Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2025	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2025	Jun. 30, 2024
Basic loss per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 22,897	$ (188,198)	$ 64,245	$ (185,750)
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,687)	(41,688)	(83,375)	(53,272)
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$ (18,790)	$ (229,886)	$ (19,130)	$ (239,022)
Weighted-average common shares for basic loss per share (in shares)	117,665	117,528	117,634	117,489
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ (1.96)	$ (0.16)	$ (2.03)
Diluted loss per share
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 22,897	$ (188,198)	$ 64,245	$ (185,750)
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,687)	(41,688)	(83,375)	(53,272)
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$ (18,790)	$ (229,886)	$ (19,130)	$ (239,022)
Weighted-average common shares for diluted loss per share (in shares)	117,665	117,528	117,634	117,489
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ (1.96)	$ (0.16)	$ (2.03)