Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 481,258	$ 529,650
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2011 - $3,819; 2010 - $2,527)	394,159	340,888
Other accounts receivable	45,788	33,772
Inventories	474,787	389,210
Other current assets	53,362	54,678
Total current assets	1,449,354	1,348,198
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,570,256	2,440,178
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,479,359	1,433,865
Net property, plant and equipment	1,090,897	1,006,313
Investments	201,051	180,690
Other assets	112,178	125,878
Goodwill	281,404	272,238
Other intangibles, net of amortization	134,171	134,764
Total assets	3,269,055	3,068,081
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	192,924	175,183
Accrued expenses	161,506	143,684
Current portion of long-term debt	12,795	8,983
Dividends payable	14,353	12,547
Income taxes payable	20,816	23,780
Total current liabilities	402,394	364,177
Long-term debt	878,384	851,927
Postretirement benefits	54,560	55,014
Pension benefits	53,341	102,836
Other noncurrent liabilities	96,705	108,811
Deferred income taxes	113,048	109,570
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 88,756 in 2011 and 91,594 in 2010	888	916
Additional paid-in capital	3,245	18,835
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(130,782)	(164,196)
Retained earnings	1,714,220	1,560,519
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,587,571	1,416,074
Noncontrolling interests	83,052	59,672
Total equity	1,670,623	1,475,746
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,269,055	$ 3,068,081