Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 123,635	$ 151,526
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(81,986)	(10,855)
Pension and postretirement benefits	9	7
Net investment hedge	2,081	3,304
Cash flow hedge	(51,460)	0
Interest rate swap	648	641
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(130,708)	(6,903)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(7,073)	144,623
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,477)	(17,910)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (23,550)	$ 126,713

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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