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, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 302,461	$ 103,333	$ 434,221	$ 154,546
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	109,671	110,686	110,176	111,336
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ 0.93	$ 3.94	$ 1.39
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 302,461	$ 103,333	$ 434,221	$ 154,546
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	109,671	110,686	110,176	111,336
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	988	1,419	1,087	1,361
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	110,659	112,105	111,263	112,697
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.73	$ 0.92	$ 3.90	$ 1.37