Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (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
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Beginning balance						$ 60,329								$ 74,889		$ 60,329	$ 74,889	$ 139,283
Other comprehensive (loss) income																24,935	(14,560)	(64,394)
Ending balance	85,264							60,329								85,264	60,329	74,889
Retained earnings
Beginning balance						1,514,866								1,321,434		1,514,866	1,321,434	1,056,840
Net income	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
Cash dividends declared																(71,347)	(60,450)	(51,184)
Shares repurchased																(10,371)	(138,232)
Ending Balance	1,744,684							1,514,866								1,744,684	1,514,866	1,321,434
As Previously Reported
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Beginning balance						(222,922)								(164,196)		(222,922)	(164,196)	(91,860)
Other comprehensive (loss) income																4,722	(58,726)	(72,336)
Ending balance	(218,200)							(222,922)								(218,200)	(222,922)	(164,196)
Retained earnings
Beginning balance						1,798,117								1,560,519		1,798,117	1,560,519	1,287,983
Net income																331,749	436,280	323,720
Cash dividends declared																(71,347)	(60,450)	(51,184)
Shares repurchased																(10,371)	(138,232)
Ending Balance	2,048,148							1,798,117								2,048,148	1,798,117	1,560,519
Effect of Accounting Change
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Beginning balance						283,251								239,085		283,251	239,085	231,143
Other comprehensive (loss) income																20,213	44,166	7,942
Ending balance	303,464							283,251								303,464	283,251	239,085
Retained earnings
Beginning balance						(283,251)								(239,085)		(283,251)	(239,085)	(231,143)
Net income																(20,213)	(44,166)	(7,942)
Ending Balance	$ (303,464)							$ (283,251)								$ (303,464)	$ (283,251)	$ (239,085)

[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.