Net Sales to External Customers in Each of 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]
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																892,232		1,001,922		903,745
Polymer Solutions | Flame Retardants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																665,293		780,541		688,801
Polymer Solutions | Stabilizers And Curatives
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																226,939		221,381		214,944
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																1,067,948		1,116,863		890,007
Catalysts | Performance Catalysts Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																273,015		265,381		221,416
Catalysts | Refinery Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																794,933		851,482		668,591
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																785,240		750,220		569,012
Fine Chemistry | Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																463,179		460,026		361,044
Fine Chemistry | Fine Chemistry Services And Intermediates Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales																$ 322,061		$ 290,194		$ 207,968

[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.