Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 598,566		$ 642,418		$ 604,721		$ 599,843		$ 639,635		$ 591,196	$ 576,842	$ 586,597	$ 2,445,548	[1]	$ 2,394,270	[1]	$ 2,519,154	[1]
Total segment operating profit														271,298		576,675		399,783
Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments														35,742		31,729		38,067
Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,460)		(8,546)		(6,932)		(7,652)		(5,413)		(7,332)	(8,389)	(5,529)	(27,590)		(26,663)		(18,591)
Segment income:														539,175		533,663		660,503
Corporate & other														(203,620)	[2]	81,439	[2]	(129,559)	[2]
Restructuring and other charges, net (Note 20)	(5,322)	[3]	(293)	[3]	(3,332)	[3]	(17,000)	[3]	(33,361)	[3]	0	0	0	(25,947)	[3]	(33,361)	[3]	(111,685)	[3]
Acquisition and integration related costs	(15,054)	[4]	(10,261)	[4]	(4,843)	[4]	0							(30,158)	[4]	0	[4]	0	[4]
Interest and financing expenses														(41,358)		(31,559)		(32,800)
Other (expenses) income, net														(16,761)		(6,674)		1,229
Income tax expense														(18,484)		(134,445)		(80,433)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	(1,058)	[5]	(6,679)	[5]	(60,025)	[5]	(1,769)	[5]	(886)		531	2,628	1,835	(69,531)		4,108		4,281
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	(18,508)		72,794		22,447		56,583		155,933		90,512	82,739	83,987	133,316		413,171		311,536
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales														1,351,596		1,392,664		1,451,247
Total segment operating profit														306,616		334,275		410,359
Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments														10,068		8,875		6,416
Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests														(27,590)		(26,663)		(18,571)
Segment income:														289,094		316,487		398,204
Catalyst Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales														1,093,952		1,001,606		1,067,907
Total segment operating profit														224,407		194,322		230,648
Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments														25,674		22,854		31,651
Segment income:														250,081		217,176		262,299
Total segment operating profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit														531,023		528,597		641,007
Corporate & other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests														$ 0		$ 0		$ (20)

[1] No sales in a foreign country exceed 10% of total net sales. Also, net sales are attributed to countries based upon shipments to final destination.

[2] For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Corporate & other includes $(127.2) million, $143.1 million and $(68.0) million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits (including mark-to-market actuarial gains and losses).

[3] See Note 20, “Restructuring and Other.”

[4] See Note 23, “Acquisitions.”

[5] Included in Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014 is $(65.7) million related to the loss on the sale of our antioxidant, ibuprofen and propofol businesses and assets, the majority of which was recorded in the second quarter. See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations.”