Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 112,414	$ 113,767
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $92 - 2012; $2,631 - 2011	29,012	73,977
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $(3,456) - 2012; $(2,453) - 2011	6,039	4,245
Other, net of tax of $(20) - 2012; $(21) - 2011	35	34
Other comprehensive income	35,086	78,256
Comprehensive income	147,500	192,023
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(4,516)	(6,887)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 142,984	$ 185,136