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Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Summary Footnote (Detail) (Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets - Discontinued Operations, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014
Antioxidant, Ibuprofen and Propofol Assets - Discontinued Operations |
Loss on disposal of businesses, net of tax | $ (65.7)alb_GainLossonSaleofAssetsandAssetImpairmentChargesnetoftax / us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis = alb_AntioxidantIbuprofenandPropofolAssetsMember

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) from the difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of an asset that was sold or retired, and gain (loss) from the write down of assets from their carrying value to fair value, net of tax. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_GainLossonSaleofAssetsandAssetImpairmentChargesnetoftax
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration