| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 2411402 - Disclosure - Other Assets (Details) (http://www.albemarle.com/role/OtherAssetsDetails) |
| Table | (Implied) |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000915913 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] | Period [Axis] | |
|---|---|---|
2016-12-31 | 2015-12-31 | |
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] | ||
Deferred income taxes—noncurrent | ||
Assets related to unrecognized tax benefits | ||
Long-term advances to joint ventures | 31,776,000 1 | 31,780,000 1 |
Other | ||
Total | 142,320,000 | 194,398,000 2 |