Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations	$ (12,990)	$ 88,019	$ 89,404	$ 66,004	$ 162,232	$ 97,313	$ 88,500	$ 87,681	$ 230,437	$ 435,726	$ 325,846
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests									(27,590)	(26,663)	(18,591)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation									$ 202,847	$ 409,063	$ 307,255
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	78,144	78,244	78,662	79,735	81,226	81,385	84,028	88,719	78,696	83,839	89,189
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.02	$ 1.05	$ 0.73	$ 1.93	$ 1.10	$ 0.95	$ 0.93	$ 2.57	$ 4.88	$ 3.44
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans									406	483	695
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share	78,545	78,659	79,091	80,112	81,713	81,852	84,489	89,236	79,102	84,322	89,884
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.22)	$ 1.01	$ 1.04	$ 0.73	$ 1.92	$ 1.10	$ 0.95	$ 0.92	$ 2.57	$ 4.85	$ 3.42