Operating Segments - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 648,638		$ 661,226		$ 1,924,460		$ 2,057,824
Total segment operating profit	129,665		144,515		356,726		374,381
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	5,338		7,935		25,308		29,233
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,332)		(4,975)		(21,250)		(12,852)
Segment income	136,456		151,083		399,112		510,556
Corporate & other	(8,785)		(3,608)		(38,328)		(25,091)
Restructuring and other charges, net	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	(94,703)	[1]
Interest and financing expenses	(9,496)		(7,914)		(22,335)		(25,134)
Other (expenses) income, net	(389)		2,370		(6,295)		1,564
Income tax expense	(27,274)		(32,472)		(74,916)		(93,382)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	90,512		109,459		257,238		273,810
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	224,320		216,992		663,410		692,139
Total segment operating profit	40,678		44,694		128,169		162,648
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	1,735		1,199		6,371		4,957
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	916		602		4,118		1,255
Segment income	41,497		45,291		130,422		166,350
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	226,042		251,201		695,433		773,867
Total segment operating profit	53,878		55,093		146,536		189,104
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	3,603		6,736		18,937		24,276
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0		0		0
Segment income	57,481		61,829		165,473		213,380
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	198,276		193,033		565,617		591,818
Total segment operating profit	43,894		48,336		120,349		142,403
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	0		0		0		0
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,416		4,373		17,132		11,577
Segment income	37,478		43,963		103,217		130,826
Total segment operating profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	138,450		148,123		395,054		494,155
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	0		0		0		0
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 20

[1] See Note 13, “Restructuring and Other.”