Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 143,479	$ 130,193	$ 593,090	$ 306,539
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(9,549)	56,179	(95,515)	199,303
Pension and postretirement benefits	11	(7)	37	2
Net investment hedge	(3,621)	(9,681)	4,947	(37,600)
Interest rate swap	642	529	1,926	1,587
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(12,517)	47,020	(88,605)	163,292
Comprehensive income	130,962	177,213	504,485	469,831
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13,729)	(11,653)	(29,042)	(34,146)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 117,233	$ 165,560	$ 475,443	$ 435,685

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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