Operating Segments - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 642,418		$ 591,196		$ 1,846,982		$ 1,754,635
Total segment operating profit	106,473		128,802		294,636		349,565
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,650		5,338		28,200		25,308
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,546)		(7,332)		(23,130)		(21,250)
Segment income	140,126		136,717		411,963		395,338
Corporate & other	(22,995)	[1]	(9,909)	[1]	(76,528)	[1]	(41,715)	[1]
Restructuring and other charges, net	(293)		0		(20,625)		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	(10,261)		0		(15,104)		0
Interest and financing expenses	(8,749)		(9,496)		(26,255)		(22,335)
Other expenses, net	(6,618)		(368)		(6,454)		(6,147)
Income tax expense	(11,737)		(26,963)		(46,700)		(72,897)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	(6,679)		531		(68,473)		4,994
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	72,794		90,512		151,824		257,238
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	364,517		365,154		1,048,961		1,059,202
Total segment operating profit	86,983		91,506		244,724		265,665
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	1,744		1,735		7,321		6,371
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8,546)		(7,332)		(23,130)		(21,250)
Segment income	80,181		85,909		228,915		250,786
Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	277,901		226,042		798,021		695,433
Total segment operating profit	53,039		47,205		162,169		125,615
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	6,906		3,603		20,879		18,937
Segment income	59,945		50,808		183,048		144,552
Total segment operating profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	$ 140,022		$ 138,711		$ 406,893		$ 391,280

[1] For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(1.9) million and $1.0 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(15.7) million and $3.1 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.