CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (1,135,477)	$ 1,670,543	$ 2,815,131
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	(210,534)	26,403	(171,295)
Cash flow hedge	(2,935)	5,851	(4,399)
Interest rate swap	0	0	7,399
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(213,469)	32,254	(168,295)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(1,348,946)	1,702,797	2,646,836
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(44,039)	(97,185)	(125,232)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (1,392,985)	$ 1,605,612	$ 2,521,604