Albemarle (ALB) 10-Q 10 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 03, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract] [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	ALB
Entity Registrant Name	ALBEMARLE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	915,913
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		112,297,329

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 865,398		$ 884,404
Cost of goods sold		528,000		625,938
Gross profit		337,398		258,466
Selling, general and administrative expenses		139,157		135,765
Research and development expenses		23,401		26,492
Gain on sales of businesses, net		(121,324)	[1]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[2]	21,356		59,523
Operating profit		274,808		36,686
Interest and financing expenses		(25,251)		(35,746)
Other income, net		410		49,957
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments		249,967		50,897
Income tax expense		30,985		14,140
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments		218,982		36,757
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)		16,566		10,392
Net income		235,548		47,149
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(7,362)		(4,034)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		$ 228,186		$ 43,115
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 2.03		$ 0.40
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 2.02		$ 0.40
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)		112,260		108,130
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)		112,770		108,464
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)		$ 0.305		$ 0.29
[1]	See Note 3, “Divestitures.”
[2]	See Note 2, “Acquisitions.”

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 235,548	$ 47,149
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	98,910	(354,571)
Pension and postretirement benefits	1	2
Net investment hedge	(9,524)	54,046
Interest rate swap	525	527
Other	(4)	27
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	89,908	(299,969)
Comprehensive income (loss)	325,456	(252,820)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,645)	(3,934)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 317,811	$ (256,754)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 252,382	$ 213,734
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2016 – $5,981; 2015 – $4,148)	565,724	552,828
Other accounts receivable	87,239	79,877
Inventories	531,230	508,728
Other current assets	68,519	71,351
Assets held for sale	110,297	404,485
Total current assets	1,615,391	1,831,003
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	3,929,319	3,881,162
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,439,779	1,396,424
Net property, plant and equipment	2,489,540	2,484,738
Investments	476,701	455,417
Other assets	194,811	199,938
Goodwill	2,931,293	2,893,811	[1]
Other intangibles, net of amortization	1,731,232	1,733,047
Total assets	9,438,968	9,597,954
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	303,805	306,517
Accrued expenses	315,649	402,379
Current portion of long-term debt	484,754	677,345
Dividends payable	34,016	32,306
Liabilities held for sale	28,618	128,706
Income taxes payable	58,256	69,432
Total current liabilities	1,225,098	1,616,685
Long-term debt	3,105,351	3,157,614
Postretirement benefits	49,427	49,647
Pension benefits	380,933	381,552
Other noncurrent liabilities	248,177	254,826
Deferred income taxes	$ 735,111	$ 736,317
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 112,297 in 2016 and 112,219 in 2015	$ 1,123	$ 1,122
Additional paid-in capital	2,061,503	2,059,151
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(331,663)	(421,288)
Retained earnings	1,809,342	1,615,407
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	3,540,305	3,254,392
Noncontrolling interests	154,566	146,921
Total equity	3,694,871	3,401,313
Total liabilities and equity	$ 9,438,968	$ 9,597,954
[1]	The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details.

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,981	$ 4,148
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, issued	112,297	112,219
Common stock, outstanding	112,297	112,219

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Retained Earnings	Total Albemarle Shareholders' Equity	Non-controlling Interests
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		78,030,524
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,488,635	$ 780	$ 10,447	$ (62,413)	$ 1,410,651	$ 1,359,465	$ 129,170
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	47,149				43,115	43,115	4,034
Other comprehensive loss	(299,969)			(299,869)		(299,869)	(100)
Cash dividends declared	(32,532)				(32,532)	(32,532)	0
Stock-based compensation and other	3,863		3,863			3,863
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		4,000
Exercise of stock options	90	$ 0	90			90
Tax deficiency related to stock plans	(125)		(125)			(125)
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		58,064
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 1	(1)			0
Acquisition of Rockwood (in shares)		34,113,064
Acquisition of Rockwood	2,036,550	$ 341	2,036,209			2,036,550	0
Noncontrolling interest assumed in acquisition of Shanghai Chemetall	4,843					0	4,843
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(20,707)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(1,174)	$ 0	(1,174)			(1,174)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		112,184,945
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	3,247,330	$ 1,122	2,049,309	(362,282)	1,421,234	3,109,383	137,947
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		112,219,351
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	3,401,313	$ 1,122	2,059,151	(421,288)	1,615,407	3,254,392	146,921
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	235,548				228,186	228,186	7,362
Other comprehensive loss	89,908			89,625		89,625	283
Cash dividends declared	(34,251)				(34,251)	(34,251)	0
Stock-based compensation and other	4,517		4,517			4,517
Tax deficiency related to stock plans	(195)		(195)			(195)
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		112,624
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 1	(1)			0
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(35,176)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(1,969)	$ 0	(1,969)			(1,969)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016		112,296,799
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 3,694,871	$ 1,123	$ 2,061,503	$ (331,663)	$ 1,809,342	$ 3,540,305	$ 154,566

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	$ 213,734		$ 2,489,768
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	235,548		47,149
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60,552		63,986
Gain on sales of businesses, net	(121,324)	[1]	0
Stock-based compensation	4,007		4,912
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements	0		(23)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	(16,566)		(10,392)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	200		3,048
Pension and postretirement expense (benefit)	1,389		(1,458)
Pension and postretirement contributions	(4,224)		(5,986)
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments in marketable securities	1,044		(462)
Deferred income taxes	816		(32,845)
Working capital changes	10,467		28,881
Other, net	799		(51,019)
Net cash provided by operating activities	172,708		45,791
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of Rockwood, net of cash acquired	0		(2,051,645)
Other acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0		(45,550)
Cash payments related to acquisitions and other	(81,988)		0
Capital expenditures	(58,120)		(56,741)
Decrease in restricted cash	0		57,550
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net	307,165		0
Sales of marketable securities, net	1,191		1,557
Repayments from joint ventures	0		2,156
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	168,248		(2,092,673)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(331,595)		(1,326,263)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	0		1,000,000
Other borrowings, net	68,829		167,571
Dividends paid to shareholders	(32,541)		(21,730)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0		90
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements	0		23
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions	(1,969)		(1,174)
Debt financing costs	0		(1,164)
Net cash used in financing activities	(297,276)		(182,647)
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents	(5,032)		1,182
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	38,648		(2,228,347)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 252,382		$ 261,421
[1]	See Note 3, “Divestitures.”

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statements of changes in equity and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . 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, 2015 , which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 29, 2016. The December 31, 2015 condensed 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, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto to conform to the current presentation. As described further in Note 2, “Acquisitions,” we completed our acquisition of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. (“Rockwood”) on January 12, 2015. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein include the results of operations of Rockwood, commencing on January 13, 2015.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions: On January 12, 2015 (the “Acquisition Closing Date”), we completed the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of Rockwood (the “Merger”) for a purchase price of approximately $5.7 billion . As a result, Rockwood became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albemarle. Purchase Price Allocation The aggregate purchase price noted above was allocated to the major categories of assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the Acquisition Closing Date, which were based, in part, upon third-party appraisals for certain assets, including specifically-identified intangible assets. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was approximately $2.8 billion and was recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Rockwood acquisition based upon estimated fair values at the date of acquisition (in thousands): Total purchase price $ 5,725,321 Net assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,555,139 Trade and other accounts receivable 262,947 Inventories 290,496 Other current assets 86,267 Property, plant and equipment 1,383,480 Investments 529,453 Other assets 25,538 Definite-lived intangible assets: Patents and technology 227,840 Trade names and trademarks 234,610 Customer lists and relationships 1,280,142 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names and trademarks 104,380 Other 26,670 Current liabilities (406,532 ) Long-term debt (1,319,132 ) Pension benefits (316,086 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (195,052 ) Deferred income taxes (845,884 ) Noncontrolling interests (17,582 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,906,694 Goodwill 2,818,627 Total net assets acquired $ 5,725,321 Significant changes to the purchase price allocation since our initial preliminary estimates reported in the first quarter of 2015 were primarily related to decreases in the estimated fair values of certain current assets, property, plant and equipment, investments and intangible assets and increases in certain other noncurrent liabilities and noncontrolling interests, which resulted in an increase to recognized goodwill of approximately $193.8 million . This increase to recognized goodwill includes approximately $1.5 million that was recognized during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 based on changes to intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and deferred taxes. Goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of the anticipated synergies and economies of scale from the combined companies and the overall strategic importance of the acquired businesses to Albemarle. The goodwill attributable to the acquisition will not be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. Included in Acquisition and integration related costs on our consolidated statements of income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is $19.7 million and $57.4 million , respectively, of integration costs resulting from the acquisition of Rockwood (mainly consisting of professional services and advisory fees, costs to achieve synergies, relocation costs, and other integration costs) and $1.7 million and $2.1 million , respectively, of costs in connection with other significant projects. The weighted-average amortization periods for the intangible assets acquired are 20 years for patents and technology, 20 years for trade names and trademarks and 24 years for customer lists and relationships. The weighted-average amortization period for all definite-lived intangible assets acquired is 23 years. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 , Depreciation and amortization expense included in Cost of goods sold was reduced by approximately $4.3 million as a result of measurement-period adjustments related to previous reporting periods. In addition, Cost of goods sold was reduced by $0.2 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 as a result of a measurement-period adjustment related to the utilization of the inventory markup, as further described in Note 12, “Segment Information.” Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 assume that the Merger occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma amounts include certain adjustments, including interest expense, depreciation, amortization expense and income taxes. The pro forma amounts were also adjusted to exclude approximately $57.4 million of nonrecurring acquisition and integration related costs, and approximately $48.2 million of charges related to the utilization of the inventory markup as further described in Note 12, “Segment Information.” The pro forma results do not include adjustments related to cost savings or other synergies that are anticipated as a result of the Merger. Accordingly, these unaudited pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations of the combined company would have been if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2015, nor are they indicative of future results of operations. Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Pro forma Net sales $ 917,734 Pro forma Net income $ 122,145 Pro forma Net income per share: Basic $ 1.13 Diluted $ 1.13 See Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 2, “Acquisitions,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for further details about the Rockwood acquisition.

Divestitures Divestitures

Divestitures Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Divestitures: In 2015, we announced our intention to pursue strategic alternatives, including divestitures, related to certain businesses which include minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals, fine chemistry services and metal sulfides. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined that the assets held for sale criteria were met for these businesses as well as a small group of assets at an idled site. On November 5, 2015, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its Tribotecc metal sulfides business to Treibacher Industrie AG. Included in the transaction were sites in Vienna and Arnoldstein, Austria, and Tribotecc’s proprietary sulfide synthesis process. On January 4, 2016, t he Company closed the sale of this business, effective for the first day of business in 2016. We received net proceeds of approximate ly $137 million and have recorded a gain of $11.5 million before income taxes in the first quarter of 2016 related to the sale of this business. On December 16, 2015, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals businesses to Huber Engineered Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corporation. The transaction includes Albemarle’s Martinswerk GmbH subsidiary and manufacturing facility located in Bergheim, Germany, and Albemarle’s 50% ownership interest in Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH, a joint-venture with Radex Heraklith Industriebeteiligung AG at Breitenau, Au stria. On February 1, 2016, the Company closed the sale of these businesses. We received net proceeds of approximately $187 million and have recorded a gain of $111.3 million before income taxes in the first quarter of 2016 related to the sale of these businesses. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , are as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets Current assets $ 57,127 $ 156,421 Net property, plant and equipment 46,452 115,865 Goodwill 6,586 46,794 Other intangibles, net of amortization 132 66,324 All other noncurrent assets — 19,081 Assets held for sale $ 110,297 $ 404,485 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 28,618 $ 72,756 Deferred income taxes — 24,947 All other noncurrent liabilities — 31,003 Liabilities held for sale $ 28,618 $ 128,706 As of March 31, 2016 , Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale include t he ass ets and liabilities, respectively, of the fine chemistry services business . We have determined that as of March 31, 2016 , the expected cash flows of the fine chemistry services business were sufficient to establish recoverability of the asset carrying values, and therefore no impairment charge has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements under the held-for-sale model. In April 2016, the Company concluded that it would discontinue efforts to sell its fine chemistry services business, and as a result, this business will be accounted for as held and used in the second quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2015 , Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale included the assets and liabilities, respectively, of the minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals and metal sulfides businesses divested in the first quarter of 2016, the fine chemistry services business, and a small group of assets at an idled site. As of the March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 balance sheet dates, the Company expected to complete the sales of the businesses included in assets and liabilities held for sale and therefore such amounts were classified as current. These businesses did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment because the Company’s management does not consider their sale or potential sale as representing a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results . Also included in Gain on sales of businesses, net, for the first quarter of 2016 is a loss of $1.5 million on the sale of our wafer reclaim business.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles: The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Lithium and Advanced Materials Bromine Specialties Refining Solutions Chemetall Surface Treatment Total Balance at December 31, 2015 (a) $ 1,267,505 $ 20,319 $ 172,728 $ 1,433,259 $ 2,893,811 Acquisition of Rockwood (b) (1,706 ) — — 3,198 1,492 Other acquisitions (c) — — — 1,668 1,668 Foreign currency translation adjustments 13,301 — 3,732 17,289 34,322 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 1,279,100 $ 20,319 $ 176,460 $ 1,455,414 $ 2,931,293 (a) The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details. (b) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 . (c) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 . The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Customer Lists and Relationships Trade Names and Trademarks (a) Patents and Technology Other (b) Total Gross Asset Value Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,284,057 $ 355,207 $ 200,101 $ 42,353 $ 1,881,718 Acquisition of Rockwood (c) 15,915 (24,130 ) — 260 (7,955 ) Other acquisitions (d) (2,306 ) — — — (2,306 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 15,425 7,763 3,314 563 27,065 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 1,313,091 $ 338,840 $ 203,415 $ 43,176 $ 1,898,522 Accumulated Amortization Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (71,958 ) $ (19,759 ) $ (39,777 ) $ (17,177 ) $ (148,671 ) Amortization (12,789 ) (1,637 ) (2,162 ) (195 ) (16,783 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (970 ) (304 ) (469 ) (93 ) (1,836 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (85,717 ) $ (21,700 ) $ (42,408 ) $ (17,465 ) $ (167,290 ) Net Book Value at December 31, 2015 $ 1,212,099 $ 335,448 $ 160,324 $ 25,176 $ 1,733,047 Net Book Value at March 31, 2016 $ 1,227,374 $ 317,140 $ 161,007 $ 25,711 $ 1,731,232 (a) Included in Trade Names and Trademarks are indefinite-lived intangible assets with a gross carrying amount of $113.2 million and $113.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. (b) Included in Other is an indefinite-lived intangible asset with a gross carrying amount of $22.1 million and $21.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. (c) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 . (d) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 .

Foreign Exchange

Foreign Exchange	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Foreign Exchange	Foreign Exchange: Foreign exchange transaction (losses) gains were ($0.1) million and $52.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and are included in Other income, net, in our consolidated statements of income, with the unrealized portion included in Other, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The gains in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 are primarily related to cash denominated in U.S. Dollars that was held by foreign subsidiaries where the European Union Euro serves as the functional currency, which was repatriated using the applicable transaction rates during the first quarter of 2015.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 was 12.4% , compared to 27.8% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 . The Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, its level and location of income. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for the 2016 and 2015 periods is primarily due to the impact of earnings from outside the U.S. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 is primarily driven by income from the sales of businesses and associated tax expense of $6.3 million . Our effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 was affected by $3.2 million related mainly to U.S. tax provision to return adjustments, and the OPEB plan termination gain described in Note 13, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share: Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Basic earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 228,186 $ 43,115 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 112,260 108,130 Basic earnings per share $ 2.03 $ 0.40 Diluted earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 228,186 $ 43,115 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 112,260 108,130 Incremental shares under stock compensation plans 510 334 Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share 112,770 108,464 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.02 $ 0.40 On February 26, 2016, the Company increased the regular quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.305 per share and declared a cash dividend of said amount for the first quarter of 2016, which was paid on April 1, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 16, 2016 . On May 10, 2016 , the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.305 per share, which is payable on July 1, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of June 15, 2016 .

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories: The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Finished goods $ 345,779 $ 308,462 Raw materials and work in process (a) 135,480 144,886 Stores, supplies and other 49,971 55,380 Total inventories $ 531,230 $ 508,728 (a) Includes $41.0 million and $39.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, of work in process related to the Lithium product category.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	Investments: The Company holds a 49% equity interest in Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd (“Windfield”). With regard to the Company’s ownership in Windfield, the parties share risks and benefits disproportionate to their voting interests. As a result, the Company considers Windfield to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”). However, the Company does not consolidate Windfield as it is not the primary beneficiary. The carrying amount of our 49% equity interest in Windfield, which is our most significant VIE, was $292.6 million and $280.2 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The Company’s aggregate net investment in all other entities which it considers to be VIE’s for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary was $28.4 million and $27.6 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Our unconsolidated VIE’s are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not guarantee debt for, or have other financial support obligations to, these entities, and its maximum exposure to loss in connection with its continuing involvement with these entities is limited to the carrying value of the investments.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-Term Debt: Long-term debt at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Term loan facilities, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,343 at March 31, 2016 and $2,833 at December 31, 2015 $ 916,657 $ 1,247,167 1.875% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $9,662 at March 31, 2016 and $9,904 at December 31, 2015 774,688 759,151 3.00% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $1,616 at March 31, 2016 and $1,726 at December 31, 2015 248,385 248,274 4.15% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,225 at March 31, 2016 and $4,346 at December 31, 2015 420,775 420,654 4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $2,832 at March 31, 2016 and $2,982 at December 31, 2015 347,168 347,018 5.45% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,429 at March 31, 2016 and $4,468 at December 31, 2015 345,571 345,532 Commercial paper notes 478,140 351,349 Fixed-rate foreign borrowings 1,010 995 Variable-rate foreign bank loans 41,114 77,452 Variable-rate domestic bank loans — 20,479 Capital lease obligations 16,583 16,807 Miscellaneous 14 81 Total long-term debt 3,590,105 3,834,959 Less amounts due within one year 484,754 677,345 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 3,105,351 $ 3,157,614 As a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2016, on a retrospective basis, unamortized debt issuance costs are now deducted from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability on the balance sheet. The reclassification of these unamortized debt issuance costs resulted in reductions of $17.1 million in Long-term debt and Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015. See Note 18, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements,” for additional information. Initial borrowings under our September 2015 Term Loan Agreement, which occurred on October 15, 2015, consisted of a 364-day term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million (the “364-Day Facility”) and a five-year term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $950 million (the “Five-Year Facility”), or collectively, the “Term Loan Facilities.” In the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 , we repaid the 364-Day Facility in full and repaid approximately $31 million of borrowings under the Five-Year Facility, each primarily with proceeds from the sales of the metal sulfides business and the minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals businesses, both of which closed in the first quarter of 2016. Current portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2016 consists primarily of commercial paper notes with a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 1.31% and a weighted-average maturity of 21 days . The carrying value of our 1.875% Euro-denominated senior notes has been designated as an effective hedge of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries where the Euro serves as the functional currency, and gains or losses on the revaluation of these senior notes to our reporting currency are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , (losses) gains of ($9.5) million and $54.0 million (net of income taxes), respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the revaluation of these senior notes to our reporting currency.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies: Environmental We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , as follows (in thousands): Beginning balance at December 31, 2015 $ 35,298 Expenditures (387 ) Accretion of discount 217 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1,555 Ending balance at March 31, 2016 36,683 Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses 1,904 Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities $ 34,779 Environmental remediation liabilities include discounted liabilities of $25.0 million and $24.5 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, discounted at rates ranging from 2.8% to 4.3% , with the undiscounted amount totaling $65.1 million and $64.5 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. For certain locations where the Company is operating groundwater monitoring and/or remediation systems, prior owners or insurers have assumed all or most of the responsibility. 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 $15 million before income taxes. We believe that any sum we may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded would likely occur over a period of time and would likely 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. Litigation 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 for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Costs for legal services are generally expensed as incurred. Indemnities We are indemnified by third parties in connection with certain matters related to acquired and divested businesses. Although we believe that the financial condition of those parties who may have indemnification obligations to the Company is generally sound, in the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that any party who may have obligations to indemnify us will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities. The Company may be subject to indemnity claims relating to properties or businesses it divested, including properties or businesses that Rockwood divested prior to the Acquisition Closing Date. In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to the Company or by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other 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 certain customer supply contracts. The financial coverage provided by these guarantees is typically based on a percentage of net sales value.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Segment Information: Effective January 1, 2016, our former Performance Chemicals reportable segment was split into two separate reportable segments: (1) Lithium and Advanced Materials and (2) Bromine Specialties. As a result, our four reportable segments include Lithium and Advanced Materials, Bromine Specialties, Refining Solutions and Chemetall ® Surface Treatment. 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 business structure aligns with the markets and customers we serve through each of the segments. The new structure also facilitates the continued standardization of business processes across the organization, and 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. Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables. Results for 2015 have been recast to reflect the change in segments noted above. The “All Other” category is comprised of three operating segments that do not fit into any of our core businesses subsequent to the acquisition of Rockwood: minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals, fine chemistry services and metal sulfides. During the first quarter of 2016 , we completed the sales of the metal sulfides business and the minerals-based flame retardants and specialty chemicals business. For additional information about these businesses, see Note 3, “Divestitures.” The Corporate category is not considered to be a segment and 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 the reportable segments, All Other, and Corporate, whereas the remaining components of pension and OPEB benefits cost or credit (“Non-operating pension and OPEB items”) are included in Corporate. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs. The Company uses earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for certain non-recurring or unusual items such as restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges, non-operating pension and OPEB items and other significant non-recurring items (“adjusted EBITDA”), on a segment basis to assess the ongoing performance of the Company’s business segments. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. The Company has reported adjusted EBITDA because management believes it provides transparency to investors and enables period-to-period comparability of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: Lithium and Advanced Materials $ 216,173 $ 198,774 Bromine Specialties 196,553 189,592 Refining Solutions 170,579 179,166 Chemetall Surface Treatment 208,187 192,091 All Other 72,089 122,369 Corporate 1,817 2,412 Total net sales $ 865,398 $ 884,404 Adjusted EBITDA: Lithium and Advanced Materials $ 86,474 $ 77,595 Bromine Specialties 61,608 52,933 Refining Solutions 55,074 42,193 Chemetall Surface Treatment 52,522 46,004 All Other 8,464 13,564 Corporate (19,166 ) 33,339 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 244,976 $ 265,628 See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, to Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (in thousands): Lithium and Advanced Materials Bromine Specialties Refining Solutions Chemetall Surface Treatment Reportable Segments Total All Other Corporate Consolidated Total Three months ended March 31, 2016 Adjusted EBITDA $ 86,474 $ 61,608 $ 55,074 $ 52,522 $ 255,678 $ 8,464 $ (19,166 ) $ 244,976 Depreciation and amortization (23,147 ) (9,755 ) (8,760 ) (16,942 ) (58,604 ) (612 ) (1,336 ) (60,552 ) Utilization of inventory markup (a) — — — (154 ) (154 ) — — (154 ) Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net (b) — — — — — 122,857 (1,533 ) 121,324 Acquisition and integration related costs (c) — — — — — — (21,356 ) (21,356 ) Interest and financing expenses — — — — — — (25,251 ) (25,251 ) Income tax expense — — — — — — (30,985 ) (30,985 ) Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — — 184 184 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 63,327 $ 51,853 $ 46,314 $ 35,426 $ 196,920 $ 130,709 $ (99,443 ) $ 228,186 Three months ended March 31, 2015 Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,595 $ 52,933 $ 42,193 $ 46,004 $ 218,725 $ 13,564 $ 33,339 $ 265,628 Depreciation and amortization (21,822 ) (8,461 ) (8,110 ) (18,196 ) (56,589 ) (5,498 ) (1,899 ) (63,986 ) Utilization of inventory markup (a) (28,582 ) — — (16,953 ) (45,535 ) (2,651 ) — (48,186 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (c) — — — — — — (59,523 ) (59,523 ) Interest and financing expenses — — — — — — (35,746 ) (35,746 ) Income tax expense — — — — — — (14,140 ) (14,140 ) Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — — 3,509 3,509 Other (d) — — — — — — (4,441 ) (4,441 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 27,191 $ 44,472 $ 34,083 $ 10,855 $ 116,601 $ 5,415 $ (78,901 ) $ 43,115 (a) In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million . The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 , $0.2 million was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup as a result of a measurement-period adjustment. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 , $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million , respectively, related to the utilization of the inventory markup. (b) See Note 3, “Divestitures.” (c) See Note 2, “Acquisitions.” (d) Financing-related fees expensed in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood.

Pension Plans and Other Postret

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits: The components of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Pension Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 1,540 $ 1,979 Interest cost 10,601 9,564 Expected return on assets (11,309 ) (11,082 ) Actuarial gain (50 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit 28 30 Total net pension benefits cost $ 810 $ 491 Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 29 $ 66 Interest cost 621 668 Expected return on assets (47 ) (65 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) Settlements/curtailments (a) — (2,594 ) Total net postretirement benefits cost (credit) $ 579 $ (1,949 ) Total net pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) $ 1,389 $ (1,458 ) (a) We assumed responsibility for one domestic OPEB plan in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood which covered a small number of active employees and retirees. This plan was terminated in the first quarter of 2015 and provisions were made for the affected employees and retirees to receive benefits under an existing plan. A gain of $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of this plan. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we made contributions of $3.4 million and $4.5 million , respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans. We paid $0.8 million and $1.5 million in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Multiemployer Plan Our contributions to the Pensionskasse Dynamit Nobel Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit, Troisdorf (“DN Pensionskasse”) multiemployer plan were €0.4 million and €0.3 million (approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million ) during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Recorded Amount Fair Value Recorded Amount Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 3,606,269 $ 3,583,568 $ 3,852,019 $ 3,810,981 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $284.0 million and $217.7 million , respectively. Our foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 have not been designated as hedging instruments under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging . At March 31, 2016 , $0.4 million was included in Other accounts receivable associated with the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and at December 31, 2015 , $0.3 million was included in Accrued expenses 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, 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, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized gains (losses) of $5.8 million and ($20.4) million , respectively, in Other income, 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, net. Also, for the three -month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , we recorded ($5.8) million and $20.4 million , respectively, related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and net cash receipts (settlements) of $5.1 million and ($19.7) million , respectively, in Other, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The counterparties to our foreign currency forward contracts 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, 2016
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, 2016 . 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 19,400 $ 19,400 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 2,615 $ 27 $ — $ 2,588 Foreign currency forward contracts (c) $ 437 $ — $ 437 $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 19,400 $ 19,400 $ — $ — December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 21,631 $ 21,631 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 2,626 $ 31 $ — $ 2,595 Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 21,631 $ 21,631 $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (c) $ 250 $ — $ 250 $ — (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, 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) 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. Unless otherwise noted, 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. The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 2,595 $ 1,785 Total unrealized losses included in earnings relating to assets still held at the reporting date (7 ) — Ending balance $ 2,588 $ 1,785

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income: The components and activity in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (net of deferred income taxes) consisted of the following during the periods indicated below (in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits (a) Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap (b) Other Total Three months ended March 31, 2016 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (463,372 ) $ (758 ) $ 62,245 $ (18,861 ) $ (542 ) $ (421,288 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 98,910 — (9,524 ) — (4 ) 89,382 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1 — 525 — 526 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 98,910 1 (9,524 ) 525 (4 ) 89,908 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (283 ) — — — — (283 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (364,745 ) $ (757 ) $ 52,721 $ (18,336 ) $ (546 ) $ (331,663 ) Three months ended March 31, 2015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (52,264 ) $ — $ 11,384 $ (20,962 ) $ (571 ) $ (62,413 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (354,571 ) — 54,046 — — (300,525 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 — 527 27 556 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (354,571 ) 2 54,046 527 27 (299,969 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 100 — — — — 100 Balance at March 31, 2015 $ (406,735 ) $ 2 $ 65,430 $ (20,435 ) $ (544 ) $ (362,282 ) (a) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consists of amortization of prior service benefit, which is a component of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit). See Note 13, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.” (b) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is included in interest expense. The amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is provided in the following tables (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax $ 99,281 $ 4 $ (15,121 ) $ 834 $ (4 ) $ (387,812 ) $ 6 $ 85,577 $ 834 $ 18 Income tax (expense) benefit (371 ) (3 ) 5,597 (309 ) — 33,241 (4 ) (31,531 ) (307 ) 9 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 98,910 $ 1 $ (9,524 ) $ 525 $ (4 ) $ (354,571 ) $ 2 $ 54,046 $ 527 $ 27

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions: Our condensed consolidated financial statements include sales to and purchases from unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Sales to unconsolidated affiliates $ 6,389 $ 7,105 Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates 35,621 26,776

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance designed to enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. The core principle of the guidance is that revenue recognized from a transaction or event that arises from a contract with a customer should reflect the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services provided. To achieve that core principle the new guidance sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model that will need to be applied consistently to all contracts with customers, except those that are within the scope of other topics in the ASC. Also required are new disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. The new disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying the revenue guidance, and assets recognized related to the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016 and April 2016, the FASB issued amendments to this new guidance that provides clarification about principal versus agent considerations, identification of performance obligations and accounting for the licensing of intellectual property. In addition, in May 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance that provides clarification about collectibility, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax, and transition. These new requirements become effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are assessing the impact of these new requirements on our financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the analysis that reporting entities must perform to determine whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated. Specifically, the amendments affect (a) limited partnerships and similar legal entities; (b) the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (c) certain investment funds. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In April and August 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs (except for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements). The guidance requires debt issuance costs relating to a recognized debt liability to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability in the balance sheet. This new requirement became effective on January 1, 2016. See Note 10, “Long-Term Debt” for additional information. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, provides for a practical expedient related to interim period remeasurements of defined benefit plan assets and obligations. The practical expedient permits entities to remeasure plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the actual event. Disclosure of such election and related month-end remeasurement date is required. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the proper method of accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The guidance requires software licenses included in a cloud computing arrangement to be accounted for consistently with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance for which investments measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient should no longer be categorized within the fair value hierarchy. Although removed from the fair value hierarchy, disclosure of the nature, risks and amount of investments for which fair value is measured using the practical expedient is still required. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The scope of this guidance excludes inventory measured using the last-in first-out method or the retail inventory method. This new requirement will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires assets and liabilities arising from leases to be recorded on the balance sheet. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment awards. Among other things, this guidance requires all tax effects related to share-based payment awards to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement, thus eliminating all additional paid-in capital pools. An entity should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces income taxes payable in the current period. For interim reporting purposes, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be accounted for as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, this new guidance requires all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. This guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pr26

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance designed to enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. The core principle of the guidance is that revenue recognized from a transaction or event that arises from a contract with a customer should reflect the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services provided. To achieve that core principle the new guidance sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model that will need to be applied consistently to all contracts with customers, except those that are within the scope of other topics in the ASC. Also required are new disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. The new disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying the revenue guidance, and assets recognized related to the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. In March 2016 and April 2016, the FASB issued amendments to this new guidance that provides clarification about principal versus agent considerations, identification of performance obligations and accounting for the licensing of intellectual property. In addition, in May 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance that provides clarification about collectibility, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax, and transition. These new requirements become effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are assessing the impact of these new requirements on our financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the analysis that reporting entities must perform to determine whether certain types of legal entities should be consolidated. Specifically, the amendments affect (a) limited partnerships and similar legal entities; (b) the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (c) certain investment funds. These amendments became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In April and August 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs (except for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements). The guidance requires debt issuance costs relating to a recognized debt liability to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability in the balance sheet. This new requirement became effective on January 1, 2016. See Note 10, “Long-Term Debt” for additional information. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, provides for a practical expedient related to interim period remeasurements of defined benefit plan assets and obligations. The practical expedient permits entities to remeasure plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the actual event. Disclosure of such election and related month-end remeasurement date is required. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the proper method of accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The guidance requires software licenses included in a cloud computing arrangement to be accounted for consistently with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance for which investments measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient should no longer be categorized within the fair value hierarchy. Although removed from the fair value hierarchy, disclosure of the nature, risks and amount of investments for which fair value is measured using the practical expedient is still required. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The scope of this guidance excludes inventory measured using the last-in first-out method or the retail inventory method. This new requirement will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires assets and liabilities arising from leases to be recorded on the balance sheet. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment awards. Among other things, this guidance requires all tax effects related to share-based payment awards to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement, thus eliminating all additional paid-in capital pools. An entity should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces income taxes payable in the current period. For interim reporting purposes, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be accounted for as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, this new guidance requires all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. This guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are assessing the impact of this new requirement on our financial statements.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables) - Rockwood Holdings, Inc.	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price paid and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Rockwood acquisition based upon estimated fair values at the date of acquisition (in thousands): Total purchase price $ 5,725,321 Net assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,555,139 Trade and other accounts receivable 262,947 Inventories 290,496 Other current assets 86,267 Property, plant and equipment 1,383,480 Investments 529,453 Other assets 25,538 Definite-lived intangible assets: Patents and technology 227,840 Trade names and trademarks 234,610 Customer lists and relationships 1,280,142 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names and trademarks 104,380 Other 26,670 Current liabilities (406,532 ) Long-term debt (1,319,132 ) Pension benefits (316,086 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (195,052 ) Deferred income taxes (845,884 ) Noncontrolling interests (17,582 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,906,694 Goodwill 2,818,627 Total net assets acquired $ 5,725,321
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 assume that the Merger occurred on January 1, 2015. The pro forma amounts include certain adjustments, including interest expense, depreciation, amortization expense and income taxes. The pro forma amounts were also adjusted to exclude approximately $57.4 million of nonrecurring acquisition and integration related costs, and approximately $48.2 million of charges related to the utilization of the inventory markup as further described in Note 12, “Segment Information.” The pro forma results do not include adjustments related to cost savings or other synergies that are anticipated as a result of the Merger. Accordingly, these unaudited pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations of the combined company would have been if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2015, nor are they indicative of future results of operations. Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Pro forma Net sales $ 917,734 Pro forma Net income $ 122,145 Pro forma Net income per share: Basic $ 1.13 Diluted $ 1.13

Divestitures Divestitures (Tabl

Divestitures Divestitures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , are as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets Current assets $ 57,127 $ 156,421 Net property, plant and equipment 46,452 115,865 Goodwill 6,586 46,794 Other intangibles, net of amortization 132 66,324 All other noncurrent assets — 19,081 Assets held for sale $ 110,297 $ 404,485 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 28,618 $ 72,756 Deferred income taxes — 24,947 All other noncurrent liabilities — 31,003 Liabilities held for sale $ 28,618 $ 128,706

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Lithium and Advanced Materials Bromine Specialties Refining Solutions Chemetall Surface Treatment Total Balance at December 31, 2015 (a) $ 1,267,505 $ 20,319 $ 172,728 $ 1,433,259 $ 2,893,811 Acquisition of Rockwood (b) (1,706 ) — — 3,198 1,492 Other acquisitions (c) — — — 1,668 1,668 Foreign currency translation adjustments 13,301 — 3,732 17,289 34,322 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 1,279,100 $ 20,319 $ 176,460 $ 1,455,414 $ 2,931,293 (a) The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details. (b) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 . (c) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 .
Other Intangibles	The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Customer Lists and Relationships Trade Names and Trademarks (a) Patents and Technology Other (b) Total Gross Asset Value Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,284,057 $ 355,207 $ 200,101 $ 42,353 $ 1,881,718 Acquisition of Rockwood (c) 15,915 (24,130 ) — 260 (7,955 ) Other acquisitions (d) (2,306 ) — — — (2,306 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 15,425 7,763 3,314 563 27,065 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 1,313,091 $ 338,840 $ 203,415 $ 43,176 $ 1,898,522 Accumulated Amortization Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (71,958 ) $ (19,759 ) $ (39,777 ) $ (17,177 ) $ (148,671 ) Amortization (12,789 ) (1,637 ) (2,162 ) (195 ) (16,783 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (970 ) (304 ) (469 ) (93 ) (1,836 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (85,717 ) $ (21,700 ) $ (42,408 ) $ (17,465 ) $ (167,290 ) Net Book Value at December 31, 2015 $ 1,212,099 $ 335,448 $ 160,324 $ 25,176 $ 1,733,047 Net Book Value at March 31, 2016 $ 1,227,374 $ 317,140 $ 161,007 $ 25,711 $ 1,731,232 (a) Included in Trade Names and Trademarks are indefinite-lived intangible assets with a gross carrying amount of $113.2 million and $113.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. (b) Included in Other is an indefinite-lived intangible asset with a gross carrying amount of $22.1 million and $21.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. (c) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 . (d) Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 .

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earning Per Share	Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Basic earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 228,186 $ 43,115 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 112,260 108,130 Basic earnings per share $ 2.03 $ 0.40 Diluted earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 228,186 $ 43,115 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 112,260 108,130 Incremental shares under stock compensation plans 510 334 Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share 112,770 108,464 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.02 $ 0.40

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Breakdown of Inventories	The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Finished goods $ 345,779 $ 308,462 Raw materials and work in process (a) 135,480 144,886 Stores, supplies and other 49,971 55,380 Total inventories $ 531,230 $ 508,728 (a) Includes $41.0 million and $39.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, of work in process related to the Lithium product category.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2016 2015 Term loan facilities, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,343 at March 31, 2016 and $2,833 at December 31, 2015 $ 916,657 $ 1,247,167 1.875% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $9,662 at March 31, 2016 and $9,904 at December 31, 2015 774,688 759,151 3.00% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $1,616 at March 31, 2016 and $1,726 at December 31, 2015 248,385 248,274 4.15% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,225 at March 31, 2016 and $4,346 at December 31, 2015 420,775 420,654 4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $2,832 at March 31, 2016 and $2,982 at December 31, 2015 347,168 347,018 5.45% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,429 at March 31, 2016 and $4,468 at December 31, 2015 345,571 345,532 Commercial paper notes 478,140 351,349 Fixed-rate foreign borrowings 1,010 995 Variable-rate foreign bank loans 41,114 77,452 Variable-rate domestic bank loans — 20,479 Capital lease obligations 16,583 16,807 Miscellaneous 14 81 Total long-term debt 3,590,105 3,834,959 Less amounts due within one year 484,754 677,345 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 3,105,351 $ 3,157,614

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 , as follows (in thousands): Beginning balance at December 31, 2015 $ 35,298 Expenditures (387 ) Accretion of discount 217 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1,555 Ending balance at March 31, 2016 36,683 Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses 1,904 Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities $ 34,779

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information	Three Months Ended 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net sales: Lithium and Advanced Materials $ 216,173 $ 198,774 Bromine Specialties 196,553 189,592 Refining Solutions 170,579 179,166 Chemetall Surface Treatment 208,187 192,091 All Other 72,089 122,369 Corporate 1,817 2,412 Total net sales $ 865,398 $ 884,404 Adjusted EBITDA: Lithium and Advanced Materials $ 86,474 $ 77,595 Bromine Specialties 61,608 52,933 Refining Solutions 55,074 42,193 Chemetall Surface Treatment 52,522 46,004 All Other 8,464 13,564 Corporate (19,166 ) 33,339 Total adjusted EBITDA $ 244,976 $ 265,628 See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, to Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (in thousands): Lithium and Advanced Materials Bromine Specialties Refining Solutions Chemetall Surface Treatment Reportable Segments Total All Other Corporate Consolidated Total Three months ended March 31, 2016 Adjusted EBITDA $ 86,474 $ 61,608 $ 55,074 $ 52,522 $ 255,678 $ 8,464 $ (19,166 ) $ 244,976 Depreciation and amortization (23,147 ) (9,755 ) (8,760 ) (16,942 ) (58,604 ) (612 ) (1,336 ) (60,552 ) Utilization of inventory markup (a) — — — (154 ) (154 ) — — (154 ) Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net (b) — — — — — 122,857 (1,533 ) 121,324 Acquisition and integration related costs (c) — — — — — — (21,356 ) (21,356 ) Interest and financing expenses — — — — — — (25,251 ) (25,251 ) Income tax expense — — — — — — (30,985 ) (30,985 ) Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — — 184 184 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 63,327 $ 51,853 $ 46,314 $ 35,426 $ 196,920 $ 130,709 $ (99,443 ) $ 228,186 Three months ended March 31, 2015 Adjusted EBITDA $ 77,595 $ 52,933 $ 42,193 $ 46,004 $ 218,725 $ 13,564 $ 33,339 $ 265,628 Depreciation and amortization (21,822 ) (8,461 ) (8,110 ) (18,196 ) (56,589 ) (5,498 ) (1,899 ) (63,986 ) Utilization of inventory markup (a) (28,582 ) — — (16,953 ) (45,535 ) (2,651 ) — (48,186 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (c) — — — — — — (59,523 ) (59,523 ) Interest and financing expenses — — — — — — (35,746 ) (35,746 ) Income tax expense — — — — — — (14,140 ) (14,140 ) Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — — 3,509 3,509 Other (d) — — — — — — (4,441 ) (4,441 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 27,191 $ 44,472 $ 34,083 $ 10,855 $ 116,601 $ 5,415 $ (78,901 ) $ 43,115 (a) In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million . The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 , $0.2 million was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup as a result of a measurement-period adjustment. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 , $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million , respectively, related to the utilization of the inventory markup. (b) See Note 3, “Divestitures.” (c) See Note 2, “Acquisitions.” (d) Financing-related fees expensed in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood.

Pension Plans and Other Postr35

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans	The components of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Pension Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 1,540 $ 1,979 Interest cost 10,601 9,564 Expected return on assets (11,309 ) (11,082 ) Actuarial gain (50 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit 28 30 Total net pension benefits cost $ 810 $ 491 Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 29 $ 66 Interest cost 621 668 Expected return on assets (47 ) (65 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) Settlements/curtailments (a) — (2,594 ) Total net postretirement benefits cost (credit) $ 579 $ (1,949 ) Total net pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) $ 1,389 $ (1,458 ) (a) We assumed responsibility for one domestic OPEB plan in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood which covered a small number of active employees and retirees. This plan was terminated in the first quarter of 2015 and provisions were made for the affected employees and retirees to receive benefits under an existing plan. A gain of $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of this plan.

Fair Value of Financial Instr36

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of 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. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Recorded Amount Fair Value Recorded Amount Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 3,606,269 $ 3,583,568 $ 3,852,019 $ 3,810,981

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 19,400 $ 19,400 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 2,615 $ 27 $ — $ 2,588 Foreign currency forward contracts (c) $ 437 $ — $ 437 $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 19,400 $ 19,400 $ — $ — December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 21,631 $ 21,631 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 2,626 $ 31 $ — $ 2,595 Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 21,631 $ 21,631 $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (c) $ 250 $ — $ 250 $ — (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, 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) 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. Unless otherwise noted, 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. The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 2,595 $ 1,785 Total unrealized losses included in earnings relating to assets still held at the reporting date (7 ) — Ending balance $ 2,588 $ 1,785

Accumulated Other Comprehensi38

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes	The components and activity in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (net of deferred income taxes) consisted of the following during the periods indicated below (in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits (a) Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap (b) Other Total Three months ended March 31, 2016 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (463,372 ) $ (758 ) $ 62,245 $ (18,861 ) $ (542 ) $ (421,288 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 98,910 — (9,524 ) — (4 ) 89,382 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1 — 525 — 526 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 98,910 1 (9,524 ) 525 (4 ) 89,908 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (283 ) — — — — (283 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ (364,745 ) $ (757 ) $ 52,721 $ (18,336 ) $ (546 ) $ (331,663 ) Three months ended March 31, 2015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (52,264 ) $ — $ 11,384 $ (20,962 ) $ (571 ) $ (62,413 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (354,571 ) — 54,046 — — (300,525 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 — 527 27 556 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (354,571 ) 2 54,046 527 27 (299,969 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 100 — — — — 100 Balance at March 31, 2015 $ (406,735 ) $ 2 $ 65,430 $ (20,435 ) $ (544 ) $ (362,282 ) (a) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consists of amortization of prior service benefit, which is a component of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit). See Note 13, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.” (b) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is included in interest expense.
Amount of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is provided in the following tables (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax $ 99,281 $ 4 $ (15,121 ) $ 834 $ (4 ) $ (387,812 ) $ 6 $ 85,577 $ 834 $ 18 Income tax (expense) benefit (371 ) (3 ) 5,597 (309 ) — 33,241 (4 ) (31,531 ) (307 ) 9 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 98,910 $ 1 $ (9,524 ) $ 525 $ (4 ) $ (354,571 ) $ 2 $ 54,046 $ 527 $ 27

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Our condensed consolidated financial statements include sales to and purchases from unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Sales to unconsolidated affiliates $ 6,389 $ 7,105 Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates 35,621 26,776

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 12, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 2,931,293	$ 2,893,811
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price	$ 5,725,321
Cash and cash equivalents	1,555,139
Trade and other accounts receivable	262,947
Inventories	290,496
Other current assets	86,267
Property, plant and equipment	1,383,480
Investments	529,453
Other assets	25,538
Current liabilities	(406,532)
Long-term debt	(1,319,132)
Pension benefits	(316,086)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(195,052)
Deferred income taxes	(845,884)
Noncontrolling interests	(17,582)
Total identifiable net assets	2,906,694
Goodwill	2,818,627
Total net assets acquired	5,725,321
Pro forma Net sales		$ 917,734
Pro forma Net income		$ 122,145
Pro forma Net income per share: Basic (in dollars per share)		$ 1.13
Pro forma Net income per share: Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 1.13
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Trade names and trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	104,380
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Other
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	26,670
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Patents and technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets	227,840
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Trade names and trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets	234,610
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Customer lists and relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets	$ 1,280,142
[1]	The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details.

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jan. 12, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 2,931,293		$ 2,931,293	$ 2,893,811
Acquisition and integration related costs	[2]		21,356	$ 59,523
Utilization of inventory markup	[3]		154	48,186
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price		$ 5,725,321
Goodwill		$ 2,818,627
Change in purchase price allocation, goodwill			1,500		$ 193,800
Acquisition and integration related costs			19,700	57,400
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life		23 years
Utilization of inventory markup				48,200
Other significant projects
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration related costs			1,700	2,100
Patents and technology | Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life		20 years
Trade names and trademarks | Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life		20 years
Customer lists and relationships | Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life		24 years
Cost of Sales | Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition measurement period adjustments			4,300
Utilization of inventory markup			$ 200	$ 40,300
[1]	The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details.
[2]	See Note 2, “Acquisitions.”
[3]	In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million. The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, $0.2 million was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup as a result of a measurement-period adjustment. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million, respectively, related to the utilization of the inventory markup.

Divestitures Divestitures - Ass

Divestitures Divestitures - Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 57,127	$ 156,421
Net property, plant and equipment	46,452	115,865
Goodwill	6,586	46,794
Other intangibles, net of amortization	132	66,324
All other noncurrent assets	0	19,081
Assets held for sale	110,297	404,485
Current liabilities	28,618	72,756
Deferred income taxes	0	24,947
All other noncurrent liabilities	0	31,003
Liabilities held for sale	$ 28,618	$ 128,706

Divestitures Divestitures - Add

Divestitures Divestitures - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Feb. 01, 2016	Jan. 04, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net				$ 307,165		$ 0
Gain (loss) on sales of business				121,324	[1]	$ 0
Metal Sulfides Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net			$ 137,000
Gain (loss) on sales of business				11,500
Mineral Flame Retardants and Specialty Chemicals Businesses
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net		$ 187,000
Gain (loss) on sales of business				111,300
Magnifin Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage		50.00%
Corporate
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sales of business	[1]			(1,533)
Corporate | Wafer Reclaim
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sales of business				$ (1,500)
[1]	See Note 3, “Divestitures.”

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,893,811	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	34,322
Balance at end of period	2,931,293
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,267,505	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	13,301
Balance at end of period	1,279,100
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	20,319	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	20,319
Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	172,728	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,732
Balance at end of period	176,460
Reportable Segments | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,433,259	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	17,289
Balance at end of period	1,455,414
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	1,492	[2]
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	(1,706)	[2]
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	0	[2]
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	0	[2]
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Reportable Segments | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	3,198	[2]
Other significant projects
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	1,668	[3]
Other significant projects | Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	0	[3]
Other significant projects | Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	0	[3]
Other significant projects | Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	0	[3]
Other significant projects | Reportable Segments | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of goodwill	$ 1,668	[3]
[1]	The December 31, 2015 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 12, "Segment Information," for further details.
[2]	Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.
[3]	Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period		$ 1,881,718
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		27,065
Gross Asset Value, End of Period		1,898,522
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period		(148,671)
Amortization		(16,783)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(1,836)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period		(167,290)
Net Book Value		1,731,232	$ 1,733,047
Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period		1,284,057
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		15,425
Gross Asset Value, End of Period		1,313,091
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period		(71,958)
Amortization		(12,789)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(970)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period		(85,717)
Net Book Value		1,227,374	1,212,099
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	[1]	355,207
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		7,763
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	[1]	338,840
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period		(19,759)
Amortization		(1,637)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(304)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period		(21,700)
Net Book Value		317,140	335,448
Patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period		200,101
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		3,314
Gross Asset Value, End of Period		203,415
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period		(39,777)
Amortization		(2,162)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(469)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period		(42,408)
Net Book Value		161,007	160,324
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	[2]	42,353
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		563
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	[2]	43,176
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period		(17,177)
Amortization		(195)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(93)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period		(17,465)
Net Book Value		25,711	$ 25,176
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[3]	(7,955)
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[3]	15,915
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[3]	(24,130)
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[3]	0
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[3]	260
Other significant projects
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[4]	(2,306)
Other significant projects | Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[4]	(2,306)
Other significant projects | Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[4]	0
Other significant projects | Patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[4]	0
Other significant projects | Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets	[4]	$ 0
[1]	Included in Trade Names and Trademarks are indefinite-lived intangible assets with a gross carrying amount of $113.2 million and $113.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[2]	Included in Other is an indefinite-lived intangible asset with a gross carrying amount of $22.1 million and $21.9 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
[3]	Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Rockwood acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.
[4]	Represents final purchase price adjustments for the Chemetall Shanghai acquisition recorded in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016.

Goodwill and Other Intangible46

Goodwill and Other Intangibles Other Intangibles (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible asset, gross carrying amount	$ 113.2	$ 113.1
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible asset, gross carrying amount	$ 22.1	$ 21.9

Foreign Exchange - Additional I

Foreign Exchange - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Net foreign exchange transaction (losses) gains	$ (0.1)	$ 52.4

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	12.40%	27.80%
Other tax expense	$ 6.3	$ 3.2

Earnings Per Share Calculation

Earnings Per Share Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 228,186	$ 43,115
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	112,260	108,130
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 2.03	$ 0.40
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 228,186	$ 43,115
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	112,260	108,130
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	510	334
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	112,770	108,464
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 2.02	$ 0.40

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	May. 10, 2016	Feb. 26, 2016
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in dividend rate, percentage		5.00%
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.305
Subsequent Event
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.305

Inventories Inventories (Detail

Inventories Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods		$ 345,779	$ 308,462
Raw materials and work in process	[1]	135,480	144,886
Stores, supplies and other		49,971	55,380
Total inventories		$ 531,230	$ 508,728
[1]	Includes $41.0 million and $39.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, of work in process related to the Lithium product category.

Inventories Inventories - Addit

Inventories Inventories - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Lithium
Inventory [Line Items]
Work in process related to Lithium	$ 41	$ 39.1

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Windfield Holdings
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	49.00%
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment	$ 292.6	$ 280.2
Other variable interest entities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment	$ 28.4	$ 27.6

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 3,590,105	$ 3,834,959
Current portion of long-term debt	484,754	677,345
Long-term debt	3,105,351	3,157,614
Term loan facilities | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	916,657	1,247,167
Senior Notes | 1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	774,688	759,151
Senior Notes | 3.00% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	248,385	248,274
Senior Notes | 4.15% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	420,775	420,654
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	347,168	347,018
Senior Notes | 5.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	345,571	345,532
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	478,140	351,349
Fixed Rate Foreign Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	1,010	995
Variable-rate foreign bank loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	41,114	77,452
Variable-rate domestic bank loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	0	20,479
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	16,583	16,807
Other long-term debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 14	$ 81

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 15, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt	$ 331,595,000	$ 1,326,263,000
Net investment hedge, (loss) gain	(9,524,000)	$ 54,046,000
364 Day Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt				$ 300,000,000
Repayments of long-term debt	300,000,000
Five Year Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of debt				$ 950,000,000
Repayments of long-term debt	$ 31,000,000
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	1.31%
Debt instrument maturity period	21 days
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%
Long-Term Debt Excluding Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ 17,100,000

Long-Term Debt Interest Rates (

Long-Term Debt Interest Rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt	$ 331,595	$ 1,326,263
September 2015 Term Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	2,343		$ 2,833
364 Day Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt	300,000
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 9,662		$ 9,904
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%
3.00% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 1,616		$ 1,726
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.00%		3.00%
4.15% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 4,225		$ 4,346
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.15%		4.15%
4.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 2,832		$ 2,982
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.50%		4.50%
5.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 4,429		$ 4,468
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%		5.45%

Commitments and Contingencies A

Commitments and Contingencies Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 35,298
Expenditures	(387)
Accretion of discount	217
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	1,555
Balance at end of period	$ 35,298	$ 36,683
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses		1,904
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities		$ 34,779

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Environmental remediation liabilities - discounted	$ 25	$ 24.5
Environmental remediation liabilities - undiscounted	65.1	$ 64.5
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax	$ 15
Minimum
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies - discount rate	2.80%
Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies - discount rate	4.30%

Segment Information Segment Inf

Segment Information Segment Information - Additional Information (Details) - segment	Jan. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments		4
Performance Chemicals
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2

Segment Information Summarized

Segment Information Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 865,398		$ 884,404
Adjusted EBITDA		244,976		265,628
Depreciation and amortization		(60,552)		(63,986)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	(154)		(48,186)
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net		121,324	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	(21,356)		(59,523)
Interest and financing expenses		(25,251)		(35,746)
Income tax expense		(30,985)		(14,140)
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		184		3,509
Other	[4]			(4,441)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		228,186		43,115
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		72,089		122,369
Adjusted EBITDA		8,464		13,564
Depreciation and amortization		(612)		(5,498)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	0		(2,651)
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	122,857
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		130,709		5,415
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		1,817		2,412
Adjusted EBITDA		(19,166)		33,339
Depreciation and amortization		(1,336)		(1,899)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	0		0
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	(1,533)
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	(21,356)		(59,523)
Interest and financing expenses		(25,251)		(35,746)
Income tax expense		(30,985)		(14,140)
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		184		3,509
Other	[4]			(4,441)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		(99,443)		(78,901)
Reportable Segments | Lithium and Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		216,173		198,774
Adjusted EBITDA		86,474		77,595
Depreciation and amortization		(23,147)		(21,822)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	0		(28,582)
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		63,327		27,191
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		196,553		189,592
Adjusted EBITDA		61,608		52,933
Depreciation and amortization		(9,755)		(8,461)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	0		0
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		51,853		44,472
Reportable Segments | Refining Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		170,579		179,166
Adjusted EBITDA		55,074		42,193
Depreciation and amortization		(8,760)		(8,110)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	0		0
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		46,314		34,083
Reportable Segments | Chemetall Surface Treatment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales		208,187		192,091
Adjusted EBITDA		52,522		46,004
Depreciation and amortization		(16,942)		(18,196)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	(154)		(16,953)
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		35,426		10,855
Reportable Segments | Reportable Segments Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA		255,678		218,725
Depreciation and amortization		(58,604)		(56,589)
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	(154)		(45,535)
Gain (loss) on sales of businesses, net	[2]	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	[3]	0		0
Interest and financing expenses		0		0
Income tax expense		0		0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items		0		0
Other	[4]			0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation		$ 196,920		$ 116,601
[1]	In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million. The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, $0.2 million was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup as a result of a measurement-period adjustment. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million, respectively, related to the utilization of the inventory markup.
[2]	See Note 3, “Divestitures.”
[3]	See Note 2, “Acquisitions.”
[4]	Financing-related fees expensed in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood.

Segment Information Summarize61

Segment Information Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 12, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Utilization of inventory markup	[1]	$ 154	$ 48,186
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory markup				$ 103,000
Utilization of inventory markup			48,200
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Cost of Sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Utilization of inventory markup		$ 200	40,300
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Investments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Utilization of inventory markup			$ 7,900
[1]	In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million. The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, $0.2 million was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup as a result of a measurement-period adjustment. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million, respectively, related to the utilization of the inventory markup.

Pension Plans and Other Postr62

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension benefits cost	$ 1,389	$ (1,458)
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,540	1,979
Interest cost	10,601	9,564
Expected return on assets	(11,309)	(11,082)
Actuarial gain	(50)	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	28	30
Total net pension benefits cost	810	491
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	29	66
Interest cost	621	668
Expected return on assets	(47)	(65)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(24)	(24)
Settlements/curtailments	0	(2,594)	[1]
Total net pension benefits cost	$ 579	$ (1,949)
[1]	We assumed responsibility for one domestic OPEB plan in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood which covered a small number of active employees and retirees. This plan was terminated in the first quarter of 2015 and provisions were made for the affected employees and retirees to receive benefits under an existing plan. A gain of $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of this plan.

Pension Plans and Other Postr63

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain recognized related to termination of plan	$ 0	$ 2,594	[1]
[1]	We assumed responsibility for one domestic OPEB plan in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood which covered a small number of active employees and retirees. This plan was terminated in the first quarter of 2015 and provisions were made for the affected employees and retirees to receive benefits under an existing plan. A gain of $2.6 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2015 related to the termination of this plan.

Pension Plans and Other Postr64

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Postretirement Plan Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension contributions	$ 3.4	$ 4.5
Other postretirement benefits payments	$ 0.8	$ 1.5

Pension Plans and Other Postr65

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Multiemployer Plan (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Multiemployer plan, period contributions	$ 0.5	€ 0.4	$ 0.4	€ 0.3

Fair Value of Financial Instr66

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Total long-term debt, excluding debt issuance costs	$ 3,606,269	$ 3,852,019
Total long-term debt, fair value	$ 3,583,568	$ 3,810,981

Fair Value of Financial Instr67

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Additional Information (Details) - Forward contracts - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 284		$ 217.7
Other accounts receivable
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts, assets	0.4
Accrued expenses
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities			$ 0.3
Other income (expenses), net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized gains (losses) of foreign currency forward contracts	5.8	$ (20.4)
Other, net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts	(5.8)	20.4
Cash receipts (settlements)	$ (5.1)	$ 19.7

Fair Value Measurement Financia

Fair Value Measurement Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	$ 19,400	$ 21,631
Private equity securities	[2]	2,615	2,626
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	[3]	437
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	19,400	21,631
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	[3]		250
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	[1]	19,400	21,631
Private equity securities	[2]	27	31
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	[3]	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	19,400	21,631
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	[3]		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	[1]	0	0
Private equity securities	[2]	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	[3]	437
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	[3]		250
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	0	0
Private equity securities	[2]	2,588	2,595
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	[3]	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	[1]	$ 0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	[3]		$ 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, 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. Unless otherwise noted, 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.

Fair Value Measurement Level 3

Fair Value Measurement Level 3 Reconciliation (Details) - Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) - Private Equity Funds - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,595	$ 1,785
Total unrealized losses included in earnings relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(7)	0
Ending balance	$ 2,588	$ 1,785

Accumulated Other Comprehensi70

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (421,288)	$ (62,413)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		89,382	(300,525)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		526	556
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		89,908	(299,969)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(283)	100
Ending balance		(331,663)	(362,282)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(463,372)	(52,264)
Ending balance		(364,745)	(406,735)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		98,910	(354,571)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		98,910	(354,571)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(283)	100
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(758)	0
Ending balance		(757)	2
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	[1]	1	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1	2
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		62,245	11,384
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		(9,524)	54,046
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(9,524)	54,046
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0
Ending balance		52,721	65,430
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(18,861)	(20,962)
Ending balance		(18,336)	(20,435)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	[2]	525	527
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		525	527
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0
Other Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(542)	(571)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications		(4)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		0	27
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(4)	27
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	0
Ending balance		$ (546)	$ (544)
[1]	The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consists of amortization of prior service benefit, which is a component of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit). See Note 13, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
[2]	The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is included in interest expense.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi71

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Amount of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	$ 99,281	$ (387,812)
Foreign Currency Translation, Income tax benefit (expense)	(371)	33,241
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	98,910	(354,571)
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	4	6
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Income tax benefit (expense)	(3)	(4)
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	1	2
Net investment hedge, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(15,121)	85,577
Net investment hedge, Income tax benefit (expense)	5,597	(31,531)
Net investment hedge, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9,524)	54,046
Interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	834	834
Interest rate swap, Income tax benefit (expense)	(309)	(307)
Interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	525	527
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(4)	18
Other, Income tax benefit (expense)	0	9
Other, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$ (4)	$ 27

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Unconsolidated Affiliates - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 6,389	$ 7,105
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 35,621	$ 26,776