Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 117,698	$ 123,635
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	(28,142)	(81,977)
Net investment hedge	5,110	2,081
Cash flow hedge	(1,600)	(51,460)
Interest rate swap	650	648
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(23,982)	(130,708)
Comprehensive income (loss)	93,716	(7,073)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(22,021)	(16,477)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 71,695	$ (23,550)