Albemarle (ALB) 10-Q 7 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract] [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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 Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		106,205,885

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 777,748	$ 754,866	$ 2,453,251	$ 2,214,187
Cost of goods sold	497,211	479,210	1,556,379	1,411,614
Gross profit	280,537	275,656	896,872	802,573
Selling, general and administrative expenses	100,167	106,471	325,174	331,984
Research and development expenses	16,610	21,763	53,670	63,423
Gain on sale of business	0	0	(218,705)	0
Operating profit	163,760	147,422	736,733	407,166
Interest and financing expenses	(12,988)	(15,792)	(39,834)	(98,895)
Other income (expenses), net	3,793	(1,986)	(31,906)	(3,399)
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	154,565	129,644	664,993	304,872
Income tax expense	33,167	18,495	133,630	53,596
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	121,398	111,149	531,363	251,276
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	22,081	19,044	61,727	55,263
Net income	143,479	130,193	593,090	306,539
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13,734)	(11,523)	(29,124)	(33,323)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 129,745	$ 118,670	$ 563,966	$ 273,216
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.21	$ 1.07	$ 5.16	$ 2.46
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.20	$ 1.06	$ 5.11	$ 2.43
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	107,315	110,476	109,223	111,049
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	108,302	111,975	110,276	112,456
Cash dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.335	$ 0.32	$ 1.005	$ 0.96

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 143,479	$ 130,193	$ 593,090	$ 306,539
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(9,549)	56,179	(95,515)	199,303
Pension and postretirement benefits	11	(7)	37	2
Net investment hedge	(3,621)	(9,681)	4,947	(37,600)
Interest rate swap	642	529	1,926	1,587
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(12,517)	47,020	(88,605)	163,292
Comprehensive income	130,962	177,213	504,485	469,831
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(13,729)	(11,653)	(29,042)	(34,146)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 117,233	$ 165,560	$ 475,443	$ 435,685

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 641,226	$ 1,137,303
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2018 – $6,300; 2017 – $10,425)	550,788	534,326
Other accounts receivable	41,961	37,937
Inventories	727,381	592,781
Other current assets	98,221	136,064
Assets held for sale	0	39,152
Total current assets	2,059,577	2,477,563
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	4,571,779	4,124,335
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,746,414	1,631,025
Net property, plant and equipment	2,825,365	2,493,310
Investments	535,292	534,064
Noncurrent assets held for sale	0	139,813
Other assets	78,054	74,164
Goodwill	1,590,906	1,610,355
Other intangibles, net of amortization	398,001	421,503
Total assets	7,487,195	7,750,772
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	474,229	418,537
Accrued expenses	258,371	268,336
Current portion of long-term debt	286,188	422,012
Dividends payable	35,462	35,165
Liabilities held for sale	0	1,938
Income taxes payable	72,759	54,937
Total current liabilities	1,127,009	1,200,925
Long-term debt	1,411,605	1,415,360
Postretirement benefits	51,669	52,003
Pension benefits	278,682	294,611
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale	0	614
Other noncurrent liabilities	553,469	599,174
Deferred income taxes	378,484	370,389
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 106,187 in 2018 and 110,547 in 2017	1,062	1,105
Additional paid-in capital	1,363,262	1,863,949
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(314,191)	(225,668)
Retained earnings	2,478,711	2,035,163
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	3,528,844	3,674,549
Noncontrolling interests	157,433	143,147
Total equity	3,686,277	3,817,696
Total liabilities and equity	$ 7,487,195	$ 7,750,772

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,300	$ 10,425
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, issued (in shares)	106,187	110,547
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	106,187	110,547

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, 2016		112,523,790
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 3,942,604	$ 1,125	$ 2,084,418	$ (412,412)	$ 2,121,931	$ 3,795,062	$ 147,542
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	306,539				273,216	273,216	33,323
Other comprehensive (loss) income	163,292			162,469		162,469	823
Cash dividends declared	(134,034)				(106,243)	(106,243)	(27,791)
Stock-based compensation and other	12,477		12,477			12,477
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		159,432
Exercise of stock options	7,011	$ 2	7,009			7,011
Shares repurchased (in shares)		(2,341,083)
Shares repurchased	(250,000)	$ (23)	(249,977)			(250,000)
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		241,755
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 2	(2)			0
Termination of Tianqi Lithium Corporation option agreement	0		13,144			13,144	(13,144)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(89,057)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(8,317)	$ (1)	(8,316)			(8,317)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		110,494,837
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	4,039,572	$ 1,105	1,858,753	(249,943)	2,288,904	3,898,819	140,753
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2017				(296,833)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	130,193
Other comprehensive (loss) income	47,020
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		110,494,837
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	4,039,572	$ 1,105	1,858,753	(249,943)	2,288,904	3,898,819	140,753
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		110,546,674
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	3,817,696	$ 1,105	1,863,949	(225,668)	2,035,163	3,674,549	143,147
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	593,090				563,966	563,966	29,124
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(88,605)			(88,523)		(88,523)	(82)
Cash dividends declared	(123,975)				(109,219)	(109,219)	(14,756)
Cumulative adjustment from adoption of income tax standard update (Note 17)	(11,199)				(11,199)	(11,199)
Stock-based compensation and other	14,015		14,015			14,015
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		71,649
Exercise of stock options	2,302	$ 1	2,301			2,302
Shares repurchased (in shares)		(4,665,618)
Shares repurchased	(500,000)	$ (47)	(499,953)			(500,000)
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		378,006
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 4	(4)			0
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(144,208)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(17,047)	$ (1)	(17,046)			(17,047)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		106,186,503
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	3,686,277	$ 1,062	1,363,262	(314,191)	2,478,711	3,528,844	157,433
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2018				(301,679)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	143,479
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,517)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		106,186,503
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 3,686,277	$ 1,062	$ 1,363,262	$ (314,191)	$ 2,478,711	$ 3,528,844	$ 157,433

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	$ 1,137,303	$ 2,269,756
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	593,090	306,539
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	150,511	144,087
Gain on acquisition	0	(6,025)
Gain on sale of business	(218,705)	0
Stock-based compensation	11,785	15,595
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	(61,727)	(55,263)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	32,794	11,900
Pension and postretirement (benefit) expense	(2,708)	67
Pension and postretirement contributions	(11,068)	(9,607)
Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities	(1,615)	(2,007)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	52,801
Deferred income taxes	43,400	4,677
Working capital changes	(131,813)	(398,913)
Other, net	(27,003)	10,993
Net cash provided by operating activities	376,941	74,844
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(11,403)	(45,406)
Capital expenditures	(471,675)	(187,519)
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net	413,479	6,857
(Investments in) sales of marketable securities, net	(761)	450
Repayments from joint ventures	0	1,250
Investments in equity and other corporate investments	(5,346)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(75,706)	(224,368)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(753,209)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	0	27,000
Other (repayments) borrowings, net	(134,505)	79,203
Fees related to early extinguishment of debt	0	(46,959)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(108,922)	(105,205)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(14,756)	(27,791)
Repurchases of common stock	(500,000)	(250,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,302	7,011
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions	(17,047)	(8,317)
Net cash used in financing activities	(772,928)	(1,078,267)
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents	(24,384)	3,374
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(496,077)	(1,224,417)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 641,226	$ 1,045,339

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , our consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and our consolidated statements of changes in equity and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . 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, 2017 , which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2018. The December 31, 2017 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 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 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. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and all related amendments using the modified retrospective method. There was no material impact to our results of operations or financial position upon adoption, and no adjustment was made to Retained earnings in our consolidated balance sheets because such adjustment was determined to be immaterial. In addition, new presentation requirements, including separate disclosure of net sales from sources other than customers on our consolidated statements of income and separate disclosures of contract assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, generally did not have a material impact. However, business circumstances, including the nature of customer contracts, can change and as such, we are expanding processes and controls to recognize such changes, and as necessary, consider whether any of these currently immaterial items might differ in the future. See Note 17, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements,” for additional information. Included in Trade accounts receivable at September 30, 2018 is approximately $538.4 million arising from contracts with customers. The remaining balance of Trade accounts receivable at September 30, 2018 primarily includes value-added taxes collected from customers on behalf of various taxing authorities. In addition, see below for a description of our updated revenue recognition accounting policy. Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services, and is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied under the terms of contracts with our customers. A performance obligation is deemed to be satisfied when control of the product or service is transferred to our customer. The transaction price of a contract, or the amount we expect to receive upon satisfaction of all performance obligations, is determined by reference to the contract’s terms and includes adjustments, if applicable, for any variable consideration, such as customer rebates, noncash consideration or consideration payable to the customer, although these adjustments are generally not material. Where a contract contains more than one distinct performance obligation, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the standalone selling price of each performance obligation, although these situations do not occur frequently and are generally not built into our contracts. Any unsatisfied performance obligations are not material. Standalone selling prices are based on prices we charge to our customers, which in some cases is based on established market prices. Sales and other similar taxes collected from customers on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue. Our payment terms are generally between 30 to 90 days, however, they vary by market factors, such as customer size, creditworthiness, geography and competitive environment. All of our revenue is derived from contracts with customers, and almost all of our contracts with customers contain one performance obligation for the transfer of goods where such performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time. Control of a product is deemed to be transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery. Significant portions of our sales are sold free on board shipping point or on an equivalent basis, while delivery terms of other transactions are based upon specific contractual arrangements. Our standard terms of delivery are generally included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices, while the timing between shipment and delivery generally ranges between 1 and 45 days. Costs for shipping and handling activities, whether performed before or after the customer obtains control of the goods, are accounted for as fulfillment costs. The Company currently utilizes the following practical expedients, as permitted by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: • All sales and other pass-through taxes are excluded from contract value; • In utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, no adjustment would be necessary for contracts that do not cross over a reporting year; • We will not consider the possibility of a contract having a significant financing component (which would effectively attribute a portion of the sales price to interest income) unless, if at contract inception, the expected payment terms (from time of delivery or other relevant criterion) are more than one year; • If our right to customer payment is directly related to the value of our completed performance, we recognize revenue consistent with the invoicing right; and • We expense as incurred all costs of obtaining a contract incremental to any costs/compensation attributable to individual product sales/shipments for contracts where the amortization period for such costs would otherwise be one year or less. Certain products we produce are made to our customer’s specifications where such products have no alternative use or would need significant rework costs in order to be sold to another customer. In management’s judgment, control of these arrangements is transferred to the customer at a point in time (upon shipment or delivery) and not over the time they are produced. Therefore revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of these products. Costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers are not significant and are expensed immediately as the amortization period would be one year or less. When the Company incurs pre-production or other fulfillment costs in connection with an existing or specific anticipated contract and such costs are recoverable through margin or explicitly reimbursable, such costs are capitalized and amortized to Cost of goods sold on a systematic basis that is consistent with the pattern of transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates, which is less than one year. We record bad debt expense in specific situations when we determine the customer is unable to meet its financial obligation.

Divestitures

Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Divestitures: On December 14, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell the polyolefin catalysts and components portion of its Performance Catalyst Solutions (“PCS”) business (“Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture”) to W.R. Grace & Co., with the sale closing on April 3, 2018. We received net cash proceeds of approximately $413.5 million and have recorded a gain of $218.7 million before income taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to the sale of this business. The transaction includes Albemarle’s Product Development Center located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and operations at its Yeosu, South Korea site. The sale does not include the Company’s organometallics or curatives portion of its PCS business. The Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture reflects the Company’s commitment to investing in the future growth of its high priority businesses and returning capital to shareholders. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we determined that the assets held for sale criteria in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment , were met for this business. As such, the assets and liabilities of this business were included in Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Assets Current assets $ 39,152 Net, property, plant and equipment 121,759 Goodwill 14,422 Other intangibles, net of amortization 3,632 Assets held for sale $ 178,965 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 1,938 Noncurrent liabilities 614 Liabilities held for sale $ 2,552 The results of operations of the business classified as held for sale is include d in the consolidated statements of income. This business did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment because the Company’s management does not consider the sale as representing a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we received the final working capital settlement of $6.9 million related to the sale of the Chemetall Surface Treatment business to BASF SE, which closed on December 14, 2016.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Lithium Bromine Specialties Catalysts All Other Total Balance at December 31, 2017 (a)(b) $ 1,389,089 $ 20,319 $ 194,361 $ 6,586 $ 1,610,355 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (15,766 ) — (3,683 ) — (19,449 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 1,373,323 $ 20,319 $ 190,678 $ 6,586 $ 1,590,906 (a) The December 31, 2017 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 10, “Segment Information,” for additional information. (b) As of December 31, 2017 , $14.4 million of Goodwill was classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information. The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Customer Lists and Relationships Trade Names and Trademarks (a) Patents and Technology Other Total Gross Asset Value Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 439,312 $ 18,981 $ 61,618 $ 37,256 $ 557,167 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (4,653 ) (284 ) (5,335 ) 6,579 (3,693 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 434,659 $ 18,697 $ 56,283 $ 43,835 $ 553,474 Accumulated Amortization Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (74,704 ) $ (8,295 ) $ (35,203 ) $ (17,462 ) $ (135,664 ) Amortization (17,682 ) — (1,100 ) (2,464 ) (21,246 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1,003 41 919 (526 ) 1,437 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (91,383 ) $ (8,254 ) $ (35,384 ) $ (20,452 ) $ (155,473 ) Net Book Value at December 31, 2017 (b) $ 364,608 $ 10,686 $ 26,415 $ 19,794 $ 421,503 Net Book Value at September 30, 2018 $ 343,276 $ 10,443 $ 20,899 $ 23,383 $ 398,001 (a) Balances as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 include only indefinite-lived intangible assets. (b) As of December 31, 2017 , $3.6 million of Other intangibles, net of amortization were classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: The effective income tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 was 21.5% and 20.1% , respectively, compared to 14.3% and 17.6% for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. 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 of 21% and our effective income tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 was impacted by a variety of factors, primarily stemming from the location in which income was earned. Income tax expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 includes discrete tax expenses of $1.9 million from stock-based compensation arrangements and $1.7 million related to the accounting for the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) as noted below, partially offset by discrete tax benefits of $2.0 million from foreign accrual to return adjustments and $1.2 million from the release of foreign valuation allowances. Income tax expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 includes discrete tax expenses of $42.0 million for the Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture as described in Note 2, “Divestitures,” and $7.3 million for adjustments to foreign valuation allowances, partially offset by discrete tax benefits of $8.0 million for tax accounting method changes, $4.8 million for adjustments related to the accounting for the TCJA as noted below, $5.4 million from stock-based compensation arrangements and $2.0 million from foreign accrual to return adjustments. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and our effective income tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the impact of earnings from outside the U.S., and is mainly attributable to our share of the income of our Jordan Bromine Company Limited (“JBC”) joint venture, a Free Zones company under the laws of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Income tax expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 included discrete tax expenses from foreign rate changes of $14.8 million and a $5.1 million out-of-period adjustment due to changes in our deferred tax liabilities for basis differences in Chilean fixed assets, partially offset by discrete tax benefits of $10.8 million from the release of valuation allowances due to a foreign restructuring plan that was initiated during the second quarter of 2017 and $6.9 million from stock-based compensation arrangements. In connection with the TCJA, we recorded a provisional amount of income tax expense of $429.2 million related to the one-time transition tax and income tax benefit of $62.3 million related to the remeasurement of deferred tax balances for the year ended December 31, 2017. In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, the effects of the TCJA may be adjusted within a one-year measurement period from the enactment date for the items that were previously reported as provisional, or where a provisional estimate could not be made. The income tax provision for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 reflects a discrete tax benefit of $2.8 million related to an adjustment of our estimate of the one-time transition tax and a discrete tax benefit of $2.0 million related to other provisions of the TCJA. In addition, the effective income tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 , includes a $1.1 million and $7.2 million , respectively, net tax expense, primarily related to global intangible low-taxed income enacted by the TCJA. For the global intangible low-taxed income provisions of the TCJA, we have not yet elected an accounting policy with respect to either recognizing deferred taxes for basis differences expected to impact global intangible low-taxed income, or to record such as period costs if and when incurred. We also continue to evaluate our indefinite reinvestment assertion as a result of the TCJA. We will continue to assess forthcoming guidance and accounting interpretations on the effects of the TCJA and expect to finalize our analysis within the measurement period in accordance with the SEC guidance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company's uncertain tax positions did not materially change, however, it is reasonably possible the positions could increase within the next 12 months due to ongoing tax audits in Germany.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share: Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 129,745 $ 118,670 $ 563,966 $ 273,216 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 107,315 110,476 109,223 111,049 Basic earnings per share $ 1.21 $ 1.07 $ 5.16 $ 2.46 Diluted earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 129,745 $ 118,670 $ 563,966 $ 273,216 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 107,315 110,476 109,223 111,049 Incremental shares under stock compensation plans 987 1,499 1,053 1,407 Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share 108,302 111,975 110,276 112,456 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.20 $ 1.06 $ 5.11 $ 2.43 On February 23, 2018, the Company increased the regular quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.335 per share. On July 26, 2018 , the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.335 per share, which was paid on October 1, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of September 14, 2018 . On October 30, 2018 , the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.335 per share, which is payable on January 2, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of December 14, 2018 . Under our existing Board authorized share repurchase program, during 2018, the Company entered into two separate accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements with financial institutions. Under each ASR agreement, the Company paid $250 million from available cash on hand. Under the terms of the first ASR agreement, which was completed on September 28, 2018, the Company received and retired a total of 2,680,704 shares, calculated based on the daily Rule 10b-18 volume-weighted average prices of the Company’s common stock over the term of the ASR agreement, less an agreed discount. Under the terms of the second ASR agreement, the Company received and retired an initial delivery of 1,984,914 shares of our common stock with a fair market value of $200 million . The Company determined that the ASR agreement met the criteria to be accounted for as a forward contract indexed to its stock and was therefore treated as an equity instrument. The total number of shares to ultimately be delivered under this ASR agreement will be determined upon completion of the second ASR agreement, which is expected to be by the end of the fourth quarter of 2018, and will generally be based on the daily Rule 10b-18 volume-weighted average prices of the Company’s common stock over the term of the second ASR agreement, less an agreed discount. Although the second ASR agreement can be settled, at the Company’s option, in cash or in shares of common stock, the Company intends to settle in shares of common stock. In total, through September 30, 2018 , we received and retired 4,665,618 shares under these agreements, which reduced the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 . No more than 15,000,000 shares can be repurchased under the Company’s authorized share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2018 , there were 7,993,299 remaining shares available for repurchase under the Company’s authorized share repurchase program due to shares previously repurchased under this program to date.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories: The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Finished goods (a) $ 503,970 $ 404,239 Raw materials and work in process (b) 165,874 132,891 Stores, supplies and other 57,537 55,651 Total (c) $ 727,381 $ 592,781 (a) Increase primarily due to the build-up of inventory in our Lithium and Catalysts segments resulting from higher forecasted sales. (b) Increase primarily due to higher forecasted production levels in the fourth quarter from our Catalysts segment. Included $68.9 million and $59.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, of work in process related to lithium brine. (c) As of December 31, 2017 , $24.7 million of Inventories were classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	Investments: The Company holds a 49% equity interest in Windfield Holdings Pty. Ltd. (“Windfield”), where the ownership 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 this investment is not consolidated as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The carrying amount of our 49% equity interest in Windfield, which is our most significant VIE, was $350.3 million and $355.2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The Company’s aggregate net investment in all other entities which it considers to be VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary was $8.0 million and $8.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Our unconsolidated VIEs are reported in Investments on 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 its investments. As part of the original Windfield joint venture agreement, Tianqi Lithium Corporation ("Tianqi") was granted an option to purchase from 20% to 30% of the equity interests in Rockwood Lithium GmbH, a wholly-owned German subsidiary of Albemarle, and its subsidiaries. In February 2017, Albemarle and Tianqi terminated the option agreement, and as a result, we retained 100% of the ownership interest in Rockwood Lithium GmbH and its subsidiaries. Following the termination of the option agreement, the $13.1 million fair value of the option agreement originally recorded in Noncontrolling interests was reversed and recorded as an adjustment to Additional paid-in capital.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-Term Debt: Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 1.875% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3,173 at September 30, 2018 and $3,971 at December 31, 2017 $ 457,909 $ 463,575 4.15% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3,006 at September 30, 2018 and $3,372 at December 31, 2017 421,994 421,628 4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $664 at September 30, 2018 and $891 at December 31, 2017 174,551 174,325 5.45% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,043 at September 30, 2018 and $4,159 at December 31, 2017 345,957 345,841 Commercial paper notes 285,500 421,321 Variable-rate foreign bank loans 7,080 5,298 Other 4,802 5,384 Total long-term debt 1,697,793 1,837,372 Less amounts due within one year 286,188 422,012 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,411,605 $ 1,415,360 Current portion of long-term debt at September 30, 2018 consisted primarily of commercial paper notes with a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 2.39% and a weighted-average maturity of 31 days . During the first nine months of 2018, we repaid a net amount of $135.8 million of commercial paper notes using cash on hand. On June 21, 2018, we entered into a revolving, unsecured credit agreement (“2018 Credit Agreement”) to replace our revolving, unsecured credit agreement dated as of February 7, 2014, as amended. The 2018 Credit Agreement currently provides for borrowings of up to $1.0 billion and matures on June 21, 2023. Borrowings under the 2018 Credit Agreement bear interest at variable rates based on an average London inter-bank offered rate (“LIBOR”) for deposits in the relevant currency plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.910% to 1.500% , depending on the Company’s credit rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Services and Fitch Ratings. The applicable margin on the facility was 1.125% as of September 30, 2018 . There were no borrowings outstanding under the 2018 Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2018 . The carrying value of our 1.875% Euro-denominated senior notes has been designated as an effective hedge of our net investment in certain 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 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 , (losses) gains of ($3.6) million and $4.9 million (net of income taxes), respectively, and during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 , losses of $9.7 million and $37.6 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies: Environmental We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , as follows (in thousands): Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 $ 39,808 Expenditures (3,564 ) Accretion of discount 669 Additions and changes in estimates 16,236 Foreign currency translation adjustments (346 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2018 52,803 Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses 5,012 Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities $ 47,791 Environmental remediation liabilities included discounted liabilities of $42.8 million and $28.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, discounted at rates with a weighted-average of 3.7% and 3.6% , respectively, with the undiscounted amount totaling $85.0 million and $68.2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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, could be an additional $10 million to $25 million before income taxes, in excess of amounts already recorded. 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. Following receipt of information regarding potential improper payments being made by third party sales representatives of our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, we promptly retained outside counsel and forensic accountants to investigate potential violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other potentially applicable laws. Based on this internal investigation, we have voluntarily self-reported potential issues relating to the use of third party sales representatives in our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and SEC, and are cooperating with the DOJ and SEC in their review of these matters. In connection with our internal investigation, we have implemented, and are continuing to implement, appropriate remedial measures. At this time, we are unable to predict the duration, scope, result or related costs associated with any investigations by the DOJ or SEC. We also are unable to predict what, if any, action may be taken by the DOJ or SEC or what penalties or remedial actions they may seek. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing laws or regulations, however, could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses. We do not believe, however, that any fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. In the first quarter of 2018, a jury rendered a verdict against Albemarle in a legal matter related to certain business concluded under a 2014 sales agreement for products that Albemarle no longer manufactures. As a result, we have recorded a charge of $16.2 million in Other income (expenses), net during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. In addition, in 2018, we recorded a charge of $10.8 million in Other income (expenses), net resulting from a settlement of a legal matter related to guarantees from a previously disposed business. Both matters have been resolved and paid during the three months ended September 30, 2018. 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 of acquired businesses that were divested prior to the completion of the acquisition. 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. The Company had approximately $27.0 million and $42.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities related to the indemnification of certain income and non-income tax liabilities associated with the Chemetall Surface Treatment entities sold. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Segment Information: In the first quarter of 2018, the PCS product category merged with our former Refining Solutions reportable segment to form a global business focused on catalysts. As a result, our three reportable segments include: (1) Lithium; (2) Bromine Specialties; and (3) Catalysts. 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. This business structure aligns with the markets and customers we serve through each of the segments. The 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 2017 have been recast to reflect the change in segments noted above. The “All Other” category includes only the fine chemistry services business that does not fit into any of our core businesses. The Corporate category is not considered to be a segment and includes corporate-related items not allocated to the operating 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’s chief operating decision maker uses adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) to assess the ongoing performance of the Company’s business segments and to allocate resources. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-recurring or unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, utilization of inventory markup, gains or losses on sales of businesses, restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges, non-operating pension and OPEB items and other significant non-recurring items. In addition, management uses adjusted EBITDA for business planning purposes and as a significant component in the calculation of performance-based compensation for management and other employees. 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 is a financial measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or any other financial measure reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Net sales: Lithium $ 270,928 $ 269,238 $ 886,523 $ 729,288 Bromine Specialties 232,616 212,923 678,769 636,059 Catalysts 251,139 244,594 796,822 756,407 All Other 23,065 28,021 90,978 91,144 Corporate — 90 159 1,289 Total net sales $ 777,748 $ 754,866 $ 2,453,251 $ 2,214,187 Adjusted EBITDA: Lithium $ 113,629 $ 112,944 $ 386,260 $ 327,996 Bromine Specialties 78,585 63,936 217,921 194,499 Catalysts 62,602 60,394 205,534 197,570 All Other 3,968 306 7,729 7,906 Corporate (23,702 ) (28,197 ) (75,082 ) (88,271 ) Total adjusted EBITDA $ 235,082 $ 209,383 $ 742,362 $ 639,700 See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, from Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP (in thousands): Lithium Bromine Specialties Catalysts Reportable Segments Total All Other Corporate Consolidated Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 90,313 $ 67,967 $ 50,491 $ 208,771 $ 1,978 $ (81,004 ) $ 129,745 Depreciation and amortization 23,370 10,618 12,111 46,099 1,990 1,618 49,707 Restructuring and other (a) — — — — — 3,724 3,724 Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 4,305 4,305 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 12,988 12,988 Income tax expense — — — — — 33,167 33,167 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (2,195 ) (2,195 ) Legal accrual (c) — — — — — (1,017 ) (1,017 ) Other (d) (54 ) — — (54 ) — 4,712 4,658 Adjusted EBITDA $ 113,629 $ 78,585 $ 62,602 $ 254,816 $ 3,968 $ (23,702 ) $ 235,082 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 89,745 $ 53,760 $ 47,846 $ 191,351 $ (1,776 ) $ (70,905 ) $ 118,670 Depreciation and amortization 22,316 10,176 13,798 46,290 2,082 1,523 49,895 Utilization of inventory markup (e) 568 — — 568 — — 568 Adjustment to gain on acquisition (f) 1,408 — — 1,408 — — 1,408 Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 5,635 5,635 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 15,792 15,792 Income tax expense — — — — — 18,495 18,495 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (1,028 ) (1,028 ) Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions (g) — — — — — 1,646 1,646 Other (h) (1,093 ) — (1,250 ) (2,343 ) — 645 (1,698 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 112,944 $ 63,936 $ 60,394 $ 237,274 $ 306 $ (28,197 ) $ 209,383 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 315,939 $ 187,176 $ 387,038 $ 890,153 $ 1,659 $ (327,846 ) $ 563,966 Depreciation and amortization 71,760 30,745 37,201 139,706 6,070 4,735 150,511 Restructuring and other (a) — — — — — 3,724 3,724 Gain on sale of business (i) — — (218,705 ) (218,705 ) — — (218,705 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 13,016 13,016 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 39,834 39,834 Income tax expense — — — — — 133,630 133,630 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (6,596 ) (6,596 ) Legal accrual (c) — — — — — 27,027 27,027 Albemarle Foundation contribution (j) — — — — — 15,000 15,000 Other (d) (1,439 ) — — (1,439 ) — 22,394 20,955 Adjusted EBITDA $ 386,260 $ 217,921 $ 205,534 $ 809,715 $ 7,729 $ (75,082 ) $ 742,362 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 249,178 $ 164,193 $ 158,806 $ 572,177 $ 1,622 $ (300,583 ) $ 273,216 Depreciation and amortization 62,841 30,306 40,014 133,161 6,284 4,642 144,087 Utilization of inventory markup (e) 23,095 — — 23,095 — — 23,095 Restructuring and other (k) — — — — — 17,141 17,141 Gain on acquisition (f) (6,025 ) — — (6,025 ) — — (6,025 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 26,395 26,395 Interest and financing expenses (l) — — — — — 98,895 98,895 Income tax expense — — — — — 53,596 53,596 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (3,144 ) (3,144 ) Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions (g) — — — — — 6,586 6,586 Other (h) (1,093 ) — (1,250 ) (2,343 ) — 8,201 5,858 Adjusted EBITDA $ 327,996 $ 194,499 $ 197,570 $ 720,065 $ 7,906 $ (88,271 ) $ 639,700 (a) Expected severance payments as part of a business reorganization plan, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The unpaid balance is recorded in Accrued expenses at September 30, 2018, and is expected to be paid out by the end of 2018. (b) Included amounts for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 recorded in (1) Cost of goods sold of $0.9 million and $2.9 million , respectively; and (2) Selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.4 million and $10.2 million , respectively, relating to various significant projects. Included amounts for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 recorded in (1) Cost of goods sold of $1.8 million and $12.5 million , respectively; and (2) Selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.8 million and $13.9 million , respectively, relating to various significant projects, including the Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (“Jiangli New Materials”) acquisition, which contains unusual compensation related costs negotiated specifically as a result of this acquisition that are outside of the Company’s normal compensation arrangements. (c) Included in Other income (expenses), net. See Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information. (d) Included amounts for the three months ended September 30, 2018 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $3.8 million for the write-off of fixed assets related to a major capacity expansion in our Jordanian joint venture. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $0.1 million gain related to a refund from Chilean authorities due to an overpayment made in a prior year, partially offset by a $1.2 million contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to schools in the state of Louisiana for qualified tuition purposes. This contribution is significant in size and is intended to provide long-term benefits for families in the Louisiana community. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $0.2 million gain related to the revision of previously recorded expenses of disposed businesses. Included amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $4.9 million for the write-off of fixed assets related to a major capacity expansion in our Jordanian joint venture. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.5 million gain related to a refund from Chilean authorities due to an overpayment made in a prior year, partially offset by a $1.2 million contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to schools in the state of Louisiana for qualified tuition purposes. This contribution is significant in size and is intended to provide long-term benefits for families in the Louisiana community. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $15.6 million of environmental charges related to a site formerly owned by Albemarle and $0.8 million related to the revision of previously recorded expenses of disposed businesses. (e) In connection with the acquisition of Jiangli New Materials, the Company valued inventory purchased from Jiangli New Materials at fair value, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $23.1 million . The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, $0.6 million and $23.1 million , respectively, was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup. (f) Gain recorded in Other income (expenses), net related to the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in the Sales de Magnesio Ltda. joint venture in Chile. (g) Included shortfall contributions for our multiemployer plan financial improvement plan. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information. (h) Included amounts for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million reversal of deferred income related to an abandoned project at an unconsolidated investment. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $1.1 million related to a reversal of a liability associated with the previous disposal of a property, partially offset by the revision of tax indemnification expenses of $0.7 million primarily related to the filing of tax returns for a previously disposed business. Included amounts for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million reversal of deferred income related to an abandoned project at an unconsolidated investment. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.0 million related to a reversal of an accrual recorded as part of purchase accounting from a previous acquisition. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $3.2 million of asset retirement obligation charges related to the revision of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle, losses of $4.1 million associated with the previous disposal of businesses and the revision of tax indemnification expenses of $1.9 million primarily related to the filing of tax returns and a competent authority agreement for a previously disposed business. This is partially offset by $1.1 million related to a reversal of a liability associated with the previous disposal of a property. (i) See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information. (j) Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses is a charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate. This contribution is in addition to the normal annual contribution made to the Albemarle Foundation by the Company, and is significant in size and nature in that it is intended to provide more long-term benefits in the communities where we live and operate. (k) During 2017, we initiated action to reduce costs in each of our reportable segments at several locations, primarily at our Lithium sites in Germany. Based on the restructuring plans, we have recorded expenses of $2.9 million in Cost of goods sold, $8.4 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses and $5.8 million in Research and development expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to expected severance payments. The unpaid balance is recorded in Accrued expenses at September 30, 2018, with the expectation that the majority of these plans will be completed by the end of 2018. (l) During the first quarter of 2017, we repaid the 3.00% Senior notes in full, €307.0 million of the 1.875% Senior notes and $174.7 million of the 4.50% Senior notes, as well as related tender premiums of $45.2 million . As a result, included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $52.8 million , representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of these senior notes.

Pension Plans and Other Postret

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [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 and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 1,238 $ 1,067 $ 3,765 $ 3,090 Interest cost 7,967 8,375 24,010 24,983 Expected return on assets (10,703 ) (9,960 ) (32,227 ) (29,799 ) Amortization of prior service benefit 25 29 71 102 Total net pension benefits credit $ (1,473 ) $ (489 ) $ (4,381 ) $ (1,624 ) Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 29 $ 30 $ 88 $ 91 Interest cost 542 585 1,626 1,755 Expected return on assets (1 ) (28 ) (5 ) (83 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (12 ) (24 ) (36 ) (72 ) Total net postretirement benefits cost $ 558 $ 563 $ 1,673 $ 1,691 Total net pension and postretirement benefits (credit) cost $ (915 ) $ 74 $ (2,708 ) $ 67 As a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis, all components of net benefit cost (credit), other than service cost, are to be shown outside of operations on the consolidated statements of income. We recast these components of net benefit cost (credit), which resulted in a reduction of $0.1 million and $0.4 million in Cost of goods sold, respectively, and $0.9 million and $2.7 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, with an offsetting increase of $1.0 million and $3.1 million in Other income (expenses), net, respectively, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 . There was no impact to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 , we made contributions of $3.1 million and $9.0 million , respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 , we made contributions of $2.6 million and $7.7 million , respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans. We paid $0.8 million and $2.0 million in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 , we paid $0.7 million and $1.9 million , respectively, in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan. Multiemployer Plan Effective July 1, 2016, the Pensionskasse Dynamit Nobel Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit, Troisdorf multiemployer plan is subject to a financial improvement plan which expires on December 31, 2022, with the final contribution in the second quarter of 2023. This financial improvement plan calls for increased capital reserves to avoid future underfunding risk. During the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 , we made contributions for our employees covered under this plan of approximately $2.0 million , recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a result of this financial improvement plan. In addition, during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 , we made contributions relating to this financial improvement plan to indemnify previously divested businesses of approximately $1.6 million and $4.6 million , respectively, recorded in Other income (expenses), net. There were no contributions made under the financial improvement plan during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 are estimated using Level 1 inputs and account for 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. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Amount Fair Value Recorded Amount Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 1,704,894 $ 1,744,139 $ 1,845,309 $ 1,949,638 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $531.0 million and $357.4 million , respectively, hedging our exposure to various currencies including the Euro and Chinese Renminbi. Our foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging . The following table summarizes the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Foreign currency forward contracts - Other accounts receivable $ 142 $ — Foreign currency forward contracts - Accrued expenses $ — $ 4,954 Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in Other income (expenses), net; further, fluctuations in the value of these contracts are generally expected to be offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged, which are also reported in Other income (expenses), net. The following table summarizes these net (losses) gains recognized in our consolidated statements of income during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Foreign currency forward contracts (losses) gains $ (203 ) $ 803 $ (13,034 ) $ 9,010 In addition, for the nine -month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , we recorded losses (gains) of $13.0 million and ($9.0) million , respectively, related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and net cash (settlements) receipts of ($18.1) million and $8.9 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. The following tables set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 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) $ 27,871 $ 27,871 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 31 $ 31 $ — $ — Private equity securities measured at net asset value (b)(c) $ 7,194 $ — $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (d) $ 142 $ — $ 142 $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 27,871 $ 27,871 $ — $ — December 31, 2017 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) $ 25,494 $ 25,494 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 38 $ 38 $ — $ — Private equity securities measured at net asset value (b)(c) $ 5,121 $ — $ — $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 25,494 $ 25,494 $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (d) $ 4,954 $ — $ 4,954 $ — (a) We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the “Trust”) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1. (b) Primarily consists of private equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income (expenses), net, in our consolidated statements of income. (c) Holdings in certain private equity securities are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. (d) As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. 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.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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) Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (343,458 ) $ 5 $ 55,119 $ (13,345 ) $ (301,679 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (9,549 ) — (3,621 ) — (13,170 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 11 — 642 653 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (9,549 ) 11 (3,621 ) 642 (12,517 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 5 — — — 5 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (353,002 ) $ 16 $ 51,498 $ (12,703 ) $ (314,191 ) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (341,690 ) $ 85 $ 60,459 $ (15,687 ) $ (296,833 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 56,179 — (9,681 ) — 46,498 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (7 ) — 529 522 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 56,179 (7 ) (9,681 ) 529 47,020 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (130 ) — — — (130 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (285,641 ) $ 78 $ 50,778 $ (15,158 ) $ (249,943 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (257,569 ) $ (21 ) $ 46,551 $ (14,629 ) $ (225,668 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (95,515 ) — 4,947 — (90,568 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 37 — 1,926 1,963 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (95,515 ) 37 4,947 1,926 (88,605 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 82 — — — 82 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (353,002 ) $ 16 $ 51,498 $ (12,703 ) $ (314,191 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (484,121 ) $ 76 $ 88,378 $ (16,745 ) $ (412,412 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 199,303 — (37,600 ) — 161,703 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 — 1,587 1,589 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 199,303 2 (37,600 ) 1,587 163,292 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (823 ) — — — (823 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (285,641 ) $ 78 $ 50,778 $ (15,158 ) $ (249,943 ) (a) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of amortization of prior service benefit, which is a component of pension and postretirement benefits credit. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.” (b) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in interest expense. The amount of income tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of Other comprehensive (loss) income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is provided in the following tables (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax $ (9,550 ) $ 13 $ (4,704 ) $ 834 $ 56,156 $ — $ (15,266 ) $ 834 Income tax benefit (expense) 1 (2 ) 1,083 (192 ) 23 (7 ) 5,585 (305 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (9,549 ) $ 11 $ (3,621 ) $ 642 $ 56,179 $ (7 ) $ (9,681 ) $ 529 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax $ (95,517 ) $ 43 $ 6,426 $ 2,502 $ 200,366 $ 10 $ (59,292 ) $ 2,502 Income tax benefit (expense) 2 (6 ) (1,479 ) (576 ) (1,063 ) (8 ) 21,692 (915 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (95,515 ) $ 37 $ 4,947 $ 1,926 $ 199,303 $ 2 $ (37,600 ) $ 1,587

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions: Our consolidated statements of income include sales to and purchases from unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales to unconsolidated affiliates $ 4,970 $ 7,309 $ 20,608 $ 23,753 Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates (a) $ 60,136 $ 51,983 $ 186,111 $ 148,502 (a) Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates primarily relate to purchases from our Windfield joint venture. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include accounts receivable due from and payable to unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates $ 2,734 $ 2,406 Payables to unconsolidated affiliates $ 54,227 $ 55,801

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Information Related to Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental information related to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Supplemental non-cash disclosure related to investing activities: Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable $ 107,385 $ 53,421 Other, net within Cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included $33.9 million representing the reclassification of the current portion of the one-time transition tax resulting from the enactment of the TCJA, from Other noncurrent liabilities to Income taxes payable within current liabilities.

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. During 2016, the FASB issued amendments to this new guidance that provides clarification, technical corrections and practical expedients. Topics of potential relevance to the Company include principal versus agent considerations, collectability, presentation of sales tax from customers, contract modifications at transition and accounting transition. These new requirements became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. We adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective method. We have implemented appropriate changes to the business processes, controls and control activities to support recognition, presentation and disclosure under the new standard for the first quarter of 2018, however, we have not made any significant changes to our existing systems as a result of this new standard. 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. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment which would allow entities to initially apply this new standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2019 using this transition method. We have made significant progress in evaluating our existing lease contracts and accounting policies to determine the impact this standard will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The implementation of this standard will result in the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet, however, we have not determined the materiality at this time. We have made the decision to adopt several practical expedients as allowed by this new standard, such as the short-term lease exemption and the relief package. We continue to assess the remaining practical expedients. In addition, we are implementing new software to support the adoption of this new standard, as well as continuing to review the impact on our current business processes. We continue to make progress on implementing changes to controls that support recognition and disclosure under this new standard. In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that eliminated the deferral of tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory. As a result, the tax expense from the intercompany sale of assets, other than inventory, and associated changes to deferred taxes will be recognized when the sale occurs even though the pre-tax effects of the transaction have not been recognized as they are eliminated in consolidation. This guidance was effective using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2018, which resulted in a $11.2 million cumulative adjustment to decrease Retained earnings and is not reflected in periods prior to this date. In November 2016, the FASB issued accounti ng guidance that requires restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to clarify the definition of a business for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill imp airment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a reporting unit to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit has been acquired in a business combination. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We do not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on our financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (“net benefit cost”) in the income statement. This new guidance requires service cost to be presented as part of operating income (expense) and all other components of net benefit cost are to be shown outside of operations. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. The prior year consolidated statements of income have been recast to conform to the current presentation required by this guidance. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional details. In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This new guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to better align an entity’s risk management activities with hedge accounting, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. This guidance will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. 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 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on our financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that will give companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the TCJA from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities will have the option to apply this guidance retrospectively or to record the reclassification as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In March 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance pursuant to the issuance of SAB 118, that provides clarification for a company’s ability to comply with the accounting requirements for the income tax effects of the TCJA in the period of enactment, effective immediately. SAB 118 allows disclosure that timely determination of some or all of the income tax effects from the TCJA are incomplete by the due date of the financial statements and if possible to provide a reasonable estimate. We have accounted for the tax effects of the TCJA under the guidance of SAB 118, on a provisional basis. Our accounting for certain income tax effects is incomplete, but we have determined reasonable estimates for those effects and have recorded provisional amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, eliminates certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Under the new guidance, entities will no longer be required to disclose (a) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and (b) the policy for timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. As allowed by its provisions, we early-adopted this new guidance in the third quarter of 2018. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, eliminates certain disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Under the new guidance, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year. As allowed by its provisions, we early-adopted this new guidance in the third quarter of 2018. The adoption of this new guidance does not amend interim disclosure requirements and will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to be capitalized. Entities will be required to recognize the capitalized implementation costs to expense over the noncancellable term of the cloud computing arrangement. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on our financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pr_2

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. During 2016, the FASB issued amendments to this new guidance that provides clarification, technical corrections and practical expedients. Topics of potential relevance to the Company include principal versus agent considerations, collectability, presentation of sales tax from customers, contract modifications at transition and accounting transition. These new requirements became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. We adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective method. We have implemented appropriate changes to the business processes, controls and control activities to support recognition, presentation and disclosure under the new standard for the first quarter of 2018, however, we have not made any significant changes to our existing systems as a result of this new standard. 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. In July 2018, the FASB issued an amendment which would allow entities to initially apply this new standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company expects to adopt this standard on January 1, 2019 using this transition method. We have made significant progress in evaluating our existing lease contracts and accounting policies to determine the impact this standard will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The implementation of this standard will result in the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet, however, we have not determined the materiality at this time. We have made the decision to adopt several practical expedients as allowed by this new standard, such as the short-term lease exemption and the relief package. We continue to assess the remaining practical expedients. In addition, we are implementing new software to support the adoption of this new standard, as well as continuing to review the impact on our current business processes. We continue to make progress on implementing changes to controls that support recognition and disclosure under this new standard. In October 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance that eliminated the deferral of tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory. As a result, the tax expense from the intercompany sale of assets, other than inventory, and associated changes to deferred taxes will be recognized when the sale occurs even though the pre-tax effects of the transaction have not been recognized as they are eliminated in consolidation. This guidance was effective using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2018, which resulted in a $11.2 million cumulative adjustment to decrease Retained earnings and is not reflected in periods prior to this date. In November 2016, the FASB issued accounti ng guidance that requires restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to clarify the definition of a business for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill imp airment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a reporting unit to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit has been acquired in a business combination. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We do not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on our financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (“net benefit cost”) in the income statement. This new guidance requires service cost to be presented as part of operating income (expense) and all other components of net benefit cost are to be shown outside of operations. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. The prior year consolidated statements of income have been recast to conform to the current presentation required by this guidance. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional details. In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. This new guidance became effective on January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to better align an entity’s risk management activities with hedge accounting, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. This guidance will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. 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 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on our financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that will give companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the TCJA from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities will have the option to apply this guidance retrospectively or to record the reclassification as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In March 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance pursuant to the issuance of SAB 118, that provides clarification for a company’s ability to comply with the accounting requirements for the income tax effects of the TCJA in the period of enactment, effective immediately. SAB 118 allows disclosure that timely determination of some or all of the income tax effects from the TCJA are incomplete by the due date of the financial statements and if possible to provide a reasonable estimate. We have accounted for the tax effects of the TCJA under the guidance of SAB 118, on a provisional basis. Our accounting for certain income tax effects is incomplete, but we have determined reasonable estimates for those effects and have recorded provisional amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, eliminates certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Under the new guidance, entities will no longer be required to disclose (a) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and (b) the policy for timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. As allowed by its provisions, we early-adopted this new guidance in the third quarter of 2018. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that, among other things, eliminates certain disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Under the new guidance, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year. As allowed by its provisions, we early-adopted this new guidance in the third quarter of 2018. The adoption of this new guidance does not amend interim disclosure requirements and will not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to be capitalized. Entities will be required to recognize the capitalized implementation costs to expense over the noncancellable term of the cloud computing arrangement. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on our financial statements.

Divestitures Divestitures (Tabl

Divestitures Divestitures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2017 Assets Current assets $ 39,152 Net, property, plant and equipment 121,759 Goodwill 14,422 Other intangibles, net of amortization 3,632 Assets held for sale $ 178,965 Liabilities Current liabilities $ 1,938 Noncurrent liabilities 614 Liabilities held for sale $ 2,552

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Lithium Bromine Specialties Catalysts All Other Total Balance at December 31, 2017 (a)(b) $ 1,389,089 $ 20,319 $ 194,361 $ 6,586 $ 1,610,355 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (15,766 ) — (3,683 ) — (19,449 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 1,373,323 $ 20,319 $ 190,678 $ 6,586 $ 1,590,906 (a) The December 31, 2017 balances have been recast to reflect a change in segments. See Note 10, “Segment Information,” for additional information. (b) As of December 31, 2017 , $14.4 million of Goodwill was classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
Other Intangibles	The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands): Customer Lists and Relationships Trade Names and Trademarks (a) Patents and Technology Other Total Gross Asset Value Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 439,312 $ 18,981 $ 61,618 $ 37,256 $ 557,167 Foreign currency translation adjustments and other (4,653 ) (284 ) (5,335 ) 6,579 (3,693 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 434,659 $ 18,697 $ 56,283 $ 43,835 $ 553,474 Accumulated Amortization Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (74,704 ) $ (8,295 ) $ (35,203 ) $ (17,462 ) $ (135,664 ) Amortization (17,682 ) — (1,100 ) (2,464 ) (21,246 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments and other 1,003 41 919 (526 ) 1,437 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (91,383 ) $ (8,254 ) $ (35,384 ) $ (20,452 ) $ (155,473 ) Net Book Value at December 31, 2017 (b) $ 364,608 $ 10,686 $ 26,415 $ 19,794 $ 421,503 Net Book Value at September 30, 2018 $ 343,276 $ 10,443 $ 20,899 $ 23,383 $ 398,001 (a) Balances as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 include only indefinite-lived intangible assets. (b) As of December 31, 2017 , $3.6 million of Other intangibles, net of amortization were classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earning Per Share	Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 129,745 $ 118,670 $ 563,966 $ 273,216 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 107,315 110,476 109,223 111,049 Basic earnings per share $ 1.21 $ 1.07 $ 5.16 $ 2.46 Diluted earnings per share Numerator: Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 129,745 $ 118,670 $ 563,966 $ 273,216 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share 107,315 110,476 109,223 111,049 Incremental shares under stock compensation plans 987 1,499 1,053 1,407 Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share 108,302 111,975 110,276 112,456 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.20 $ 1.06 $ 5.11 $ 2.43

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Breakdown of Inventories	The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Finished goods (a) $ 503,970 $ 404,239 Raw materials and work in process (b) 165,874 132,891 Stores, supplies and other 57,537 55,651 Total (c) $ 727,381 $ 592,781 (a) Increase primarily due to the build-up of inventory in our Lithium and Catalysts segments resulting from higher forecasted sales. (b) Increase primarily due to higher forecasted production levels in the fourth quarter from our Catalysts segment. Included $68.9 million and $59.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, of work in process related to lithium brine. (c) As of December 31, 2017 , $24.7 million of Inventories were classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 1.875% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3,173 at September 30, 2018 and $3,971 at December 31, 2017 $ 457,909 $ 463,575 4.15% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $3,006 at September 30, 2018 and $3,372 at December 31, 2017 421,994 421,628 4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $664 at September 30, 2018 and $891 at December 31, 2017 174,551 174,325 5.45% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $4,043 at September 30, 2018 and $4,159 at December 31, 2017 345,957 345,841 Commercial paper notes 285,500 421,321 Variable-rate foreign bank loans 7,080 5,298 Other 4,802 5,384 Total long-term debt 1,697,793 1,837,372 Less amounts due within one year 286,188 422,012 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,411,605 $ 1,415,360

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities	We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , as follows (in thousands): Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 $ 39,808 Expenditures (3,564 ) Accretion of discount 669 Additions and changes in estimates 16,236 Foreign currency translation adjustments (346 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2018 52,803 Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses 5,012 Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities $ 47,791

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Net sales: Lithium $ 270,928 $ 269,238 $ 886,523 $ 729,288 Bromine Specialties 232,616 212,923 678,769 636,059 Catalysts 251,139 244,594 796,822 756,407 All Other 23,065 28,021 90,978 91,144 Corporate — 90 159 1,289 Total net sales $ 777,748 $ 754,866 $ 2,453,251 $ 2,214,187 Adjusted EBITDA: Lithium $ 113,629 $ 112,944 $ 386,260 $ 327,996 Bromine Specialties 78,585 63,936 217,921 194,499 Catalysts 62,602 60,394 205,534 197,570 All Other 3,968 306 7,729 7,906 Corporate (23,702 ) (28,197 ) (75,082 ) (88,271 ) Total adjusted EBITDA $ 235,082 $ 209,383 $ 742,362 $ 639,700 See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, from Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP (in thousands): Lithium Bromine Specialties Catalysts Reportable Segments Total All Other Corporate Consolidated Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 90,313 $ 67,967 $ 50,491 $ 208,771 $ 1,978 $ (81,004 ) $ 129,745 Depreciation and amortization 23,370 10,618 12,111 46,099 1,990 1,618 49,707 Restructuring and other (a) — — — — — 3,724 3,724 Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 4,305 4,305 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 12,988 12,988 Income tax expense — — — — — 33,167 33,167 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (2,195 ) (2,195 ) Legal accrual (c) — — — — — (1,017 ) (1,017 ) Other (d) (54 ) — — (54 ) — 4,712 4,658 Adjusted EBITDA $ 113,629 $ 78,585 $ 62,602 $ 254,816 $ 3,968 $ (23,702 ) $ 235,082 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 89,745 $ 53,760 $ 47,846 $ 191,351 $ (1,776 ) $ (70,905 ) $ 118,670 Depreciation and amortization 22,316 10,176 13,798 46,290 2,082 1,523 49,895 Utilization of inventory markup (e) 568 — — 568 — — 568 Adjustment to gain on acquisition (f) 1,408 — — 1,408 — — 1,408 Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 5,635 5,635 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 15,792 15,792 Income tax expense — — — — — 18,495 18,495 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (1,028 ) (1,028 ) Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions (g) — — — — — 1,646 1,646 Other (h) (1,093 ) — (1,250 ) (2,343 ) — 645 (1,698 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 112,944 $ 63,936 $ 60,394 $ 237,274 $ 306 $ (28,197 ) $ 209,383 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 315,939 $ 187,176 $ 387,038 $ 890,153 $ 1,659 $ (327,846 ) $ 563,966 Depreciation and amortization 71,760 30,745 37,201 139,706 6,070 4,735 150,511 Restructuring and other (a) — — — — — 3,724 3,724 Gain on sale of business (i) — — (218,705 ) (218,705 ) — — (218,705 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 13,016 13,016 Interest and financing expenses — — — — — 39,834 39,834 Income tax expense — — — — — 133,630 133,630 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (6,596 ) (6,596 ) Legal accrual (c) — — — — — 27,027 27,027 Albemarle Foundation contribution (j) — — — — — 15,000 15,000 Other (d) (1,439 ) — — (1,439 ) — 22,394 20,955 Adjusted EBITDA $ 386,260 $ 217,921 $ 205,534 $ 809,715 $ 7,729 $ (75,082 ) $ 742,362 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation $ 249,178 $ 164,193 $ 158,806 $ 572,177 $ 1,622 $ (300,583 ) $ 273,216 Depreciation and amortization 62,841 30,306 40,014 133,161 6,284 4,642 144,087 Utilization of inventory markup (e) 23,095 — — 23,095 — — 23,095 Restructuring and other (k) — — — — — 17,141 17,141 Gain on acquisition (f) (6,025 ) — — (6,025 ) — — (6,025 ) Acquisition and integration related costs (b) — — — — — 26,395 26,395 Interest and financing expenses (l) — — — — — 98,895 98,895 Income tax expense — — — — — 53,596 53,596 Non-operating pension and OPEB items — — — — — (3,144 ) (3,144 ) Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions (g) — — — — — 6,586 6,586 Other (h) (1,093 ) — (1,250 ) (2,343 ) — 8,201 5,858 Adjusted EBITDA $ 327,996 $ 194,499 $ 197,570 $ 720,065 $ 7,906 $ (88,271 ) $ 639,700 (a) Expected severance payments as part of a business reorganization plan, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The unpaid balance is recorded in Accrued expenses at September 30, 2018, and is expected to be paid out by the end of 2018. (b) Included amounts for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 recorded in (1) Cost of goods sold of $0.9 million and $2.9 million , respectively; and (2) Selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.4 million and $10.2 million , respectively, relating to various significant projects. Included amounts for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 recorded in (1) Cost of goods sold of $1.8 million and $12.5 million , respectively; and (2) Selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.8 million and $13.9 million , respectively, relating to various significant projects, including the Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd. (“Jiangli New Materials”) acquisition, which contains unusual compensation related costs negotiated specifically as a result of this acquisition that are outside of the Company’s normal compensation arrangements. (c) Included in Other income (expenses), net. See Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information. (d) Included amounts for the three months ended September 30, 2018 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $3.8 million for the write-off of fixed assets related to a major capacity expansion in our Jordanian joint venture. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $0.1 million gain related to a refund from Chilean authorities due to an overpayment made in a prior year, partially offset by a $1.2 million contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to schools in the state of Louisiana for qualified tuition purposes. This contribution is significant in size and is intended to provide long-term benefits for families in the Louisiana community. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $0.2 million gain related to the revision of previously recorded expenses of disposed businesses. Included amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $4.9 million for the write-off of fixed assets related to a major capacity expansion in our Jordanian joint venture. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.5 million gain related to a refund from Chilean authorities due to an overpayment made in a prior year, partially offset by a $1.2 million contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to schools in the state of Louisiana for qualified tuition purposes. This contribution is significant in size and is intended to provide long-term benefits for families in the Louisiana community. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $15.6 million of environmental charges related to a site formerly owned by Albemarle and $0.8 million related to the revision of previously recorded expenses of disposed businesses. (e) In connection with the acquisition of Jiangli New Materials, the Company valued inventory purchased from Jiangli New Materials at fair value, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $23.1 million . The inventory markup was expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, $0.6 million and $23.1 million , respectively, was included in Cost of goods sold related to the utilization of the inventory markup. (f) Gain recorded in Other income (expenses), net related to the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in the Sales de Magnesio Ltda. joint venture in Chile. (g) Included shortfall contributions for our multiemployer plan financial improvement plan. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information. (h) Included amounts for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million reversal of deferred income related to an abandoned project at an unconsolidated investment. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $1.1 million related to a reversal of a liability associated with the previous disposal of a property, partially offset by the revision of tax indemnification expenses of $0.7 million primarily related to the filing of tax returns for a previously disposed business. Included amounts for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 recorded in: ▪ Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million reversal of deferred income related to an abandoned project at an unconsolidated investment. ▪ Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.0 million related to a reversal of an accrual recorded as part of purchase accounting from a previous acquisition. ▪ Other income (expenses), net - $3.2 million of asset retirement obligation charges related to the revision of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle, losses of $4.1 million associated with the previous disposal of businesses and the revision of tax indemnification expenses of $1.9 million primarily related to the filing of tax returns and a competent authority agreement for a previously disposed business. This is partially offset by $1.1 million related to a reversal of a liability associated with the previous disposal of a property. (i) See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information. (j) Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses is a charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the Polyolefin Catalysts Divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate. This contribution is in addition to the normal annual contribution made to the Albemarle Foundation by the Company, and is significant in size and nature in that it is intended to provide more long-term benefits in the communities where we live and operate. (k) During 2017, we initiated action to reduce costs in each of our reportable segments at several locations, primarily at our Lithium sites in Germany. Based on the restructuring plans, we have recorded expenses of $2.9 million in Cost of goods sold, $8.4 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses and $5.8 million in Research and development expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to expected severance payments. The unpaid balance is recorded in Accrued expenses at September 30, 2018, with the expectation that the majority of these plans will be completed by the end of 2018. (l) During the first quarter of 2017, we repaid the 3.00% Senior notes in full, €307.0 million of the 1.875% Senior notes and $174.7 million of the 4.50% Senior notes, as well as related tender premiums of $45.2 million . As a result, included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $52.8 million , representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of these senior notes.

Pension Plans and Other Postr_2

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans	The components of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 1,238 $ 1,067 $ 3,765 $ 3,090 Interest cost 7,967 8,375 24,010 24,983 Expected return on assets (10,703 ) (9,960 ) (32,227 ) (29,799 ) Amortization of prior service benefit 25 29 71 102 Total net pension benefits credit $ (1,473 ) $ (489 ) $ (4,381 ) $ (1,624 ) Postretirement Benefits Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 29 $ 30 $ 88 $ 91 Interest cost 542 585 1,626 1,755 Expected return on assets (1 ) (28 ) (5 ) (83 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (12 ) (24 ) (36 ) (72 ) Total net postretirement benefits cost $ 558 $ 563 $ 1,673 $ 1,691 Total net pension and postretirement benefits (credit) cost $ (915 ) $ 74 $ (2,708 ) $ 67

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Recorded Amount Fair Value Recorded Amount Fair Value (In thousands) Long-term debt $ 1,704,894 $ 1,744,139 $ 1,845,309 $ 1,949,638
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following table summarizes the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Foreign currency forward contracts - Other accounts receivable $ 142 $ — Foreign currency forward contracts - Accrued expenses $ — $ 4,954
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following table summarizes these net (losses) gains recognized in our consolidated statements of income during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Foreign currency forward contracts (losses) gains $ (203 ) $ 803 $ (13,034 ) $ 9,010

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 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) $ 27,871 $ 27,871 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 31 $ 31 $ — $ — Private equity securities measured at net asset value (b)(c) $ 7,194 $ — $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (d) $ 142 $ — $ 142 $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 27,871 $ 27,871 $ — $ — December 31, 2017 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) $ 25,494 $ 25,494 $ — $ — Private equity securities (b) $ 38 $ 38 $ — $ — Private equity securities measured at net asset value (b)(c) $ 5,121 $ — $ — $ — Liabilities: Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a) $ 25,494 $ 25,494 $ — $ — Foreign currency forward contracts (d) $ 4,954 $ — $ 4,954 $ — (a) We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the “Trust”) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1. (b) Primarily consists of private equity securities classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income (expenses), net, in our consolidated statements of income. (c) Holdings in certain private equity securities are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. (d) As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. 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.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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) Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (343,458 ) $ 5 $ 55,119 $ (13,345 ) $ (301,679 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (9,549 ) — (3,621 ) — (13,170 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 11 — 642 653 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (9,549 ) 11 (3,621 ) 642 (12,517 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 5 — — — 5 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (353,002 ) $ 16 $ 51,498 $ (12,703 ) $ (314,191 ) Three months ended September 30, 2017 Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (341,690 ) $ 85 $ 60,459 $ (15,687 ) $ (296,833 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 56,179 — (9,681 ) — 46,498 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (7 ) — 529 522 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 56,179 (7 ) (9,681 ) 529 47,020 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (130 ) — — — (130 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (285,641 ) $ 78 $ 50,778 $ (15,158 ) $ (249,943 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (257,569 ) $ (21 ) $ 46,551 $ (14,629 ) $ (225,668 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (95,515 ) — 4,947 — (90,568 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 37 — 1,926 1,963 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (95,515 ) 37 4,947 1,926 (88,605 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 82 — — — 82 Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (353,002 ) $ 16 $ 51,498 $ (12,703 ) $ (314,191 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (484,121 ) $ 76 $ 88,378 $ (16,745 ) $ (412,412 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 199,303 — (37,600 ) — 161,703 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 2 — 1,587 1,589 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 199,303 2 (37,600 ) 1,587 163,292 Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (823 ) — — — (823 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (285,641 ) $ 78 $ 50,778 $ (15,158 ) $ (249,943 ) (a) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of amortization of prior service benefit, which is a component of pension and postretirement benefits credit. See Note 11, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.” (b) The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in interest expense.
Amount of Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The amount of income tax benefit (expense) allocated to each component of Other comprehensive (loss) income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is provided in the following tables (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax $ (9,550 ) $ 13 $ (4,704 ) $ 834 $ 56,156 $ — $ (15,266 ) $ 834 Income tax benefit (expense) 1 (2 ) 1,083 (192 ) 23 (7 ) 5,585 (305 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (9,549 ) $ 11 $ (3,621 ) $ 642 $ 56,179 $ (7 ) $ (9,681 ) $ 529 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Foreign Currency Translation Pension and Postretirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Interest Rate Swap Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax $ (95,517 ) $ 43 $ 6,426 $ 2,502 $ 200,366 $ 10 $ (59,292 ) $ 2,502 Income tax benefit (expense) 2 (6 ) (1,479 ) (576 ) (1,063 ) (8 ) 21,692 (915 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (95,515 ) $ 37 $ 4,947 $ 1,926 $ 199,303 $ 2 $ (37,600 ) $ 1,587

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Our consolidated statements of income include sales to and purchases from unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales to unconsolidated affiliates $ 4,970 $ 7,309 $ 20,608 $ 23,753 Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates (a) $ 60,136 $ 51,983 $ 186,111 $ 148,502 (a) Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates primarily relate to purchases from our Windfield joint venture. Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include accounts receivable due from and payable to unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates $ 2,734 $ 2,406 Payables to unconsolidated affiliates $ 54,227 $ 55,801

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental information related to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 Supplemental non-cash disclosure related to investing activities: Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable $ 107,385 $ 53,421

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable arising from contracts with customers	$ 538.4
Minimum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Payment terms	30 days
Timing between shipment and delivery	1 day
Maximum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Payment terms	90 days
Timing between shipment and delivery	45 days

Divestitures Divestitures - Oth

Divestitures Divestitures - Other Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net			$ 413,479	$ 6,857
Gain on sale of business, before income taxes	$ 0	$ 0	218,705	0
Current assets	0		0		$ 39,152
Goodwill					14,400
Other intangibles, net of amortization					3,600
Current liabilities	$ 0		0		1,938
Assets held for sale, excluding discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net			413,500
Gain on sale of business, before income taxes			$ 218,700
Current assets					39,152
Net, property, plant and equipment					121,759
Goodwill					14,422
Other intangibles, net of amortization					3,632
Assets held for sale					178,965
Current liabilities					1,938
Noncurrent liabilities					614
Liabilities held for sale					$ 2,552
Chemetall Surface Treatment
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working capital settlement				$ 6,900

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill classified as assets held for sale		$ 14,400
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,610,355
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(19,449)
Balance at end of period	1,590,906
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,389,089
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(15,766)
Balance at end of period	1,373,323
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	20,319
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	20,319
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	194,361
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(3,683)
Balance at end of period	190,678
Reportable Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,586
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0
Balance at end of period	$ 6,586

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	$ 557,167
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(3,693)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	553,474
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(135,664)
Amortization	(21,246)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	1,437
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(155,473)
Net Book Value	398,001	$ 421,503
Other intangibles classified as assets held for sale		3,600
Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	439,312
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(4,653)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	434,659
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(74,704)
Amortization	(17,682)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	1,003
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(91,383)
Net Book Value	343,276	364,608
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	18,981
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(284)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	18,697
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(8,295)
Amortization	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	41
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(8,254)
Net Book Value	10,443	10,686
Patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	61,618
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(5,335)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	56,283
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(35,203)
Amortization	(1,100)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	919
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(35,384)
Net Book Value	20,899	26,415
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	37,256
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	6,579
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	43,835
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(17,462)
Amortization	(2,464)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(526)
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(20,452)
Net Book Value	$ 23,383	$ 19,794

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	21.50%	14.30%	20.10%	17.60%
Federal statutory income tax rate			21.00%	35.00%
Excess tax benefits	$ (1.9)		$ 5.4	$ 6.9
Discrete tax benefit related to TCJA	(1.7)		4.8
Release of valuation allowances	1.2		7.3	10.8
Provisional tax expense related to transition tax on foreign earnings					$ 429.2
Provisional tax benefit related to remeasurement of deferred tax balances					$ 62.3
Discrete tax benefit related to one-time transition tax			2.8
Discrete tax benefit related to other provisions of TCJA			2
Income tax expense on global intangible low-taxed income	1.1		7.2
Foreign accrual to return adjustment
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)	$ (2)		(2)
Gain on sale of business
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)			42
Tax accounting method change
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)			$ (8)
Foreign rate changes
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)				14.8
Out-of-period adjustments
Other Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Other tax expense (benefit)				$ 5.1

Earnings Per Share - Calculatio

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 129,745	$ 118,670	$ 563,966	$ 273,216
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	107,315	110,476	109,223	111,049
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.21	$ 1.07	$ 5.16	$ 2.46
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 129,745	$ 118,670	$ 563,966	$ 273,216
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	107,315	110,476	109,223	111,049
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	987	1,499	1,053	1,407
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	108,302	111,975	110,276	112,456
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.20	$ 1.06	$ 5.11	$ 2.43

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 30, 2018	Jul. 26, 2018	Feb. 23, 2018
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase in dividend rate, percentage					5.00%
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)				$ 0.335	$ 0.335
Payment for repurchase of common stock	$ 500,000	$ 250,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	$ 500,000	$ 250,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	15,000,000
Shares available for repurchase (in shares)	7,993,299
Subsequent Event
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.335
May 2018 Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment for repurchase of common stock	$ 250,000
Repurchase of common stock shares (in shares)	2,680,704
August 2018 Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment for repurchase of common stock	$ 250,000
Repurchase of common stock shares (in shares)	1,984,914
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value	$ 200,000
Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock shares (in shares)	4,665,618

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 503,970	$ 404,239
Raw materials and work in process	165,874	132,891
Stores, supplies and other	57,537	55,651
Total inventories	$ 727,381	$ 592,781

Inventories - Additional Inform

Inventories - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories classified as assets held for sale		$ 24.7
Lithium
Inventory [Line Items]
Work in process related to Lithium	$ 68.9	$ 59.6

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Termination of Tianqi Lithium Corporation option agreement	$ 13,100		$ 0
Windfield Holdings
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		49.00%
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment		$ 350,300		$ 355,200
Other variable interest entities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment		$ 8,000		$ 8,700
Rockwood Lithium GmbH
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Minimum | Rockwood Lithium GmbH
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		20.00%
Maximum | Rockwood Lithium GmbH
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		30.00%

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 1,697,793	$ 1,837,372
Current portion of long-term debt	286,188	422,012
Long-term debt	1,411,605	1,415,360
Senior Notes | 1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	457,909	463,575
Senior Notes | 4.15% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	421,994	421,628
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	174,551	174,325
Senior Notes | 5.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	345,957	345,841
Commercial paper notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	285,500	421,321
Variable-rate foreign bank loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	7,080	5,298
Other long-term debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 4,802	$ 5,384

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 21, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of commercial paper notes				$ 135,800,000
Net investment hedge (losses) gains		$ (3,621,000)	$ (9,681,000)	$ 4,947,000	$ (37,600,000)
Commercial paper notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		2.39%		2.39%
Debt instrument maturity period				31 days
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate		1.875%		1.875%		1.875%	1.875%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate margin				1.125%
Revolving credit facility, borrowings outstanding		$ 0		$ 0
Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	0.91%
Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	1.50%

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rates

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 3,173	$ 3,971
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%	1.875%	1.875%
4.15% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 3,006	$ 3,372
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.15%	4.15%
4.50% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 664	$ 891
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
5.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 4,043	$ 4,159
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%	5.45%

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 39,808
Expenditures	(3,564)
Accretion of discount	669
Additions and changes in estimates	16,236
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(346)
Balance at end of period	$ 39,808	$ 52,803
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses		5,012
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities		$ 47,791

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental remediation liabilities - discounted	$ 42,800	$ 42,800	$ 28,100
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies - weighted-average discount rate	3.70%	3.70%	3.60%
Environmental remediation liabilities - undiscounted	$ 85,000	$ 85,000	$ 68,200
Legal accrual	(1,017)	27,027
Tax indemnification liability	$ 27,000	27,000	$ 42,700
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax		10,000
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax		25,000
2014 Sales Contract
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal accrual		16,200
Guarantee From Previously Disposed Business
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Legal accrual		$ 10,800

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information - Summarize

Segment Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 777,748	$ 754,866	$ 2,453,251	$ 2,214,187
Adjusted EBITDA	235,082	209,383	742,362	639,700
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	129,745	118,670	563,966	273,216
Depreciation and amortization	49,707	49,895	150,511	144,087
Utilization of inventory markup		568		23,095
Restructuring and other	3,724		3,724	17,141
Gain on sale of business	0	0	(218,705)	0
Gain on acquisition		(1,408)	0	(6,025)
Acquisition and integration related costs	4,305	5,635	13,016	26,395
Interest and financing expenses	12,988	15,792	39,834	98,895
Income tax expense	33,167	18,495	133,630	53,596
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(2,195)	(1,028)	(6,596)	(3,144)
Legal accrual	(1,017)		27,027
Albemarle Foundation contribution			15,000
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		1,646		6,586
Other	4,658	(1,698)	20,955	5,858
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	23,065	28,021	90,978	91,144
Adjusted EBITDA	3,968	306	7,729	7,906
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	1,978	(1,776)	1,659	1,622
Depreciation and amortization	1,990	2,082	6,070	6,284
Utilization of inventory markup		0		0
Restructuring and other	0		0	0
Gain on sale of business			0
Gain on acquisition		0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Legal accrual	0		0
Albemarle Foundation contribution			0
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		0		0
Other	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	270,928	269,238	886,523	729,288
Adjusted EBITDA	113,629	112,944	386,260	327,996
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	90,313	89,745	315,939	249,178
Depreciation and amortization	23,370	22,316	71,760	62,841
Utilization of inventory markup		568		23,095
Restructuring and other	0		0	0
Gain on sale of business			0
Gain on acquisition		(1,408)		(6,025)
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Legal accrual	0		0
Albemarle Foundation contribution			0
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		0		0
Other	(54)	(1,093)	(1,439)	(1,093)
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	232,616	212,923	678,769	636,059
Adjusted EBITDA	78,585	63,936	217,921	194,499
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	67,967	53,760	187,176	164,193
Depreciation and amortization	10,618	10,176	30,745	30,306
Utilization of inventory markup		0		0
Restructuring and other	0		0	0
Gain on sale of business			0
Gain on acquisition		0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Legal accrual	0		0
Albemarle Foundation contribution			0
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		0		0
Other	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	251,139	244,594	796,822	756,407
Adjusted EBITDA	62,602	60,394	205,534	197,570
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	50,491	47,846	387,038	158,806
Depreciation and amortization	12,111	13,798	37,201	40,014
Utilization of inventory markup		0		0
Restructuring and other	0		0	0
Gain on sale of business			(218,705)
Gain on acquisition		0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Legal accrual	0		0
Albemarle Foundation contribution			0
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		0		0
Other	0	(1,250)	0	(1,250)
Reportable Segments | Reportable Segments Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	254,816	237,274	809,715	720,065
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	208,771	191,351	890,153	572,177
Depreciation and amortization	46,099	46,290	139,706	133,161
Utilization of inventory markup		568		23,095
Restructuring and other	0		0	0
Gain on sale of business			(218,705)
Gain on acquisition		(1,408)		(6,025)
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Legal accrual	0		0
Albemarle Foundation contribution			0
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		0		0
Other	(54)	(2,343)	(1,439)	(2,343)
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	90	159	1,289
Adjusted EBITDA	(23,702)	(28,197)	(75,082)	(88,271)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	(81,004)	(70,905)	(327,846)	(300,583)
Depreciation and amortization	1,618	1,523	4,735	4,642
Utilization of inventory markup		0		0
Restructuring and other	3,724		3,724	17,141
Gain on sale of business			0
Gain on acquisition		0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	4,305	5,635	13,016	26,395
Interest and financing expenses	12,988	15,792	39,834	98,895
Income tax expense	33,167	18,495	133,630	53,596
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(2,195)	(1,028)	(6,596)	(3,144)
Legal accrual	(1,017)		27,027
Albemarle Foundation contribution			15,000
Multiemployer plan shortfall contributions		1,646		6,586
Other	$ 4,712	$ 645	$ 22,394	$ 8,201

Segment Information - Summari_2

Segment Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Footnote) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration related costs	$ 4,305	$ 5,635			$ 13,016	$ 26,395
Charitable contribution					15,000
Utilization of inventory markup		568				23,095
Restructuring and other	3,724				3,724	17,141
Repayments of long-term debt					0	753,209
Repayment of debt premium			$ 45,200
Loss on extinguishment of debt					0	52,801
Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory markup		23,100				23,100
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests acquired								50.00%
Cost of goods sold
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration related costs	900	1,800			2,900	12,500
Write-off of fixed assets at JBC	3,800				4,900
Utilization of inventory markup		600				23,100
Reversal of a liability from an abandoned project		1,300				1,300
Restructuring and other						2,900
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration related costs	3,400	3,800			10,200	13,900
Gain related to a refund form Chilean authorities	100				1,500
Charitable contribution	1,200				1,200
Reversal of purchase accounting accrual						1,000
Restructuring and other						8,400
Other expenses, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revision of previously recorded expenses of a disposed business	$ 200				800	1,100
Environmental charges related to a site formerly owned by Albemarle					$ 15,600
Loss on sale of properties		(1,100)
Revision of tax indemnification expense		$ 700				1,900
Asset retirement obligation charges						3,200
Losses related to previously disposed businesses						4,100
Research and development expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other						$ 5,800
3.00% Senior Notes
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			3.00%	3.00%
1.875% Senior Notes
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%	1.875%	1.875%		1.875%
4.50% Senior Notes
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.50%		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%		4.50%
Senior Notes | 1.875% Senior Notes
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt | €				€ 307
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt			$ 174,700

Pension Plans and Other Postr_3

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension and postretirement benefits (credit) cost	$ (915)	$ 74	$ (2,708)	$ 67
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,238	1,067	3,765	3,090
Interest cost	7,967	8,375	24,010	24,983
Expected return on assets	(10,703)	(9,960)	(32,227)	(29,799)
Amortization of prior service benefit	25	29	71	102
Total net pension and postretirement benefits (credit) cost	(1,473)	(489)	(4,381)	(1,624)
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	29	30	88	91
Interest cost	542	585	1,626	1,755
Expected return on assets	(1)	(28)	(5)	(83)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(12)	(24)	(36)	(72)
Total net pension and postretirement benefits (credit) cost	$ 558	$ 563	$ 1,673	$ 1,691

Pension Plans and Other Postr_4

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Pension and Postretirement Plan Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	$ 497,211	$ 479,210	$ 1,556,379	$ 1,411,614
Selling, general and administrative expense	100,167	106,471	325,174	331,984
Other income (expenses), net	3,793	(1,986)	(31,906)	(3,399)
Pension contributions	3,100	2,600	9,000	7,700
Other postretirement benefits payments	$ 800	700	$ 2,000	1,900
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold		100		400
Selling, general and administrative expense		900		2,700
Other income (expenses), net		1,000		3,100
Selling, general and administrative expenses | Financial Improvement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan, period contributions				2,000
Other expenses, net | Financial Improvement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan, period contributions		$ 1,600		$ 4,600

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Total long-term debt, excluding debt issuance costs	$ 1,704,894	$ 1,845,309
Total long-term debt, fair value, excluding debt issuance costs	$ 1,744,139	$ 1,949,638

Fair Value of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Additional Information (Details) - Forward contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 531,000		$ 531,000		$ 357,400
Other accounts receivable
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts, asset	142		142		0
Accrued expenses
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	0		0		$ 4,954
Other expenses, net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized (losses) gains of foreign currency forward contracts	$ (203)	$ 803	(13,034)	$ 9,010
Other, net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts			13,000	(9,000)
Cash settlements			$ (18,100)
Cash receipts				$ 8,900

Fair Value Measurement - Financ

Fair Value Measurement - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	$ 27,871	$ 25,494
Private equity securities	31	38
Private equity securities measured at net asset value	7,194	5,121
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	142
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	27,871	25,494
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities		4,954
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	27,871	25,494
Private equity securities	31	38
Private equity securities measured at net asset value	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	27,871	25,494
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Private equity securities	0	0
Private equity securities measured at net asset value	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	142
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities		4,954
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Private equity securities	0	0
Private equity securities measured at net asset value	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	$ 0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities		$ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 3,817,696	$ 3,942,604
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications	$ (13,170)	$ 46,498	(90,568)	161,703
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	653	522	1,963	1,589
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(12,517)	47,020	(88,605)	163,292
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5	(130)	82	(823)
Ending Balance	3,686,277	4,039,572	3,686,277	4,039,572
Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(343,458)	(341,690)	(257,569)	(484,121)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications	(9,549)	56,179	(95,515)	199,303
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9,549)	56,179	(95,515)	199,303
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5	(130)	82	(823)
Ending Balance	(353,002)	(285,641)	(353,002)	(285,641)
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5	85	(21)	76
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	11	(7)	37	2
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	11	(7)	37	2
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	16	78	16	78
Net Investment Hedge
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	55,119	60,459	46,551	88,378
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications	(3,621)	(9,681)	4,947	(37,600)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,621)	(9,681)	4,947	(37,600)
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	51,498	50,778	51,498	50,778
Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(13,345)	(15,687)	(14,629)	(16,745)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	642	529	1,926	1,587
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	642	529	1,926	1,587
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	(12,703)	(15,158)	(12,703)	(15,158)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(301,679)	(296,833)	(225,668)	(412,412)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax			(88,523)	162,469
Ending Balance	$ (314,191)	$ (249,943)	$ (314,191)	$ (249,943)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Amount of Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	$ (9,550)	$ 56,156	$ (95,517)	$ 200,366
Foreign Currency Translation, Income tax benefit (expense)	1	23	2	(1,063)
Foreign currency translation, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(9,549)	56,179	(95,515)	199,303
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	13	0	43	10
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Income tax benefit (expense)	(2)	(7)	(6)	(8)
Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	11	(7)	37	2
Net investment hedge, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(4,704)	(15,266)	6,426	(59,292)
Net investment hedge, Income tax benefit (expense)	1,083	5,585	(1,479)	21,692
Net investment hedge, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,621)	(9,681)	4,947	(37,600)
Interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	834	834	2,502	2,502
Interest rate swap, Income tax benefit (expense)	(192)	(305)	(576)	(915)
Interest rate swap, Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$ 642	$ 529	$ 1,926	$ 1,587

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Unconsolidated Affiliates - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 4,970	$ 7,309	$ 20,608	$ 23,753
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates(a)	60,136	$ 51,983	186,111	$ 148,502
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates	2,734		2,734		$ 2,406
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 54,227		$ 54,227		$ 55,801

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable	$ 107,385	$ 53,421

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Transition tax on foreign earnings, current	$ 33.9

Recently Issued Accounting Pr_3

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-16
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle adopted	$ (11.2)