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Segment Information Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ 884,404us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet |  | $ 599,843us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet |
Adjusted EBITDA | 265,628alb_AdjustedEBITDA |  | 136,030alb_AdjustedEBITDA |
Depreciation and amortization | (63,986)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |  | (27,809)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization |
Utilization of inventory markup | (48,200)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup |  |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions |  | (17,000)us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions |
Acquisition and integration related costs | (59,523)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts |  | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts |
Interest and financing expenses | (35,746)us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense |  | (8,773)us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense |
Income tax expense | (14,140)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |  | (13,190)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax |  | (1,769)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 43,115us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss |  | 56,583us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss |
Performance Chemicals |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 388,366us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember |  | 275,897us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember |
Adjusted EBITDA | 130,528alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember |  | 73,385alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember |
Refining Solutions |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 179,166us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember |  | 194,661us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember |
Adjusted EBITDA | 42,193alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember |  | 61,034alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember |
Chemetall Surface Treatment |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 192,091us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember |  | 0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember |
Adjusted EBITDA | 46,004alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember |  | 0alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember |
All Other |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 122,369us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember |  | 129,285us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember |
Adjusted EBITDA | 13,564alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember |  | 20,695alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember |
Corporate |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 2,412us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember |  | 0us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember |
Adjusted EBITDA | 33,339alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember |  | (19,084)alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 265,628alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 136,030alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (63,986)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (24,644)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | (48,186)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | (17,000)us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | (59,523)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | (35,746)us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (8,773)us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | (14,140)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (13,190)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | (1,769)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | 3,509alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (14,071)alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Other | (4,441)alb_OtherReconcilingItemstoAdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [5] |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 43,115us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 56,583us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] | Performance Chemicals |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 130,528alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 73,385alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (30,283)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (12,056)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | (28,582)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Other | 0alb_OtherReconcilingItemstoAdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [5] |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 71,663us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 61,329us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_PerformanceChemicalsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] | Refining Solutions |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 42,193alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 61,034alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (8,110)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (8,680)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | 0alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Other | 0alb_OtherReconcilingItemstoAdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [5] |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 34,083us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 52,354us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_RefiningSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] | Chemetall Surface Treatment |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 46,004alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (18,196)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | (16,953)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Other | 0alb_OtherReconcilingItemstoAdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [5] |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 10,855us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ChemetallSurfaceTreatmentMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] | Reportable Segment Subtotal |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 218,725alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 134,419alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (56,589)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (20,736)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | (45,535)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0alb_DefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementCreditsCostsIncludedInCorporateAndOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Other | 0alb_OtherReconcilingItemstoAdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [5] |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 116,601us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 113,683us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = alb_ReportableSegmentSubtotalMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Continuing Operations [Member] | All Other |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Adjusted EBITDA | 13,564alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 20,695alb_AdjustedEBITDA / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Depreciation and amortization | (5,498)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | (3,364)us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [1]
Utilization of inventory markup | (2,651)alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [2] |  |
Restructuring and other charges, net |  |  | 0us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [3]
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember | [4] |  |
Interest and financing expenses | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Income tax expense | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) |  |  | 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember / us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis = us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember |
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Continuing Operations [Member] | Corporate |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
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[1] | Excludes discontinued operations.
[2] | In connection with the acquisition of Rockwood, the Company valued Rockwood’s existing inventory at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date, which resulted in a markup of the underlying net book value of the inventory totaling approximately $103 million. The inventory markup is being expensed over the estimated remaining selling period. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, $40.3 million was included in Cost of goods sold, and Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was reduced by $7.9 million, related to the utilization of the inventory markup.
[3] | See Note 15, “Restructuring and Other.”
[4] | See Note 2, “Acquisitions.”
[5] | Financing-related fees expensed in the 2015 period in connection with the acquisition of Rockwood.

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