CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 99,468	$ 680,769	$ 360,064
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	227,439	(20,825)	(412,970)
Pension and postretirement benefits	(97)	834	(758)
Net investment hedge	(41,827)	26,133	50,861
Interest rate swap	2,116	2,116	2,101
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	187,631	8,258	(360,766)
Comprehensive income (loss)	287,099	689,027	(702)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(45,505)	(36,477)	(23,267)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 241,594	$ 652,550	$ (23,969)