Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 661,226		$ 722,977		$ 2,057,824		$ 2,161,615
Total segment operating profit	128,436		160,309		329,029		451,766
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	7,935		9,500		29,233		37,118
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,975)		(6,860)		(12,852)		(23,582)
Segment income	145,897		186,411		495,087		538,191
Corporate & other	(7,993)	[1]	(23,462)	[1]	(48,466)	[1]	(72,889)	[1]
Restructuring and other charges	(6,508)	[2]			(101,211)	[2]
Interest and financing expenses	(7,914)		(9,710)		(25,134)		(28,576)
Other expenses, net	2,370		956		1,564		534
Income tax expense	(26,591)	[3]	(38,097)	[3]	(76,804)	[3]	(100,423)	[3]
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	99,261		116,098		245,036		336,837
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	216,992		243,931		692,139		792,604
Total segment operating profit	42,964		55,219		157,487		203,900
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	1,199		1,357		4,957		6,496
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(602)		(2,021)		(1,255)		(9,200)
Segment income	43,561		54,555		161,189		201,196
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	251,201		299,531		773,867		827,339
Total segment operating profit	53,937		93,682		185,656		209,251
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	6,736		8,170		24,276		30,796
Segment income	60,673		101,852		209,932		240,047
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	193,033		179,515		591,818		541,672
Total segment operating profit	46,036		34,793		135,543		111,387
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,373)		(4,789)		(11,577)		(14,439)
Segment income	41,663		30,004		123,966		96,948
Segment Operating Profit Excluding Corporate Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	142,937		183,694		478,686		524,538
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments			(27)				(174)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			$ (50)		$ (20)		$ 57

[1] Corporate and other charges for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 include reductions in performance-based incentive compensation accruals comprised of approximately $5.4 million in adjustments based on current estimates of related performance achievement measures and approximately $2.2 million in adjustments associated with forfeitures from employee departures. These items are reflected primarily in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

[2] The three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 include a settlement charge of $6.5 million ($4.1 million after income taxes) associated with our SERP in connection with the retirement of our former CEO and executive chairman. The nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 also includes charges amounting to $94.7 million ($73.6 million after income taxes) in connection with our exit of the phosphorous flame retardants business.

[3] The three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 includes $4.5 million of net tax benefits related principally to the release of various tax reserves for uncertain domestic tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations related to the 2008 tax year.