Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 469,416	$ 529,650
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2011 - $2,709; 2010 - $2,527)	355,372	340,888
Other accounts receivable	36,199	33,772
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	311,869	279,365
Raw materials	74,809	66,645
Stores, supplies and other	44,817	43,200
Total inventories	431,495	389,210
Other current assets	63,138	54,678
Total current assets	1,355,620	1,348,198
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,619,428	2,440,178
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,489,948	1,433,865
Net property, plant and equipment	1,129,480	1,006,313
Investments	198,427	180,690
Other assets	116,871	125,878
Goodwill	273,145	272,238
Other intangibles, net of amortization	130,281	134,764
Total assets	3,203,824	3,068,081
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	184,472	175,183
Current portion of long-term debt	14,416	8,983
Accrued expenses	175,257	143,684
Dividends payable	15,237	12,547
Income taxes payable	11,796	23,780
Total current liabilities	401,178	364,177
Long-term debt	749,257	851,927
Postretirement benefits	57,588	55,014
Pension benefits	127,964	102,836
Other noncurrent liabilities	111,107	108,811
Deferred income taxes	77,903	109,570
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value (authorized 150,000 shares), issued and outstanding - 88,841 in 2011 and 91,594 in 2010	888	916
Additional paid-in capital	15,194	18,835
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(222,922)	(164,196)
Retained earnings	1,798,117	1,560,519
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,591,277	1,416,074
Noncontrolling interests	87,550	59,672
Total equity	1,678,827	1,475,746
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,203,824	$ 3,068,081