Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$ 97,844		$ 114,434	$ 278,488		$ 286,662
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	40,613		29,165	11,945		2,295
Pension and postretirement benefits	(201)	[1]	(168)	(605)	[1]	(502)
Other	38		29	99		95
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	40,450		29,026	11,439		1,888
Comprehensive income	138,294		143,460	289,927		288,550
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(7,669)		(4,975)	(21,658)		(13,007)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 130,625		$ 138,485	$ 268,269		$ 275,543

[1] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”