Earnings Per Share Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 62,657	$ 218,236
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,444)	(7,362)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 51,213	$ 210,874
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	111,986	112,260
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ 1.88
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 62,657	$ 218,236
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,444)	(7,362)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 51,213	$ 210,874
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	111,986	112,260
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	1,303	510
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	113,289	112,770
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 1.87