Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 687,596		$ 661,226	[1]	$ 684,894	[2]	$ 711,704	[3]	$ 707,390	[4]	$ 722,977	[5]	$ 742,108	[6]	$ 696,530	[7]	$ 2,745,420	[8]	$ 2,869,005	[8]	$ 2,362,764	[8]
Total segment operating profit																	406,164		517,794		401,943
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments																	38,067		43,754		37,975
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests																	(18,591)		(28,083)		(13,639)
Segment income																	661,156		712,033		527,226
Corporate & other																	(123,831)	[9]	(178,568)	[9]	(93,989)	[9]
Restructuring and other charges	(16,982)	[10]			(94,703)	[10],[2]											(111,685)	[10]			(6,958)	[10]
Interest and financing expenses																	(32,800)		(37,574)		(25,533)
Other income, net																	1,229		357		2,788
Income tax expense																	(82,533)		(104,134)		(87,756)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	37,726		109,459	[1]	50,089	[2]	114,262	[3]	45,548	[4]	120,662	[5]	114,843	[6]	111,061	[7]	311,536		392,114		315,778
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																	892,232		1,001,922		903,745
Total segment operating profit																	198,426		243,396		197,981
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments																	6,416		7,696		8,734
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests																	(2,221)		(9,803)		(6,154)
Segment income																	202,621		241,289		200,561
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,067,948		1,116,863		890,007
Total segment operating profit																	260,544		290,065		220,795
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments																	31,651		36,259		29,648
Segment income																	292,195		326,324		250,443
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																	785,240		750,220		569,012
Total segment operating profit																	182,690		162,726		83,579
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests																	(16,350)		(18,306)		(7,357)
Segment income																	166,340		144,420		76,222
Segment Operating Profit Excluding Corporate Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit																	641,660		696,187		502,355
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments																			(201)		(407)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests																	$ (20)		$ 26		$ (128)

[1] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, third quarter 2012 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $3.0 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $10.2 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.12 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.12, and a decrease to Restructuring and other charges, net of $6.5 million.

[2] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, second quarter 2012 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $6.6 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $12.4 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.14 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.14.

[3] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, first quarter 2012 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $3.1 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $6.2 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.07 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.07.

[4] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, fourth quarter 2011 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in decreases to Gross profit of $27.3 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $53.9 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.61 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.60.

[5] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, third quarter 2011 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $2.4 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $4.6 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.05 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.05.

[6] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, second quarter 2011 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $0.4 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $0.7 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.01 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.01.

[7] As a result of our change in method of accounting relating to our global pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of 2012, first quarter 2011 results were retrospectively adjusted resulting in increases to Gross profit of $2.3 million, Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation of $4.5 million, Basic earnings per share of $0.05 and Diluted earnings per share of $0.05.

[8] No sales in a foreign country exceed 10% of total net sales. Also, net sales are attributed to countries based upon shipments to final destination.

[9] For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Corporate and other expenses include $68.0 million, $89.2 million and $27.9 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan costs (including mark-to-market actuarial losses).

[10] See Note 19, "Special Items."