Earnings Per Share (Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 108,043	$ 106,580
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	88,997	91,633
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.21	$ 1.16
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	950	884
Total shares	89,947	92,517
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.20	$ 1.15

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

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-Glossary Net Income

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+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

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