Operating Segments -Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Postretirement credits included in corporate and other	$ (14.6)	$ 1.2

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement credits (costs) included in corporate and other

No definition available.

Name:	alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther
Namespace Prefix:	alb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration