Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Basic earnings per share
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
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	89,018	89,327	[1]	89,414	[2]	88,997	[3]	88,805	[4]	89,935	[5]	91,713	[6]	91,633	[7]	89,189	90,522	91,393
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.42	$ 1.23	[1]	$ 0.56	[2]	$ 1.28	[3]	$ 0.51	[4]	$ 1.34	[5]	$ 1.25	[6]	$ 1.21	[7]	$ 3.49	$ 4.33	$ 3.46
Diluted earnings per share
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
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	89,018	89,327	[1]	89,414	[2]	88,997	[3]	88,805	[4]	89,935	[5]	91,713	[6]	91,633	[7]	89,189	90,522	91,393
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans																695	1,000	791
Total shares	89,660	89,879	[1]	90,051	[2]	89,947	[3]	89,819	[4]	90,958	[5]	92,795	[6]	92,517	[7]	89,884	91,522	92,184
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.42	$ 1.22	[1]	$ 0.56	[2]	$ 1.27	[3]	$ 0.51	[4]	$ 1.33	[5]	$ 1.24	[6]	$ 1.20	[7]	$ 3.47	$ 4.28	$ 3.43

[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.