XML 114 R93.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.1.900

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 2 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Oct. 15, 2015 USD ($) | Feb. 01, 2015 USD ($) | Jan. 12, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 18, 2014 USD ($) | Nov. 24, 2014 USD ($) tranche | Oct. 15, 2014 USD ($) | Feb. 07, 2014 USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2015 USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Feb. 19, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 22, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 08, 2014 EUR (€) | Dec. 02, 2014 USD ($) | Nov. 24, 2014 EUR (€) | Aug. 15, 2014 USD ($) | Jan. 22, 2014 USD ($) payment | May. 29, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 10, 2010 USD ($) | Jan. 20, 2005 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2016 | $ 677,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 677,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2017 | 59,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 59,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2018 | 86,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 86,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2019 | 335,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 335,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2020 | 1,158,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,158,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, thereafter | 1,544,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,544,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment for settlement of interest rate swap |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | $ 33,425,000 | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months | 3,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,626,241,000 | 6,017,000 | 135,733,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings of other long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,250,000,000 | 0 | 117,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt financing costs paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,544,000 | $ 17,644,000 | $ 108,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility, remaining borrowings available | $ 648,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 648,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1.875% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 700,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate | 1.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.875% | 1.875% |  |  | 1.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 50,900,000 | $ 12,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
3.00% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate | 3.00% |  |  |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |  |  |  | 3.00% | 3.00% |  |  |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 3.18% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.18% |  |  |  |  |
4.15% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 425,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate | 4.15% |  |  |  |  | 4.15% |  |  |  |  |  | 4.15% | 4.15% |  |  |  |  | 4.15% |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 5.06% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.06% |  |  |  |  |
Number of semi annual coupon payments | payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20 |  |  |
4.50% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 350,000,000.0 |
Debt instrument, interest rate | 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.50% | 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.50% |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.70% |
5.10% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 325,000,000.0
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.10%
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.19%
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  | $ 325,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.45% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate | 5.45% |  |  |  |  | 5.45% |  |  |  |  |  | 5.45% | 5.45% |  |  |  |  | 5.45% |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 5.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.50% |  |  |  |  |
4.625% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  | $ 1,250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  | 4.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  | 3.95% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unamortized premium |  | $ 38,000,000 |  | $ 43,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage |  | 103.469% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments of debt premium |  | $ 43,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 5,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
364 Day Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt | $ 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Five Year Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt | $ 950,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 950,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt principal payment amount prior to second anniversary of funding, percentage | 1.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt principal payment amount on or after second anniversary of funding, percentage | 2.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial Paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper notes | $ 351,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 351,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average interest rate | 1.07% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.07% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument maturity period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity | $ 256,901,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 256,901,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility | $ 98,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 98,900,000 | $ 27,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate on borrowings | 0.74% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.74% | 0.83% | 0.76% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Commercial Paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750,000,000.0 |  |
Revolving Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin | 1.30% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant ratio, maximum debt to EBITDA |  |  |  | 3.50 |  |  |  | 3.50 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings of other long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.70% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Revolving Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant ratio, maximum debt to EBITDA |  |  |  | 4.50 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant ratio, maximum debt to EBITDA, quarterly reduction following completion of merger, number of quarters |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant ratio, maximum debt to EBITDA, quarterly reduction following completion of merger |  |  |  | 0.25 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Unsecured Cash Bridge Facility | Bridge Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 800,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings of other long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 800,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.67% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional borrowing capacity amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,150,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Bridge Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Bridge loan fees |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 19,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Bridge loan fees expensed in period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,300,000 | 16,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Short-term Debt | Term Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 183,500,000 | $ 816,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from borrowings of other long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.67% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument maturity period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 364 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional borrowing capacity amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000.0 |  |  |  |
Interest Rate Swap | JP Morgan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, notional amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 325,000,000.0 |  |  |
Derivative, fixed interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.281% |  |  |
Payment for settlement of interest rate swap |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 33,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward Contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, notional amount | $ 217,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 217,700,000 | $ 479,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax |  |  |  |  | $ 5,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal funds rate | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
One-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Base Rate Additional Margin | Minimum | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Base Rate Additional Margin | Maximum | September 2015 Term Loan Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Investment Hedge | Forward Contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, notional amount | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 700,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |
Number of tranches | tranche |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative notional amount per tranche | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event | 364 Day Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event | Five Year Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 31,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Debt Covenant + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtCovenant
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Covenant Ratio, Maximum Debt to EBITDA + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtCovenantRatioMaximumDebttoEBITDA
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Quarterly Reduction of Maximum Debt to EBITDA Ratio Following Completion of Merger + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtCovenantRatioMaximumDebttoEBITDAQuarterlyReductionFollowingCompletionofMerger
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Quarterly Reduction of Maximum Debt to EBITDA Ratio Following Completion of Merger, Number of Quarters + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtCovenantRatioMaximumDebttoEBITDAQuarterlyReductionFollowingCompletionofMergerNumberofQuarters
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Maturity Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtInstrumentMaturityPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Notional amount of each derivative tranche. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DerivativeNotionalAmountPerTranche
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Long-term debt principal payment amount on or after second anniversary of funding, percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Longtermdebtprincipalpaymentamountonoraftersecondanniversaryoffundingpercentage
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Long-term debt principal payment amount prior to second anniversary of funding, percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Longtermdebtprincipalpaymentamountpriortosecondanniversaryoffundingpercentage
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Semi Annual Coupon Payments + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_NumberofSemiAnnualCouponPayments
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Tranches + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_NumberofTranches
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Payment For Settlement Of Interest Rate Swap + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_PaymentForSettlementOfInterestRateSwap
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 12 -Section 13 -Sentence Column B + Details
Name: | invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | invest_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of short-term borrowings using unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations and other borrowers to investors. The maturities of these money market securities generally do not exceed 270 days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.13(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommercialPaper
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage price of original principal amount of debt at which debt can be redeemed by the issuer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 470 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph e -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of debt premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of unused borrowing capacity under the long-term financing arrangement that is available to the entity as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of commitment fees for the unused borrowing capacity under the long-term financing arrangement that is available to the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnusedBorrowingCapacityFee
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the charge against earnings during the period for commitment fees and debt issuance expenses. + 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 210.5-03.8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtRelatedCommitmentFeesAndDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 2: 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12355-112629 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The estimated net amount of unrealized gains or losses on interest rate cash flow hedges as of the balance sheet date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669686-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for incremental, external costs directly pertaining to an early extinguishment of debt, including legal costs and prepayment penalties, and excluding interest and repayment of debt principal. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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 -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -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
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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 -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3255-108585 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
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=alb_A364DayFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=alb_RockwoodHoldingsInc.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=alb_SeniorUnsecuredCashBridgeFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_BridgeLoanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=alb_August2014TermLoanAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis=alb_JPMorganMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=alb_September2015TermLoanAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=alb_FederalfundsrateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=alb_OneMonthLondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=alb_BaseRateAdditionalMarginMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |