Operating Segments (Summarized Financial Information) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 711,704	$ 696,530
Total segment operating profit	148,146	142,362
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,586	12,831
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,371)	(7,187)
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
Polymer Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	228,131	258,223
Total segment operating profit	52,712	69,831
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	1,845	2,489
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,002)	(2,846)
Segment income	53,555	69,474
Catalysts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	293,522	260,957
Total segment operating profit	75,415	62,131
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	6,741	10,461
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Segment income	82,156	72,592
Fine Chemistry [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	190,051	177,350
Total segment operating profit	41,924	33,959
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,372)	(4,425)
Segment income	38,552	29,534
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments		(119)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	84
Segment Operating Profit Excluding Corporate Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	$ 170,051	$ 165,921