Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 434,904	$ 477,696
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2013 - $1,553; 2012 - $1,641)	407,823	378,973
Other accounts receivable	47,133	43,844
Inventories	433,061	428,145
Other current assets	80,579	78,655
Total current assets	1,403,500	1,407,313
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,850,731	2,818,604
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,532,972	1,522,033
Net property, plant and equipment	1,317,759	1,296,571
Investments	215,900	207,141
Other assets	151,742	154,836
Goodwill	269,714	276,966
Other intangibles, net of amortization	91,830	94,464
Total assets	3,450,445	3,437,291
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	207,496	172,866
Accrued expenses	189,166	177,546
Current portion of long-term debt	9,228	12,700
Dividends payable	20,889	17,471
Income taxes payable	7,472	4,426
Total current liabilities	434,251	385,009
Long-term debt	686,592	686,588
Postretirement benefits	60,341	60,815
Pension benefits	194,485	195,481
Other noncurrent liabilities	106,276	114,022
Deferred income taxes	66,260	63,368
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 88,081 in 2013 and 88,899 in 2012	881	889
Additional paid-in capital	2,007	2,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income	51,009	85,264
Retained earnings	1,744,100	1,744,684
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,797,997	1,833,598
Noncontrolling interests	104,243	98,410
Total equity	1,902,240	1,932,008
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,450,445	$ 3,437,291