Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 137,697	$ 70,872	$ 70,491	$ 177,387
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	47,712	(67,526)	95,425	(365,843)
Pension and postretirement benefits	206	2	626	6
Net investment hedge	(7,395)	(3,407)	(10,312)	39,709
Interest rate swap	525	527	1,576	1,580
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41,048	(70,404)	87,315	(324,548)
Comprehensive income (loss)	178,745	468	157,806	(147,161)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9,500)	(5,083)	(29,364)	(16,185)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 169,245	$ (4,615)	$ 128,442	$ (163,346)