Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments Footnote (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Pension and OPEB items	$ (127.2)	$ 143.1	$ (68.0)

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