Operating Segments -Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement (costs) credits included in corporate and other	$ (1.9)	$ 1.0	$ (15.7)	$ 3.1

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