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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2025	Sep. 30, 2024	Sep. 30, 2025	Sep. 30, 2024
Basic loss per share
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (160,694)	$ (1,068,992)	$ (96,449)	$ (1,254,742)
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,688)	(41,687)	(125,063)	(94,959)
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$ (202,382)	$ (1,110,679)	$ (221,512)	$ (1,349,701)
Weighted-average common shares for basic loss per share (in shares)	117,685	117,535	117,651	117,505
Basic loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.72)	$ (9.45)	$ (1.88)	$ (11.49)
Diluted loss per share
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ (160,694)	$ (1,068,992)	$ (96,449)	$ (1,254,742)
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,688)	(41,687)	(125,063)	(94,959)
Net loss attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$ (202,382)	$ (1,110,679)	$ (221,512)	$ (1,349,701)
Weighted-average common shares for diluted loss per share (in shares)	117,685	117,535	117,651	117,505
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.72)	$ (9.45)	$ (1.88)	$ (11.49)