XML 106 R84.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.0.1

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 10, 2021 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2019 | Aug. 14, 2019 USD ($) | Oct. 15, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2021 EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Nov. 25, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 18, 2014 | Nov. 24, 2014 USD ($) | Jan. 22, 2014 USD ($) payment | May 29, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2020 |  |  |  |  | $ 389,900 | $ 389,900 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2021 |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2022 |  |  |  |  | 425,000 | 425,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2023 |  |  |  |  | 426,600 | 426,600 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, 2024 |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, thereafter |  |  |  |  | 1,166,400 | 1,166,400 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt |  |  |  |  |  | 28,955 |  | $ 0 | $ 4,829 |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months |  |  |  |  | 3,300 | 3,300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate on borrowings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.36% | 0.36% |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility, remaining borrowings available |  |  |  |  | $ 1,360,000 | $ 1,360,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility maturity date extension |  |  |  |  |  | 4 years | 4 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications |  |  |  |  |  | $ (69,194) |  | $ 67,226 | $ (48,167) |  |  |  |  |
Net Investment Hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications |  |  |  |  |  | 5,110 |  | $ (34,185) | 8,441 |  |  |  |  |
Interest Expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 29,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership percentage |  | 60.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1.125% Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000 |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.01125% | 0.01125% |  | 0.01125% |  | 1.125% |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.30% |  |  |  |
1.625% Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000 |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.01625% | 0.01625% |  | 0.01625% |  | 1.625% |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.74% |  |  |  |
3.45% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000 |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.0345% | 0.0345% |  | 0.0345% |  | 3.45% |  |  |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.58% |  |  |  |
Floating Rate Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000 |  |  |  |
4.50% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 4.50% | 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
1.875% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.01875% | 0.01875% |  | 0.01875% |  |  | 1.875% |  |  |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, before tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (34,200) | $ 8,400 |  |  |  |  |
4.15% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 425,000 |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.0415% | 0.0415% |  | 0.0415% |  |  |  | 4.15% |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.06% |  |
Number of semi annual coupon payments | payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20 |
5.45% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 350,000 |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.0545% | 0.0545% |  | 0.0545% |  |  |  | 5.45% |  |
Interest rate of debt, effective percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.50% |  |
Commercial Paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper notes |  |  |  |  | $ 388,500 | $ 388,500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.46% | 0.46% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument weighted average maturity period |  |  |  |  |  | 20 days | 20 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  | $ 239,200 | $ 239,200 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, borrowings outstanding |  |  |  |  | $ 5,200 | $ 5,200 |  | $ 7,700 |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate on borrowings |  |  |  |  | 0.36% | 0.36% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Commercial Paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750,000
Debt instrument, maturity term |  |  |  |  |  | 397 days | 397 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayment of 2019 Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, borrowings outstanding |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 Credit Facility | Minimum | Base Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 Credit Facility | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Swap Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin | 0.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 Credit Facility | Maximum | Base Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin | 0.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 Credit Facility | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Swap Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin | 1.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2018 Credit Agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  |  |  |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity |  |  | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, borrowings outstanding |  |  |  |  | 0 | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2018 Credit Agreement | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  | 0.91% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2018 Credit Agreement | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate margin |  |  | 1.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  | $ 1,750,000 | $ 1,750,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt covenant |  |  |  |  | 50000000000.00% | 50000000000.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Covenant Ratio, Maximum Debt to EBITDA |  |  |  |  | 4.00 | 3.50 | 3.50 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest Rate Swap | JP Morgan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, notional amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 325,000 |
Payment for settlement of interest rate swap |  |  |  | $ 33,400 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial Paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of commercial paper |  |  |  |  |  | $ 370,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 325,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | 3.45% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 3.45% | 3.45% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 128,400 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | 4.50% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 175,200 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | 1.875% Senior Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 1.875% | 1.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt | € |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 393.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Debt | 1.125% Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, interest rate |  |  |  |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt | € |  |  |  |  |  |  | 123.8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Debt | Floating Rate Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Debt | 2019 Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity | $ 750,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of debt | € |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 183.3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Credit facility maturity date extension + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_CreditFacilityMaturityDateExtension
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Covenant + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtCovenant
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | dtr-types: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 Debt Instrument, Weighted Average Maturity Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageMaturityPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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 Ownership Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alb_OwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | alb_
Data Type: | dtr-types:percentItemType
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 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + 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: | dtr-types: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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124435984&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124429444&loc=SL124452920-239629 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 69C -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495737-112612 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 69B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495735-112612 + 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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466204&loc=SL6036836-161870 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124435984&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124429444&loc=SL124452920-239629 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types: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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types: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 Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
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: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Nominal or face amount used to calculate payment on derivative. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=125515794&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=125515794&loc=SL5579245-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123467658&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123467658&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585 + 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121549185&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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120391452&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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing after fifth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in next fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in fifth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in fourth fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 + 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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in third fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&loc=d3e1835-112601 + 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 requirement, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable price and date, maturing in second fiscal year following current fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported from current statement of financial position date (rolling approach). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1E -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495348-112611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e24072-122690 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123465755&loc=d3e1835-112601 + 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 calculated at point in time. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types: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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124442411-227067 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32211-110900 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32136-110900 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124442407-227067 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124509347&loc=SL7669686-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124442411-227067 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32136-110900 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124509347&loc=SL7669686-108580 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124507222&loc=d3e1436-108581 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124442407-227067 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32211-110900 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow due to repaying amounts borrowed by issuing commercial paper. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfCommercialPaper
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | srt_OwnershipAxis=alb_MineralResourcesLimitedWodginaProjectMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=alb_FloatingRateNotesMember
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_OnePointEightSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
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_FivePointFourFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
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: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=alb_A2019CreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=alb_A2018CreditAgreementMember
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_CreditFacilityAxis=alb_CreditFacilitiesMember
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: | srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=alb_JPMorganMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=alb_CreditFacilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |