Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 171,618	$ 143,479	$ 498,114	$ 593,090
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(100,069)	(9,549)	(100,380)	(95,515)
Pension and postretirement benefits	(5)	11	8	37
Net investment hedge	12,745	(3,621)	13,012	4,947
Interest rate swap	641	642	1,923	1,926
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(86,688)	(12,517)	(85,437)	(88,605)
Comprehensive income	84,930	130,962	412,677	504,485
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,426)	(13,729)	(55,135)	(29,042)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 68,504	$ 117,233	$ 357,542	$ 475,443