| Cover | Apr. 20, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ALBEMARLE CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-12658 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1692118 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4250 Congress Street, Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Charlotte |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 28209 |
| City Area Code | 980 |
| Local Phone Number | 299-5700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | ALB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000915913 |
