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Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
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Segment Reporting [Abstract] |  |  |
Pension and OPEB items | $ 143.1 | $ (68.0) | $ (89.2)

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- Definition Defined benefit pension and other postretirement credits (costs) included in corporate and other + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration