Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 117,045	$ 171,618	$ 344,438	$ 498,114
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	37,489	(100,069)	18,350	(100,380)
Pension and postretirement benefits	10	(5)	27	8
Net investment hedge	(12,408)	12,745	(16,083)	13,012
Cash flow hedge	6,993	0	(6,822)	0
Interest rate swap	647	641	1,943	1,923
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	32,731	(86,688)	(2,585)	(85,437)
Comprehensive income	149,776	84,930	341,853	412,677
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18,811)	(16,426)	(53,456)	(55,135)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 130,965	$ 68,504	$ 288,397	$ 357,542