Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income	$ 89,516		$ 118,633
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(33,909)		29,012
Pension and postretirement benefits	(74)	[1]	(180)
Other	32		35
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	(33,951)		28,867
Comprehensive income	55,565		147,500
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(5,833)		(4,516)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	49,732		142,984
As Previously Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income			112,414
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation			29,012
Pension and postretirement benefits			6,039
Other			35
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax			35,086
Comprehensive income			147,500
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests			(4,516)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation			142,984
Effect of Accounting Change
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income			6,219
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefits			(6,219)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax			$ (6,219)

[1] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, "Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits."