Earnings Per Share Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 47,149		$ 66,004
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,034)		(7,652)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	43,115		58,352
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	108,130	[1]	79,735
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40		$ 0.73
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	47,149		66,004
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,034)		(7,652)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 43,115		$ 58,352
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	108,130	[1]	79,735
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	334		377
Total shares	108,464	[1]	80,112
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40		$ 0.73

[1] 2015 includes the impact of 34,113 shares issued in connection with the Rockwood acquisition.