Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 62,657	$ 235,548
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	79,055	98,906
Pension and postretirement benefits	(7)	1
Net investment hedge	(13,685)	(9,524)
Interest rate swap	529	525
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	65,892	89,908
Comprehensive income	128,549	325,456
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,905)	(7,645)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 116,644	$ 317,811