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v2.4.1.9

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 2 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Feb. 27, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net curtailment gain |  |  |  |  | $ (4,500,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments |  | $ (4,507,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discretionary contribution |  |  |  |  | 10,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount |  | 10,081,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount | [1] |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans | 776,600,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation |  |  | 669,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation |  | 776,600,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation |  |  |  | 669,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation |  |  |  |
Post retirement medical benefit available to U.S. employees, change of age group, current range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | under age 50 |  |  |  |  |
Age group for capping of retiree medical premium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | age 50 and above |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 112,600,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses | 2,800,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses | 15,400,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses | (139,000,000)alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in percentage of broad asset class targets |  |  |  |  |  | 10.00%alb_PercentageVarianceOfAssetClassTargets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assumed rate of increase in the pre-65 capita cost of covered health care benefits for U.S. retirees |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00%alb_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYearPre65 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assumed rate of increase in the post-65 per capita cost of covered health care benefits for U.S. retirees |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00%alb_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYearPost65 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accrued postemployment benefit liability | 800,000 us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent |  |  | 800,000 us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent |  | 800,000 us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent |  |  |  | 800,000 us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent |  |  |  |
Traditional Long Equity Holdings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Target allocations percentage of assets |  |  |  |  |  | 65.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = alb_TraditionalLongEquityHoldingsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Diversified Asset Classes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Target allocations percentage of assets |  |  |  |  |  | 35.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocations / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = alb_DiversifiedAssetClassesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Domestic Pension Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  |  |  |  | 116,705,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 65,603,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | [2] |  | (130,297,000)alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  | 6.91%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 8.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 7.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Rate of compensation increase | 0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  | 0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Employer contribution |  |  |  |  |  | 7,042,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 7,556,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation recognized | 729,652,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 629,337,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 714,158,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 729,652,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 714,158,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 629,337,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 714,158,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Domestic Pension Benefits | Subsequent Event |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.89%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |
Total Postretirement Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  |  |  |  | 3,868,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 3,161,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [3] |  | (6,120,000)alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  | 7.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 7.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 7.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 3.50%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Employer contribution |  |  |  |  |  | 3,934,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 3,504,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation recognized | 64,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 62,832,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 70,787,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 64,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 70,787,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 62,832,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 70,787,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Total Postretirement Benefits | Subsequent Event |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |
Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employer contribution |  |  |  |  |  | 13,900,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_DomesticPensionPlansOfForeignEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 21,600,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_DomesticPensionPlansOfForeignEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 13,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_DomesticPensionPlansOfForeignEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  | 4.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 4.35%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Total Pension Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  |  |  |  | 126,975,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 72,550,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | [2] |  | (132,916,000)alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Weighted-average expected rate of return on plan assets |  |  |  |  |  | 6.86%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 8.19%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 7.20%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Rate of compensation increase | 3.40%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 2.78%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  | 3.40%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 2.78%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Employer contribution |  |  |  |  |  | 9,982,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 9,790,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Expect contributions to benefit plans in 2015 |  |  |  |  |  | 5,000,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation recognized | 782,764,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 678,582,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 762,395,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 782,764,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 762,395,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 678,582,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 762,395,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employer contribution |  |  |  |  |  |  | 14,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expect contributions to benefit plans in 2015 |  |  |  |  |  | 3,200,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses related to benefit |  |  |  |  |  | 7,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherCosts / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember | 10,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherCosts / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | (1,500,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherCosts / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation recognized | 26,400,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 21,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  | 26,400,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  | 21,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expected premium contribution | 4,000,000 alb_AnnualAmountOfInsurancePremiumsForPostretirementPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |  | 4,000,000 alb_AnnualAmountOfInsurancePremiumsForPostretirementPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restatement Adjustment | Pension Plan Actuarial Gain Correction | Total Postretirement Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,400,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis = alb_PensionPlanActuarialGainCorrectionMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember |  |
Restatement Adjustment | Pension Plan Actuarial Gain Correction | Total Pension Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,800,000 alb_DefinedBenefitPlanMarkToMarketPensionAndPostretirementAdjustmentstoGainsLosses / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember / us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis = alb_PensionPlanActuarialGainCorrectionMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember | [2] |
2004 Defined Contribution Plan | U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discretionary contribution |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_A2004DefinedContributionPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
Annual premiums and related costs pertaining to defined contribution plan |  |  |  |  |  | 8,400,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_A2004DefinedContributionPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember | 14,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_A2004DefinedContributionPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 8,800,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_A2004DefinedContributionPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Employee Savings Plan | Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Annual premiums and related costs pertaining to defined contribution plan |  |  |  |  |  | 10,100,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_EmployeeSavingsPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 9,500,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_EmployeeSavingsPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  | 10,300,000 us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis = alb_EmployeeSavingsPlanMember / us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanTypeAxis = us-gaap_ForeignPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember |  |  |  |
Employee Savings Plan | U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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[1] | In the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded a net curtailment gain of $4.5 million ($2.9 million after income taxes) and a one-time employer contribution to the Company’s defined contribution plan of $10.1 million ($6.4 million after income taxes), both in connection with various amendments to certain of our U.S. pension and defined contribution plans that were approved by our Board of Directors in the fourth quarter of 2012. See Note 18, “Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
[2] | In the second quarter of 2013, we identified that our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012 included a correction of $5.8 million (recorded in the second quarter of 2012) for pension plan actuarial gains that related to 2011. This amount was deemed to be not material with respect to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and any prior period financial statements.
[3] | In the second quarter of 2013, we identified that our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012 included a correction of $4.4 million (recorded in the second quarter of 2012) for postretirement plan actuarial gains that related to 2011. This amount was deemed to be not material with respect to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and any prior period financial statements.

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