, 2012, debt in Europe also included short-term borrowings of $13,640,000 with variable interest rates of 90-day EURIBOR plus spreads ranging from 0.30 percent and 0.50 percent and short-term borrowings of $2,439,000 with a variable rate comprised of the UK base rate plus a spread of 2.00 percent. The Company’s Philippine subsidiary had debt of $4,456,000 comprised of two bank term loans with quarterly amortization through 2014 and which are guaranteed by the Company. One of these term loans, for $3,500,000, has a variable interest rate of 90-day LIBOR plus a spread of 3.50 percent. The other term loan, for $956,000 in local currency, bears a variable interest rate comprised of a base rate and a spread of 5.25 percent. The Company’s majority-owned joint venture in China had variable rate, short-term debt of $1,150,000 which is guaranteed by the Company. The balance of the Company’s secured foreign debt is secured only by the assets of the respective entities.

The Company’s loan agreements in the U.S., France and the Philippines contain provisions, which, among others, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and place limitations on additional debt, investments and payment of dividends. Based on the loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings (i.e., retained earnings available for dividend distribution) were $114,204,000 and $184,738,000 at December 31, 2012, and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, under the new revolving credit agreement, the Company may pay dividends and purchase treasury shares after December 31, 2011, in amounts of up to $100 million plus 100 percent of restricted group net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises, measured cumulatively after June 30, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, under older loan agreements, the Company would have been permitted to pay dividends and purchase treasury shares in amounts of up to $30 million plus 100 percent of restricted group net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises, measured cumulatively after December 31, 2001. The Company believes it was in compliance with all of its loan agreements as of December 31, 2012.

Debt at December 31, 2012, matures as follows: $32,838,000 in 2013; $14,128,000 in 2014; $12,308,000 in 2015; $12,416,000 in 2016; $20,712,000 in 2017 and $90,000,000 after 2017. Debt maturing in 2013 includes $15,605,000 of scheduled repayments under long-term debt agreements and $17,233,000 of debt of foreign subsidiaries under short-term working capital loans. These short-term loan agreements are routinely renewed, but could be supplemented or replaced, if necessary, by the Company’s $125,000,000 revolving credit agreement.

Net interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, comprised the following:


(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010

Interest expense	$	9,998		$	9,839		$	7,145
Interest income		(112	)		(359	)		(439	)

		9,886			9,480			6,706
Capitalized interest		(287	)		(385	)		(365	)

Interest expense, net	$	9,599		$	9,095		$	6,341

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Leased Properties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leased Properties [Abstract]

Leased Properties

7. Leased Properties

The Company leases certain property and equipment (primarily transportation equipment, buildings and land) under operating leases, which are denominated in local currencies. Total rental expense was $6,713,000, $6,182,000 and $5,335,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Consolidated Company minimum future rental payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012, are:


(In thousands)	Year		Amount

		2013	$	4,730
		2014		3,425
		2015		2,609
		2016		2,261
		2017		1,719
		Subsequent to 2017		18,575

Total minimum future rental payments			$	33,319

- Definition

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

+ References + Details

Other Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other, Net [Abstract]

Other, Net

8. Other, Net

Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010


Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(304	)	$	(800	)	$	107
Investment related income		173			105			112
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments		1,460			(156	)		1,367

Other, net	$	1,329		$	(851	)	$	1,586

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

9. Income Taxes

The provisions for taxes on income and the related income before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010

Taxes on Income
Federal
Current	$	23,744		$	16,901		$	17,706
Deferred		(525	)		4,894			4,020
State
Current		1,999			3,677			2,327
Deferred		(537	)		174			453
Foreign
Current		10,158			6,658			10,490
Deferred		1,196			(12	)		892

Total	$	36,035		$	32,292		$	35,888


Income before Taxes
Domestic	$	80,371		$	83,333		$	65,690
Foreign		35,351			21,561			35,789

Total	$	115,722		$	104,894		$	101,479

The variations between the effective and statutory U.S. federal income tax rates are summarized as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012* *Amount*			%			2011 Amount			%			2010 Amount			%

Federal income tax provision at statutory tax rate	$	40,503			35.0		$	36,713			35.0		$	35,518			35.0
State tax provision on income less applicable federal tax benefit		1,470			1.3			2,413			2.3			1,807			1.8
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(1,172	)		(1.0	)		(900	)		(0.9	)		(1,144	)		(1.1	)
Effect of equity in foreign joint venture		—			—			—			—			954			0.9
Repatriation of foreign earnings		24			—			—			—			543			0.5
Domestic production activities deduction		(1,446	)		(1.2	)		(1,339	)		(1.3	)		(1,446	)		(1.4	)
Nontaxable foreign interest income		(2,690	)		(2.3	)		(2,719	)		(2.6	)		(81	)		(0.1	)
U.S. tax credits		—			—			(1,482	)		(1.4	)		(969	)		(1.0	)
Non-deductible expenses and other items, net		(654	)		(0.7	)		(394	)		(0.3	)		706			0.8

Total income tax provision	$	36,035			31.1		$	32,292			30.8		$	35,888			35.4

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011

Deferred Tax Assets:
Pensions	$	15,148		$	14,442
Deferred revenue		718			139
Other accruals and reserves		10,979			11,735
Inventories		496			217
Legal and environmental accruals		6,463			6,679
Deferred compensation		17,461			14,347
Bad debt and rebate reserves		2,884			3,353
Subsidiaries net operating loss carryforwards		1,390			1,991
Tax credit carryforwards		532			31

	$	56,071		$	52,934


Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	$	(50,011	)	$	(47,218	)
Amortization of intangibles		(456	)		(829	)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss		(602	)		(1,049	)
Other		(918	)		(640	)

	$	(51,987	)	$	(49,736	)


Valuation Allowance	$	(603	)	$	(742	)


Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	3,481		$	2,456


Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,876		$	8,769
Non-current deferred tax assets (in other non-current assets)		2,805			2,331
Non-current deferred tax liabilities		(9,200	)		(8,644	)

Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	3,481		$	2,456

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and related companies that are deemed to be permanently reinvested amounted to $161,942,000 at December 31, 2012, compared to $139,857,000 at December 31, 2011. In general, the Company reinvests earnings of foreign subsidiaries in their operations indefinitely. However, the Company will repatriate earnings from a subsidiary where excess cash has accumulated and it is advantageous for tax or foreign exchange reasons. Because of the probable availability of foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to estimate the amount, if any, of the deferred tax liability on earnings reinvested indefinitely.

Tax loss carryforwards at December 31, 2012, amounted to $6,753,000 compared with $9,087,000 at the end of 2011. Of the tax loss carryforwards, $301,000 expire in 2013, $381,000 expire in 2014, $1,573,000 expire in 2015, $3,699,000 expire in 2016, $125,000 expire in 2017, $104,000 expire in 2018, $62,000 expire in 2019, $128,000 expire in 2020, and $380,000 expire in 2021. Tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2012, amounted to $532,000 compared to $31,000 at December 31, 2011. Of the tax credit carryforwards, $16,000 expire in 2013, $351,000 expire in 2016, and $165,000 expire in 2017.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had valuation allowances of $603,000, which were primarily attributable to deferred tax assets in India and the Philippines. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdictions. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the related deferred tax assets will not be realized.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, unrecognized tax benefits totaled $289,000 and $1,232,000, respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective income tax rate in any future periods, net of the federal benefit on state issues, was approximately $275,000, $1,023,000 and $1,720,000 at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company does not believe that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to its current uncertain tax positions will change significantly over the next 12 months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. In 2012, $444,000 of net interest and penalty income was recognized compared to $2,000 of net interest and penalty income in 2011 and $26,000 of net interest and penalty expense in 2010. At December 31, 2012, the liability for interest and penalties was $41,000 compared to $486,000 at December 31, 2011.

During 2012, the Company negotiated and finalized ten state income tax voluntary disclosure agreements. As a result, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $688,000.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is not subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009. Some foreign jurisdictions and various U.S. states jurisdictions may be subject to examination back to 2006.

Below are reconciliations of the January 1 and December 31 balances of unrecognized tax benefits for 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010

Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance	$	1,232		$	1,902		$	2,052
Gross increases – tax positions in prior period		—			—			—
Gross decreases – tax positions in prior period		(569	)		(795	)		(90	)
Gross increases – current period tax positions		44			213			152
Settlements		—			(38	)		—
Foreign currency translation		23			(8	)		(16	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(441	)		(42	)		(196	)

Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$	289		$	1,232		$	1,902

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

+ Details

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

10. Stockholders’ Equity

On October 23, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split on its common stock in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend, payable on December 14, 2012, to stockholders of record on November 30, 2012. Par value for common shares remained at $1.00 per share. As a result of the split, 12,460,000 additional shares were issued, and retained earnings were reduced by $12,460,000. All share and per share data disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted for the stock split.

The Company’s preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder at any time (unless previously redeemed) into shares of common stock at a conversion of 2.2835 shares of common stock for each share of preferred stock. Dividends on preferred stock, which are cumulative from the date of original issue, accrue at a rate of $1.375 per share per annum. The Company may not declare and pay any dividend or make any distribution of assets (other than dividends or other distribution payable in shares of common stock) or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, shares of common stock, unless all accumulated and unpaid preferred dividends have been paid or are contemporaneously declared and paid. The preferred stock is subject to optional redemption by the Company, in whole or in part, at any time, at a redemption price of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. Preferred stock is entitled to 2.2835 votes per share on all matters submitted to stockholders for action and votes together with the common stock as a single class, except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. There is no mandatory redemption or sinking fund obligation with respect to the preferred stock. During 2012, shareholders converted 456,358 shares of preferred stock to common stock. At December 31, 2012, 61,935 shares of preferred stock were outstanding.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based Compensation

11. Stock-based Compensation

On December 31, 2012, the Company had stock options outstanding under its 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan), stock options and stock awards outstanding under its 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan (2006 Plan) and stock options, stock awards and SARs under its 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (2011 Plan). Stock options, stock awards and SARs are granted to executives, key employees and outside directors. No further options or awards may be granted under the 2000 and 2006 Plans. The 2011 Plan authorized the award of 2,600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for stock options, SARs and stock awards. At December 31, 2012, there were 2,401,590 shares available for grant under the 2011 Plan. Compensation expense charged against income for all plans was $3,122,000, $3,676,000 and $3,789,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation arrangements was $1,186,000, $1,416,000 and $1,465,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The following provides information regarding the stock option, stock award and SARs grants.

Stock Options

Under all plans, stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The market price is defined and calculated as the average of the opening and closing prices for Company common stock on the grant date as reported in the New York Stock Exchange – Composite Transactions. The stock option awards generally vest based on two years of continuous service and have 8- to 10-year contractual terms. The fair value of each option award was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model incorporating the weighted-average assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company also uses historical data to estimate the expected term of options granted. The risk-free rate is the U.S. Treasury note rate that corresponds to the expected option term at the date of grant.


	For the Years Ended December 31
	2012	2011	2010
Expected dividend yield	2.10%	2.40%	2.70%
Expected volatility	43.19%	43.60%	41.79%
Expected life	7.4 years	6.5 years	6.5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.41%	2.91%	2.87%

A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:


	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Options
Outstanding at January 1, 2012		1,203,296		$	18.79
Granted		65,246			42.82
Exercised		(582,730	)		15.11
Forfeited		(1,702	)		39.20

Outstanding at December 31, 2012		684,110			24.15		4.52		21,471

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2012		680,852			24.07		4.50		21,430

Exercisable at December 31, 2012		498,660			18.52		3.54		18,463

The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options awarded during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were $15.73, $13.81 and $8.88, respectively. The total intrinsic values of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $17,163,000, $6,262,000, and $8,446,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012, there was $627,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 year.

Cash received from stock option exercises under the Company’s stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $4,473,000, $3,228,000 and $4,335,000, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $6,411,000, $2,103,000, and $2,704,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Stock Awards

In 2010, 2011, and 2012, the Company granted stock awards under the 2006 and 2011 Plans. The stock awards vest only upon the Company’s achievement of certain levels of consolidated net income and return on invested capital by the end of the specified measurement period, which is December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 awards, respectively. The number of Company shares of common stock ultimately distributed, if any, is contingent upon the level of consolidated net income and return on invested capital attained. The fair value of stock awards equals the grant-date market price of the Company’s common stock, discounted for the estimated amount of dividends that would not be received during the measurement period. Compensation expense is recorded each reporting period based on the probable number of awards that will ultimately vest given the projected level of consolidated net income and return on invested capital. If at the end of the measurement period the performance objectives are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any compensation expense recorded in prior periods is reversed.

A summary of stock award activity for the year ended December 31, 2012, is presented below:


	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested Stock Awards
Unvested at January 1, 2012		271,624		$	29.11
Granted		118,916			41.00
Vested		(61,051	)		24.18
Forfeited		(86,633	)		24.48

Unvested at December 31, 2012		242,856		$	37.83

The weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were $41.00, $35.79 and $24.10, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, under the current Company assumption as to the number of stock award shares that will probably vest at the measurement periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, there was $1,669,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 1.8 years.

In general, it is the Company’s policy to issue new shares of its common stock upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of stock awards.

SARs

SARs, which were granted under the 2011 Plan in 2012, cliff vest after two years of continuous service, settle in cash and expire ten years from the grant date. Upon the exercise of a SARs award, a participant receives in cash an amount that equals the excess of the fair market value of a share of Company common stock at the date of exercise and the fair market value of a share of Company common stock at the date of grant (the exercise price). Because SARs are cash-settled, they are accounted for as liabilities that must be re-measured at fair value at the end of every reporting period until settlement. Compensation expense for each reporting period is based on the period-to-period change (or portion of the change, depending on the proportion of the vesting period that has been completed at the reporting date) in the fair value of the SARs.

A summary of SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below.


	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
SARs
Granted		65,246	$	42.82
Forfeited		546		42.77

Outstanding at December 31, 2012		64,700		42.82		9.13		823

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of SARs granted during 2012 was $15.73. The fair value for each SARs award was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model incorporating the same assumptions as noted for stock options.

As of December 31, 2012, the SARs liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet (non-current liabilities) was $638,000. In addition, at December 31, 2012, there was $815,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Deferred Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Deferred Compensation [Abstract]

Deferred Compensation

12. Deferred Compensation

The Company sponsors deferred compensation plans that allow management employees to defer receipt of their annual bonuses and outside directors to defer receipt of their fees until retirement, departure from the Company or as elected. Compensation expense and the related deferred compensation obligation are recorded when the underlying compensation is earned. Over time, the deferred obligation may increase or decrease based on the performance results of investment options chosen by the plan participants. The investment options include Company common stock and a limited selection of mutual funds. The Company maintains sufficient shares of treasury stock to cover the equivalent number of shares that result from participants elections of the Company common stock investment option. As a result, the Company must periodically purchase its common shares in the open market. The Company purchases shares of the applicable mutual funds to fund the portion of its deferred compensation liabilities tied to such investments.

Some plan distributions may be made in cash or Company common stock at the option of the participant. Other plan distributions can only be made in Company common stock. For deferred compensation obligations that may be settled in cash, the Company must record appreciation in the market value of the investment choices made by participants as additional compensation expense. Conversely, declines in the market value of the investment choices reduce compensation expense. Increases and decreases of compensation expense that result from fluctuations in the underlying investments are recorded in the administrative expense line of the consolidated statements of income. The additional compensation expense resulting from the appreciation of the market value and earnings of the selected investment options was $10,252,000 in 2012, $1,529,000 in 2011 and $5,020,000 in 2010. The increase in expense for 2012 was primarily attributable to a 39 percent year-over-year increase in the market price of the Company’s common stock, to which a large portion of the deferred obligation is tied. The Company’s deferred compensation liability was $42,229,000 and $32,428,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Because the obligations that must be settled only in Company common stock are treated as equity instruments, fluctuations in the market price of the underlying Company stock do not affect earnings.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation costs, including compensated absences accruals, compensated absences liability, deferred compensation arrangements and income statement compensation items. Deferred compensation arrangements may include a description of an arrangement with an individual employee, which is generally an employment contract between the entity and a selected officer or key employee containing a promise by the employer to pay certain amounts at designated future dates, usually including a period after retirement, upon compliance with stipulated requirements. This type of arrangement is distinguished from broader based employee benefit plans as it is usually tailored to the employee. Disclosure also typically includes the amount of related compensation expense recognized during the reporting period, the number of shares (units) issued during the period under such arrangements, and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the related liability.

+ References + Details

Postretirement Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Postretirement Benefit Plans

13. Postretirement Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors various funded qualified and unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which cover employees in the U.S. and U.K. locations. The various U.S. defined benefit pension plans were amended in 2005-2008 to freeze the plans by stopping the accrual of service benefits. The U.K. defined benefit pension plan was frozen in 2006. Benefits earned through the freeze dates are available to participants when they retire, in accordance with the terms of the plans. In addition, the Company established defined contribution plans to replace the frozen defined benefit pension plans.

Obligations and Funded Status at December 31


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	139,077		$	132,302		$	16,829		$	19,080
Interest cost		6,880			6,927			841			1,099
Actuarial (gain) loss		15,590			4,239			3,846			(2,721	)
Benefits paid		(4,496	)		(4,391	)		(659	)		(629	)
Foreign exchange impact		—			—			865			—

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	157,051		$	139,077		$	21,722		$	16,829


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	104,178		$	103,341		$	15,695		$	15,358
Actual return on plan assets		19,391			1,750			1,623			63
Employer contributions		5,609			3,478			971			970
Benefits paid		(4,496	)		(4,391	)		(659	)		(629	)
Foreign exchange impact		—			—			760			(67	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	124,682		$	104,178		$	18,390		$	15,695


Funded status at end of year	$	(32,369	)	$	(34,899	)	$	(3,332	)	$	(1,134	)

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 consisted of


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Current liability	$	(174	)	$	(268	)	$	—		$	—
Non-current liability		(32,195	)		(34,631	)		(3,332	)		(1,134	)

Net amount recognized	$	(32,369	)	$	(34,899	)	$	(3,332	)	$	(1,134	)

The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 consisted of


(In thousands)	United States				United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net actuarial loss	$	50,450	$	49,401	$	5,699	$	2,637

Below is information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31:


(In thousands)	United States				United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Projected benefit obligation	$	157,051	$	139,077	$	21,722	$	16,829
Accumulated benefit obligation		157,051		139,077		21,722		16,829
Fair value of plan assets		124,682		104,178		18,390		15,695

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

Net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	United States									United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Interest cost	$	6,880		$	6,927		$	7,030		$	841		$	1,099		$	1,037
Expected return on plan assets		(8,423	)		(8,063	)		(7,860	)		(888	)		(1,042	)		(866	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,573			2,853			2,068			49			204			276

Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,030		$	1,717		$	1,238		$	2		$	261		$	447

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	4,622	$	10,552	$	6,684	$	3,111	$	(1,742)	$	(799)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(3,573)		(2,853)		(2,068)		(49)		(204)		(276)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,049	$	7,699	$	4,616	$	3,062	$	(1,946)	$	(1,075)

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$	3,079	$	9,416	$	5,854	$	3,064	$	(1,685)	$	(628)

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 are as follows:


(In thousands)	United States		United Kingdom

Net actuarial loss	$	5,222	$	299

Estimated Future Benefit Payments


(In thousands)	United States		United Kingdom
2013	$	5,619	$	494
2014		6,331		500
2015		6,961		570
2016		7,445		611
2017		7,946		663
2018-2022		45,911		3,675

Assumptions

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:

United States

United Kingdom

2012

2011

2012

2011

Discount rate

4.17%

5.06%

4.30%

4.90%

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs for years ended December 31 were as follows:


	United States									United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Discount rate		5.06	%		5.40	%		6.00	%		4.90	%		5.60	%		5.70	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.75	%		7.75	%		8.00	%		5.46	%		6.78	%		6.50	%

In addition to the above assumptions, the Company uses a market-related value of assets approach to calculate the expected return on plan assets component of U.S. net periodic benefit cost. The market-related value equals the fair value of plan assets with five-year smoothing of asset gains or losses. Asset gains are subtracted or losses added in the following way: 80 percent of the prior year’s gain or loss; 60 percent of the second preceding year’s gain or loss; 40 percent of the third preceding year’s gain or loss; and 20 percent of the fourth preceding year’s gain or loss. Gains or losses for the year are calculated as the difference between the expected fair value of assets and the actual fair value of assets.

Investment Strategies and Policies

U.S. Plans

Plan assets are predominantly invested using active investment strategies, as compared to passive or index investing. An investment management firm hires and monitors underlying investment management firms for each asset category. Equity managers within each category cover a range of investment styles and approaches and are combined in a way that controls for capitalization, style biases, and country exposure versus benchmark indexes, while focusing primarily on stock selection to improve returns. Fixed income managers seek to reduce the volatility of the plan’s funded status by matching the duration with the plan’s liability while seeking to improve returns through security selection, sector allocation and yield curve management. Real estate uses private core real estate strategies, which provide stable and high levels of current income and enhanced core strategies, which seek slightly higher returns by emphasizing appreciation. Commodity managers are used to further diversify the portfolio and may serve as an inflation hedge by matching a diversified commodities index while seeking to add value through the active management of inflation-linked bonds.

Risk is controlled through diversification among multiple asset categories, managers, styles, and securities. The investment management firm recommends asset allocations based on the time horizon available for investment, the nature of the plan cash flows and liabilities and other factors that affect risk tolerance. The asset allocation targets are approved by the Company’s Plan Committee. Risk is further controlled both at the manager and asset category level by assigning targets for risk versus investment returns.

Allowable investment categories include:

Equities: Common stocks of large, medium, and small companies, including both U.S. and non-U.S. based companies. The long-term target allocation for equities, excluding Company stock, is 40 percent.

Fixed Income (Debt): Bonds or notes issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, and to a lesser extent, by non-U.S. governments, or by their agencies or branches, mortgage backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and dollar-denominated debt securities issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. banks and corporations. Up to 20 percent of the fixed income assets may be in debt securities that are below investment grade. The target allocation for fixed income is 31 percent.

Real Estate: Public real estate funds using office, apartment, industrial, retail, and other property types. The target allocation for real estate is 4.5 percent.

Commodities: Commodity funds that match the index using commodity-linked derivative instruments including swap agreements, commodity options, futures, options on futures and commodity-linked notes, while seeking to enhance overall returns through the use of fixed income securities. The target allocation for commodities is 2.5 percent.

Employer Securities: The retirement plans also hold shares of the Company’s common stock, which are purchased or sold by the trustee from time to time, as directed by the Plan Committee. At the direction of the Plan Committee, the plans sold 27,331 common shares to the Company’s ESOP trust on February 21, 2012, and 32,942 common shares on February 22, 2011. The target allocation for employer securities is 22.0 percent.

In addition to these primary investment types, excess cash may be invested in futures in order to efficiently achieve more fully invested portfolio positions. Otherwise, a small number of investment managers make limited use of derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures and interest rate swaps in place of direct investment in securities to efficiently achieve equivalent market positions. Derivatives are not used to leverage portfolios.

U.K. Plan

The objective of the U.K. defined benefit pension fund investment strategy is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets within a medium level of risk in order to minimize the cost of providing pension benefits. To that end, the plan assets are invested in an actively managed pooled fund of funds that diversifies its holdings among equity securities, debt securities, property and cash. Essentially, the plan is to hold equity instruments to back the benefits of participants yet to retire and bonds and cash to back current pensioners. Although there are no formal target allocations for the plan assets, the fund will generally be heavily invested in equity securities. Equity securities are selected from U.K., European, U.S. and emerging market companies. Bonds include U.K. and other countries’ government notes and corporate debt of U.K and non-U.K. companies. There are no specific prohibited investments, but the current managed fund will not allocate assets to derivatives or other financial hedging instruments. Plan trustees meet regularly with the fund manager to assess the fund’s performance and to reassess investment strategy.

At December 31, 2012, equities within the pooled pension fund comprised 25 percent U.K. companies, 36 percent U.S. companies, 20 percent other European companies and 19 percent companies from other regions of the world. The equities are spread across growth and value styles. Fixed income instruments primarily included U.K. bonds, split between government fixed interest securities and high-grade corporate bonds.

Included in plan assets are insurance contracts purchased by the plan trustees to provide pension payments for specific retirees. In past years, at the time a plan participant retired, the plan trustee would at times purchase insurance contracts to cover the future payments due the retiree. This practice is no longer followed. The contracts are revocable, and the related plan obligations are not considered settled. Therefore, the plan assets and obligations include the insured amounts.

Plan Assets

U.S. Plans

The Company’s asset allocations for its U.S. pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, were as follows:

December 31, 2012

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Cash and Cash Equivalents

—

3,965

—

3,965

Equity Securities

U.S. Equities

32,850

—

32,850

Non-U.S. Equities

11,373

—

11,373

Employer Securities

34,426

—

34,426

Total Equities

78,649

—

78,649

Fixed Income Securities

U.S. Corporate Bonds

—

19,873

—

19,873

U.S. Government and Agency Bonds

795

6,956

—

7,751

Municipal Bonds

—

2,837

—

2,837

Other Bonds

—

4,015

—

4,015

Total Fixed Income

795

33,681

—

34,476

Real Estate

4,990

—

4,990

Commodities

2,602

—

2,602

Total

87,036

37,646

—

124,682


	December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—	$	3,628	$	—	$	3,628
Equity Securities
U.S. Equities		29,186		—		—		29,186
Non-U.S. Equities		1,813		7,376		—		9,189
Employer Securities		27,034		—		—		27,034

Total Equities		58,033		7,376		—		65,409
Fixed Income Securities
U.S. Corporate Bonds		—		16,642		—		16,642
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds		982		8,109		—		9,091
Other Bonds		—		3,636		—		3,636

Total Fixed Income		982		28,387		—		29,369
Real Estate		—		—		3,720		3,720
Commodities		2,052		—		—		2,052


Total	$	61,067	$	39,391	$	3,720	$	104,178

Plan Asset Valuation Methodology

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for plan assets measured at fair value.

Individual equity securities, including employer securities, are valued by Standard & Poor’s Securities Evaluations as determined by quoted market prices on the New York Stock Exchange or other active markets. Both market pricing and future cash flow analysis may be used in the pricing process as follows:

Level 1 – Equities represent the largest asset category and are valued according to the exchange-quoted market prices of the underlying investments. Level 1 fixed income securities are U.S. government securities and are valued according to quoted prices from active markets.

Level 2 – Fixed income investments without equivalent trading exchanges are valued primarily through a technique known as “future cash flow approach” which is based on what bondholders can reasonably expect to receive based upon an issuer’s current financial condition. Pricing analysts prepare cash-flow forecasts and utilize one or two pricing models to arrive at an evaluated price. Evaluated bid modeling includes factors such as the interest rate on the coupon, maturity, rating, cash flow projections and other factors.

Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were as follows during 2011 and 2012:


Dollars in thousands	Real Estate Fund			Hedge Fund			Total
Market value, December 31, 2010	$	3,151		$	40		$	3,191
Sale proceeds		—			(40	)		(40	)
Realized loss		—			(295	)		(295	)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)		569			295			864

Market value, December 31, 2011	$	3,720		$	—		$	3,720
Sale proceeds		(3,916	)		—			(3,916	)
Realized gain		840			—			840
Change in unrealized gain		(644	)		—			(644	)

Market value, December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—

U.K. Plan

The Company’s asset allocations for its U.K. pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, were as follows:

December 31, 2012

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Cash

845

—

845

Equity securities

Pooled Pension Funds

—

11,979

—

11,979

Fixed income

Pooled Pension Funds

—

2,677

—

2,677

Real Estate

Pooled Pension Funds

—

452

—

452

Insurance Contracts

—

2,437

Total

845

15,108

2,437

18,390


	December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash	$	494	$	—	$	—	$	494
Equity securities
Pooled Pension Funds		—		8,959		—		8,959
Fixed income
Pooled Pension Funds		—		3,115		—		3,115
Real Estate
Pooled Pension Funds		—		909		—		909
Insurance Contracts		—		—		2,218		2,218


Total	$	494	$	12,983	$	2,218	$	15,695

Units of each of the pooled funds are valued by the trustee based on quoted market prices of the underlying investments (the underlying assets are either exchange traded or have readily available markets).

Fair value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were as follows during 2011 and 2012


(In thousands)	Insurance Contracts
Fair value, December 31, 2010	$	2,188
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)		(165	)
Change in unrealized gain		204
Foreign exchange impact		(9	)

Fair value, December 31, 2011	$	2,218
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)		(173	)
Change in unrealized gain		288
Foreign exchange impact		104

Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	2,437

Long-term Rate of Return for Plan Assets

U.S. Plans

The overall expected long-term rate of return on assets of 7.75 percent that was used to develop the 2012 pension expense is based on plan asset allocation, capital markets forecasts and expected benefits of active investment management. For fixed income, the expected return is 5.5 percent. This assumption includes the yield on the five-year zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond as the base rate along with historical data from the U.S. Treasury yield curve. For equities, the expected return is 8.9 percent for U.S. and international equities. This return is based on a blended average of three different statistical models that each incorporates multiple factors including, for example, inflation, Gross Domestic Product and the Fed Funds Target Rate. For real estate, the expected return is 7.1 percent. For commodities, the expected return is 6.9 percent.

The overall investment return forecast reflects the target allocations and the capital markets forecasts for each asset category, plus a premium for active asset management expected over the long-term.

U.K. Plan

The overall expected long term return on plan assets is a weighted average of the expected long term returns for equity securities, debt securities and other assets. The redemption yield at the measurement date on U.K. government fixed interest bonds and the yield on corporate bonds are used as proxies for the return on the debt portfolio. The returns for equities and property are estimated as a premium of 3 percent added to the risk-free rate. Cash is assumed to have a long-term return of 4 percent.

Other Defined Benefit Plans

The Company maintains unfunded defined benefit plans in other foreign locations. The liabilities and expenses associated with these plans are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Discount rates for these plans are determined based on local interest rates and plan participant data.

Cash Flows

Due to a reduced minimum funding requirement precipitated by the Pension Funding Stabilization provision of the MAP-21 Act (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act) placed into law in 2012, the Company does not expect to make contributions to its funded U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2013. The Company expects to contribute approximately $986,000 to its U.K. defined benefit pension plan and to pay $174,000 related to its unfunded non-qualified U.S. pension plans in 2013.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors retirement savings defined contribution plans that cover U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors a qualified profit sharing plan for its U.S. employees. Profit sharing contributions are determined each year using a formula that is applied to Company earnings. The contributions are allocated to participant accounts on the basis of participant base earnings. The retirement savings and profit sharing defined contribution plans each include a qualified plan and a non-qualified supplemental executive plan.

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*		2011		2010
Retirement savings plans	$	4,284	$	4,033	$	4,309
Profit sharing plan		5,762		4,769		5,061

Total	$	10,046	$	8,802	$	9,370

In July 2011, the Company established a rabbi trust to fund the obligations of its previously unfunded non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution plans (supplemental plans). The trust comprises various mutual fund investments selected by the participants of the supplemental plans. In accordance with the accounting guidance for rabbi trust arrangements, the assets of the trust and the obligations of the supplemental plans are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets so that offsetting changes in the mutual fund values and defined contribution plan obligations would be recorded in earnings in the same period. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the income statement. The supplemental plan liabilities increase (i.e., supplemental plan expense is recognized) when the value of the trust assets appreciates and decrease (i.e., supplemental plan income is recognized) when the value of the trust assets declines. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the trust asset balances were $1,572,000 and $1,310,000, respectively, and the supplemental plan liability balances were $1,642,000 and $1,460,000, respectively. The differences between the trust asset balances and the supplemental liability balances were due to estimated liabilities that were not funded until after the end of the year when the actual liabilities were determined.

In addition to the Company sponsored profit sharing plan, certain foreign locations are required by law to make profit sharing contributions to employees based on statutory formulas. In 2012, the Company recognized $711,000 of expense related to the statutory plans compared to $159,000 in 2011 and $800,000 in 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

14. Accrued Liabilities

The composition of accrued liabilities was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011
Accrued payroll and benefits	$	42,404	$	33,798
Accrued customer rebates		14,395		11,210
Other accrued liabilities		15,862		15,967

Total accrued liabilities	$	72,661	$	60,975

Other Non-Current Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Other Non-Current Liabilities

15. Other Non-Current Liabilities

The composition of other non-current liabilities was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011
Deferred revenue	$	1,614	$	1,000
Environmental and legal matters		13,459		13,205
Deferred compensation liability		41,665		31,790
Pension liability		37,855		37,595
Other non-current liabilities		4,074		5,226

Total other non-current liabilities	$	98,667	$	88,816

Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

16. Contingencies

There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or costs being assessed against the Company at some future time. The Company’s operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations, including the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund amendments of 1986 (Superfund). Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a PRP at a number of waste disposal sites where clean up costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these sites.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $10.3 million to $28.9 million. The Company’s accrued liability for such losses, which represented the Company’s best estimate within the estimated range of possible environmental and legal losses, was $15.4 million at December 31, 2012, compared to $14.6 million at December 31, 2011. During 2012, cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $3.3 million compared to $4.9 million in 2011.

For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Given the information available, management believes the Company has no liability at these sites. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations with respect to such sites in any annual or interim period, the effect on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company believes that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.

Following are summaries of the material contingencies at December 31, 2012:

Maywood, New Jersey Site

The Company’s property in Maywood, New Jersey and property formerly owned by the Company adjacent to its current site and other nearby properties (Maywood site) were listed on the National Priorities List in September 1993 pursuant to the provisions of CERCLA because of certain alleged chemical contamination. Pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent entered into between USEPA and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company, and the issuance of an order by USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company, the Company has completed various Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies (RI/FS) and is awaiting the issuance of a Record of Decision (ROD) from USEPA.

The Company believes its recorded liability for claims associated with remediation of chemical contamination at the Maywood site is adequate. However, depending on the results of the ongoing discussions with USEPA, the final cost of such remediation could differ from the current estimates.

In addition, under the terms of a settlement agreement reached on November 12, 2004, the United States Department of Justice and the Company agreed to fulfill the terms of a Cooperative Agreement reached in 1985 under which the United States will take title to and responsibility for radioactive waste removal at the Maywood site, including past and future remediation costs incurred by the United States. As such, the Company recorded no liability related to this settlement agreement.

D’Imperio Property Site

During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances at several sites in New Jersey. The Company was named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in the case United States v. Lightman (1:92-cv-4710 D.N.J.), which involved the D’Imperio Property Site located in New Jersey. In 2007, the Company reached an agreement with respect to the past costs and future allocation percentage in said litigation for costs related to the D’Imperio site, including costs to comply with USEPA’s Unilateral Administrative Orders. The resolution of the Company’s liability for this litigation did not have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. In 2012, the PRPs approved certain changes to remediation cost estimates which were considered in the Company’s determination of its range of estimated possible losses and liability balance. The changes in range of possible losses and liability balance were immaterial.

Remediation work is continuing at this site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability for claims associated with the D’Imperio site is adequate. However, actual costs could differ from current estimates.

Wilmington Site

The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site at 51 Eames Street, Wilmington, Massachusetts. Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the agreement, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to contribute up to five percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. To date, the Company has paid the current owner $2.1 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs through the third quarter of 2012 (the current owner of the site bills the Company one calendar quarter in arrears). The Company has recorded a liability for its portion of the estimated remediation costs for the site.

The Company and other prior owners also entered into an agreement in April 2004 waiving certain statute of limitations defenses for claims which may be filed by the Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, in connection with this site. While the Company has denied any liability for any such claims, the Company agreed to this waiver while the parties continue to discuss the resolution of any potential claim which may be filed.

The Company believes that based on current information its recorded liability related to this site is adequate. However, depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the current estimates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

17. Segment Reporting

The Company has three reportable segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Each segment provides distinct products and requires separate management due to unique markets, technologies and production processes. Surfactants are used in a variety of consumer and industrial cleaning compounds as well as in agricultural products, lubricating ingredients, biodiesel and other specialized applications. Polymers generate its revenues primarily from the sale of polyols and phthalic anhydride used in plastics, building materials and refrigeration systems. Specialty products are used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical applications.

The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources based on operating income before interest income/expense, other income/expense items and income tax provisions. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

Segment data for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, are as follows:


(In thousands)	*Surfactants*		*Polymers*		*Specialty* *Products*		*Segment* *Totals*
2012
Net sales	$	1,305,800	$	423,959	$	73,978	$	1,803,737
Operating income		118,591		48,130		12,242		178,963
Assets		692,891		199,013		58,810		950,714
Capital expenditures		56,236		19,266		5,815		81,317
Depreciation and amortization expenses		34,036		13,328		2,270		49,634

2011
Net sales	$	1,361,956	$	421,515	$	59,621	$	1,843,092
Operating income		100,811		40,909		13,307		155,027
Assets		624,425		174,029		54,296		852,750
Capital expenditures		63,295		15,320		3,658		82,273
Depreciation and amortization expenses		31,346		11,697		1,808		44,851

2010
Net sales	$	1,057,982	$	330,416	$	42,724	$	1,431,122
Operating income		93,010		36,904		14,499		144,413
Assets		548,297		157,114		26,427		731,838
Capital expenditures		56,562		23,895		1,462		81,919
Depreciation and amortization expenses		27,260		9,519		1,442		38,221

Below are reconciliations of segment data to the consolidated financial statements:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010

Operating income – segment totals	$	178,963		$	155,027		$	144,413
Unallocated corporate expenses ^(a)		(50,247	)		(36,571	)		(36,516	)

Total operating income		128,716			118,456			107,897

Interest expense, net		(9,599	)		(9,095	)		(6,341	)
Loss from equity in joint ventures		(4,724	)		(3,616	)		(1,663	)
Other, net		1,329			(851	)		1,586

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	115,722		$	104,894		$	101,479


Assets – segment totals	$	950,714		$	852,750		$	731,838
Unallocated corporate assets ^(b)		34,764			48,368			79,593

Consolidated assets	$	985,478		$	901,118		$	811,431


Capital expenditures – segment totals	$	81,317		$	82,273		$	81,919
Unallocated corporate expenditures		1,842			893			2,229

Consolidated capital expenditures	$	83,159		$	83,166		$	84,148


Depreciation and amortization expenses – segment totals	$	49,634		$	44,851		$	38,221
Unallocated corporate depreciation expenses		1,660			2,248			2,130

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses	$	51,294		$	47,099		$	40,351

^(a)

Unallocated corporate expenses primarily comprise corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

^(b)

The decline in unallocated corporate assets between 2011 and 2010 was attributable to a decrease in U.S. cash balances and an increase in the LIFO reserve balance, both of which are not allocated to segments.

Below is certain Company-wide geographic data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	*2012*		2011		2010
Net sales ^(a)
United States	$	1,076,222	$	1,086,233	$	863,780
France		298,158		316,514		238,310
United Kingdom		103,523		122,100		104,071
All other countries		325,834		318,245		224,961

Total	$	1,803,737	$	1,843,092	$	1,431,122

Long-lived assets ⁽^b⁾
United States	$	246,118	$	230,926	$	204,137
Germany		34,213		31,006		28,751
Singapore		43,239		37,827		25,174
Philippines		22,658		23,214		22,284
Brazil		18,410		18,773		21,061
United Kingdom		20,878		18,268		17,750
All other countries		52,483		42,150		46,402

Total	$	437,999	$	402,164	$	365,559

^(a ⁾

Net sales are attributed to countries based on selling location.

^(b ⁾

Includes net property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

18. Earnings Per Share

Below is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. All share and per share data reflect the effects of the two-for-one common stock split that was effective December 14, 2012.


(In thousands, except per share amounts)	*2012*		2011		2010

*Computation of Basic Earnings per Share*

Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	79,396	$	71,976	$	65,427
Deduct dividends on preferred stock		579		714		747

Income applicable to common stock	$	78,817	$	71,262	$	64,680

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		21,273		20,726		20,326


Basic earnings per share	$	3.71	$	3.44	$	3.18


*Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share*

Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	79,396	$	71,976	$	65,427

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		21,273		20,726		20,326

Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		392		472		516

Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)		12		52		98

Add weighted-average unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		6		4		2

Add weighted-average shares from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock		1,047		1,186		1,238


Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		22,730		22,440		22,180


Diluted earnings per share	$	3.49	$	3.21	$	2.95

⁽¹⁾

Options to purchase 16,444, 91,449 and 1,090 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the common stock and their effect would have been antidilutive.

Purchase of the Remaining Interest In Stepan Philippines Inc

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Purchase of the Remaining Interest In Stepan Philippines Inc [Abstract]

Purchase of the Remaining Interest in Stepan Philippines Inc

19. Purchase of the Remaining Interest in Stepan Philippines Inc

On March 22, 2012, the Company purchased the remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. (SPI), increasing the Company’s ownership share from 88.8 percent to 100 percent. To acquire the remaining interest in SPI, the Company paid $2,000,000 of cash to the holder of the noncontrolling interest. As a result of this transaction, the Company’s equity (additional paid-in capital) increased by $551,000. In addition, $197,000 of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) that previously had been allocated to the noncontrolling interest was reclassified to the Company’s AOCI.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

20. Acquisitions

2011 Acquisition

On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased the Clarinol^®, Marinol ^®, and PinnoThin^® product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. The acquired product lines are included in the Company’s specialty products segment. The acquisition purchase price was $13,562,000 of cash. In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.3 million of acquisition-related costs, including legal and consulting expenses, which were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at June 23, 2011:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Inventory	$	5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Patents		6,948
Customer lists		736
Trademarks, know-how		429

Total identifiable intangible assets		8,113
Goodwill		483

Total assets acquired	$	13,596


Current liabilities	$	34

Net assets acquired	$	13,562

The acquired goodwill, which is allocated entirely to the Company’s specialty products segment, is deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill reflects the potential manufacturing and marketing synergies arising from combining the new product lines with the Company’s existing food and health services products. The weighted average amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets at the time of acquisition were as follows: patents-12 years; customer lists- five years; and trademarks and know-how- five years. The purchase price allocation for the acquisition is final, and no purchase price allocation adjustments were made to the amounts originally recorded at the acquisition date.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity would not have been materially different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

2010 Acquisitions

Asset acquisition

On July 2, 2010, the Company purchased the manufacturing assets of Peter Cremer GmbH, located on Jurong Island in Singapore, for a price of $10.4 million, which the Company paid from available cash. After the necessary site development, the acquisition of the Jurong Island manufacturing assets will provide the Company with an opportunity to reach its global customer base with methyl esters, which are core building blocks of the Company’s surfactant products, and value-added derivatives made from tropical oils available in the region. The site began production for customer trials in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Business acquisitions

On July 15, 2010, the Company’s Stepan Europe subsidiary acquired 100 percent ownership interest in Alfa Systems Sp. z o.o. (Alfa Systems). The purchase included a plant in Brzeg Dolny, Poland, which specialized in the manufacture of aromatic polyester polyols from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The acquisition of Alfa Systems provides the Company with polyester polyol manufacturing capability in Eastern Europe and the ability to economically and effectively serve customers in that region. As of the acquisition date, the new entity became a part of the Company’s polymers segment.

The Company recognized $10.1 million as the purchase price for Alfa Systems, comprising $8.5 million of cash and $1.6 million in contingent consideration. The contingent consideration arrangements included in the purchase agreement were as follows:

•

Environmental remediation – As part of the purchase agreement, the Company agreed to assume a soil remediation obligation discovered during the due diligence phase of the acquisition. In addition, the Company negotiated a purchase price holdback provision of $1.1 million, wherein any portion of the holdback not spent for soil remediation by one year following the acquisition date (i.e., July 15, 2011) would be remitted to the previous owners of Alfa Systems. A remediation liability was included as one of the liabilities assumed at the time of acquisition. No contingent consideration liability was recognized because management believed it was highly probable that remediation of the Poland site would be completed by the holdback deadline and the cost to remediate would be at least the holdback amount. Remediation of the soil was completed in the second quarter of 2011, and the total cost of the project exceeded the amount of the holdback provision by an immaterial amount, which was charge to Company earnings in 2011. Consequently, none of the holdback amount related to the soil remediation was returned to the former owners of the Alfa Systems.

•

Nonspecific claims – Potential additional consideration of up to $1.6 million if no additional claims relating to pre-acquisition activity arise over the two years following the acquisition. The Company recognized the entire $1.6 million of this arrangement as consideration. To date, approximately $0.7 million of the withheld amount has been paid. The parties agreed that of the holdback amount approximately $0.1 million would not be paid due to some minor claims that surfaced after the acquisition date. The remainder of the original holdback amount remains withheld pending the outcome of a claim for an unlicensed export of product shipped prior to the acquisition date.

•

Working capital balance – Potential additional consideration of up to $0.6 million depending on the amount by which the audited working capital balance at the time of acquisition deviated from the agreed upon working capital in the purchase agreement. The Company recognized less than $0.1 million as consideration for the working capital arrangement, which was finalized in December 2010.

In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.7 million of acquisition-related costs, including legal, consulting and accounting expenses. These costs were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The Alfa Systems acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at July 15, 2010:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)	$	1,188
Inventory		893
Property, plant and equipment		11,208
Identifiable intangible assets		649
Goodwill		925
Other assets		49

Total assets acquired	$	14,912


Liabilities:
Current liabilities		4,735
Non-current liabilities		71

Total liabilities assumed	$	4,806

Net assets acquired	$	10,106

The acquired goodwill, which is allocated entirely to the Company’s polymer segment, is not deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill reflects the potential positive effects of the additional ability to manufacture and sell the Company’s current polymer products to the European marketplace. Identifiable intangible assets included a non-compete agreement (approximately $0.4 million) and technological know-how (approximately $0.2 million). The amortization periods for these intangibles are three and five years, respectively.

Included in current liabilities was the previously discussed assumed environmental contingent liability of $1.1 million. The measurement period for the Alfa Systems acquisition is complete, and there were no adjustments to the purchase price allocations made at the time of acquisition.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity would not have been significantly different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

On July 19, 2010, the Company acquired controlling interest in the Company’s Stepan Philippines Inc. (SPI) joint venture, raising the Company’s ownership interest in the venture from 50 percent to 88.8 percent. SPI produces laundry and cleaning products, fabric softeners and functional surfactants for the Philippines and other global markets. The increase in SPI ownership allowed the Company to further diversify the product offering at the Philippines location and capitalize on synergies with the manufacturing facility being developed in Singapore. As of the date controlling interest was obtained, SPI became a part of the Company’s surfactants reportable segment (See Note 19 for information regarding the Company’s 2012 purchase of the remaining interest in SPI).

As part of the purchase agreement, the Company paid $3.7 million of cash to acquire the interest of one owner, transferred $2.0 million of cash to SPI as an additional capital investment (subscription of new shares) and forgave a $3.9 million liability originally due to the Company pursuant to a royalty agreement between the Company and SPI. The Company also guaranteed approximately $8.7 million of debt owed by SPI to a related party of the selling partner.

In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.1 million of acquisition-related costs, including consulting and legal expenses. These costs were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The acquisition of controlling interest in SPI was accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at July 19, 2010:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)	$	12,841
Inventory		3,232
Property, plant and equipment		18,685
Identifiable intangible assets		1,200
Goodwill		1,101
Other assets		167

Total assets acquired	$	37,226


Liabilities:
Current liabilities		8,466
Non-current liabilities		9,973

Total liabilities assumed	$	18,439


Net assets acquired	$	18,787
Less noncontrolling interest in SPI		(2,090	)

Net assets less noncontrolling interest	$	16,697

The acquired goodwill, is allocated entirely to the Company’s surfactants segment, is not deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill primarily reflects expected growth synergies in Asia resulting from the manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines and Singapore. The $1.2 million of identifiable intangible assets comprised customer relationships, which are being amortized over a 10-year period.

Because the purchase transaction moved the Company from noncontrolling interest in SPI to controlling interest, the Company revalued the original 50 percent investment in SPI to its acquisition-date fair value. The fair value of the Company’s original interest in SPI was estimated to be $7.1 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a $0.7 million gain, which was reported in the equity from joint ventures line in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2010. The fair value of the original interest in SPI was estimated by applying the income approach. The estimate was based on significant inputs that were not observable in the market, making the fair value calculation a Level 3 measurement as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

Also in accordance with the accounting principles for business combinations, the Company measured and recorded the remaining noncontrolling interest in SPI (i.e., the 11.2 percent interest held by the Company’s remaining joint venture partner) at its acquisition-date fair value. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was estimated to be $2.1 million, which was determined by applying the same income approach measurement noted in the immediately preceding paragraph plus an adjustment for lack of control.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities [Abstract]

Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

21. Statement of Cash Flows – Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

Noncash financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, included the receipt of shares of the Company’s common stock tendered in lieu of cash by employees exercising stock options. The tendered shares, which were owned by employees for more than six months, had values of $8,400,000 in 2012 (176,114 shares), $1,330,000 in 2011 (33,286 shares) and $1,361,000 in 2010 (35,622 shares) and were recorded as treasury stock. Noncash financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011and 2010 also included the issuance of 84,568 shares, 108,104 shares and 124,956 shares, respectively, of Company common stock (values of $3,659,000, $3,836,000 and $3,130,000, respectively) related to the Company’s performance stock award plan. Noncash investing activities included unpaid liabilities (accounts payable) incurred for fixed asset acquisitions of approximately $10,467,000 in 2012, $11,723,000 in 2011 and $9,959,000 in 2010. Noncash financing and investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010, also included an $11,413,000 warehouse acquisition in the U.S. under a build-to-suit lease arrangement and a $13,008,000 equipment acquisition in Singapore under a seller-financed purchase agreement.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Selected Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share data)

Unaudited


	*2012*
*Quarter*	*First*			*Second*			*Third*			*Fourth*			*Year*
Net Sales	$	465,269		$	470,231		$	440,978		$	427,259		$	1,803,737
Gross Profit		76,784			73,396			71,253			70,120			291,553
Interest, net		(2,604	)		(2,086	)		(2,684	)		(2,225	)		(9,599	)
Income Before Income Taxes		32,720			31,518			30,235			21,249			115,722
Net Income		22,364			21,511			20,319			15,493			79,687
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company		22,302			21,425			20,230			15,439			79,396
Per Diluted Share ^(a)		0.98			0.94			0.89			0.68			3.49

	2011
Quarter	First			Second			Third			Fourth			Year
Net Sales	$	422,598		$	476,989		$	499,335		$	444,170		$	1,843,092
Gross Profit		61,786			69,585			64,080			60,112			255,553
Interest, net		(2,063	)		(2,194	)		(2,256	)		(2,582	)		(9,095	)
Income Before Income Taxes		27,135			31,332			28,229			18,198			104,894
Net Income		18,816			21,006			19,231			13,549			72,602
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company		18,761			20,867			19,169			13,179			71,976
Per Diluted Share ^(a)		0.84			0.93			0.85			0.58			3.21

(a)	Per share amounts reflect the effects of the two-for-one common stock split effective December 14, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Stepan Company (the Company) operations consist predominantly of the production and sale of specialty and intermediate chemicals, which are sold to other manufacturers for use in a variety of end products. Principal markets for all products are manufacturers of cleaning and washing compounds (including detergents, shampoos, fabric softeners, toothpastes and household cleaners), paints, cosmetics, food, beverages, nutritional supplements, agricultural products, plastics, furniture, automotive equipment, insulation and refrigeration.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Company management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company exercises controlling influence. The equity method is used to account for investments in which the Company exercises significant but noncontrolling influence. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company is a partner in two joint ventures: Nanjing Stepan Jinling Chemical Limited Liability Company (Stepan China) in Nanjing, China and TIORCO, LLC in Denver, Colorado. Stepan China manufactures aromatic polyester polyols for China’s domestic market. The Company has an 80 percent ownership interest in the joint venture and exercises controlling influence. Therefore, Stepan China’s accounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the joint venture partner’s interests in Stepan China’s income and net assets are reported in the noncontrolling interest lines of the consolidated statements of income and balance sheets, respectively. TIORCO, LLC markets chemical solutions for increased production of crude oil and natural gas from existing fields. The joint venture is equally owned and controlled by the Company and Nalco Company (now a part of Ecolab Inc.). The Company’s investment in TIORCO, LLC is accounted for using the equity method and is included in the other non-current assets line on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s share of TIORCO, LLC’s net earnings is included in the loss from equity in joint ventures line of the consolidated statements of income.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interests are reported in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of equity, separate from Company equity. In the consolidated statements of income, net income is reported on a consolidated basis that includes amounts attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $76.9 million, including $25.6 million in two separate U.S. money market funds, each of which was rated AAA by Standard and Poor’s and Aaa by Moody’s. Cash in U.S. demand deposit accounts totaled $7.3 million and cash of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held outside the U.S. totaled $44.0 million as of December 31, 2012.
Receivables and Credit Risk	Receivables and Credit Risk Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and other allowances and primarily include trade receivables, as well as nontrade receivables from suppliers, governmental tax agencies and others. The Company is exposed to credit risk on accounts receivable balances. This risk is mitigated by the Company’s large, diverse customer base, which is dispersed over various geographic regions and industrial sectors. No single customer comprised more than 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2012, 2011 or 2010. The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Specific customer allowances are recorded when a review of customer creditworthiness and current economic conditions indicate that collection is doubtful. In addition, the Company maintains a general allowance as a percentage of total trade receivables. The general allowance percentage is periodically reviewed and adjusted based on historical bad debt losses of the Company. The Company also maintains other allowances for active customers that occur in the normal course of business. Such allowances are based on historical averages and trade receivable levels.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at cost, which is not in excess of market value, and include material, labor and plant overhead costs. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method is used to determine the cost of the Company’s U.S. inventories. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) method is used for all other inventories. Inventories priced at LIFO as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, accounted for 59 and 66 percent of total inventories, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Lives used for calculating depreciation are generally 30 years for buildings and 15 years for building improvements. For assets classified as machinery and equipment, lives generally used for calculating depreciation expense range from 10 to 15 years for manufacturing equipment, five to 10 years for furniture and fixtures, three to five years for vehicles and three to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Manufacturing of chemicals is capital intensive with over 90 percent of the assets included in machinery and equipment representing manufacturing equipment. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized in the property accounts, while maintenance and repairs ($45,072,000, $43,128,000, and $36,912,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively), which do not renew or extend the life of the respective assets, are charged to operations as incurred. Land is not depreciated. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income. Included in the computer equipment and software component of machinery and equipment are costs related to the acquisition and development of internal-use software. Capitalized costs include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in obtaining and developing the software. For development projects where major internal resources are committed, payroll and payroll-related costs incurred during the application development phase of the project are also capitalized. The capitalized costs are amortized over the useful lives of the software, which are generally three to 10 years. Costs incurred in the preliminary project phase are expensed. Interest charges on borrowings applicable to major construction projects are capitalized. Property, plant and equipment assets are tested for impairment when events indicate that impairment may have occurred.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurements U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Furthermore, GAAP establishes a framework, in the form of a three-level hierarchy, for measuring fair value that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following describes the hierarchy levels: Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 - unobservable inputs which reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants use in pricing the assets and liabilities. The Company applies the fair value measurement provisions of GAAP to any of its financial assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2), its outstanding debt for disclosure purposes (also Note 6) and its pension plan assets (see Note 13). The Company also applies the fair value measurement requirements to nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and liabilities such as goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets recorded in conjunction with business combinations and as part of impairment reviews for goodwill and long-lived assets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon shipment of goods to customers, at which time title and risk of loss pass to the customer. For arrangements where the Company consigns product to a customer location, revenue is recognized when the customer uses the inventory. The Company records shipping and handling billed to a customer in a sales transaction as revenue. Costs incurred for shipping and handling are reported in cost of sales. Volume discounts due customers are estimated and recorded in the same period as the sales to which the discounts relate and reported as reductions of revenue in the consolidated statements of income.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales Cost of sales comprises raw material costs, including inbound freight expense to deliver the raw materials, manufacturing plant labor expenses and various manufacturing overhead expenses, which include utility, maintenance, operating supply, amortization and manufacturing asset depreciation expenses. Cost of sales also includes outbound freight expenses, purchasing and receiving costs, quality assurance expenses, inter-plant transfer costs and warehouse expenses.
Operating Expenses	Operating Expenses Selling expense comprises salary and the related fringe benefit expenses for marketing and sales personnel and operating costs, such as outside agent commissions, automobile rental and travel-related expenses, which support the sales and marketing functions. Bad debt charges and any depreciation expenses related to marketing assets (e.g., computers) are also classified as marketing expense. Administrative expense comprises salary and the related fringe benefit expenses and operating costs for the Company’s various administrative functions, which include information services, finance, legal, and human resources. Compensation expense related to the Company’s deferred compensation plans and legal and environmental remediation expenses are also classified as administrative expense. The Company’s research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These expenses are aimed at discovery and commercialization of new knowledge with the intent that such effort will be useful in developing a new product or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process. Total research and development expenses were $28,032,000, $25,128,000 and $24,218,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The remainder of research, development and technical service expenses reflected on the consolidated statements of income relates to technical services, which include routine product testing, quality control and sales support service.
Environmental Expenditures	Environmental Expenditures Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed in cost of sales or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that mitigate or prevent environmental contamination and that benefit future operations are capitalized. Capitalized expenditures are depreciated generally utilizing a 10 year life. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed to administrative expense. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost or range of possible costs can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum is accrued. Some of the factors on which the Company bases its estimates include information provided by feasibility studies, potentially responsible party negotiations and the development of remedial action plans. Because reported liabilities are recorded based on estimates, actual amounts could significantly differ from those estimates. Legal costs related to environmental matters are expensed as incurred (see Note 16 for environmental contingencies).
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets include patents, agreements not to compete, trademarks, customer lists, technological and manufacturing know-how and goodwill, all of which were acquired as part of business or product line acquisitions. The Company separately identifies intangible assets other than goodwill and amortizes them in accordance with their useful lives, generally ranging from five to 15 years. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if an event indicates that impairment may have occurred. Finite life intangible assets are tested for impairment when events indicate that impairment may have occurred. For more details see Note 4.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for changes in tax rates or laws, and the effects of the changes are recorded in income in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not threshold, the tax benefit recognized in the consolidated financial statements is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon effective settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between the tax position taken on a tax return and the amounts recognized in the financial statements, are recorded either as an increase to a tax liability or as a decrease to an income tax receivable. The Company includes estimated interest and penalty amounts related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the tax provision. See Note 9 for detailed information about income taxes.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies Assets and liabilities of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at year end. The resulting translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses for the consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are reflected in the other, net caption of the consolidated statements of income.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants stock options, performance stock awards and stock appreciation rights (SARs) to certain employees under its incentive compensation plans. The Company calculates the fair values of stock options, performance stock awards and SARs on the date such instruments are granted. The fair values of the stock option and performance stock awards are then recognized as compensation expense over the vesting periods of the instruments. SARs, which were granted for the first time in 2012, are cash-settled and, therefore, accounted for as liabilities that must be re-measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Compensation expense for each reporting period is based on the period-to-period change (or portion of the change, depending on the proportion of the vesting period that has been completed at the reporting date) in the fair value of the SARs. See Note 11 for detailed information about the Company’s stock-based compensation.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Net income used in computing basic earnings per share is net income attributable to the Company reduced by dividends paid to preferred stockholders. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the increased number of common shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options (under the treasury stock method), the conversion of the convertible preferred stock (when such conversion would have the effect of reducing earnings per share), and contingent stock awards that are part of the Company’s incentive stock-based compensation program (see Note 11). All share and per share data reflect the two-for-one common stock split that was effective December 14, 2012. See Note 18 for detailed information about the Company’s earnings per share calculations.
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes net income and all other non-owner changes in equity that are not reported in net income. Comprehensive income is disclosed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company reports financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments are components of the Company that have separate financial information that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker to assess segment performance and allocate resources. The Company discloses segment revenue, operating income, assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization expenses. Enterprise-wide financial information about the geographic locations in which the Company earns revenues and holds assets is also disclosed (see Note 17).
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are recognized currently in earnings. For derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are either offset in earnings against changes in the fair values of the hedged items or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. At the time a hedging relationship is designated, the Company establishes the method it will use for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. The Company held derivative instruments designated as hedges during 2012 and 2011. Company policy prohibits the use of derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 3 for further information regarding the Company’s use of derivatives. At December 31, 2012, the Company held open forward purchase contracts for the purchase of 1.1 million dekatherms of natural gas in 2013 at a cost of $4,224,000 and contracts to purchase approximately 14,000 megawatt hours of electricity in 2013 at a cost of $956,000. The Company uses forward purchase contracts to minimize its exposure to volatile natural gas and electric prices. Because the Company anticipates taking delivery of the gas and electricity for use in its operations, the contracts qualify for the normal purchase exception election provided under the accounting rules for derivative instruments. The Company has elected the exceptions for such contracts. As a result, the contracts are not accounted for as derivative instruments. The costs of the natural gas and electricity are charged to expense at the time the gas and electricity are delivered and used.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), and do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices. The amendments in this update are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the new requirement did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In this update, the FASB eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these years, beginning after December 15, 2011. This date does not apply to the requirement for the presentation of reclassifications of items out of other comprehensive income to net income. This requirement has been deferred indefinitely by ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. Although adoption of the new requirement had an effect on the Company’s presentation of comprehensive income (the Company chose the two separate but consecutive statement format), it did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which amends the guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new standard provides entities that are testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step 1 of the goodwill impairment test). If an entity determines, on the basis of the qualitative assessment, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) less than the reporting unit’s carrying amount, the traditional two-step impairment test would be required. The ASU does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. Furthermore, the ASU does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events or circumstances warrant. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company did not employ the qualitative assessment made available by this update for the Company’s 2012 annual goodwill impairment testing. Application of the option provided in this update did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Also, in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. These updates create new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions. Entities are required to apply the new disclosure requirements for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Retrospective application is required. Adoption of the new requirements will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. The amendments in this update aim to simplify the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by permitting an entity the option to first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether the quantitative impairment test included in Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – General Intangibles Other than Goodwill must be performed. The amendment is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company currently has no indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill reported on its consolidated balance sheet. As such, adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Allowance for doubtful accounts and other accounts receivable allowances

The following is an analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts and other accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	2012		2011			2010
Balance at January 1	$	5,214	$	6,145		$	6,762
Provision charged (credited) to income		314		(568	)		(108	)
Accounts written off, net of recoveries		5		(363	)		(509	)

Balance at December 31	$	5,533	$	5,214		$	6,145

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company (net of income taxes) as reported in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, comprised the following:


(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments						Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments						Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments						Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance as of January 1	$	(9,086	)	$	3,485		$	(32,398	)	$	(29,084	)	$	(1	)		—		$	(41,485	)	$	(25,599	)
Current period other comprehensive income		6,200	^(a)		(12,571	)		(3,100	)		(3,314	)		135		$	(1	)		3,235	^(a)		(15,886	)

Balance as of December 31	$	(2,886	)	$	(9,086	)	$	(35,498	)	$	(32,398	)	$	134		$	(1	)	$	(38,250	)	$	(41,485	)

^(a)	Amounts also include $197 of favorable currency translation adjustments reclassified from the noncontrolling interest to the Company upon the Company’s purchase of the remaining ownership interest in SPI.

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value of debt and related carrying values

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair values of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows:


(In thousands)
	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Fair value	$	194,620	$	206,789
Carrying value		182,402		199,454

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value


(In thousands)	December 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	14,093	$	14,093	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		67		—		67		—

Total assets at fair value	$	14,160	$	14,093	$	67	$	—

Derivative liabilities :
Foreign currency contracts	$	2	$	—	$	2	$	—
Interest rate contracts	$	57	$	—	$	57	$	—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	59	$	—	$	59	$	—


(In thousands)	December 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	12,464	$	12,464	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		100		—		100		—

Total assets at fair value	$	12,564	$	12,464	$	100	$	—

Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	52	$	—	$	52	$	—
Interest rate contracts	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	88	$	—	$	88	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure related to assets and liabilities by class, including financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in shareholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring and/or nonrecurring basis in periods after initial recognition. Disclosures include, but are not limited to: (a) the fair value measurements recorded and the reasons for the measurements and (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorized in their entirety (levels 1, 2, 3) as well as transfers between levels 1 and 2.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19279-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a,b,bb)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=SL7498348-110258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19190-110258

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 33
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 6
-Footnote 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets

The changes in carrying value of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, were as follows:


(In thousands)	Surfactants Segment						Polymer Segment					Specialty Products Segment				Total
	2012			2011			2012		2011			2012		2011		2012			2011
Balance as of January 1
Goodwill	$	9,143		$	9,206		$	841	$	978		$	483	$	—	$	10,467		$	10,184
Accumulated impairment loss		(3,467	)		(3,467	)		—		—			—		—		(3,467	)		(3,467	)

		5,676			5,739			841		978			483		—		7,000			6,717
Goodwill acquired ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—		—			—		483		—			483

Foreign currency translation		103			(63	)		96		(137	)		—		—		199			(200	)

Balance as of December 31
Goodwill		9,246			9,143			937		841			483		483		10,666			10,467
Accumulated impairment loss		(3,467	)		(3,467	)		—		—			—		—		(3,467	)		(3,467	)

	$	5,779		$	5,676		$	937	$	841		$	483	$	483	$	7,199		$	7,000

⁽¹⁾	See Note 20 for information regarding the goodwill acquired in business combinations.

Components of other intangible assets and changes in gross carrying values


(In thousands)	Gross Carrying Value				Accumulated Amortization
	December 31				December 31
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Other Intangible Assets:
Patents	$	8,947	$	8,947	$	2,831	$	2,099
Trademarks		5,843		5,834		5,468		5,070
Customer lists		7,359		7,215		5,802		5,264
Know-how ^(a)		8,950		8,915		8,453		7,798
Non-compete agreements		1,235		1,182		1,002		681

Total	$	32,334	$	32,093	$	23,556	$	20,912

(a)

Estimated amortization expense for identifiable intangibles assets

Estimated amortization expense for identifiable intangibles assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:


(In thousands)
For year ended 12/31/13	$	1,759
For year ended 12/31/14	$	1,021
For year ended 12/31/15		$996
For year ended 12/31/16		$852
For year ended 12/31/17		$735

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References + Details

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Composition of Inventories

The composition of inventories at December 31, 2012 and 2011, was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011

Finished products	$	113,589	$	73,076
Raw materials		48,424		38,099

Total inventories	$	162,013	$	111,175

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Debt comprised

Debt comprised the following at December 31, 2012 and 2011:


(In thousands)	Maturity Dates		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Unsecured private placement notes
4.86%		2017-2023	$	65,000	$	65,000
5.88%		2016-2022		40,000		40,000
5.69%		2013-2018		34,286		40,000
6.86%		2013-2015		12,856		17,142
6.59%		—		—		2,727

Debt of foreign subsidiaries
Secured bank term loans, foreign currency		2013-2015		9,531		12,496
Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars		2013-2014		3,500		5,833
Other loans, foreign currency		2013-2015		17,229		16,256

Total debt			$	182,402	$	199,454
Less current maturities				32,838		34,487

Long-term debt			$	149,564	$	164,967

Schedule of net interest expense

Net interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, comprised the following:


(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010

Interest expense	$	9,998		$	9,839		$	7,145
Interest income		(112	)		(359	)		(439	)

		9,886			9,480			6,706
Capitalized interest		(287	)		(385	)		(365	)

Interest expense, net	$	9,599		$	9,095		$	6,341

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Leased Properties (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leased Properties [Abstract]

Consolidated Company minimum future rental payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one year

Consolidated Company minimum future rental payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012, are:


(In thousands)	Year		Amount

		2013	$	4,730
		2014		3,425
		2015		2,609
		2016		2,261
		2017		1,719
		Subsequent to 2017		18,575

Total minimum future rental payments			$	33,319

Other Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other, Net [Abstract]

Other net in the consolidated statements of income

Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010


Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(304	)	$	(800	)	$	107
Investment related income		173			105			112
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments		1,460			(156	)		1,367

Other, net	$	1,329		$	(851	)	$	1,586

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Provision for taxes on income

The provisions for taxes on income and the related income before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010

Taxes on Income
Federal
Current	$	23,744		$	16,901		$	17,706
Deferred		(525	)		4,894			4,020
State
Current		1,999			3,677			2,327
Deferred		(537	)		174			453
Foreign
Current		10,158			6,658			10,490
Deferred		1,196			(12	)		892

Total	$	36,035		$	32,292		$	35,888


Income before Taxes
Domestic	$	80,371		$	83,333		$	65,690
Foreign		35,351			21,561			35,789

Total	$	115,722		$	104,894		$	101,479

Summary of variations between the effective and statutory U.S. federal income tax rates

The variations between the effective and statutory U.S. federal income tax rates are summarized as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012* *Amount*			%			2011 Amount			%			2010 Amount			%

Federal income tax provision at statutory tax rate	$	40,503			35.0		$	36,713			35.0		$	35,518			35.0
State tax provision on income less applicable federal tax benefit		1,470			1.3			2,413			2.3			1,807			1.8
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(1,172	)		(1.0	)		(900	)		(0.9	)		(1,144	)		(1.1	)
Effect of equity in foreign joint venture		—			—			—			—			954			0.9
Repatriation of foreign earnings		24			—			—			—			543			0.5
Domestic production activities deduction		(1,446	)		(1.2	)		(1,339	)		(1.3	)		(1,446	)		(1.4	)
Nontaxable foreign interest income		(2,690	)		(2.3	)		(2,719	)		(2.6	)		(81	)		(0.1	)
U.S. tax credits		—			—			(1,482	)		(1.4	)		(969	)		(1.0	)
Non-deductible expenses and other items, net		(654	)		(0.7	)		(394	)		(0.3	)		706			0.8

Total income tax provision	$	36,035			31.1		$	32,292			30.8		$	35,888			35.4

Tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011

Deferred Tax Assets:
Pensions	$	15,148		$	14,442
Deferred revenue		718			139
Other accruals and reserves		10,979			11,735
Inventories		496			217
Legal and environmental accruals		6,463			6,679
Deferred compensation		17,461			14,347
Bad debt and rebate reserves		2,884			3,353
Subsidiaries net operating loss carryforwards		1,390			1,991
Tax credit carryforwards		532			31

	$	56,071		$	52,934


Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	$	(50,011	)	$	(47,218	)
Amortization of intangibles		(456	)		(829	)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss		(602	)		(1,049	)
Other		(918	)		(640	)

	$	(51,987	)	$	(49,736	)


Valuation Allowance	$	(603	)	$	(742	)


Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	3,481		$	2,456


Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Current deferred tax assets	$	9,876		$	8,769
Non-current deferred tax assets (in other non-current assets)		2,805			2,331
Non-current deferred tax liabilities		(9,200	)		(8,644	)

Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	3,481		$	2,456

Reconciliations of unrecognized tax benefits

Below are reconciliations of the January 1 and December 31 balances of unrecognized tax benefits for 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010

Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance	$	1,232		$	1,902		$	2,052
Gross increases – tax positions in prior period		—			—			—
Gross decreases – tax positions in prior period		(569	)		(795	)		(90	)
Gross increases – current period tax positions		44			213			152
Settlements		—			(38	)		—
Foreign currency translation		23			(8	)		(16	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(441	)		(42	)		(196	)

Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$	289		$	1,232		$	1,902

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Fair value assumptions for stock options

The risk-free rate is the U.S. Treasury note rate that corresponds to the expected option term at the date of grant.


	For the Years Ended December 31
	2012	2011	2010
Expected dividend yield	2.10%	2.40%	2.70%
Expected volatility	43.19%	43.60%	41.79%
Expected life	7.4 years	6.5 years	6.5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.41%	2.91%	2.87%

Summary of stock option activity

A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below:


	Shares			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Options
Outstanding at January 1, 2012		1,203,296		$	18.79
Granted		65,246			42.82
Exercised		(582,730	)		15.11
Forfeited		(1,702	)		39.20

Outstanding at December 31, 2012		684,110			24.15		4.52		21,471

Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2012		680,852			24.07		4.50		21,430

Exercisable at December 31, 2012		498,660			18.52		3.54		18,463

Summary of stock award activity

A summary of stock award activity for the year ended December 31, 2012, is presented below:


	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested Stock Awards
Unvested at January 1, 2012		271,624		$	29.11
Granted		118,916			41.00
Vested		(61,051	)		24.18
Forfeited		(86,633	)		24.48

Unvested at December 31, 2012		242,856		$	37.83

Summary of SARs activity

A summary of SARs activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below.


	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
SARs
Granted		65,246	$	42.82
Forfeited		546		42.77

Outstanding at December 31, 2012		64,700		42.82		9.13		823

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Obligations and Funded Status

Obligations and Funded Status at December 31


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	139,077		$	132,302		$	16,829		$	19,080
Interest cost		6,880			6,927			841			1,099
Actuarial (gain) loss		15,590			4,239			3,846			(2,721	)
Benefits paid		(4,496	)		(4,391	)		(659	)		(629	)
Foreign exchange impact		—			—			865			—

Benefit obligation at end of year	$	157,051		$	139,077		$	21,722		$	16,829


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	104,178		$	103,341		$	15,695		$	15,358
Actual return on plan assets		19,391			1,750			1,623			63
Employer contributions		5,609			3,478			971			970
Benefits paid		(4,496	)		(4,391	)		(659	)		(629	)
Foreign exchange impact		—			—			760			(67	)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	124,682		$	104,178		$	18,390		$	15,695


Funded status at end of year	$	(32,369	)	$	(34,899	)	$	(3,332	)	$	(1,134	)

Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 consisted of


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Current liability	$	(174	)	$	(268	)	$	—		$	—
Non-current liability		(32,195	)		(34,631	)		(3,332	)		(1,134	)

Net amount recognized	$	(32,369	)	$	(34,899	)	$	(3,332	)	$	(1,134	)

Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income

The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 consisted of


(In thousands)	United States				United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net actuarial loss	$	50,450	$	49,401	$	5,699	$	2,637

Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

Below is information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31:


(In thousands)	United States				United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Projected benefit obligation	$	157,051	$	139,077	$	21,722	$	16,829
Accumulated benefit obligation		157,051		139,077		21,722		16,829
Fair value of plan assets		124,682		104,178		18,390		15,695

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	United States									United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Interest cost	$	6,880		$	6,927		$	7,030		$	841		$	1,099		$	1,037
Expected return on plan assets		(8,423	)		(8,063	)		(7,860	)		(888	)		(1,042	)		(866	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,573			2,853			2,068			49			204			276

Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,030		$	1,717		$	1,238		$	2		$	261		$	447

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, were as follows:


(In thousands)	United States						United Kingdom
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	4,622	$	10,552	$	6,684	$	3,111	$	(1,742)	$	(799)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		(3,573)		(2,853)		(2,068)		(49)		(204)		(276)

Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,049	$	7,699	$	4,616	$	3,062	$	(1,946)	$	(1,075)

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$	3,079	$	9,416	$	5,854	$	3,064	$	(1,685)	$	(628)

Estimated amounts amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 are as follows:


(In thousands)	United States		United Kingdom

Net actuarial loss	$	5,222	$	299

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated Future Benefit Payments


(In thousands)	United States		United Kingdom
2013	$	5,619	$	494
2014		6,331		500
2015		6,961		570
2016		7,445		611
2017		7,946		663
2018-2022		45,911		3,675

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company's retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan were as follows:


(In thousands)	*2012*		2011		2010
Retirement savings plans	$	4,284	$	4,033	$	4,309
Profit sharing plan		5,762		4,769		5,061

Total	$	10,046	$	8,802	$	9,370

UNITED STATES [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K pension plans

The Company’s asset allocations for its U.S. pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, were as follows:

December 31, 2012

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Cash and Cash Equivalents

—

3,965

—

3,965

Equity Securities

U.S. Equities

32,850

—

32,850

Non-U.S. Equities

11,373

—

11,373

Employer Securities

34,426

—

34,426

Total Equities

78,649

—

78,649

Fixed Income Securities

U.S. Corporate Bonds

—

19,873

—

19,873

U.S. Government and Agency Bonds

795

6,956

—

7,751

Municipal Bonds

—

2,837

—

2,837

Other Bonds

—

4,015

—

4,015

Total Fixed Income

795

33,681

—

34,476

Real Estate

4,990

—

4,990

Commodities

2,602

—

2,602

Total

87,036

37,646

—

124,682


	December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—	$	3,628	$	—	$	3,628
Equity Securities
U.S. Equities		29,186		—		—		29,186
Non-U.S. Equities		1,813		7,376		—		9,189
Employer Securities		27,034		—		—		27,034

Total Equities		58,033		7,376		—		65,409
Fixed Income Securities
U.S. Corporate Bonds		—		16,642		—		16,642
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds		982		8,109		—		9,091
Other Bonds		—		3,636		—		3,636

Total Fixed Income		982		28,387		—		29,369
Real Estate		—		—		3,720		3,720
Commodities		2,052		—		—		2,052


Total	$	61,067	$	39,391	$	3,720	$	104,178

Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans

Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were as follows during 2011 and 2012:


Dollars in thousands	Real Estate Fund			Hedge Fund			Total
Market value, December 31, 2010	$	3,151		$	40		$	3,191
Sale proceeds		—			(40	)		(40	)
Realized loss		—			(295	)		(295	)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)		569			295			864

Market value, December 31, 2011	$	3,720		$	—		$	3,720
Sale proceeds		(3,916	)		—			(3,916	)
Realized gain		840			—			840
Change in unrealized gain		(644	)		—			(644	)

Market value, December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—

UNITED KINGDOM [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K pension plans

U.K. Plan

The Company’s asset allocations for its U.K. pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, were as follows:

December 31, 2012

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Cash

845

—

845

Equity securities

Pooled Pension Funds

—

11,979

—

11,979

Fixed income

Pooled Pension Funds

—

2,677

—

2,677

Real Estate

Pooled Pension Funds

—

452

—

452

Insurance Contracts

—

2,437

Total

845

15,108

2,437

18,390


	December 31, 2011
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash	$	494	$	—	$	—	$	494
Equity securities
Pooled Pension Funds		—		8,959		—		8,959
Fixed income
Pooled Pension Funds		—		3,115		—		3,115
Real Estate
Pooled Pension Funds		—		909		—		909
Insurance Contracts		—		—		2,218		2,218


Total	$	494	$	12,983	$	2,218	$	15,695

Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans

Fair value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were as follows during 2011 and 2012


(In thousands)	Insurance Contracts
Fair value, December 31, 2010	$	2,188
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)		(165	)
Change in unrealized gain		204
Foreign exchange impact		(9	)

Fair value, December 31, 2011	$	2,218
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)		(173	)
Change in unrealized gain		288
Foreign exchange impact		104

Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	2,437

Benefit Obligations [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:

United States

United Kingdom

2012

2011

2012

2011

Discount rate

4.17%

5.06%

4.30%

4.90%

Defined Benefit Plan Periodic Costs [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs for years ended December 31 were as follows:


	United States									United Kingdom
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Discount rate		5.06	%		5.40	%		6.00	%		4.90	%		5.60	%		5.70	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.75	%		7.75	%		8.00	%		5.46	%		6.78	%		6.50	%

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Composition of accrued liabilities

The composition of accrued liabilities was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011
Accrued payroll and benefits	$	42,404	$	33,798
Accrued customer rebates		14,395		11,210
Other accrued liabilities		15,862		15,967

Total accrued liabilities	$	72,661	$	60,975

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Other Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Composition of other non-current liabilities

The composition of other non-current liabilities was as follows:


	December 31
(In thousands)	*2012*		2011
Deferred revenue	$	1,614	$	1,000
Environmental and legal matters		13,459		13,205
Deferred compensation liability		41,665		31,790
Pension liability		37,855		37,595
Other non-current liabilities		4,074		5,226

Total other non-current liabilities	$	98,667	$	88,816

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Operating Segment

Segment data for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, are as follows:


(In thousands)	*Surfactants*		*Polymers*		*Specialty* *Products*		*Segment* *Totals*
2012
Net sales	$	1,305,800	$	423,959	$	73,978	$	1,803,737
Operating income		118,591		48,130		12,242		178,963
Assets		692,891		199,013		58,810		950,714
Capital expenditures		56,236		19,266		5,815		81,317
Depreciation and amortization expenses		34,036		13,328		2,270		49,634

2011
Net sales	$	1,361,956	$	421,515	$	59,621	$	1,843,092
Operating income		100,811		40,909		13,307		155,027
Assets		624,425		174,029		54,296		852,750
Capital expenditures		63,295		15,320		3,658		82,273
Depreciation and amortization expenses		31,346		11,697		1,808		44,851

2010
Net sales	$	1,057,982	$	330,416	$	42,724	$	1,431,122
Operating income		93,010		36,904		14,499		144,413
Assets		548,297		157,114		26,427		731,838
Capital expenditures		56,562		23,895		1,462		81,919
Depreciation and amortization expenses		27,260		9,519		1,442		38,221

Reconciliation of segment information to consolidated financial statements

Below are reconciliations of segment data to the consolidated financial statements:


(In thousands)	*2012*			2011			2010

Operating income – segment totals	$	178,963		$	155,027		$	144,413
Unallocated corporate expenses ^(a)		(50,247	)		(36,571	)		(36,516	)

Total operating income		128,716			118,456			107,897

Interest expense, net		(9,599	)		(9,095	)		(6,341	)
Loss from equity in joint ventures		(4,724	)		(3,616	)		(1,663	)
Other, net		1,329			(851	)		1,586

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	115,722		$	104,894		$	101,479


Assets – segment totals	$	950,714		$	852,750		$	731,838
Unallocated corporate assets ^(b)		34,764			48,368			79,593

Consolidated assets	$	985,478		$	901,118		$	811,431


Capital expenditures – segment totals	$	81,317		$	82,273		$	81,919
Unallocated corporate expenditures		1,842			893			2,229

Consolidated capital expenditures	$	83,159		$	83,166		$	84,148


Depreciation and amortization expenses – segment totals	$	49,634		$	44,851		$	38,221
Unallocated corporate depreciation expenses		1,660			2,248			2,130

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses	$	51,294		$	47,099		$	40,351

^(a)

^(b)

Summary of company-wide geographic data

Below is certain Company-wide geographic data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:


(In thousands)	*2012*		2011		2010
Net sales ^(a)
United States	$	1,076,222	$	1,086,233	$	863,780
France		298,158		316,514		238,310
United Kingdom		103,523		122,100		104,071
All other countries		325,834		318,245		224,961

Total	$	1,803,737	$	1,843,092	$	1,431,122

Long-lived assets ⁽^b⁾
United States	$	246,118	$	230,926	$	204,137
Germany		34,213		31,006		28,751
Singapore		43,239		37,827		25,174
Philippines		22,658		23,214		22,284
Brazil		18,410		18,773		21,061
United Kingdom		20,878		18,268		17,750
All other countries		52,483		42,150		46,402

Total	$	437,999	$	402,164	$	365,559

^(a ⁾

Net sales are attributed to countries based on selling location.

^(b ⁾

Includes net property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share


(In thousands, except per share amounts)	*2012*		2011		2010

*Computation of Basic Earnings per Share*

Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	79,396	$	71,976	$	65,427
Deduct dividends on preferred stock		579		714		747

Income applicable to common stock	$	78,817	$	71,262	$	64,680

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		21,273		20,726		20,326


Basic earnings per share	$	3.71	$	3.44	$	3.18


*Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share*

Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	79,396	$	71,976	$	65,427

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		21,273		20,726		20,326

Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		392		472		516

Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)		12		52		98

Add weighted-average unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		6		4		2

Add weighted-average shares from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock		1,047		1,186		1,238


Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		22,730		22,440		22,180


Diluted earnings per share	$	3.49	$	3.21	$	2.95

⁽¹⁾

Acquisition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Lipid Nutrition [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at June 23, 2011:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Inventory	$	5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Patents		6,948
Customer lists		736
Trademarks, know-how		429

Total identifiable intangible assets		8,113
Goodwill		483

Total assets acquired	$	13,596


Current liabilities	$	34

Net assets acquired	$	13,562

Alfa Systems [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at July 15, 2010:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)	$	1,188
Inventory		893
Property, plant and equipment		11,208
Identifiable intangible assets		649
Goodwill		925
Other assets		49

Total assets acquired	$	14,912


Liabilities:
Current liabilities		4,735
Non-current liabilities		71

Total liabilities assumed	$	4,806

Net assets acquired	$	10,106

Controlling Interest in SPI [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at July 19, 2010:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)	$	12,841
Inventory		3,232
Property, plant and equipment		18,685
Identifiable intangible assets		1,200
Goodwill		1,101
Other assets		167

Total assets acquired	$	37,226


Liabilities:
Current liabilities		8,466
Non-current liabilities		9,973

Total liabilities assumed	$	18,439


Net assets acquired	$	18,787
Less noncontrolling interest in SPI		(2,090	)

Net assets less noncontrolling interest	$	16,697

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts and other accounts receivable allowances
Balance at beginning of year	$ 5,214	$ 6,145	$ 6,762
Provision charged (credited) to income	314	(568)	(108)
Accounts written off, net of recoveries	5	(363)	(509)
Balance at end of year	$ 5,533	$ 5,214	$ 6,145

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	$ (9,086)	$ 3,485
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,101	(12,523)	$ 2,585
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(2,886)	(9,086)	3,485
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(32,398)	29,084
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax	(3,100)	(3,314)	(2,107)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(35,498)	(32,398)	29,084
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(1)
Cash flow hedge adjustment	135	(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Ending Balance	134	(1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(41,485)	(25,599)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,136	(15,838)	478
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	$ (38,250)	$ (41,485)	$ (25,599)

- Definition

Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (j-k)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e681-108580

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) m³ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) MWh Customer m³	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Customer	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) Customer	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 76,875,000	$ 84,099,000	$ 111,198,000	$ 98,518,000
Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) to AOCI	$ 197,000
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Ownership percentage	80.00%
No single customer comprised more than 10 percent of the Company's consolidated net sales \| Customer	0	0	0
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	59.00%	66.00%
Cost of maintenance and repairs	$ 45,072,000	$ 43,128,000	$ 36,912,000
Percentage of machinery and equipment representing manufacturing equipment		90.00%
Capitalized Environmental expenditures depreciation period	10 years
Total research and development expenses	$ 28,032,000	$ 25,128,000	$ 24,218,000
Common stock split ratio, description	two-for-one
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) to AOCI	$ 197,000
Natural Gas [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Volume in derivative contract \| m³	1.1
Purchased Contract Price	$ 4,224,000
Electricity [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Energy units in Derivative Contract \| MWh	14,000
Purchased Contract Price	$ 956,000
Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	30 years
Building Improvements [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	15 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Vehicles [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	10 years
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	10 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Vehicles [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Lives used for calculating depreciation expense	3 years
Money Market Funds [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,600,000
Demand Deposits [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	7,300,000
Non-US Subsidiaries [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 44,000,000

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair value of debt and the related carrying values
Carrying Value	$ 182,402	$ 199,454
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of debt and the related carrying values
Fair Value	$ 194,620	$ 206,789

Financial Instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value
Mutual fund assets	$ 14,093	$ 12,464
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	67	100
Total assets at fair value	14,160	12,564
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	2	52
Interest rate contracts	57	36
Total liabilities at fair value	59	88
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value
Mutual fund assets	14,093	12,464
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts
Total assets at fair value	14,093	12,464
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Total liabilities at fair value
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value
Mutual fund assets
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	67	100
Total assets at fair value	67	100
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	2	52
Interest rate contracts	57	36
Total liabilities at fair value	59	88
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value
Mutual fund assets
Derivative assets:
Total assets at fair value
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Total liabilities at fair value

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Open forward foreign currency exchange contract not designated as a hedge	$ 16,258,000	$ 26,627,000
Open forward foreign currency exchange contract designated as a cash flow hedge	1,197,000	5,266,000
Open interest rate contracts designated as a cash flow hedge	$ 2,969,000	$ 3,693,624

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 10,467	$ 10,184
Accumulated impairment loss, Beginning Balance	(3,467)	(3,467)
Goodwill net beginning balance	7,000	6,717
Goodwill acquired (1)		483
Foreign currency translation	199	(200)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	10,666	10,467
Accumulated impairment loss, Ending Balance	(3,467)	(3,467)
Goodwill net ending balance	7,199	7,000
Surfactants Segment [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	9,143	9,206
Accumulated impairment loss, Beginning Balance	(3,467)	(3,467)
Goodwill net beginning balance	5,676	5,739
Goodwill acquired (1)
Foreign currency translation	103	(63)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	9,246	9,143
Accumulated impairment loss, Ending Balance	(3,467)	(3,467)
Goodwill net ending balance	5,779	5,676
Polymer Segment [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	841	978
Accumulated impairment loss, Beginning Balance
Goodwill net beginning balance	841	978
Goodwill acquired (1)
Foreign currency translation	96	(137)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	937	841
Accumulated impairment loss, Ending Balance
Goodwill net ending balance	937	841
Specialty Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill and other intangible assets [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	483
Accumulated impairment loss, Beginning Balance
Goodwill net beginning balance	483
Goodwill acquired (1)		483
Foreign currency translation
Goodwill, Ending Balance	483	483
Accumulated impairment loss, Ending Balance
Goodwill net ending balance	$ 483	$ 483

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	$ 32,334	$ 32,093
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	23,556	20,912
Patents [Member]
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	8,947	8,947
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	2,831	2,099
Trademarks [Member]
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	5,843	5,834
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	5,468	5,070
Customer lists [Member]
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	7,359	7,215
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	5,802	5,264
Know-how (a) [Member]
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	8,950	8,915
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	8,453	7,798
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Finite intangible assets net
Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Value Total	1,235	1,182
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Total	$ 1,002	$ 681

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity
For year ended 12/31/13	$ 1,759
For year ended 12/31/14	1,021
For year ended 12/31/15	996
For year ended 12/31/16	852
For year ended 12/31/17	$ 735

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Impairment of Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total	$ 2,516,000	$ 2,164,000	$ 1,549,000

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of inventories
Finished products	$ 113,589	$ 73,076
Raw materials	48,424	38,099
Total inventories	$ 162,013	$ 111,175

Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
LIFO reserve	$ 33,868,000	$ 43,954,000

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt
Total debt	$ 182,402	$ 199,454
Less current maturities	32,838	34,487
Long-term debt	$ 149,564	164,967
Unsecured private placement notes one [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	4.86%
Maturity Dates	2017-2023
Total debt	$ 65,000	65,000
Unsecured private placement notes two [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.88%
Maturity Dates	2016-2022
Total debt	$ 40,000	40,000
Unsecured private placement notes three [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.69%
Maturity Dates	2013-2018
Total debt	$ 34,286	40,000
Unsecured private placement notes four [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	6.86%
Maturity Dates	2013-2015
Total debt	$ 12,856	17,142
Unsecured private placement notes five [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	6.59%
Total debt		2,727
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Secured bank term loans, foreign currency [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2013-2015
Carrying value of variable interest secured term	$ 9,531	12,496
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2013-2014
Carrying value of variable interest secured term	$ 3,500	5,833
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Other loans, foreign currency [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2013-2015
Total debt	$ 17,229	$ 16,256

Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of net interest expense
Interest expense									$ 9,998	$ 9,839	$ 7,145
Interest income									(112)	(359)	(439)
Interest expense net of Interest Income									9,886	9,480	6,706
Capitalized interest									(287)	(385)	(365)
Interest expense, net	$ 2,225	$ 2,684	$ 2,086	$ 2,604	$ 2,582	$ 2,256	$ 2,194	$ 2,063	$ 9,599	$ 9,095	$ 6,341

Debt (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) banks	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Total debt		$ 182,402,000	$ 199,454,000
Debt matures in 2016		12,416,000
Debt matures in 2015		12,308,000
Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit agreement	$ 125,000,000
Number of other U.S. banks involved in revolving credit agreement \| banks	4
Duration of revolving credit agreement	5 years
Credit agreement expire period	2013-08
Line of credit facility, Minimum maturity period	1 day
Line of credit facility, Maximum maturity period	180 days
Debt Outstanding		0
Letters of Credit outstanding		2,627,000
Unused Revolving credit		122,373,000
Unrestricted retained earnings		114,204,000	184,738,000
Maximum amount of dividends and treasury shares purchase under revolving credit agreement		100,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Percentage of restricted group net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises			100.00%
Debt matures in 2013		32,838,000
Debt matures in 2014		14,128,000
Debt matures in 2017		20,712,000
Debt matures after 2017		90,000,000
Amount of repayments of long-term debt due in next year		15,605,000
Amount of repayments of foreign subsidiaries short-term debt due in next year		$ 17,233,000
Private placement notes amortization starting year		2013
Private placement notes amortization ending year		2023
Acquired by Joint Venture [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term Debt		$ 1,150,000
Maximum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		1.65%
Spread on Prime rate		0.65%
Facility fee percentage		0.35%
Minimum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		0.95%
Spread on Prime rate		0.00%
Facility fee percentage		0.175%
Unsecured Private Placement Notes [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Total debt		$ 152,142,000
Unsecured Private Placement Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt instrument interest rate percentage		6.86%
Maturity Dates		P15Y
Unsecured Private Placement Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt instrument interest rate percentage		4.86%
Maturity Dates		P13Y
European Debt [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		1.08%
Debt instrument interest rate percentage		2.15%
Bank Term loan		$ 8,575,000
Debt matures in 2016		4,947,000
Debt matures in 2015		3,628,000
Short-term Debt		$ 13,640,000
European Debt [Member] \| Acquired in UK Based Rate [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		2.00%
Short term borrowing on UK base rate		$ 2,439,000
European Debt [Member] \| Bank Term Loan [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Loan maturity		2016
European Debt [Member] \| Other Term Loan [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Loan maturity		2015
European Debt [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short term debt basis spread on variable rate		0.50%
European Debt [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short term debt basis spread on variable rate		0.30%
Philippine Subsidiary Debt [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Bank Term loan		$ 4,456,000
Philippine Subsidiary Debt [Member] \| Term Loan One [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		3.50%
Bank Term loan		$ 3,500,000
Philippine Subsidiary Debt [Member] \| Term Loan Two [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Spread rate		5.25%
Bank Term loan		$ 956,000

Leased Properties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
2013	$ 4,730
2014	3,425
2015	2,609
2016	2,261
2017	1,719
Subsequent to 2017	18,575
Total minimum future rental payments	$ 33,319

Leased Properties (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Leased Properties (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Leased Properties (Textual) [Abstract]
Total rental expense	$ 6,713,000	$ 6,182,000	$ 5,335,000

- Definition

This element represents the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

+ References + Details

Other Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Other Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other net in the consolidated statements of income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$ (304)	$ (800)	$ 107
Investment related income	173	105	112
Realized and unrealized gains (loss) on investments	1,460	(156)	1,367
Other, net	$ 1,329	$ (851)	$ 1,586

- Definition

The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

+ References + Details

- Definition

This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (c)-(e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 5

+ Details

- Definition

This item represents investment income derived from investments in debt and equity securities consisting of interest income earned from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents, dividend income from investments in equity securities, and income or expense derived from the amortization of investment related discounts or premiums, respectively, net of related investment expenses. This item does not include realized or unrealized gains or losses on the sale or holding of investments in debt and equity securities required to be included in earnings for the period or for other than temporary losses related to investments in debt and equity securities which are included in realized losses in the period recognized, and does not include investment income from real or personal property, such as rental income.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Federal
Current	$ 23,744	$ 16,901	$ 17,706
Deferred	(525)	4,894	4,020
State
Current	1,999	3,677	2,327
Deferred	(537)	174	453
Foreign
Current	10,158	6,658	10,490
Deferred	1,196	(12)	892
Total	36,035	32,292	35,888
Income before Taxes
Domestic	80,371	83,333	65,690
Foreign	35,351	21,561	35,789
Total	$ 115,722	$ 104,894	$ 101,479

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of variations between the effective and statutory U.S. federal income tax rates
Federal income tax provision at statutory tax rate	$ 40,503	$ 36,713	$ 35,518
State tax provision on income less applicable federal tax benefit	1,470	2,413	1,807
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(1,172)	(900)	(1,144)
Effect of equity in foreign joint venture			954
Repatriation of foreign earnings	24		543
Domestic production activities deduction	(1,446)	(1,339)	(1,446)
Nontaxable foreign interest income	(2,690)	(2,719)	(81)
U.S. tax credits		(1,482)	(969)
Non-deductible expenses and other items, net	(654)	(394)	706
Total income tax provision	$ 36,035	$ 32,292	$ 35,888
Percentage of Federal income tax provision at statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Percentage of State tax provision on income less applicable federal tax benefit	1.30%	2.30%	1.80%
Percentage of Foreign income taxed at different rates	(1.00%)	(0.90%)	(1.10%)
Percentage of Effect of equity in foreign joint venture			0.90%
Percentage of Repatriation of foreign earnings			0.50%
Percentage of Domestic production activities deduction	(1.20%)	(1.30%)	(1.40%)
Percentage of Nontaxable foreign interest income	(2.30%)	(2.60%)	(0.10%)
Percentage of U.S. tax credits		(1.40%)	(1.00%)
Percentage of Non-deductible expenses and other items, net	(0.70%)	(0.30%)	0.80%
Percentage of Total income tax provision	31.10%	30.80%	35.40%

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Tax Assets:
Pensions	$ 15,148	$ 14,442
Deferred revenue	718	139
Other accruals and reserves	10,979	11,735
Inventories	496	217
Legal and environmental accruals	6,463	6,679
Deferred compensation	17,461	14,347
Bad debt and rebate reserve	2,884	3,353
Subsidiaries net operating loss carryforwards	1,390	1,991
Tax credit carryforwards	532	31
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	56,071	52,934
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	(50,011)	(47,218)
Amortization of intangibles	(456)	(829)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss	(602)	(1,049)
Other	(918)	(640)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total	(51,987)	(49,736)
Valuation Allowance	(603)	(742)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	3,481	2,456
Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Current deferred tax assets	9,876	8,769
Non-current deferred tax assets (in other non-current assets)	2,805	2,331
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(9,200)	(8,644)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 3,481	$ 2,456

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliations of unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance	$ 1,232	$ 1,902	$ 2,052
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period	(569)	(795)	(90)
Gross increases - current period tax positions	44	213	152
Settlements		(38)
Foreign currency translation	23	(8)	(16)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(441)	(42)	(196)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$ 289	$ 1,232	$ 1,902

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 161,942,000	$ 139,857,000
Tax loss carryforwards	6,753,000	9,087,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2013	301,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2014	381,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2015	1,573,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2016	3,699,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2017	125,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2018	104,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2019	62,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2020	128,000
Expiration of Tax loss carryforwards, 2021	380,000
Tax credit carryforwards	532,000	31,000
Expiration of Tax credit carryforwards, 2013	16,000
Expiration of Tax credit carryforwards, 2016	351,000
Expiration of Tax credit carryforwards, 2017	165,000
Valuation Allowance	(603,000)	(742,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits	289,000	1,232,000	$ 1,902,000	$ 2,052,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact effective tax rates	275,000	1,023,000	1,720,000
Recognition of interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense	444,000	2,000	$ (26,000)
Income tax liability for interest and penalties	41,000	$ 486,000
Net tax benefit recognized under voluntary disclosure agreement	$ 688,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 Votes $ / shares shares	Dec. 14, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Stockholders Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Common Stock Split Ratio Declared	2
Percentage of stock dividend represents stock split	100.00%
Additional shares issued after stock split	12,460,000
Reduction in retained earnings due to stock split \| $		$ 12,460,000
Preferred stock dividends per share \| $ / shares	$ 1.375
Redemption price of preferred stock per share \| $ / shares	$ 25
Preferred stock votes per share \| Votes	2.2835
Common stock, par value \| $ / shares	$ 1		$ 1
Convertable preferred stock shares converted	456,358
Preferred stock outstanding	61,935		518,293
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Rate of conversion preferred stock into common stock	2.2835

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair value assumptions
Expected dividend yield	2.10%	2.40%	2.70%
Expected volatility	43.19%	43.60%	41.79%
Expected life	7 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	1.41%	2.91%	2.87%

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of stock option activity
Shares, Beginning Balance	1,203,296
Weighted average exercise price, Beginning Balance	$ 18.79
Granted, Shares	65,246
Granted, Weighted average exercise price	$ 42.82
Exercised, Shares	(582,730)	(268,978)	(374,508)
Exercised, Granted, Weighted average exercise price	$ 15.11
Forfeited, Shares	(1,702)
Forfeited Weighted average exercise price	$ 39.20
Shares, Ending Balance	684,110	1,203,296
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$ 24.15	$ 18.79
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	4 years 6 months 7 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Ending Balance	$ 21,471
Vested or expected to vest, Shares	680,852
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$ 24.07
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term	4 years 6 months
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 21,430
Exercisable, shares	498,660
Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$ 18.52
Exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 6 months 15 days
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 18,463

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of stock award activity
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance	271,624
Unvested Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning Balance	$ 29.11
Granted, Shares	118,916
Granted, Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 41.00	$ 35.79	$ 24.10
Vested, Shares	(61,051)
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 24.18
Forfeited, Shares	(86,633)
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 24.48
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	242,856	271,624
Unvested Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending Balance	$ 37.83	$ 29.11

- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Summary of awards activity
Unvested Shares, Beginning Balance	271,624
Granted, Shares	118,916
Forfeited, Shares	86,633
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	242,856
SARs [Member]
Summary of awards activity
Granted, Shares	65,246
Forfeited, Shares	546
Unvested Shares, Ending Balance	64,700
Granted, Weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares	$ 42.82
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares	42.77
Weighted average exercise price, Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 42.82
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms	9 years 1 month 17 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Ending Balance \| $	$ 823

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Vesting period	2 years
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	1 year 9 months 18 days
Common stock authorized under 2011 Plan	2,600,000
Shares available for grant under the 2011 Plan	2,401,590
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 1,669,000
Stock-Based Compensation (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation expense charged against income	3,122,000	$ 3,676,000	$ 3,789,000
Actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock option exercises	6,411,000	2,103,000	2,704,000
Total intrinsic values of options exercised	17,163,000	6,262,000	8,446,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 4,473,000	$ 3,228,000	$ 4,335,000
Weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock awards granted	$ 41.00	$ 35.79	$ 24.10
Total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation arrangements	$ 1,186,000	$ 1,416,000	$ 1,465,000
Maximum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Period of expiration of stock options	10 years
Minimum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Period of expiration of stock options	8 years
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	1 year
Weighted-average grant-date fair values of options awarded	$ 15.73	$ 13.81	$ 8.88
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 627,000
SARs [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Vesting period	2 years
Period of expiration	10 years
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	1 year 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average grant-date fair values of options awarded	$ 15.73
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 815,000
SARs liability	$ 638,000

Deferred Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Deferred Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Compensation Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional compensation expense	$ 10,252,000	$ 1,529,000	$ 5,020,000
Year-over-year increase in market price of common stock, percent.	39.00%
Deferred compensation liability	$ 42,229,000	$ 32,428,000

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
UNITED STATES [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 139,077	$ 132,302
Interest cost	6,880	6,927	$ 7,030
Actuarial (gain) loss	15,590	4,239
Benefits paid	(4,496)	(4,391)
Foreign exchange impact
Benefit obligation at end of year	157,051	139,077	132,302
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	104,178	103,341
Actual return on plan assets	19,391	1,750
Employer contributions	5,609	3,478
Benefits paid	(4,496)	(4,391)
Foreign exchange impact
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	124,682	104,178	103,341
Funded status at end of year	(32,369)	(34,899)
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	16,829	19,080
Interest cost	841	1,099	1,037
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,846	(2,721)
Benefits paid	(659)	(629)
Foreign exchange impact	865
Benefit obligation at end of year	21,722	16,829	19,080
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	15,695	15,358
Actual return on plan assets	1,623	63
Employer contributions	971	970
Benefits paid	(659)	(629)
Foreign exchange impact	760	(67)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18,390	15,695	$ 15,358
Funded status at end of year	$ (3,332)	$ (1,134)

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
UNITED STATES [Member]
Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current liability	$ (174)	$ (268)
Non-current liability	(32,195)	(34,631)
Net amount recognized	(32,369)	(34,899)
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet
Current liability
Non-current liability	(3,332)	(1,134)
Net amount recognized	$ (3,332)	$ (1,134)

- Definition

This represents the entire liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.15)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.15)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
UNITED STATES [Member]
Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial loss	$ 50,450	$ 49,401
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial loss	$ 5,699	$ 2,637

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
UNITED STATES [Member]
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$ 157,051	$ 139,077
Accumulated benefit obligation	157,051	139,077
Fair value of plan assets	124,682	104,178
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	21,722	16,829
Accumulated benefit obligation	21,722	16,829
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,390	$ 15,695

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
UNITED STATES [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Interest cost	$ 6,880	$ 6,927	$ 7,030
Expected return on plan assets	(8,423)	(8,063)	(7,860)
Amortization of net loss	3,573	2,853	2,068
Net periodic benefit cost	2,030	1,717	1,238
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Interest cost	841	1,099	1,037
Expected return on plan assets	(888)	(1,042)	(866)
Amortization of net loss	49	204	276
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 2	$ 261	$ 447

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
UNITED STATES [Member]
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$ 4,622	$ 10,552	$ 6,684
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(3,573)	(2,853)	(2,068)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	1,049	7,699	4,616
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	3,079	9,416	5,854
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (gain) loss	3,111	(1,742)	(799)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(49)	(204)	(276)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	3,062	(1,946)	(1,075)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ 3,064	$ (1,685)	$ (628)

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 6) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 6) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
UNITED STATES [Member]
Estimated amounts amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost
Net actuarial loss	$ 5,222
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Estimated amounts amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost
Net actuarial loss	$ 299

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 7) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
UNITED STATES [Member]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2013	$ 5,619
2014	6,331
2015	6,961
2016	7,445
2017	7,946
2018-2022	45,911
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2013	494
2014	500
2015	570
2016	611
2017	663
2018-2022	$ 3,675

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 8)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
UNITED STATES [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	4.17%	5.06%
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	4.30%	4.90%

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 9)	12 Months Ended
Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 9)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
UNITED STATES [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	5.06%	5.40%	6.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.75%	7.75%	8.00%
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations/net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate	4.90%	5.60%	5.70%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.46%	6.78%	6.50%

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 10) - UNITED STATES [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	$ 124,682	$ 104,178	$ 103,341
Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	87,036	61,067
Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	37,646	39,391
Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total		3,720
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	3,965	3,628
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	3,965	3,628
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
U.S. Equities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	32,850	29,186
U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	32,850	29,186
U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Non-U.S. Equities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	11,373	9,189
Non-U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	11,373	1,813
Non-U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total		7,376
Non-U.S. Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Employer Securities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	34,426	27,034
Employer Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	34,426	27,034
Employer Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Employer Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Equities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	78,649	65,409
Equities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	78,649	58,033
Equities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total		7,376
Equities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
U.S. Corporate Bonds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	19,873	16,642
U.S. Corporate Bonds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
U.S. Corporate Bonds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	19,873	16,642
U.S. Corporate Bonds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	7,751	9,091
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	795	982
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	6,956	8,109
U.S. Government and Agency Bonds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,837
Municipal Bonds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Municipal Bonds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,837
Municipal Bonds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Other Bonds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	4,015	3,636
Other Bonds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Other Bonds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	4,015	3,636
Other Bonds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Debt Securities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	34,476	29,369
Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	795	982
Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	33,681	28,387
Debt Securities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Real Estate [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	4,990	3,720
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	4,990
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Real Estate [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total		3,720
Commodities [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,602	2,052
Commodities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,602	2,052
Commodities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Commodities [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 11) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans
Beginning Balance	$ 3,720	$ 3,191
Sale proceeds	(3,916)	(40)
Realized gain (loss)	840	(295)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)	(644)	864
Ending Balance		3,720
Real Estate Fund [Member]
Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans
Beginning Balance	3,720	3,151
Sale proceeds	(3,916)
Realized gain (loss)	840
Change in unrealized gain (loss)	(644)	569
Ending Balance		3,720
Hedge Funds [Member]
Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans
Beginning Balance		40
Sale proceeds		(40)
Realized gain (loss)		(295)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)		295
Ending Balance

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 12) - UNITED KINGDOM [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	$ 18,390	$ 15,695	$ 15,358
Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	845	494
Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	15,108	12,983
Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,437	2,218
Cash [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	845	494
Cash [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	845	494
Cash [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Cash [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Pooled Pension Funds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	11,979	8,959
Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	11,979	8,959
Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Pooled Fixed Pension Funds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,677	3,115
Pooled Fixed Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Pooled Fixed Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,677	3,115
Pooled Fixed Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Real Estate Pooled Pension Funds [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	452	909
Real Estate Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Real Estate Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	452	909
Real Estate Pooled Pension Funds [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Insurance Contracts [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	2,437	2,218
Insurance Contracts [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Insurance Contracts [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total
Insurance Contracts [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Company's asset allocations for its U.S. and U.K. pension plans
Total	$ 2,437	$ 2,218

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 13) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans
Beginning Balance	$ 3,720	$ 3,191
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)	(3,916)	(40)
Change in unrealized gain	(644)	864
Ending Balance		3,720
Insurance Contracts [Member]
Market value changes within asset categories for which fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) defined benefit United States plans and United Kingdom plans
Beginning Balance	2,218	2,188
Sale proceeds (benefit payments)	(173)	(165)
Change in unrealized gain	288	204
Foreign exchange impact	104	(9)
Ending Balance	$ 2,437	$ 2,218

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details 14) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined contribution plan expenses for the company's retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan
Total	$ 10,046	$ 8,802	$ 9,370
Retirement Savings Plans [Member]
Defined contribution plan expenses for the company's retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan
Total	4,284	4,033	4,309
Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Defined contribution plan expenses for the company's retirement savings plans and profit sharing plan
Total	$ 5,762	$ 4,769	$ 5,061

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Model	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2012 shares	Feb. 22, 2011 shares
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	7.75%
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 10,046,000	$ 8,802,000	$ 9,370,000
Postretirement Benefit Plan (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Period of smoothing of assets gain or losses	5 years
Assets gains or losses added for prior year	80.00%
Assets gains or losses added for second preceding year	60.00%
Assets gains or losses added for third preceding year	40.00%
Assets gains or losses added for fourth preceding year	20.00%
Expected return for fixed income	5.50%
Number of statistical models for return \| Model	3
Percentage of premium estimated return for equities and properties to risk free rate	3.00%
Percentage of long term return in cash	4.00%
Balance of the trust assets	$ 1,572,000	1,310,000
supplemental plan liability balances	$ 1,642,000	1,460,000
U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of equities within the pooled pension fund	36.00%
United Kingdom [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of equities within the pooled pension fund	25.00%
Europe [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of equities within the pooled pension fund	20.00%
Other Regions [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of equities within the pooled pension fund	19.00%
Equities [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target allocation for equities	40.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target allocation for equities	4.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	7.10%
Commodities [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target allocation for equities	2.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.90%
U.S. Treasury bond [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Period for yield of zero coupon U.S. Treasury bond	5 years
U.S. and international equities [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	8.90%
U.S Plans [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of fixed income assets in debt securities	20.00%
Common shares sold to the Company's ESOP trust \| shares				27,331	32,942
Company's expected contribution to qualified plan	$ 0
Expected payment related to Nonqualified plan	$ 174,000
U.S Plans [Member] \| Debt Securities [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target allocation for equities	31.00%
U.S Plans [Member] \| Employer Securities [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of target allocation for equities	22.00%
U.K Plan [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Company's expected contribution to qualified plan	$ 986,000
Retirement Savings Plans [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan expense	4,284,000	4,033,000	4,309,000
Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan expense	5,762,000	4,769,000	5,061,000
Statutory Plans [Member]
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 711,000	$ 159,000	$ 800,000

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of accrued liabilities
Accrued payroll and benefits	$ 42,404	$ 33,798
Accrued customer rebates	14,395	11,210
Other accrued liabilities	15,862	15,967
Total accrued liabilities	$ 72,661	$ 60,975

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of other non-current liabilities
Deferred revenue	$ 1,614	$ 1,000
Environmental and legal matters	13,459	13,205
Deferred compensation liability	41,665	31,790
Pension liability	37,855	37,595
Other non-current liabilities	4,074	5,226
Total other non-current liabilities	$ 98,667	$ 88,816

- Definition

The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue amount as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is not expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

+ References + Details

- Definition

This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915240&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Environmental and legal losses, minimum		$ 10.3
Environmental and legal losses, maximum		28.9
Accrued liability for losses		15.4	$ 14.6
Cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters		$ 3.3	$ 4.9
Wilmington Site [Member]
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Payment of environmental response costs	$ 2.1
Contribution for future response costs		5.00%

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Segment
Net Sales	$ 427,259	$ 440,978	$ 470,231	$ 465,269	$ 444,170	$ 499,335	$ 476,989	$ 422,598	$ 1,803,737	$ 1,843,092	$ 1,431,122
Operating Income									128,716	118,456	107,897
Assets	985,478				901,118				985,478	901,118	811,431
Depreciation and amortization expenses									51,294	47,099	40,351
Reportable Segment [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales									1,803,737	1,843,092	1,431,122
Operating Income									178,963	155,027	144,413
Assets	950,714				852,750				950,714	852,750	731,838
Capital expenditures									81,317	82,273	81,919
Depreciation and amortization expenses									49,634	44,851	38,221
Surfactants [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales									1,305,800	1,361,956	1,057,982
Assets	692,891				624,425				692,891	624,425	548,297
Capital expenditures									56,236	63,295	56,562
Depreciation and amortization expenses									34,036	31,346	27,260
Surfactants [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income									118,591	100,811	93,010
Polymers [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales									423,959	421,515	330,416
Assets	199,013				174,029				199,013	174,029	157,114
Capital expenditures									19,266	15,320	23,895
Depreciation and amortization expenses									13,328	11,697	9,519
Polymers [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income									48,130	40,909	36,904
Specialty Products [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales									73,798	59,621	42,724
Assets	$ 58,810				$ 54,296				58,810	54,296	26,427
Capital expenditures									5,815	3,658	1,462
Depreciation and amortization expenses									2,270	1,808	1,442
Specialty Products [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income									$ 12,242	$ 13,307	$ 14,499

Segment Reporting (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of segment information to consolidated financial statements
Operating Income									$ 128,716	$ 118,456	$ 107,897
Unallocated corporate expenses									(50,247)	(36,571)	(36,516)
Total operating income									128,716	118,456	107,897
Interest, net (Note 6)	$ (2,225)	$ (2,684)	$ (2,086)	$ (2,604)	$ (2,582)	$ (2,256)	$ (2,194)	$ (2,063)	(9,599)	(9,095)	(6,341)
Loss from equity in joint ventures									(4,724)	(3,616)	(1,663)
Other, net									1,329	(851)	1,586
Income Before Provision For Income Taxes	21,249	$ 30,235	$ 31,518	$ 32,720	18,198	$ 28,229	$ 31,332	$ 27,135	115,722	104,894	101,479
Assets	985,478				901,118				985,478	901,118	811,431
Unallocated corporate assets	34,764				48,368				34,764	48,368	79,593
Consolidated assets	985,478				901,118				985,478	901,118	811,431
Unallocated corporate expenditures									1,842	893	2,229
Consolidated capital expenditures									83,159	83,166	73,748
Depreciation and amortization expenses									51,294	47,099	40,351
Unallocated corporate depreciation expenses									1,660	2,248	2,130
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses									51,294	47,099	40,351
Reportable Segment [Member]
Reconciliation of segment information to consolidated financial statements
Operating Income									178,963	155,027	144,413
Total operating income									178,963	155,027	144,413
Assets	950,714				852,750				950,714	852,750	731,838
Consolidated assets	$ 950,714				$ 852,750				950,714	852,750	731,838
Capital expenditures									81,317	82,273	81,919
Depreciation and amortization expenses									$ 49,634	$ 44,851	$ 38,221

Segment Reporting (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net sales
Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's, United States	$ 1,076,222	$ 1,086,233	$ 863,780
Total	1,803,737	1,843,092	1,431,122
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Entity's United States	246,118	230,926	204,137
Total	437,999	402,164	365,559
France [Member]
Net sales
Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries	298,158	316,514	238,310
United Kingdom [Member]
Net sales
Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries	103,523	122,100	104,071
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	20,878	18,268	17,750
Germany [Member]
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	34,213	31,006	28,751
Singapore [Member]
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	43,239	37,827	25,174
Philippines [Member]
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	22,658	23,214	22,284
Brazil [Member]
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	18,410	18,773	21,061
All Other Countries [Member]
Net sales
Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries	325,834	318,245	224,961
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries	$ 52,483	$ 42,150	$ 46,402

Segment Reporting (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 Segment
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 15,439	$ 20,230	$ 21,425	$ 22,302	$ 13,179	$ 19,169	$ 20,867	$ 18,761	$ 79,396	$ 71,976	$ 65,427
Deduct dividends on preferred stock									579	714	747
Income applicable to common stock									$ 78,817	$ 71,262	$ 64,680
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding									21,273	20,726	20,326
Basic earnings per share									$ 3.71	$ 3.44	$ 3.18
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company									$ 79,396	$ 71,976	$ 65,427
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding									21,273	20,726	20,326
Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method)									392	472	516
Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)									12	52	98
Add weighted-average unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)									6	4	2
Add weighted-average shares from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock									1,047	1,186	1,238
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									22,730	22,440	22,180
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.68	$ 0.89	$ 0.94	$ 0.98	$ 0.58	$ 0.85	$ 0.93	$ 0.84	$ 3.49	$ 3.21	$ 2.95

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2012 shares	Dec. 31, 2011 shares	Dec. 31, 2010 shares
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock split ratio	2
Options to purchase shares of common stock not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share	16,444	91,449	1,090

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Purchase of the Remaining Interest in Stepan Philippines Inc (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012
Purchase of the Remaining Interest in Stepan Philippines Inc (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of company's ownership, before purchasing the interest in Stepan Philippines		88.80%
Percentage of company's ownership, after purchasing the interest in Stepan Philippines		100.00%
Payment to noncontrolling interest	$ 2,000,000
Increase in additional paid in capital	551,000
Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) to AOCI	$ 197,000

Acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 23, 2011 USD ($)
Assets:
Inventory	$ 5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Total identifiable intangible assets	8,113
Goodwill	483
Total assets acquired	13,596
Current liabilities	34
Net assets acquired	13,562
Patents [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Total identifiable intangible assets	6,948
Customer lists [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Total identifiable intangible assets	736
Trademarks, Know-how [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Total identifiable intangible assets	$ 429

Acquisition (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 23, 2011	Jul. 19, 2010	Jul. 15, 2010
Assets:
Inventory	$ 5,000
Goodwill	483
Total assets acquired	13,596
Liabilities:
Current liabilities	34
Net assets acquired	$ 13,562
Alfa Systems [Member]
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)			$ 1,188
Inventory			893
Property, plant and equipment			11,208
Identifiable intangible assets			649
Goodwill			925
Other assets			49
Total assets acquired			14,912
Liabilities:
Current liabilities			4,735
Non-current liabilities			71
Total liabilities assumed			4,806
Net assets acquired			$ 10,106
Controlling Interest in SPI [Member]
Assets:
Current assets (excluding inventory)		$ 12,841
Inventory		3,232
Property, plant and equipment		18,685
Identifiable intangible assets		1,200
Goodwill		1,101
Other assets		167
Total assets acquired		37,226
Liabilities:
Current liabilities		8,466
Non-current liabilities		9,973
Total liabilities assumed		18,439
Net assets acquired		18,787
Less noncontrolling interest in SPI		(2,090)
Net assets less noncontrolling interest		$ 16,697

Acquisition (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Acquisition (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 19, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 23, 2011	Jul. 15, 2010
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition purchase price						$ 13,562,000
Business acquisition purchase price		$ 10,100,000			$ 10,400,000
Purchase price holdback provision				$ 1,100,000
Acquisition-related costs reflected in administrative expenses							$ 700,000
Fair value of noncontrolling interest			$ 2,100,000
Guaranteed debt owned			8,700,000
Acquisition (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Assumed environmental contingent liability				$ 1,100,000
Maximum [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets				15 years
Minimum [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets				5 years
Lipid Nutrition [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition purchase price						$ 13,562,000
Acquisition-related costs incurred	$ 300,000
Environmental remediation [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Recognized as contingent consideration				$ 0
Nonspecific claims [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Recognized as contingent consideration							1,600,000
Purchase price holdback provision				700,000
Holdback amount not paid				$ 100,000
Recognized as contingent consideration							1,600,000
Period for additional claims relating to pre-acquisition activities				2 years
Working capital balance [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Recognized as contingent consideration							600,000
Recognized as contingent consideration							100,000
Peter Cremer GmbH [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition purchase price		$ 10,400,000
Patents [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	12 years
Customer lists [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	5 years
Trademarks and Know How [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	5 years
Alfa Systems [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition purchase price							$ 10,106,000
Percent of acquisition ownership interest							100.00%
Business acquisition cash paid							$ 8,500,000
Recognized as contingent consideration							1,600,000
Identifiable intangible assets							$ 649,000
Non-compete agreement [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets				$ 400,000
Intangibles amortization periods				3 years
Technological know-how [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets				$ 200,000
Intangibles amortization periods				5 years
Stepan Philippines Inc [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition cash paid			3,700,000
Acquisition-related costs reflected in administrative expenses			100,000
Fair Value of Original Interest in Joint Venture			7,100,000
Additional capital investment			2,000,000
Business acquisition forgive liability			3,900,000
Gain on revaluation of the original investment in joint venture			$ 700,000
Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners			11.20%
Stepan Philippines Inc [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Percent of voting interest in Joint Venture			88.80%
Stepan Philippines Inc [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Percent of voting interest in Joint Venture			50.00%
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets			$ 1,200,000
Intangibles amortization periods			10 years

Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Value of shares tendered for stock options exercised	$ 8,400,000	$ 1,330,000	$ 1,361,000
Shares tendered for stock options exercised	176,114	33,286	35,622
Noncash financing activities from issuance shares of Company common stock	84,568	108,104	124,956
Stock Issued1	$ 3,659,000	$ 3,836,000	$ 3,130,000
Noncash investing activities incurred for fixed asset acquisitions	$ 10,467,000	$ 11,723,000	9,959,000
Warehouse [Member]
Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Noncash financing and investing activities acquisition			11,413,000
Equipment [Member]
Statement of Cash Flows - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Noncash financing and investing activities acquisition			$ 13,008,000

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
Net Sales	$ 427,259	$ 440,978	$ 470,231	$ 465,269	$ 444,170	$ 499,335	$ 476,989	$ 422,598	$ 1,803,737	$ 1,843,092	$ 1,431,122
Gross Profit	70,120	71,253	73,396	76,784	60,112	64,080	69,585	61,786	291,553	255,553	235,978
Interest, net (Note 6)	(2,225)	(2,684)	(2,086)	(2,604)	(2,582)	(2,256)	(2,194)	(2,063)	(9,599)	(9,095)	(6,341)
Income Before Income Taxes	21,249	30,235	31,518	32,720	18,198	28,229	31,332	27,135	115,722	104,894	101,479
Net income	15,493	20,319	21,511	22,364	13,549	19,231	21,006	18,816	79,687	72,602	65,591
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 15,439	$ 20,230	$ 21,425	$ 22,302	$ 13,179	$ 19,169	$ 20,867	$ 18,761	$ 79,396	$ 71,976	$ 65,427
Diluted	$ 0.68	$ 0.89	$ 0.94	$ 0.98	$ 0.58	$ 0.85	$ 0.93	$ 0.84	$ 3.49	$ 3.21	$ 2.95

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details