CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 477,696	$ 469,416
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2012-$1,641; 2011-$2,709)	378,973	355,372
Other accounts receivable	43,844	36,199
Inventories:
Finished goods	325,762	311,869
Raw materials	57,245	74,809
Stores, supplies and other	45,138	44,817
Inventory, Net, Total	428,145	431,495
Other current assets	78,655	63,138
Total current assets	1,407,313	1,355,620
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,818,604	2,619,428
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,522,033	1,489,948
Net property, plant and equipment	1,296,571	1,129,480
Investments	207,141	198,427
Other assets	154,836	116,871
Goodwill	276,966	273,145
Other intangibles, net of amortization	94,464	130,281
Total assets	3,437,291	3,203,824
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	172,866	184,472
Accrued expenses	177,546	175,257
Current portion of long-term debt	12,700	14,416
Dividends payable	17,471	15,237
Income taxes payable	4,426	11,796
Total current liabilities	385,009	401,178
Long-term debt	686,588	749,257
Postretirement benefits	60,815	57,588
Pension benefits	195,481	127,964
Other noncurrent liabilities	114,022	111,107
Deferred income taxes	63,368	77,903
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value (authorized 150,000 shares), issued and outstanding-88,899 in 2012 and 88,841 in 2011	889	888
Additional paid-in capital	2,761	15,194
Accumulated other comprehensive income	85,264	60,329
Retained earnings	1,744,684	1,514,866
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,833,598	1,591,277
Noncontrolling interests	98,410	87,550
Total equity	1,932,008	1,678,827
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,437,291	$ 3,203,824