CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 604,357	$ 739,139	$ 99,468
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(62,031)	(150,258)	227,439
Pension and postretirement benefits	632	(138)	(97)
Net investment hedge	8,441	25,786	(41,827)
Cash flow hedge	4,847	0	0
Interest rate swap	2,591	(585)	2,116
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(45,520)	(125,195)	187,631
Comprehensive income	558,837	613,944	287,099
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(70,662)	(45,396)	(45,505)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 488,175	$ 568,548	$ 241,594