Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 81,340		$ 97,844		$ 174,954		$ 278,488
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(100,318)		40,613		(106,380)		11,945
Pension and postretirement benefits	(147)	[1]	(201)	[1]	(615)	[1]	(605)	[1]
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap	(988)		0		(11,409)		0
Other	33		38		105		99
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(101,420)		40,450		(118,299)		11,439
Comprehensive (loss) income	(20,080)		138,294		56,655		289,927
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(8,421)		(7,669)		(22,727)		(21,658)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (28,501)		$ 130,625		$ 33,928		$ 268,269

[1] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”