CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 360,064	$ 160,906	$ 439,834
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(412,999)	(168,809)	31,704
Pension and postretirement benefits	(758)	(487)	(502)
Net investment hedge	50,861	11,384	0
Interest rate swap	2,101	(20,962)	0
Other	29	136	135
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(360,766)	(178,738)	31,337
Comprehensive (loss) income	(702)	(17,832)	471,171
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(23,267)	(27,510)	(27,019)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (23,969)	$ (45,342)	$ 444,152