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Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information - Net Sales (Parenthetical) (Detail) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract] |  |  |
Foreign sales to total net sales not exceed percentage | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00%

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- Definition Foreign sales to total net sales not exceed percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_ForeignSalesToTotalNetSalesNotExceedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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