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Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information - Cash Flow 1 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended
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Jan. 29, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  | $ 2,489,768us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | $ 477,239us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | 45,791us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | 149,173us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisition of Rockwood, net of cash acquired |  | (2,051,645)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Acquisition of remaining interest in Shanghai Chemetall, net of cash acquired | (45,550)alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired | (45,550)alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired | 0alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired
Capital expenditures |  | (56,741)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | (23,667)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Decrease in restricted cash |  | 57,550us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash | 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash
Sales of marketable securities, net |  | 1,557us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments | 2,151us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments
Proceeds from repayment of advance to joint venture |  | 2,156us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate
Proceeds from intercompany investing related activity |  | 0alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity |
Intercompany investing related payments |  | 0alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity |
Net cash used in investing activities |  | (2,092,673)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities | (21,516)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  | (1,326,263)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt | (101)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt |  | 1,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Other borrowings (repayments), net |  | 167,571us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfOtherDebt | (8,434)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfOtherDebt
Dividends paid to shareholders |  | (21,730)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock | (19,582)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Intercompany dividends paid |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends |
Repurchases of common stock |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock | (50,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 90us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised | 1,255us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements |  | 23us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities | 586us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions |  | (1,174)us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation | (2,968)us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation
Debt financing costs |  | (1,164)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts | (1,370)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
Proceeds from intercompany financing related activity |  | 0alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity |
Intercompany financing related payments |  | 0alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity |
Net cash used in financing activities |  | (182,647)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities | (80,614)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents |  | 1,182us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents | (239)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | (2,228,347)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease | 46,804us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | 261,421us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 524,043us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
2014 Senior Notes | Issuer |  |  |
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  | 1,930,802us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 88,476us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | 46,397us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 58,984us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisition of Rockwood, net of cash acquired |  | (3,597,083)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Acquisition of remaining interest in Shanghai Chemetall, net of cash acquired |  | 0alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Capital expenditures |  | (19,876)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (14,325)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Decrease in restricted cash |  | 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Sales of marketable securities, net |  | 1,557us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 2,163us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from repayment of advance to joint venture |  | 2,156us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Proceeds from intercompany investing related activity |  | 0alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Intercompany investing related payments |  | 0alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Net cash used in investing activities |  | (3,613,246)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (12,162)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  | (1,325,102)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (101)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt |  | 1,000,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Other borrowings (repayments), net |  | 184,418us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfOtherDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfOtherDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Dividends paid to shareholders |  | (21,730)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (19,582)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Intercompany dividends paid |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Repurchases of common stock |  |  | (50,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 90us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 1,255us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements |  | 23us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 586us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions |  | (1,174)us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (2,968)us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Debt financing costs |  | (1,164)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (1,370)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from intercompany financing related activity |  | 1,829,770alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Intercompany financing related payments |  | (28,039)alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember |
Net cash used in financing activities |  | 1,637,092us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (72,180)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents |  | 1,218us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | (1,928,539)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | (25,358)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | 2,263us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember | 63,118us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
2014 Senior Notes | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  |  |
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  | 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | (18,121)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisition of Rockwood, net of cash acquired |  | 159,409us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Acquisition of remaining interest in Shanghai Chemetall, net of cash acquired |  | 0alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Capital expenditures |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Decrease in restricted cash |  | 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Sales of marketable securities, net |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from repayment of advance to joint venture |  | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Proceeds from intercompany investing related activity |  | 891,290alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Intercompany investing related payments |  | (1,028,367)alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Net cash used in investing activities |  | 22,332us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  | 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt |  | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Other borrowings (repayments), net |  | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfOtherDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Dividends paid to shareholders |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Intercompany dividends paid |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Repurchases of common stock |  |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements |  | 0us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Debt financing costs |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from intercompany financing related activity |  | 0alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Intercompany financing related payments |  | (82)alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyFinancingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Net cash used in financing activities |  | (82)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents |  | (2,075)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | 2,054us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | 2,054us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
2014 Senior Notes | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |  |  |
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |  | 558,966us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 388,763us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | 26,593us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 90,189us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisition of Rockwood, net of cash acquired |  | 1,386,029us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Acquisition of remaining interest in Shanghai Chemetall, net of cash acquired |  | (45,550)alb_Paymentstoacquireequitymethodinvestmentsnetofcashacquired / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Capital expenditures |  | (36,865)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (9,342)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Decrease in restricted cash |  | 57,550us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Sales of marketable securities, net |  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (12)us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from repayment of advance to joint venture |  | 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfAdvanceToAffiliate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Proceeds from intercompany investing related activity |  | 82alb_ProceedsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Intercompany investing related payments |  | (1,175,700)alb_PaymentsfromRelatedPartyInvestingActivity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
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2014 Senior Notes | Consolidating Adjustments |  |  |
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- Definition The net cash paid (received) associated with the acquisition or disposal of all investments, including securities and other assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3095-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3098-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
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- Definition Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
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- Definition Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to common shareholders of the parent entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow for loan and debt issuance costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
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- Definition Amount of cash outflow to satisfy an employee's income tax withholding obligation as part of a net-share settlement of a share-based award. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash inflow from the collection of money previously advanced to an entity that is related to it but not strictly controlled. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
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- Definition The net cash inflow or outflow in other borrowings not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
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- Definition The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
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