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, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 154,198	$ 302,461	$ 287,767	$ 434,221
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	105,961	109,671	105,880	110,176
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.46	$ 2.76	$ 2.72	$ 3.94
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 154,198	$ 302,461	$ 287,767	$ 434,221
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	105,961	109,671	105,880	110,176
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	355	988	456	1,087
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	106,316	110,659	106,336	111,263
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.45	$ 2.73	$ 2.71	$ 3.90