Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 151,526	$ 138,925
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(10,855)	64,891
Pension and postretirement benefits	7	3
Net investment hedge	3,304	(14,421)
Interest rate swap	641	642
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(6,903)	51,115
Comprehensive income	144,623	190,040
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,910)	(7,351)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 126,713	$ 182,689

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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