CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 199,942	$ 446,615	$ 604,357
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	(74,385)	99,832	(61,399)
Net investment hedge	5,110	(34,185)	8,441
Cash flow hedge	174	1,602	4,847
Interest rate swap	2,623	2,601	2,591
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(66,478)	69,850	(45,520)
Comprehensive income	133,464	516,465	558,837
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(76,110)	(71,098)	(70,662)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 57,354	$ 445,367	$ 488,175