Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 897,215	$ (392,781)	$ 1,557,371	$ 127,496
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	117,136	116,965	117,106	115,455
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 7.66	$ (3.36)	$ 13.30	$ 1.10
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 897,215	$ (392,781)	$ 1,557,371	$ 127,496
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	117,136	116,965	117,106	115,455
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	733	0	643	685
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	117,869	116,965	117,749	116,140
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 7.61	$ (3.36)	$ 13.23	$ 1.10