Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 103,758	$ 174,970	$ 227,393	$ 326,496
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	62,847	10,544	(19,139)	(311)
Pension and postretirement benefits	8	6	17	13
Net investment hedge	(5,756)	(3,037)	(3,675)	267
Cash flow hedge	37,645	0	(13,815)	0
Interest rate swap	648	641	1,296	1,282
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	95,392	8,154	(35,316)	1,251
Comprehensive income	199,150	183,124	192,077	327,747
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18,168)	(20,799)	(34,645)	(38,709)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 180,982	$ 162,325	$ 157,432	$ 289,038