Operating Segments - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 604,721		$ 576,842		$ 1,204,564		$ 1,163,439
Total segment operating profit	110,240		108,380		188,163		220,763
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	10,649		9,709		19,550		19,970
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,932)		(8,389)		(14,584)		(13,918)
Segment income	140,900		126,285		271,837		258,621
Corporate & other	(18,768)	[1]	(16,585)	[1]	(53,533)	[1]	(31,806)	[1]
Restructuring and other charges, net	(8,175)		0		(25,175)		0
Interest and financing expenses	(8,733)		(7,608)		(17,506)		(12,839)
Other (expenses) income, net	(979)		(1,585)		164		(5,779)
Income tax expense	(21,773)		(20,396)		(34,963)		(45,934)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	(60,025)		2,628		(61,794)		4,463
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	22,447		82,739		79,030		166,726
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	334,187		343,024		684,444		694,048
Total segment operating profit	77,265		88,694		157,741		174,159
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	2,660		2,328		5,577		4,636
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,932)		(8,389)		(14,584)		(13,918)
Segment income	72,993		82,633		148,734		164,877
Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	270,534		233,818		520,120		469,391
Total segment operating profit	59,918		36,271		109,130		78,410
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	7,989		7,381		13,973		15,334
Segment income	67,907		43,652		123,103		93,744
Total segment operating profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	$ 137,183		$ 124,965		$ 266,871		$ 252,569

[1] For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan credits, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(13.7) million and $2.0 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.