Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 519,359	$ 469,416
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2012 - $2,715; 2011 - $2,709)	386,788	355,372
Other accounts receivable	39,063	36,199
Inventories	460,810	431,495
Other current assets	63,536	63,138
Total current assets	1,469,556	1,355,620
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,681,153	2,619,428
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,513,931	1,489,948
Net property, plant and equipment	1,167,222	1,129,480
Investments	209,406	198,427
Other assets	110,329	116,871
Goodwill	278,915	273,145
Other intangibles, net of amortization	128,071	130,281
Total assets	3,363,499	3,203,824
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	224,267	184,472
Accrued expenses	168,275	175,257
Current portion of long-term debt	14,462	14,416
Dividends payable	17,483	15,237
Income taxes payable	8,875	11,796
Total current liabilities	433,362	401,178
Long-term debt	742,199	749,257
Postretirement benefits	57,293	57,588
Pension benefits	126,895	127,964
Other noncurrent liabilities	114,821	111,107
Deferred income taxes	81,555	77,903
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 89,169 in 2012 and 88,841 in 2011	892	888
Additional paid-in capital	21,690	15,194
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(187,981)	(222,922)
Retained earnings	1,888,336	1,798,117
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,722,937	1,591,277
Noncontrolling interests	84,437	87,550
Total equity	1,807,374	1,678,827
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,363,499	$ 3,203,824