Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 130,193	$ 137,697	$ 306,539	$ 70,491
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	56,179	47,712	199,303	95,425
Pension and postretirement benefits	(7)	206	2	626
Net investment hedge	(9,681)	(7,395)	(37,600)	(10,312)
Interest rate swap	529	525	1,587	1,576
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	47,020	41,048	163,292	87,315
Comprehensive income	177,213	178,745	469,831	157,806
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,653)	(9,500)	(34,146)	(29,364)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 165,560	$ 169,245	$ 435,685	$ 128,442