XML 144 R124.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Segment and Geographic Area Information Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Feb. 01, 2017 | Jan. 12, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ (6,804) |  |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (52,801) | (1,921) | (5,353) |  |
Cost of sales |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | 2,900 |  |  |  |
Reversal of a liability from an abandoned project | 1,300 |  |  |  |
Research and development expenses |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | 5,700 |  |  |  |
Write-off of fixed assets |  | 1,400 |  |  |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and other, net | 8,400 |  |  |  |
Reversal of purchase accounting accrual | 1,000 |  |  |  |
Net gain (loss) on sales of properties |  | (900) |  |  |
Other (expenses) income, net |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Asset retirement obligation charges | 3,200 |  |  |  |
Net gain (loss) on sales of properties | (4,100) | 1,100 |  |  |
Revision of tax indemnification expense | 3,700 |  |  |  |
Settlement of a legal claim | 1,000 |  |  |  |
Reversal of a liability from previous acquisition | 10,600 |  |  |  |
Reversal of a liability from previous business | 1,100 |  |  |  |
Environmental charges |  | 2,400 |  |  |
Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd. |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inventory markup | 23,100 |  |  |  |
Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology Co. Ltd. | Cost of sales |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Utilization of inventory markup | $ 23,100 |  |  |  |
Sales de Magnesio Ltda. |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interests acquired |  |  |  | 50.00% |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inventory markup |  |  |  |  | $ 103,400
Utilization of inventory markup |  | $ 103,400 |  |  |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Cost of sales |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Utilization of inventory markup |  |  | 55,900 |  |
Rockwood Holdings, Inc. | Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Utilization of inventory markup |  |  | 27,100 |  |
Refining Solutions | Fabrica Carioca de Catalisadores S.A. |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Unconsolidated investment impairment charges |  |  | 2,000 |  |
Corporate | Rockwood Holdings, Inc. |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Acquisition financing-related fees |  |  | 4,400 |  |
Phosphorus Flame Retardant Business Exit |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Exit of phosphorus flame retardants business |  |  | $ 6,800 |  |

X
- Definition Fixed Assets Write-Off + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_FixedAssetsWriteOff
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Inventory markup + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Inventorymarkup
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Reversal of a liability from an abandoned project + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Reversalofaliabilityfromanabandonedproject
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reversal of a liability from previous business + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Reversalofaliabilityfrompreviousbusiness
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reversal of a liability related to a previous acquisition + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Reversalofaliabilityrelatedtoapreviousacquisition
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reversal of purchase accounting accrual + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Reversalofpurchaseaccountingaccrual
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Revision of tax indemnification expense + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_Revisionoftaxindemnificationexpense
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Settlement of a Legal Claim + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_SettlementofaLegalClaim
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Utilization of Inventory Markup + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_UtilizationofInventoryMarkup
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the asset retirement obligation from changes in the amount or timing of the estimated cash flows associated with the settlement of the obligation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 410 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392692&loc=d3e7535-110849 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 410 -SubTopic 20 -Section 35 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6392603&loc=d3e7123-110846 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtRelatedCommitmentFeesAndDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings in the period for known or estimated future costs arising from requirements to perform environmental remediation activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 410 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13296-110859 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=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The difference between the carrying value and the sale price of real estate or properties that were intended to be sold or held for capital appreciation or rental income. This element refers to the gain (loss) included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale. This element is a noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. + References Reference 1: 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=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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=98514028&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 charge against earnings resulting from the write down of long lived assets other than goodwill due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84176398&loc=d3e2921-110230 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=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of other income that is infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64828382&loc=d3e15138-107781 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonrecurringIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of restructuring charges, remediation cost, and asset impairment loss. + 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=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions
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_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alb_RefiningSolutionsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis=alb_PhosphorusFlameRetardantBusinessExitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |