Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 89,404	$ 88,500	$ 155,408	$ 176,181
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,932)	(8,389)	(14,584)	(13,918)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	82,472	80,111	140,824	162,263
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	78,662	84,028	79,199	86,374
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$ 1.05	$ 0.95	$ 1.78	$ 1.88
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	89,404	88,500	155,408	176,181
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,932)	(8,389)	(14,584)	(13,918)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 82,472	$ 80,111	$ 140,824	$ 162,263
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	78,662	84,028	79,199	86,374
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	429	461	403	488
Total shares	79,091	84,489	79,602	86,862
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.04	$ 0.95	$ 1.77	$ 1.87