Operating Segments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Operating Segments [Abstract]

Operating Segments

NOTE 9—Operating Segments:

Segment income represents operating profit (adjusted for significant non-recurring items) and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments and is reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table. Corporate & other includes corporate-related items not allocated to the reportable segments.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Polymer Solutions	$	228,131		$	258,223
Catalysts		293,522			260,957
Fine Chemistry		190,051			177,350
Total net sales	$	711,704		$	696,530
Segment operating profit:
Polymer Solutions	$	52,712		$	69,831
Catalysts		75,415			62,131
Fine Chemistry		41,924			33,959
Total segment operating profit		170,051			165,921
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments:
Polymer Solutions		1,845			2,489
Catalysts		6,741			10,461
Fine Chemistry		—			—
Corporate & Other		—			(119	)
Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments		8,586			12,831
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Polymer Solutions		(1,002	)		(2,846	)
Catalysts		—			—
Fine Chemistry		(3,372	)		(4,425	)
Corporate & Other		3			84
Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(4,371	)		(7,187	)
Segment income:
Polymer Solutions		53,555			69,474
Catalysts		82,156			72,592
Fine Chemistry		38,552			29,534
Total segment income		174,263			171,600
Corporate & other		(21,902	)		(23,594	)
Interest and financing expenses		(8,734	)		(9,592	)
Other (expenses) income, net		(118	)		338
Income tax expense		(35,466	)		(32,172	)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	108,043		$	106,580