CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 446,615	$ 604,357	$ 739,139
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	100,389	(62,031)	(150,258)
Pension and postretirement benefits	(557)	632	(138)
Net investment hedge	(34,185)	8,441	25,786
Cash flow hedge	1,602	4,847	0
Interest rate swap	2,601	2,591	(585)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	69,850	(45,520)	(125,195)
Comprehensive income	516,465	558,837	613,944
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71,098)	(70,662)	(45,396)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 445,367	$ 488,175	$ 568,548