CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 680,769	$ 360,064	$ 160,906
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(20,825)	(412,970)	(168,673)
Pension and postretirement benefits	834	(758)	(487)
Net investment hedge	26,133	50,861	11,384
Interest rate swap	2,116	2,101	(20,962)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	8,258	(360,766)	(178,738)
Comprehensive income (loss)	689,027	(702)	(17,832)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(36,477)	(23,267)	(27,510)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 652,550	$ (23,969)	$ (45,342)