Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 59,366	$ 29,379	$ 106,515	$ 93,614
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	56,224	(804)	(298,347)	(6,062)
Pension and postretirement benefits	2	(167)	4	(468)
Net investment hedge	(10,930)	0	43,116	0
Interest rate swap	526	(6,410)	1,053	(10,421)
Other	3	37	30	72
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	45,825	(7,344)	(254,144)	(16,879)
Comprehensive income (loss)	105,191	22,035	(147,629)	76,735
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,168)	(6,871)	(11,102)	(14,306)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 98,023	$ 15,164	$ (158,731)	$ 62,429