XML 19 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.0.814

Consolidating Guarantor Financial Information - Statements of Income 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ 905,093 | $ 642,418 | $ 2,720,982 | $ 1,846,982
Cost of goods sold | 592,883 | 436,972 | 1,849,740 | 1,238,574
Gross profit | 312,210 | 205,446 | 871,242 | 608,408
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 137,615 | 66,012 | 421,092 | 211,127
Research and development expenses | 25,295 | 22,407 | 77,123 | 66,916
Restructuring and other, net | (6,804) | 293 | (6,804) | 20,625
Acquisition and integration related costs | 42,798 | 10,261 | 126,487 | 15,104
Intercompany service fee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Operating profit | 113,306 | 106,473 | 253,344 | 294,636
Interest and financing expenses | (32,058) | (8,749) | (100,986) | (26,255)
Intergroup interest and financing expenses | 0 |  | 0 | 0
Other income (expenses), net | 466 | (6,618) | 50,964 | (6,454)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 81,714 | 91,106 | 203,322 | 261,927
Income tax expense (benefit) | 16,892 | 11,737 | 48,171 | 46,700
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 64,822 | 79,369 | 155,151 | 215,227
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 6,050 | 8,650 | 22,236 | 28,200
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 70,872 | 88,019 | 177,387 | 243,427
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0 | (6,679) | 0 | (68,473)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income | 70,872 | 81,340 | 177,387 | 174,954
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (5,480) | (8,546) | (16,733) | (23,130)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 65,392 | 72,794 | 160,654 | 151,824
2014 Senior Notes | Issuer |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 357,269 | 403,072 | 1,109,661 | 1,198,531
Cost of goods sold | 252,634 | 275,187 | 767,626 | 804,764
Gross profit | 104,635 | 127,885 | 342,035 | 393,767
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 40,721 | 42,836 | 127,591 | 141,411
Research and development expenses | 12,874 | 13,959 | 39,143 | 41,772
Restructuring and other, net | (61) | (2,197) | (61) | 8,049
Acquisition and integration related costs | 28,479 | 10,261 | 86,648 | 15,104
Intercompany service fee | 5,914 | 11,664 | 17,557 | 23,672
Operating profit | 16,708 | 51,362 | 71,157 | 163,759
Interest and financing expenses | (21,758) | (8,791) | (70,279) | (26,320)
Intergroup interest and financing expenses | (8,697) |  | (23,143) | 6,010
Other income (expenses), net | (2,320) | (3,151) | 6,624 | (2,161)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | (16,067) | 39,420 | (15,641) | 141,288
Income tax expense (benefit) | (9,491) | 7,636 | (1,148) | 40,156
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | (6,576) | 31,784 | (14,493) | 101,132
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 1,315 | 997 | 5,072 | 4,926
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | (5,261) | 32,781 | (9,421) | 106,058
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0 | 608 | 0 | (20,549)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | 70,653 | 39,405 | 170,075 | 66,315
Net income | 65,392 | 72,794 | 160,654 | 151,824
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 65,392 | 72,794 | 160,654 | 151,824
2014 Senior Notes | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Cost of goods sold | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Gross profit | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 0 | 0 | 46 | 0
Research and development expenses | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Restructuring and other, net | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Intercompany service fee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Operating profit | 0 | 0 | (46) | 0
Interest and financing expenses | (12,546) | 0 | (36,257) | 0
Intergroup interest and financing expenses | 15,147 |  | 40,862 | 0
Other income (expenses), net | 4,376 | 0 | (26,844) | 0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 6,977 | 0 | (22,285) | 0
Income tax expense (benefit) | 4,020 | 0 | 6,992 | 0
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 2,957 | 0 | (29,277) | 0
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 2,957 | 0 | (29,277) | 0
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | 33,465 | 0 | 117,147 | 0
Net income | 36,422 | 0 | 87,870 | 0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 36,422 | 0 | 87,870 | 0
2014 Senior Notes | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | 734,109 | 424,423 | 2,153,749 | 1,169,507
Cost of goods sold | 526,534 | 342,149 | 1,622,121 | 953,726
Gross profit | 207,575 | 82,274 | 531,628 | 215,781
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 96,894 | 23,176 | 293,455 | 69,716
Research and development expenses | 12,421 | 8,448 | 37,980 | 25,144
Restructuring and other, net | (6,743) | 2,490 | (6,743) | 12,576
Acquisition and integration related costs | 14,319 | 0 | 39,839 | 0
Intercompany service fee | (5,914) | (11,664) | (17,557) | (23,672)
Operating profit | 96,598 | 59,824 | 184,654 | 132,017
Interest and financing expenses | 2,246 | 42 | 5,550 | 65
Intergroup interest and financing expenses | (6,450) |  | (17,719) | (6,010)
Other income (expenses), net | (1,590) | (3,467) | 71,184 | (4,293)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 90,804 | 56,399 | 243,669 | 121,779
Income tax expense (benefit) | 22,363 | 5,823 | 43,219 | 6,960
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 68,441 | 50,576 | 200,450 | 114,819
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 4,735 | 7,653 | 17,164 | 23,274
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 73,176 | 58,229 | 217,614 | 138,093
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0 | (7,287) | 0 | (47,924)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | 18,211 | 0 | 43,935 | 0
Net income | 91,387 | 50,942 | 261,549 | 90,169
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (5,480) | (8,546) | (16,733) | (23,130)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | 85,907 | 42,396 | 244,816 | 67,039
2014 Senior Notes | Consolidating Adjustments |  |  |  |
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net sales | (186,285) | (185,077) | (542,428) | (521,056)
Cost of goods sold | (186,285) | (180,364) | (540,007) | (519,916)
Gross profit | 0 | (4,713) | (2,421) | (1,140)
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Research and development expenses | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Restructuring and other, net | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Acquisition and integration related costs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Intercompany service fee | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Operating profit | 0 | (4,713) | (2,421) | (1,140)
Interest and financing expenses | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Intergroup interest and financing expenses | 0 |  | 0 | 0
Other income (expenses), net | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 0 | (4,713) | (2,421) | (1,140)
Income tax expense (benefit) | 0 | (1,722) | (892) | (416)
Income from continuing operations before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 0 | (2,991) | (1,529) | (724)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 0 | (2,991) | (1,529) | (724)
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries | (122,329) | (39,405) | (331,157) | (66,315)
Net income | (122,329) | (42,396) | (332,686) | (67,039)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ (122,329) | $ (42,396) | $ (332,686) | $ (67,039)

X
- Definition Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_IncomeBeforeEquityInNetIncomeOfUnconsolidatedInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Undistributed Earnings in Equity Method Investments + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_UndistributedEarningsinEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34752592&loc=d3e1043-128460 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Costs of sales and operating expenses for the period incurred from transactions with related parties. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1,2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GrossProfit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569616-111683 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of income (loss) from a discontinued operation including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Includes, but is not limited to, the income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and adjustments to a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=d3e1012-107759 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=SL51721525-107759 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=SL51721523-107759 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=d3e957-107759 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=d3e1361-107760 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 13 -Article 7 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35755396&loc=d3e33749-111570 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 11 -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Interest and debt related expenses associated with nonoperating financing activities of the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest expense incurred on a debt or other obligation to related party. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpenseRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Net Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831255 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Other Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51831270 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net amount of other income and expense amounts, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period. Such amounts may include: (a) dividends, (b) interest on securities, (c) net gains or losses on securities, (d) unusual costs, (e) gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, and (f) miscellaneous other income and expense items. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569616-111683 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4K -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591552-111686 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 730 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420194&loc=d3e21568-108373 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 985 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128462-111756 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount provided for estimated restructuring charges, remediation costs, and asset impairment loss during an accounting period. Generally, these items are either unusual or infrequent, but not both (in which case they would be extraordinary items). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51677171&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=alb_A2014SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |