Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 314,659	$ 477,696
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2013 - $1,543; 2012 - $1,641)	407,842	378,973
Other accounts receivable	43,403	43,844
Inventories	451,998	428,145
Other current assets	63,976	78,655
Total current assets	1,281,878	1,407,313
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,895,949	2,818,604
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,562,184	1,522,033
Net property, plant and equipment	1,333,765	1,296,571
Investments	206,755	207,141
Other assets	150,047	154,836
Goodwill	272,773	276,966
Other intangibles, net of amortization	90,731	94,464
Total assets	3,335,949	3,437,291
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	179,173	172,866
Accrued expenses	160,825	177,546
Current portion of long-term debt	9,355	12,700
Dividends payable	19,175	17,471
Income taxes payable	7,055	4,426
Total current liabilities	375,583	385,009
Long-term debt	1,067,852	686,588
Postretirement benefits	59,940	60,815
Pension benefits	194,913	195,481
Other noncurrent liabilities	103,794	114,022
Deferred income taxes	68,474	63,368
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 81,365 in 2013 and 88,899 in 2012	814	889
Additional paid-in capital	3,005	2,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income	56,182	85,264
Retained earnings	1,292,993	1,744,684
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	1,352,994	1,833,598
Noncontrolling interests	112,399	98,410
Total equity	1,465,393	1,932,008
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,335,949	$ 3,437,291