XML 11 R112.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] |  |  |
Notional amount | $ 321.4 | $ 274.0 |
Other Accounts Receivable |  |  |
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] |  |  |
Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts, assets | 0.2 | 0.3 |
Accrued Expenses |  |  |
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] |  |  |
Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities |  | 0.8 |
Other income (expenses), net |  |  |
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] |  |  |
Recognized gains (losses) of foreign currency forward contracts | (1.1) | 5.1 | 1.0
Other, net |  |  |
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] |  |  |
Change in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts | 1.1 | (5.1) | (1.0)
Cash settlements | $ (1.8) | $ 4.8 | $ (3.0)

X
- Definition The change in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_ChangeInFairValueOfForeignCurrencyForwardContracts
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 -Section 13 -Sentence Column B + Details
Name: | invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | invest_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of cash received during the period on settlement of a hedge. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeCashReceivedOnHedge
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) of derivative instruments not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Fair value as of the balance sheet date of all foreign currency derivative assets not designated as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624163-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value as of the balance sheet date of all foreign currency derivative liabilities not designated as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624163-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant