Letters of Credit and Guarantee Agreements (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Letters Of Credit [Line Items]
2013	$ 40,717
2014	321
2015	2,774
2016	4
2017	508
Thereafter	$ 4,414

Letters of credit and guarantees due after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year.

No definition available.

Name:	alb_LettersOfCreditAndGuaranteesDueThereafter
Namespace Prefix:	alb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant