Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 90,512	$ 109,459	$ 257,238	$ 273,810
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	81,385	89,327	84,711	89,246
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.11	$ 1.23	$ 3.04	$ 3.07
Diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 90,512	$ 109,459	$ 257,238	$ 273,810
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	81,385	89,327	84,711	89,246
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	467	552	481	713
Total shares	81,852	89,879	85,192	89,959
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.11	$ 1.22	$ 3.02	$ 3.04