Operating Segments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Operating Segments [Abstract]

Summarized Financial Information

	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