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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 113,689	$ 95,586	$ 176,346	$ 313,822
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,356)	(12,067)	(21,800)	(19,429)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 103,333	$ 83,519	$ 154,546	$ 294,393
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	110,686	112,339	111,336	112,300
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.93	$ 0.74	$ 1.39	$ 2.62
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income from continuing operations	$ 113,689	$ 95,586	$ 176,346	$ 313,822
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(10,356)	(12,067)	(21,800)	(19,429)
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 103,333	$ 83,519	$ 154,546	$ 294,393
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	110,686	112,339	111,336	112,300
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	1,419	836	1,361	673
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	112,105	113,175	112,697	112,973
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.92	$ 0.74	$ 1.37	$ 2.61