Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic earnings per share
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	108,043	$	106,580
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share		88,997		91,633
Basic earnings per share	$	1.21	$	1.16
Diluted earnings per share
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	108,043	$	106,580
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share		88,997		91,633
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans		950		884
Total shares		89,947		92,517
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.20	$	1.15