Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (302,754)	$ 59,340	$ (67,206)	$ 106,495
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(51,193)	56,227	47,713	(298,317)
Pension and postretirement benefits	419	2	420	4
Net investment hedge	6,607	(10,930)	(2,917)	43,116
Interest rate swap	526	526	1,051	1,053
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(43,641)	45,825	46,267	(254,144)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(346,395)	105,165	(20,939)	(147,649)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,219)	(7,168)	(19,864)	(11,082)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (358,614)	$ 97,997	$ (40,803)	$ (158,731)

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.

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