Operating Segments - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 656,679		$ 641,625
Total segment operating profit	75,404		114,887
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,901		10,261
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652)		(5,529)
Segment income	128,418		134,840
Corporate & other	(34,765)	[1]	(15,221)	[1]
Restructuring and other charges, net	(17,000)		0
Interest and financing expenses	(8,773)		(5,231)
Other income (expenses), net	1,149		(4,209)
Income tax expense	(12,446)		(26,192)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	56,583		83,987
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	360,543		361,941
Total segment operating profit	75,923		82,933
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	2,917		2,308
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652)		(5,529)
Segment income	71,188		79,712
Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	296,136		279,684
Total segment operating profit	51,246		47,175
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	5,984		7,953
Segment income	57,230		55,128
Total segment operating profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	$ 127,169		$ 130,108

[1] For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(14.6) million and $1.2 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.