Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 235,548	$ 47,149
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	98,910	(354,571)
Pension and postretirement benefits	1	2
Net investment hedge	(9,524)	54,046
Interest rate swap	525	527
Other	(4)	27
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	89,908	(299,969)
Comprehensive income (loss)	325,456	(252,820)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,645)	(3,934)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 317,811	$ (256,754)