v3.22.4
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Feb. 11, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K/A    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-12658    
Entity Registrant Name ALBEMARLE CORPORATION    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code VA    
Entity Tax Identification Number 54-1692118    
Entity Address, Address Line One 4250 Congress Street, Suite 900    
Entity Address, City or Town Charlotte    
Entity Address, State or Province NC    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 28209    
City Area Code 980    
Local Phone Number 299-5700    
Title of 12(b) Security COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par Value    
Trading Symbol ALB    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 19.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   117,036,615  
Amendment Flag true    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0000915913    
Auditor Firm ID 238    
Auditor Location Charlotte, North Carolina    
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP