Albemarle (ALB) 8-K 8 Aug 14 Other Events Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract] [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'8-K
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14
Trading Symbol	'ALB
Entity Registrant Name	'ALBEMARLE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0000915913

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net sales	$599,843	$586,597
Cost of goods sold	404,244	390,686
Gross profit	195,599	195,911
Selling, general and administrative expenses	78,104	63,575
Research and development expenses	22,572	19,953
Restructuring and other charges, net (Note 13)	17,000	0
Operating profit	77,923	112,383
Interest and financing expenses	-8,773	-5,231
Other income (expenses), net	1,143	-4,194
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	70,293	102,958
Income tax expense	13,190	25,538
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	57,103	77,420
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	8,901	10,261
Net income from continuing operations	66,004	87,681
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	-1,769	1,835
Net income	64,235	89,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,652	-5,529
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$56,583	$83,987
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.93
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	$0.02
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.71	$0.95
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.92
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	$0.02
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.71	$0.94
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	79,735	88,719
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	80,112	89,236
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.28	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$64,235		$89,516
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'		'
Foreign currency translation	-5,258		-33,909
Pension and postretirement benefits	-301	[1]	-74	[1]
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap	-4,011		0
Other	35		32
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-9,535		-33,951
Comprehensive income	54,700		55,565
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	-7,435		-5,833
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$47,265		$49,732
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$524,043	$477,239
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2014 – $1,614; 2013 - $1,614)	427,979	446,864
Other accounts receivable	34,919	45,094
Inventories	420,299	436,049
Other current assets	70,162	77,669
Total current assets	1,477,402	1,482,915
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,975,692	2,972,084
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,635,354	1,615,015
Net property, plant and equipment	1,340,338	1,357,069
Investments	219,076	212,178
Other assets	152,786	160,229
Goodwill	283,364	284,203
Other intangibles, net of amortization	85,762	88,203
Total assets	3,558,728	3,584,797
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	183,461	194,064
Accrued expenses	194,927	190,533
Current portion of long-term debt	18,063	24,554
Dividends payable	21,488	19,197
Income taxes payable	5,260	8,015
Total current liabilities	423,199	436,363
Long-term debt	1,052,790	1,054,310
Postretirement benefits	53,195	53,903
Pension benefits	72,710	57,647
Other noncurrent liabilities	101,630	110,610
Deferred income taxes	127,603	129,188
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding - 79,544 in 2014 and 80,053 in 2013	795	801
Additional paid-in capital	3,113	9,957
Accumulated other comprehensive income	106,927	116,245
Retained earnings	1,493,916	1,500,358
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	1,604,751	1,627,361
Noncontrolling interests	122,850	115,415
Total equity	1,727,601	1,742,776
Total liabilities and equity	$3,558,728	$3,584,797

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,614	$1,614
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, issued (in shares)	79,544	80,053
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	79,544	80,053

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings	Total Albemarle Shareholders' Equity	Non-controlling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,932,008	$889	$2,761	$85,264	$1,744,684	$1,833,598	$98,410
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	88,899,209	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	89,516	'	'	'	83,987	83,987	5,529
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-33,951	'	'	-34,255	'	-34,255	304
Cash dividends declared	-21,226	'	'	'	-21,226	-21,226	0
Stock-based compensation and other	2,237	'	2,237	'	'	2,237	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	64,368	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,720	1	1,719	'	'	1,720	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	'	-1,013,650	'	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	-64,522	-10	-1,167	'	-63,345	-64,522	'
Tax benefit related to stock plans	1,901	'	1,901	'	'	1,901	'
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)	'	216,113	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net	'	2	-2	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)	'	-85,488	'	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	-5,443	-1	-5,442	'	'	-5,443	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	1,902,240	881	2,007	51,009	1,744,100	1,797,997	104,243
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	'	88,080,552	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,742,776	801	9,957	116,245	1,500,358	1,627,361	115,415
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	80,052,842	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	64,235	'	'	'	56,583	56,583	7,652
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-9,535	'	'	-9,318	'	-9,318	-217
Cash dividends declared	-21,873	'	'	'	-21,873	-21,873	0
Stock-based compensation and other	3,099	'	3,099	'	'	3,099	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	41,680	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,281	0	1,281	'	'	1,281	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	'	-623,248	'	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	-50,000	-6	-8,842	'	-41,152	-50,000	'
Tax benefit related to stock plans	586	'	586	'	'	586	'
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)	'	119,685	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net	'	1	-1	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)	'	-46,667	'	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	-2,968	-1	-2,967	'	'	-2,968	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,727,601	$795	$3,113	$106,927	$1,493,916	$1,604,751	$122,850
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	'	79,544,292	'	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	$477,239	$477,696
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	64,235	89,516
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	27,809	25,244
Write-offs associated with restructuring and other	3,000	0
Stock-based compensation	3,402	2,513
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements	-586	-1,901
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	-8,901	-10,261
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	3,085	559
Pension and postretirement expense	16,669	1,582
Pension and postretirement contributions	-2,540	-1,741
Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities	-635	-1,037
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	4,139	6,506
Working capital changes	39,826	-12,641
Other, net	-330	311
Net cash provided by operating activities	149,173	98,650
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-23,667	-55,335
Sales of marketable securities, net	2,151	821
Net cash used in investing activities	-21,516	-54,514
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-101	-3,604
Other borrowings (repayments), net	-8,434	0
Dividends paid to shareholders	-19,582	-17,808
Repurchases of common stock	-50,000	-60,798
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,255	1,720
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements	586	1,901
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions	-2,968	-5,443
Debt financing costs	-1,370	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-80,614	-84,032
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents	-239	-2,896
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	46,804	-42,792
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$524,043	$434,904

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation:
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Albemarle Corporation and our wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, “Albemarle,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Company”) contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement, in all material respects, of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 25, 2014. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet data herein was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto to conform to the current presentation.
	Recast of Financial Information for Discontinued Operations
	On April 15, 2014, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its antioxidant, ibuprofen and propofol businesses and assets to SI Group, Inc. for an undisclosed amount of cash. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company began accounting for these assets as held for sale. The Company has recast certain historical information to reflect the results of operations of the disposal group as discontinued operations for all periods presented, including the consolidated statements of income and throughout the document. Long-lived assets and asset groups are classified as held for sale and reported as discontinued operations in the periods in which the specific criteria are met in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
	A summary of results of discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net sales	$	56,836		$	55,028
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(2,513	)	$	2,489
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(744		)	654
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	$	(1,769	)	$	1,835

Foreign_Exchange

Foreign Exchange	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange	'
	Foreign Exchange:
	Foreign exchange transaction losses were $4.8 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 and are included in Other income (expenses), net in our consolidated statements of income.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes:
	The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 was 18.8% compared to 24.8% for the first quarter of 2013. The Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, our level and location of income. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for the 2014 and 2013 periods is mainly due to the impact of earnings from outside the U.S. Our effective income tax rate for the 2014 period was also impacted by $17.0 million of pre-tax charges (approximately $11.1 million after income taxes) in connection with a reduction of high cost supply capacity of certain aluminum alkyl products (see Note 13), and an actuarial loss of $15.4 million (approximately $9.8 million after income taxes) related to one of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (see Note 10).

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share:
	Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	66,004		$	87,681
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	58,352		$	82,152
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	79,735			88,719
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.73		$	0.93
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	66,004		$	87,681
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	58,352		$	82,152
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	79,735			88,719
	Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	377			517
	Total shares	80,112			89,236
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.73		$	0.92
	On February 25, 2014, the Company increased the regular quarterly dividend by 15% to $0.275 per share and declared a cash dividend of said amount for the first quarter of 2014, which was paid on April 1, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 14, 2014.
	Under our existing Board authorized share repurchase program, on February 3, 2014, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the ASR Agreement) with Merrill Lynch International (“Merrill Lynch”), acting through its agent Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated, relating to a fixed-dollar, uncollared accelerated share repurchase program (the ASR Program) pursuant to which we will purchase $50 million of our shares from Merrill Lynch. The shares will be purchased by Merrill Lynch in two $25 million tranches that may be settled separately or simultaneously. Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, Merrill Lynch immediately borrowed shares of Albemarle common stock that were sold to the Company, thereby decreasing the Company’s issued and outstanding shares (with no change to its authorized shares). On February 3, 2014, the Company paid $50 million to Merrill Lynch and received an initial delivery of 623,248 shares of our common stock with a fair market value of approximately $40 million. This purchase was funded with cash on hand.
	The Company has determined that the ASR Agreement meets the criteria to be accounted for as a forward contract indexed to its stock and is therefore being treated as an equity instrument. Although the ASR Agreement can be settled, at the Company’s option, in cash or in shares of common stock, the Company intends to settle in shares of common stock.
	The initial delivery of 623,248 shares reduced the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014. The total number of shares to ultimately be purchased under the ASR Agreement will be determined at the completion of the trade and will generally be based on the daily Rule 10b-18 volume-weighted average prices of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR Agreement, less a forward price adjustment amount of approximately $0.77.
	The Company evaluated the ASR Agreement for its potential dilution of earnings per share and has determined that, based on the daily Rule 10b-18 volume-weighted average prices calculated as of March 31, 2014, additional shares expected to be received upon final settlement (approximately 157,000 shares) would have an anti-dilutive impact on earnings per share and therefore were not included in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014. The final settlement amount may increase or decrease depending upon the daily Rule 10b-18 volume-weighted average prices of the Company’s common stock during the remaining term of the ASR Agreement. Final settlement may be accelerated, and the number of shares to be delivered upon final settlement may be adjusted upon the announcement or occurrence of certain corporate events, including without limitation, tender offers, delisting, merger events or insolvency. The agreement will be terminated at any time that our share price is at or below $30 per share. No more than 1.5 million shares can be repurchased under the ASR Program, and the ASR Program is expected to be completed by the end of April 2014.
	During the three-month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 623,248 shares of its common stock pursuant to the terms of its share repurchase program and the ASR Program. As of March 31, 2014, there were 5,316,346 remaining shares available for repurchase under the Company’s authorized share repurchase program.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories:
	The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods	$	321,735	$	340,863
	Raw materials	50,844		47,784
	Stores, supplies and other	47,720		47,402
	Total inventories	$	420,299	$	436,049

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments:
	The carrying value of our unconsolidated investment in Stannica LLC, a variable interest entity for which we are not the primary beneficiary, was $5.8 million and $5.5 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our continuing involvement with Stannica LLC is limited to our investment carrying value.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt:
	Long-term debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	5.10% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $28 at March 31, 2014	$	324,972	$	324,964
	and $36 at December 31, 2013
	4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $2,107 at March 31, 2014	347,893		347,814
	and $2,186 at December 31, 2013
	Commercial paper notes	363,000		363,000
	Fixed-rate foreign borrowings	7,869		7,879
	Variable-rate foreign bank loans	26,923		34,910
	Miscellaneous	196		297
	Total long-term debt	1,070,853		1,078,864
	Less amounts due within one year	18,063		24,554
	Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,052,790	$	1,054,310
	On February 7, 2014, we entered into a new $750.0 million credit facility. The five-year, revolving, unsecured credit agreement (hereinafter referred to as the February 2014 credit agreement) matures on February 7, 2019 and (i) replaces our previous $750.0 million amended and restated credit agreement dated as of September 22, 2011; (ii) provides for an additional $250.0 million in credit, if needed, subject to the terms of the agreement; and (iii) provides for the ability to extend the maturity date under certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest at variable rates based on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for deposits in the relevant currency plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.900% to 1.500%, depending on the Company’s credit rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Services (Moody’s). The applicable margin on the facility was 1.000% as of March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under the February 2014 credit agreement.
	At March 31, 2014, we had $363.0 million of commercial paper notes (the “Notes”) outstanding bearing a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 0.23% and a weighted-average maturity of 22 days. While the outstanding Notes generally have short-term maturities, we classify the Notes as long-term based on our ability and intent to refinance the Notes on a long-term basis through the issuance of additional commercial paper notes or borrowings under the February 2014 credit agreement.
	Our $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes, issued on January 20, 2005, mature on February 1, 2015. At March 31, 2014, we have classified these senior notes as long-term based on our ability and intent to refinance them on a long-term basis through the issuance of new senior notes or borrowings under the February 2014 credit agreement.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies:
	We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as follows (in thousands):
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	16,599
	Expenditures	(1,322		)
	Changes in estimates recorded to earnings and other	—
	Foreign currency translation	57
	Ending balance at March 31, 2014	15,334
	Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	7,118
	Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities	$	8,216
	The amounts recorded represent our future remediation and other anticipated environmental liabilities. These liabilities typically arise during the normal course of our operational and environmental management activities or at the time of acquisition of the site, and are based on internal analysis as well as input from outside consultants. As evaluations proceed at each relevant site, changes in risk assessment practices, remediation techniques and regulatory requirements can occur, therefore such liability estimates may be adjusted accordingly. The timing and duration of remediation activities at these sites will be determined when evaluations are completed. Although it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of these remediation liabilities, management estimates (based on the latest available information) that there is a reasonable possibility that future environmental remediation costs associated with our past operations, in excess of amounts already recorded, could be up to approximately $17 million before income taxes.
	Approximately $6.5 million of our recorded liability is related to the closure and post-closure activities at a former landfill associated with our Bergheim, Germany site, which was recorded at the time of our acquisition of this site in 2001. This closure project has been approved under the authority of the governmental permit for this site and is scheduled for completion in 2017, with post-closure monitoring to occur for 30 years thereafter. The remainder of our recorded liability is associated with sites that are being evaluated under governmental authority but for which final remediation plans have not yet been approved. In connection with the remediation activities at our Bergheim, Germany site as required by the German environmental authorities, we have pledged certain of our land and housing facilities at this site which has an estimated fair value of $6.1 million.
	We believe that any sum we may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded should occur over a period of time and should not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows on a consolidated annual basis although any such sum could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a particular quarterly reporting period.
	On July 3, 2006, we received a Notice of Violation (the 2006 NOV) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 (EPA) regarding the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards at our plant in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The alleged violations involve (i) the applicability of the specific regulations to certain intermediates manufactured at the plant, (ii) failure to comply with certain reporting requirements, (iii) improper evaluation and testing to properly implement the regulations and (iv) the sufficiency of the leak detection and repair program at the plant. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company was served with a complaint by the EPA in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, based on the alleged violations set out in the 2006 NOV seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief. The complaint was subsequently amended to add the State of South Carolina as a plaintiff. We intend to vigorously defend this action. Any settlement or finding adverse to us could result in the payment by us of fines, penalties, capital expenditures or some combination thereof. At this time, it is not possible to predict with any certainty the outcome of this litigation or the financial impact which may result therefrom. However, we do not expect any financial impact to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
	In addition, we are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or Superfund, products liability, breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves as estimated by our general counsel for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Costs for legal services are generally expensed as incurred.
	We have contracts with certain of our customers, which serve as guarantees on product delivery and performance according to customer specifications that can cover both shipments on an individual basis as well as blanket coverage of multiple shipments under customer supply contracts that are executed through certain financial institutions. The financial coverage provided by these guarantees is typically based on a percentage of net sales value.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments	'
	Operating Segments:
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company’s assets and businesses were realigned under two operating segments to better align the Company’s resources to support its ongoing business strategy. The Performance Chemicals segment includes the Fire Safety Solutions, Specialty Chemicals and Fine Chemistry Services product categories, consolidating our bromine, mineral and custom manufacturing assets under one business unit. The Catalyst Solutions segment includes the Refinery Catalyst Solutions and Performance Catalyst Solutions product categories. Each segment has a dedicated team of sales, research and development, process engineering, manufacturing and sourcing, and business strategy personnel and has full accountability for improving execution through greater asset and market focus, agility and responsiveness. The new structure also facilitates the continued standardization of business processes across the organization as part of our ongoing One Albemarle strategy. The new segment structure is consistent with the manner in which information is presently used internally by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions, and each segment president is responsible for execution of the segment’s business strategy.
	Segment income represents segment operating profit and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments and is reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.
	Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table. Results for 2013 have been recast to reflect the change in operating segments noted above, and segment results for all periods presented exclude discontinued operations as described in Note 1. Corporate & other includes corporate-related items not allocated to the reportable segments. Pension and OPEB service cost (which represents the benefits earned by active employees during the period) and amortization of prior service cost or benefit are allocated to each segment whereas the remaining components of pension and OPEB benefits cost or credit are included in Corporate & other.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Performance Chemicals	$	350,257		$	351,024
	Catalyst Solutions	249,586			235,573
	Total net sales	$	599,843		$	586,597
	Segment operating profit:
	Performance Chemicals	$	80,476		$	85,465
	Catalyst Solutions	49,212			42,139
	Total segment operating profit	129,688			127,604
	Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments:
	Performance Chemicals	2,917			2,308
	Catalyst Solutions	5,984			7,953
	Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,901			10,261
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Performance Chemicals	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Segment income:
	Performance Chemicals	75,741			82,244
	Catalyst Solutions	55,196			50,092
	Total segment income	130,937			132,336
	Corporate & other(a)	(34,765		)	(15,221		)
	Restructuring and other charges, net	(17,000		)	—
	Interest and financing expenses	(8,773		)	(5,231		)
	Other income (expenses), net	1,143			(4,194		)
	Income tax expense	(13,190		)	(25,538		)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	(1,769		)	1,835
	Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	56,583		$	83,987
	(a)	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(14.6) million and $1.2 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits:
	The following information is provided for domestic and foreign pension and postretirement defined benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
	Service cost	$	2,841		$	3,642
	Interest cost	8,169			7,218
	Expected return on assets	(10,205		)	(9,872		)
	Actuarial loss(a)	15,432			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(273		)	(49		)
	Total net pension benefits cost	$	15,964		$	939
	Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit):
	Service cost	$	54		$	83
	Interest cost	760			688
	Expected return on assets	(85		)	(103		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(24		)	(25		)
	Total net postretirement benefits cost	$	705		$	643
	Total net pension and postretirement benefits cost	$	16,669		$	1,582
	(a)	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for one of our U.S. defined benefit plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for our domestic pension plans was reduced from 5.14% to 4.97%. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) for the first quarter of 2014 of $15.4 million.
	During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we made contributions of $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans.
	We paid $1.4 million and $1.1 million in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
	In assessing the fair value of financial instruments, we use methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and other risk factors existing at the time of assessment. Fair value information for our financial instruments is as follows:
	Long-Term Debt—the fair values of our senior notes and other fixed rate foreign borrowings are estimated using Level 1 inputs and account for the majority of the difference between the recorded amount and fair value of our long-term debt. The carrying value of our remaining long-term debt reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value as substantially all of such debt bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available in the countries in which we have borrowings.
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
		Recorded		Fair Value		Recorded		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In thousands)
	Long-term debt	$	1,070,853	$	1,102,265	$	1,078,864	$	1,109,878
	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts—we enter into foreign currency forward contracts in connection with our risk management strategies in an attempt to minimize the financial impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These derivative financial instruments are used to manage risk and are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. The fair values of our foreign currency forward contracts are estimated based on current settlement values. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $337.1 million and $321.4 million, respectively. At March 31, 2014, $0.2 million was included in Accrued expenses associated with the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. At December 31, 2013, $0.2 million was included in Other accounts receivable associated with the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts.
	Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recognized currently in Other income (expenses), net; further, fluctuations in the value of these contracts are generally expected to be offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized losses of $(1.1) million and $(4.7) million, respectively, in Other income (expenses), net in our consolidated statements of income related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. These amounts are generally expected to be offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged which are also reported in Other income (expenses), net. Also, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded $1.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively, related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and cash settlements of $(0.8) million and $(5.5) million, respectively, in Other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Interest Rate Swap—In anticipation of refinancing our 2015 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2014, on January 22, 2014, we entered into a pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., to be effective October 15, 2014. Our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking this hedge is to eliminate the variability in the interest rate and partial credit spread on the 20 future semi-annual coupon payments that we would pay when we refinance our 2015 senior notes with another 10 year note. The notional amount of the swap is $325.0 million and the fixed rate is 3.281%. A cash settlement will occur on the termination date determined by reference to the changes in the U.S. dollar 3-month LIBOR and credit spreads from the date we entered into the swap until the date we terminate the swap. This derivative financial instrument has been designated and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Effectiveness of the hedge relationship is assessed prospectively and retrospectively on a quarterly basis. At March 31, 2014, the fair value of our pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap was a liability of $6.3 million and is included in Accrued expenses. We determined there was no ineffectiveness during the three months ended March 31, 2014, which resulted in the change in fair value of this swap being recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The counterparties to our foreign currency forward contracts and our interest rate swap are major financial institutions with which we generally have other financial relationships. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement:
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
	Level 2	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
	We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred on the date of the event or change in circumstance that caused the transfer. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2014. The following tables set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			31-Mar-14		Quoted Prices in		Quoted Prices in		Unobservable Inputs
					Active Markets		Active Markets		(Level 3)
					for Identical		for Similar Items
					Items		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments under executive deferred compensation		$	21,546	$	21,546	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Equity securities(b)		$	738	$	21	$	—	$	717
	Liabilities:
	Obligations under executive deferred compensation		$	21,546	$	21,546	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Interest rate swap contract(c)		$	6,319	$	—	$	6,319	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(d)		$	159	$	—	$	159	$	—
			31-Dec-13		Quoted Prices in		Quoted Prices in		Unobservable Inputs
					Active Markets		Active Markets		(Level 3)
					for Identical		for Similar Items
					Items		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments under executive deferred compensation		$	23,030	$	23,030	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Equity securities(b)		$	771	$	21	$	—	$	750
	Foreign currency forward contracts(d)		$	161	$	—	$	161	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Obligations under executive deferred compensation		$	23,030	$	23,030	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	(a)	We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the Trust) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1.
	(b)	Primarily consists of private equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income (expenses), net in our consolidated statements of income. Holdings in private equity securities are typically valued using the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies and as such are classified within Level 3.
	(c)	In anticipation of refinancing our 2015 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2014, on January 22, 2014, we entered into a pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap, to be effective October 15, 2014. This derivative financial instrument has been designated and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The fair value of the forward starting interest rate swap was calculated based on inputs derived from observable market data and as such is classified within Level 2. See Note 11 for additional details about this interest rate swap contract.
	(d)	As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. These derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.

Restructuring_and_Other

Restructuring and Other	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Other	'
	Restructuring and Other
	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. Payments under this workforce reduction plan are expected to occur through 2014. We had the following activity in our recorded workforce reduction liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	39,104
	Workforce reduction charges	—
	Payments	(19,069		)
	Amount reversed to income(a)	(940		)
	Foreign currency translation	(57		)
	Ending balance at March 31, 2014	$	19,038
	Amounts reported in Accrued expenses	$	19,038
	(a)	Amount reversed to income reflects adjustments based on actual timing and amount of final settlements.
	During the first quarter of 2014 we initiated action to reduce high cost supply capacity of certain aluminum alkyl products, primarily through the termination of a third party manufacturing contract. Based on the contract termination, we estimate costs of approximately $14.0 million (recorded in Accrued expenses at March 31, 2014) for contract termination and volume commitments. Additionally, we have recorded an impairment charge of $3.0 million for certain capital project costs also related to aluminum alkyls capacity which we do not expect to recover. After income taxes, these charges were approximately $11.1 million.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	The components and activity in Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of deferred income taxes) consisted of the following during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Foreign			Pension			Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap			Other			Total
		Currency			and Post-
		Translation			Retirement
					Benefits(a)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	116,465		$	487		$	—		$	(707	)	$	116,245
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before	(5,258		)	—			(4,011		)	—			(9,269		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			(301		)	—			35			(266		)
	comprehensive income
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(5,258		)	(301		)	(4,011		)	35			(9,535		)
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to	217			—			—			—			217
	noncontrolling interests
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	111,424		$	186		$	(4,011	)	$	(672	)	$	106,927
	Three months ended March 31, 2013
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	85,117		$	989		$	—		$	(842	)	$	85,264
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before	(33,909		)	—			—			(2		)	(33,911		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			(74		)	—			34			(40		)
	comprehensive income
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of	(33,909		)	(74		)	—			32			(33,951		)
	tax
	Other comprehensive income attributable to	(304		)	—			—			—			(304		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	50,904		$	915		$	—		$	(810	)	$	51,009
	(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
	The amount of income tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is provided in the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014												2013
		Foreign			Pension			Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap			Other			Foreign			Pension			Other
		Currency			and Post-									Currency			and Post-
		Translation			retirement									Translation			retirement
					Benefits												Benefits
	Other comprehensive (loss) income,	$	(4,723	)	$	(297	)	$	(6,319	)	$	54		$	(34,252	)	$	(74	)	$	52
	before tax
	Income tax benefit (expense)	(535		)	(4		)	2,308			(19		)	343			—			(20		)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income,	$	(5,258	)	$	(301	)	$	(4,011	)	$	35		$	(33,909	)	$	(74	)	$	32
	net of tax

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting guidance that requires entities that have obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements and for which the total amount is fixed at the reporting date to measure such obligations as the sum of (a) the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors, and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. Entities are also required to disclose the nature, amount and any other relevant information about such obligations. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2014 and had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance that clarifies a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment when the parent sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity. The guidance clarifies that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both (a) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity, and (b) events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes also referred to as a step acquisition). Accordingly, the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2014 and will be applied prospectively. The impact of these new requirements on our financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of derecognition events, if any, that may occur in the future related to any of our foreign entities.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance designed to reduce diversity in practice of financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. These new requirements became effective on January 1, 2014 and did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements to provide users of financial statements with more information about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations. The guidance improves the definition of discontinued operations by limiting its scope to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, these new requirements require entities to disclose the pretax profit or loss related to disposals of significant components that do not qualify as discontinued operations. These new requirements become effective for public entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not already been reported in previously issued financial statements. We are assessing the impact of these new requirements on our financial statements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events:
	Agreement to Sell Assets
	On April 15, 2014, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its antioxidant, ibuprofen and propofol businesses and assets to SI Group, Inc. for an undisclosed amount of cash. Included in the transaction are Albemarle’s manufacturing sites in Orangeburg, South Carolina and Jinshan, China, along with Albemarle’s antioxidant product lines manufactured in Ningbo, China. The sale is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close later in 2014.
	At March 31, 2014, the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities by major category included in the sale were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Mar-14
	Assets
	Current assets	$	58,870
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	94,193
	Goodwill	$	16,227
	Other intangibles, net of amortization	$	40,958
	Liabilities
	Deferred income taxes	$	21,447
	We have considered the accounting guidance in ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, and determined that the relevant asset group did not meet the criteria to accounted for as held for sale as of the balance sheet date. Additionally, we have determined that as of March 31, 2014, expected cash flows associated with this asset group were sufficient to establish recoverability of the asset carrying values, and therefore no impairment charge has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, the Company will account for and report these assets as held for sale and we expect to recognize an estimated loss on disposal, based on preliminary estimates, ranging from $50 million to $120 million. This range of estimates is based on information that was available to management at the time these condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared. Actual amounts could differ pending determination of final settlement amounts related to certain agreements, assets and liabilities included in the transaction.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro1

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncments (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting guidance that requires entities that have obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements and for which the total amount is fixed at the reporting date to measure such obligations as the sum of (a) the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors, and (b) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. Entities are also required to disclose the nature, amount and any other relevant information about such obligations. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2014 and had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance that clarifies a parent company’s accounting for the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment when the parent sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity. The guidance clarifies that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both (a) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity, and (b) events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes also referred to as a step acquisition). Accordingly, the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2014 and will be applied prospectively. The impact of these new requirements on our financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of derecognition events, if any, that may occur in the future related to any of our foreign entities.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance designed to reduce diversity in practice of financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. These new requirements became effective on January 1, 2014 and did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements to provide users of financial statements with more information about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations. The guidance improves the definition of discontinued operations by limiting its scope to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, these new requirements require entities to disclose the pretax profit or loss related to disposals of significant components that do not qualify as discontinued operations. These new requirements become effective for public entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals that have not already been reported in previously issued financial statements. We are assessing the impact of these new requirements on our financial statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_Disconti

Basis of Presentation Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of results of discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net sales	$	56,836		$	55,028
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(2,513	)	$	2,489
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(744		)	654
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	$	(1,769	)	$	1,835

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earning Per Share	'
	Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	66,004		$	87,681
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	58,352		$	82,152
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	79,735			88,719
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.73		$	0.93
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
	Numerator:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	66,004		$	87,681
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	58,352		$	82,152
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share	79,735			88,719
	Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	377			517
	Total shares	80,112			89,236
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.73		$	0.92

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Breakdown of Inventories	'
	The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Finished goods	$	321,735	$	340,863
	Raw materials	50,844		47,784
	Stores, supplies and other	47,720		47,402
	Total inventories	$	420,299	$	436,049

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	5.10% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $28 at March 31, 2014	$	324,972	$	324,964
	and $36 at December 31, 2013
	4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $2,107 at March 31, 2014	347,893		347,814
	and $2,186 at December 31, 2013
	Commercial paper notes	363,000		363,000
	Fixed-rate foreign borrowings	7,869		7,879
	Variable-rate foreign bank loans	26,923		34,910
	Miscellaneous	196		297
	Total long-term debt	1,070,853		1,078,864
	Less amounts due within one year	18,063		24,554
	Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,052,790	$	1,054,310

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities	'
	We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as follows (in thousands):
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	16,599
	Expenditures	(1,322		)
	Changes in estimates recorded to earnings and other	—
	Foreign currency translation	57
	Ending balance at March 31, 2014	15,334
	Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	7,118
	Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities	$	8,216

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information	'
	Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table. Results for 2013 have been recast to reflect the change in operating segments noted above, and segment results for all periods presented exclude discontinued operations as described in Note 1. Corporate & other includes corporate-related items not allocated to the reportable segments. Pension and OPEB service cost (which represents the benefits earned by active employees during the period) and amortization of prior service cost or benefit are allocated to each segment whereas the remaining components of pension and OPEB benefits cost or credit are included in Corporate & other.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Net sales:
	Performance Chemicals	$	350,257		$	351,024
	Catalyst Solutions	249,586			235,573
	Total net sales	$	599,843		$	586,597
	Segment operating profit:
	Performance Chemicals	$	80,476		$	85,465
	Catalyst Solutions	49,212			42,139
	Total segment operating profit	129,688			127,604
	Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments:
	Performance Chemicals	2,917			2,308
	Catalyst Solutions	5,984			7,953
	Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,901			10,261
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Performance Chemicals	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,652		)	(5,529		)
	Segment income:
	Performance Chemicals	75,741			82,244
	Catalyst Solutions	55,196			50,092
	Total segment income	130,937			132,336
	Corporate & other(a)	(34,765		)	(15,221		)
	Restructuring and other charges, net	(17,000		)	—
	Interest and financing expenses	(8,773		)	(5,231		)
	Other income (expenses), net	1,143			(4,194		)
	Income tax expense	(13,190		)	(25,538		)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	(1,769		)	1,835
	Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	56,583		$	83,987
	(a)	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(14.6) million and $1.2 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre1

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans	'
	The following information is provided for domestic and foreign pension and postretirement defined benefit plans:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
	Service cost	$	2,841		$	3,642
	Interest cost	8,169			7,218
	Expected return on assets	(10,205		)	(9,872		)
	Actuarial loss(a)	15,432			—
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(273		)	(49		)
	Total net pension benefits cost	$	15,964		$	939
	Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit):
	Service cost	$	54		$	83
	Interest cost	760			688
	Expected return on assets	(85		)	(103		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(24		)	(25		)
	Total net postretirement benefits cost	$	705		$	643
	Total net pension and postretirement benefits cost	$	16,669		$	1,582
	(a)	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for one of our U.S. defined benefit plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for our domestic pension plans was reduced from 5.14% to 4.97%. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) for the first quarter of 2014 of $15.4 million

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt	'
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
		Recorded		Fair Value		Recorded		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In thousands)
	Long-term debt	$	1,070,853	$	1,102,265	$	1,078,864	$	1,109,878

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			31-Mar-14		Quoted Prices in		Quoted Prices in		Unobservable Inputs
					Active Markets		Active Markets		(Level 3)
					for Identical		for Similar Items
					Items		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments under executive deferred compensation		$	21,546	$	21,546	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Equity securities(b)		$	738	$	21	$	—	$	717
	Liabilities:
	Obligations under executive deferred compensation		$	21,546	$	21,546	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Interest rate swap contract(c)		$	6,319	$	—	$	6,319	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(d)		$	159	$	—	$	159	$	—
			31-Dec-13		Quoted Prices in		Quoted Prices in		Unobservable Inputs
					Active Markets		Active Markets		(Level 3)
					for Identical		for Similar Items
					Items		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Investments under executive deferred compensation		$	23,030	$	23,030	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	Equity securities(b)		$	771	$	21	$	—	$	750
	Foreign currency forward contracts(d)		$	161	$	—	$	161	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Obligations under executive deferred compensation		$	23,030	$	23,030	$	—	$	—
	plan(a)
	(a)	We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the Trust) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1.
	(b)	Primarily consists of private equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income (expenses), net in our consolidated statements of income. Holdings in private equity securities are typically valued using the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies and as such are classified within Level 3.
	(c)	In anticipation of refinancing our 2015 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2014, on January 22, 2014, we entered into a pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap, to be effective October 15, 2014. This derivative financial instrument has been designated and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The fair value of the forward starting interest rate swap was calculated based on inputs derived from observable market data and as such is classified within Level 2. See Note 11 for additional details about this interest rate swap contract.
	(d)	As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. These derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.

Restructuring_and_Other_Tables

Restructuring and Other (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Activity in Recorded Workforce Reduction Liabilities	'
	We had the following activity in our recorded workforce reduction liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	39,104
	Workforce reduction charges	—
	Payments	(19,069		)
	Amount reversed to income(a)	(940		)
	Foreign currency translation	(57		)
	Ending balance at March 31, 2014	$	19,038
	Amounts reported in Accrued expenses	$	19,038

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes	'
	The components and activity in Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of deferred income taxes) consisted of the following during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Foreign			Pension			Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap			Other			Total
		Currency			and Post-
		Translation			Retirement
					Benefits(a)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	116,465		$	487		$	—		$	(707	)	$	116,245
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before	(5,258		)	—			(4,011		)	—			(9,269		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			(301		)	—			35			(266		)
	comprehensive income
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(5,258		)	(301		)	(4,011		)	35			(9,535		)
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to	217			—			—			—			217
	noncontrolling interests
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	111,424		$	186		$	(4,011	)	$	(672	)	$	106,927
	Three months ended March 31, 2013
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	85,117		$	989		$	—		$	(842	)	$	85,264
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before	(33,909		)	—			—			(2		)	(33,911		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other	—			(74		)	—			34			(40		)
	comprehensive income
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of	(33,909		)	(74		)	—			32			(33,951		)
	tax
	Other comprehensive income attributable to	(304		)	—			—			—			(304		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	50,904		$	915		$	—		$	(810	)	$	51,009
	(a)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
Amount of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The amount of income tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is provided in the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014												2013
		Foreign			Pension			Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap			Other			Foreign			Pension			Other
		Currency			and Post-									Currency			and Post-
		Translation			retirement									Translation			retirement
					Benefits												Benefits
	Other comprehensive (loss) income,	$	(4,723	)	$	(297	)	$	(6,319	)	$	54		$	(34,252	)	$	(74	)	$	52
	before tax
	Income tax benefit (expense)	(535		)	(4		)	2,308			(19		)	343			—			(20		)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income,	$	(5,258	)	$	(301	)	$	(4,011	)	$	35		$	(33,909	)	$	(74	)	$	32
	net of tax

Subsequent_Events_Tables

Subsequent Events (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Subsequent Events	'
	At March 31, 2014, the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities by major category included in the sale were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Mar-14
	Assets
	Current assets	$	58,870
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	94,193
	Goodwill	$	16,227
	Other intangibles, net of amortization	$	40,958
	Liabilities
	Deferred income taxes	$	21,447

Basis_of_Presentation_Disconti1

Basis of Presentation Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	($1,769)	$1,835
Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	56,836	55,028
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	-2,513	2,489
Income tax (benefit) expense	-744	654
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	($1,769)	$1,835

Foreign_Exchange_Additional_In

Foreign Exchange - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Net foreign exchange transaction gain (losses)	($4.80)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'		'
Effective income tax rate	18.80%		24.80%
Restructuring and other charges, net	$17,000,000		$0
Restructuring and other charges, net of tax	11,100,000		'
Pension Benefits	'		'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'		'
Actuarial loss	15,432,000	[1]	0
Actuarial loss, net of tax	$9,800,000	[1]	'
[1]	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for one of our U.S. defined benefit plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for our domestic pension plans was reduced from 5.14% to 4.97%. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) for the first quarter of 2014 of $15.4 million.

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 25, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 03, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 03, 2014	Feb. 03, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
				Common Stock	Merrill Lynch	Merrill Lynch	Merrill Lynch	Merrill Lynch	Merrill Lynch
					Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement	Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement	Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement	Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement	Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement
					tranche		Initial Delivery	Fair Market Value	Final Settlement
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase in dividend rate, percentage	'	'	15.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.28	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	'	'	$50,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of tranches	'	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Authorized amount per tranche purchased	'	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'
Payment for repurchase of common stock	50,000,000	60,798,000	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'
Repurchase of common stock shares (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	623,248	'	157,000
Share price minimum for repurchase agreement transaction (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$30	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$40,000,000	'
Forward Purchase Price adjustment amount (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.77	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	'	'	'	623,248	'	'	'	'	'
Shares available for repurchase (in shares)	5,316,346	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic earnings per share	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	$66,004	$87,681
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,652	-5,529
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	58,352	82,152
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	79,735	88,719
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.93
Diluted earnings per share	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	66,004	87,681
Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,652	-5,529
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$58,352	$82,152
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	79,735	88,719
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	377	517
Total shares	80,112	89,236
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.92

Inventories_Breakdown_of_Inven

Inventories - Breakdown of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$321,735	$340,863
Raw materials	50,844	47,784
Stores, supplies and other	47,720	47,402
Total inventories	$420,299	$436,049

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (Stannica LLC, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Stannica LLC	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment	$5.80	$5.50

LongTerm_Debt_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial paper notes	$363,000	$363,000
Fixed rate foreign borrowings	7,869	7,879
Variable-rate foreign bank loans	26,923	34,910
Miscellaneous	196	297
Total long-term debt	1,070,853	1,078,864
Less amounts due within one year	18,063	24,554
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,052,790	1,054,310
5.10% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes	324,972	324,964
4.50% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes	$347,893	$347,814

LongTerm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
5.10% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unamortized discount	$28	$36
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.10%	5.10%
4.50% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unamortized discount	$2,107	$2,186
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.50%	4.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	2 Months Ended		2 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 07, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 07, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 22, 2011	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2005	Jan. 20, 2005
				Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	5.10% Senior Notes	5.10% Senior Notes
							Minimum	Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$750,000,000	'	$750,000,000	'	'	'	'
Additional borrowing capacity	'	250,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	'	'	'	'	1.00%	'	0.90%	1.50%	'	'
Commercial paper notes	363,000,000	'	363,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	0.23%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average maturity period	'22 days	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$325,000,000
Maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1-Feb-15	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax	$17,000,000	'
Estimated site remediation liabilities	15,334,000	16,599,000
Bergheim, Germany Site	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated site remediation liabilities	6,500,000	'
Pledged land and housing facilities	$6,100,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	$16,599
Expenditures	-1,322
Changes in estimates recorded to earnings and other	0
Foreign currency translation	57
Balance at end of period	15,334
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	7,118
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities	$8,216

Operating_Segments_Summarized_

Operating Segments - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	$599,843		$586,597
Total segment operating profit	77,923		112,383
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	8,901		10,261
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,652		-5,529
Segment income	130,937		132,336
Corporate & other	-34,765	[1]	-15,221	[1]
Restructuring and other charges, net	-17,000		0
Interest and financing expenses	-8,773		-5,231
Other income (expenses), net	1,143		-4,194
Income tax expense	-13,190		-25,538
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of tax)	-1,769		1,835
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	56,583		83,987
Performance Chemicals	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	350,257		351,024
Total segment operating profit	80,476		85,465
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	2,917		2,308
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,652		-5,529
Segment income	75,741		82,244
Catalyst Solutions	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Net sales	249,586		235,573
Total segment operating profit	49,212		42,139
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	5,984		7,953
Segment income	55,196		50,092
Total segment operating profit	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Total segment operating profit	$129,688		$127,604
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Corporate & other includes $(14.6) million and $1.2 million, respectively, of pension and OPEB plan (costs) credits.

Operating_Segments_Summarized_1

Operating Segments -Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Segments [Abstract]	'	'
Postretirement credits included in corporate and other	($14.60)	$1.20

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	2

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre2

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Pension contributions	$1.10	$0.60
Premiums paid to U.S. post-retirement benefit plan	$1.40	$1.10

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre3

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Total net pension benefits cost	$16,669		$1,582
Pension Benefits	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Service cost	2,841		3,642
Interest cost	8,169		7,218
Expected return on assets	-10,205		-9,872
Actuarial loss	15,432	[1]	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	-273		-49
Total net pension benefits cost	15,964		939
Postretirement Benefits	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'
Service cost	54		83
Interest cost	760		688
Expected return on assets	-85		-103
Amortization of prior service benefit	-24		-25
Total net pension benefits cost	$705		$643
[1]	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for one of our U.S. defined benefit plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for our domestic pension plans was reduced from 5.14% to 4.97%. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) for the first quarter of 2014 of $15.4 million.

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre4

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
		United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit	United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit	Pension Benefits		Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments	$800,000	'	'	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	'	4.97%	5.14%	'		'
Actuarial loss	'	'	'	$15,432,000	[1]	$0
[1]	In connection with the announced realignment of our operating segments effective January 1, 2014, in the fourth quarter of 2013 we initiated a workforce reduction plan which will result in a reduction of approximately 230 employees worldwide. This workforce reduction triggered a net curtailment gain of approximately $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 for one of our U.S. defined benefit plans and our supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). In connection with the curtailment, we were required to remeasure the related assets and obligations for these plans. As of the January 31, 2014 remeasurement date, the weighted-average discount rate for our domestic pension plans was reduced from 5.14% to 4.97%. Taking into account the discount rate reduction and actual return on plan assets through January 31, 2014, we recorded a mark-to-market actuarial loss (net of the curtailment gain) for the first quarter of 2014 of $15.4 million.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term debt, Recorded Amount	$1,070,853	$1,078,864
Long-term debt, Fair Value	$1,102,265	$1,109,878

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Jan. 22, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Other Accounts Receivable

Accrued Expenses

Other income (expenses), net

Other income (expenses), net

Other, net

Other, net

Jp Morgan

Jp Morgan

payment

Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

$337,100,000

$321,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$325,000,000

'

Fair value foreign currency forward contracts, assets

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized gains (losses) of foreign currency forward contracts

'

'

'

'

-1,100,000

-4,700,000

'

'

'

'

Change in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

4,700,000

'

'

Cash settlements

'

'

'

'

'

'

-800,000

-5,500,000

'

'

Number of semi annual coupon payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

Expected future issuance of senior notes - maturity period

'22 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

Fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.28%

'

Interest rate swap contract, liability

$6,319,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,300,000

[1]

[1]

In anticipation of refinancing our 2015 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2014, on January 22, 2014, we entered into a pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap, to be effective October 15, 2014. This derivative financial instrument has been designated and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The fair value of the forward starting interest rate swap was calculated based on inputs derived from observable market data and as such is classified within Level 2. See Note 11 for additional details about this interest rate swap contract.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Financi

Fair Value Measurement - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	$21,546	[1]	$23,030	[1]
Equity securities	738	[2]	771	[2]
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	'		161	[3]
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	21,546	[1]	23,030	[1]
Interest rate swap contract, liability	6,319	[4]	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	159	[3]	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	21,546	[1]	23,030	[1]
Equity securities	21	[2]	21	[2]
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	'		0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	21,546	[1]	23,030	[1]
Interest rate swap contract, liability	0		'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	0		'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0		0
Equity securities	0		0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	'		161	[3]
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	0		0
Interest rate swap contract, liability	6,319	[4]	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	159	[3]	'
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0		0
Equity securities	717	[2]	750	[2]
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	'		0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	0		0
Interest rate swap contract, liability	0		'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	$0		'
[1]	We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the Trust) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1.
[2]	Primarily consists of private equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income (expenses), net in our consolidated statements of income. Holdings in private equity securities are typically valued using the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies and as such are classified within Level 3.
[3]	As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. These derivative financial instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.
[4]	In anticipation of refinancing our 2015 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2014, on January 22, 2014, we entered into a pay fixed, receive variable rate forward starting interest rate swap, to be effective October 15, 2014. This derivative financial instrument has been designated and is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The fair value of the forward starting interest rate swap was calculated based on inputs derived from observable market data and as such is classified within Level 2. See Note 11 for additional details about this interest rate swap contract.

Restructuring_and_Other_Activi

Restructuring and Other - Activity in Recorded Workforce Reduction Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance	$39,104
Workforce reduction charges	0
Payments	-19,069
Amount reversed to income	-940	[1]
Foreign currency translation	-57
Ending balance	19,038
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	$19,038
[1]	Amount reversed to income reflects adjustments based on actual timing and amount of final settlements.

Restructuring_and_Other_Additi

Restructuring and Other Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Business exit costs	$14
Asset impairment charges	3
Restructuring and other charges, net of tax	$11.10

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'		'
Foreign Currency Translation, Beginning balance	$116,465		$85,117
Foreign Currency Translations, Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-5,258		-33,909
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-5,258		-33,909
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	217		-304
Foreign Currency Translation, Ending balance	111,424		50,904
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Beginning balance	487	[1]	989	[1]
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-301	[1]	-74	[1]
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-301		-74
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Ending balance	186		915
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, beginning balance	0		0
Interest Rate Swap, Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-4,011		0
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-4,011		0
Unrealizedd loss on interest rate swap, ending balance	-4,011		0
Other, Beginning balance	-707		-842
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0		-2
Other, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	35		34
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	35		32
Other, Ending balance	-672		-810
Beginning Balance	116,245		85,264
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-9,269		-33,911
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-266		-40
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-9,535		-33,951
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-217		304
Ending balance	$106,927		$51,009
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income consist of amortization of prior service benefit. See Note 10, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Amount of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	($4,723)	($34,252)
Foreign Currency Translation, Income tax benefit (expense)	-535	343
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-5,258	-33,909
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-297	-74
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Income tax benefit (expense)	-4	0
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-301	-74
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	-6,319	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	2,308	'
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-4,011	0
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	54	52
Other, Income tax benefit (expense)	-19	-20
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$35	$32

Subsequent_Events_Agreement_to

Subsequent Events Agreement to Sell Assets (Details) (Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Current assets	$58,870
Net property, plant and equipment	94,193
Goodwill	16,227
Other intangibles, net of amortization	40,958
Deferred income taxes	$21,447

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 07, 2014	Aug. 07, 2014
		Minimum	Maximum
		Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets [Member]	Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets [Member]
		Scenario, Forecast	Scenario, Forecast
		Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Asset impairment charges	$3	$50	$120