v3.25.1
Cover - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Apr. 23, 2025
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2025  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 1-12658  
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  
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  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   117,660,914
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Central Index Key 0000915913  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of each class COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par Value  
Trading Symbol ALB  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Series A Preferred Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of each class DEPOSITARY SHARES, each representing a 1/20th interest in a share of 7.25% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock  
Trading Symbol ALB PR A  
Security Exchange Name NYSE