Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 641,625	$ 711,704
Total segment operating profit	114,887	157,927
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	10,261	8,586
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,529)	(4,371)
Segment income	133,625	179,763
Corporate & other	(14,006)	(17,621)
Interest and financing expenses	(5,231)	(8,734)
Other expenses, net	(4,209)	(118)
Income tax expense	(26,192)	(39,028)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	83,987	114,262
Polymer Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	214,774	228,131
Total segment operating profit	43,670	54,547
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	2,308	1,845
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(708)	(1,002)
Segment income	45,270	55,390
Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	235,573	293,522
Total segment operating profit	49,045	76,641
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	7,953	6,741
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Segment income	56,998	83,382
Fine Chemistry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	191,278	190,051
Total segment operating profit	36,178	44,363
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,821)	(3,372)
Segment income	31,357	40,991
Segment Operating Profit Excluding Corporate Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment operating profit	128,893	175,551
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		$ 3