Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 261,421	$ 2,489,768	$ 524,043	$ 477,239
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2015 – $1,991; 2014 – $1,563)	626,965	385,212
Other accounts receivable	83,033	49,423
Inventories	620,177	358,361
Other current assets	94,947	66,086
Total current assets	1,686,543	3,348,850
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	4,021,633	2,620,670
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,404,606	1,388,802
Net property, plant and equipment	2,617,027	1,231,868
Investments	652,972	194,042
Other assets	180,212	160,956
Goodwill	2,709,670	243,262
Other intangibles, net of amortization	1,948,335	44,125
Total assets	9,794,759	5,223,103
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	340,815	231,705
Accrued expenses	553,947	166,174
Current portion of long-term debt	471,809	711,096
Dividends payable	32,261	21,458
Income taxes payable	57,512	9,453
Total current liabilities	1,456,344	1,139,886
Long-term debt	3,541,312	2,223,035
Postretirement benefits	55,298	56,424
Pension benefits	451,192	170,534
Other noncurrent liabilities	241,971	87,705
Deferred income taxes	801,312	56,884
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 112,185 in 2015 and 78,031 in 2014	1,122	780
Additional paid-in capital	2,049,309	10,447
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(362,282)	(62,413)	106,927	116,245
Retained earnings	1,421,234	1,410,651
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	3,109,383	1,359,465
Noncontrolling interests	137,947	129,170
Total equity	3,247,330	1,488,635	1,727,601	1,742,776
Total liabilities and equity	$ 9,794,759	$ 5,223,103