Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 684,894		$ 742,108	$ 1,396,598		$ 1,438,638
Total segment operating profit	52,447		149,095	200,593		291,457
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	12,712		14,787	21,298		27,618
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(3,506)		(9,535)	(7,877)		(16,722)
Segment income	174,927		180,180	349,190		351,780
Corporate & other	(18,571)		(25,833)	(40,473)		(49,427)
Restructuring and other charges	(94,703)	[1]		(94,703)	[1]
Interest and financing expenses	(8,486)		(9,274)	(17,220)		(18,866)
Other expenses, net	(688)		(760)	(806)		(422)
Income tax expense	(14,747)		(30,154)	(50,213)		(62,326)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	37,732		114,159	145,775		220,739
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	247,016		290,450	475,147		548,673
Total segment operating profit	61,811		78,850	114,523		148,681
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	1,913		2,650	3,758		5,139
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	349		(4,333)	(653)		(7,179)
Segment income	64,073		77,167	117,628		146,641
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	229,144		266,851	522,666		527,808
Total segment operating profit	56,304		53,438	131,719		115,569
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	10,799		12,165	17,540		22,626
Segment income	67,103		65,603	149,259		138,195
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	208,734		184,807	398,785		362,157
Total segment operating profit	47,583		42,635	89,507		76,594
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(3,832)		(5,225)	(7,204)		(9,650)
Segment income	43,751		37,410	82,303		66,944
Segment Operating Profit Excluding Corporate Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	165,698		174,923	335,749		340,844
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments			(28)			(147)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	$ (23)		$ 23	$ (20)		$ 107

[1] The three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 include charges amounting to $94,703 ($73,590 after income taxes) in connection with our exit of the phosphorous flame retardants business.