Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 931,206	$ (374,433)	$ 1,653,345	$ 189,473
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	(200,520)	(39,274)	(324,230)	(46,852)
Net investment hedge	0	0	0	5,110
Cash flow hedge	(9,652)	214	(8,144)	(563)
Interest rate swap	0	651	7,399	1,951
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(210,172)	(38,409)	(324,975)	(40,354)
Comprehensive income (loss)	721,034	(412,842)	1,328,370	149,119
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(33,990)	(18,374)	(95,858)	(61,927)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 687,044	$ (431,216)	$ 1,232,512	$ 87,192