Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 138,925	$ 62,657
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	64,891	79,055
Pension and postretirement benefits	3	(7)
Net investment hedge	(14,421)	(13,685)
Interest rate swap	642	529
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	51,115	65,892
Comprehensive income	190,040	128,549
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,351)	(11,905)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 182,689	$ 116,644