Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 711,704	$ 696,530
Cost of goods sold	463,817	463,514
Gross profit	247,887	233,016
Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 13)	80,692	73,039
Research and development expenses	19,049	17,615
Operating profit	148,146	142,362
Interest and financing expenses	(8,734)	(9,592)
Other (expenses) income, net	(118)	338
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	139,294	133,108
Income tax expense	35,466	32,172
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	103,828	100,936
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	8,586	12,831
Net income	112,414	113,767
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,371)	(7,187)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 108,043	$ 106,580
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.21	$ 1.16
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.20	$ 1.15
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	88,997	91,633
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	89,947	92,517
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock	$ 0.20	$ 0.165