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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 88,019	$ 97,313	$ 243,427	$ 273,494
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,546)	(7,332)	(23,130)	(21,250)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	79,473	89,981	220,297	252,244
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	78,244	81,385	78,880	84,711
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.02	$ 1.10	$ 2.79	$ 2.98
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	88,019	97,313	243,427	273,494
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,546)	(7,332)	(23,130)	(21,250)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 79,473	$ 89,981	$ 220,297	$ 252,244
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	78,244	81,385	78,880	84,711
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	415	467	407	481
Total shares	78,659	81,852	79,287	85,192
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 1.01	$ 1.10	$ 2.78	$ 2.96