Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 281,547	$ 117,698
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	(5,889)	(28,142)
Net investment hedge	0	5,110
Cash flow hedge	4,017	(1,600)
Interest rate swap	650	650
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,222)	(23,982)
Comprehensive income	280,325	93,716
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(28,111)	(22,021)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 252,214	$ 71,695