Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 401,427	$ 477,696
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2013 – $1,537; 2012 - $1,641)	409,206	378,973
Other accounts receivable	37,507	43,844
Inventories	485,804	428,145
Other current assets	60,762	78,655
Total current assets	1,394,706	1,407,313
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,934,613	2,818,604
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,585,637	1,522,033
Net property, plant and equipment	1,348,976	1,296,571
Investments	208,077	207,141
Other assets	149,076	154,836
Goodwill	279,668	276,966
Other intangibles, net of amortization	89,562	94,464
Total assets	3,470,065	3,437,291
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	192,897	172,866
Accrued expenses	160,025	177,546
Current portion of long-term debt	19,602	12,700
Dividends payable	19,185	17,471
Income taxes payable	19,128	4,426
Total current liabilities	410,837	385,009
Long-term debt	1,060,282	686,588
Postretirement benefits	59,730	60,815
Pension benefits	192,374	195,481
Other noncurrent liabilities	100,925	114,022
Deferred income taxes	68,768	63,368
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 81,396 in 2013 and 88,899 in 2012	814	889
Additional paid-in capital	6,016	2,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income	96,295	85,264
Retained earnings	1,363,970	1,744,684
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	1,467,095	1,833,598
Noncontrolling interests	110,054	98,410
Total equity	1,577,149	1,932,008
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,470,065	$ 3,437,291