Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Axis] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Axis] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain] Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain] Environmental Assessment and Remediation Expenses Environmental Assessment And Remediation Expenses [Member] Environmental Assessment And Remediation Expenses [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employer match for each 1% of the participants contributions up to 6% of the participants contributions (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Match Represents the employer matching contributions for the employees' contributions. Percentage of eligible compensation up to 6% of the eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Employer contribution limit per calendar year (as a percent of compensation) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Contribution Limit, Percentage of Compensation The limit of annual employer contributions to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation. Deferred compensation payable Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Accrued liabilities for remediation Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES EMEA EMEA [Member] Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Americas, excluding United States Americas Excluding United States [Member] Continents of North and South America, excluding the United States. U.K. UNITED KINGDOM Singapore SINGAPORE Information concerning our revenue, income from operations, non-current and total assets, as segregated between the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and the Asia/Pacific regions Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Revenue Revenues Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Kasbar agreement Kasbar Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to an agreement with Michael J. Kasbar. Agreements with executive officers and key employees Agreements With Executive Officers And Key Employees [Member] Represents information pertaining to agreements with executive officers and key employees. Loss contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Annual base salary Loss Contingency, Annual Base Salary under Agreement Represents the annual base salary under the agreement. Agreement expiration term, extension under specified condition Loss Contingency, Agreement Expiration Term, Extension Under Specified Condition Represents the term of extension in the expiration period of the agreement. Minimum period prior to expiration of the term for serving specified notice to prevent extension of the agreement term Loss Contingency, Agreement Minimum Period Prior to Expiration Term for Serving Specified Notice to Prevent Extension of Agreement Term Represents the minimum period prior to expiration of the term for serving the specified notice to prevent extension of the agreement term. Severance payment for termination following a change of control Loss Contingency, Severance Payment for Employment Termination Following Change of Control Represents the amount of severance payment for termination of the executive's employment following a change in control under the agreement. Severance payment for termination following other scenarios Loss Contingency, Severance Payment for Employment Termination Following Other Scenarios Represents the amount of severance payment for termination of the executive's employment following other scenarios. Vesting period of outstanding equity awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Period for severance payment after termination of executive's employment Loss Contingency, Period for Severance Payment after Termination of Executives Employment Represents the period for severance payment after termination of the executive's employment under the agreement. Future minimum commitments under agreements with executive officers and key employees Future Minimum Commitments, under Agreements with Executive Officers and Key Employees [Abstract] 2018 Future Minimum Commitments under Agreements with Executive Officers and Key Employees Year One The amount of commitment expense expected to be paid during year one of the five succeeding fiscal years. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Deferred Tax Asset Expiration Date [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset Expiration Date [Axis] Information by different expiration dates of deferred tax asset. Deferred Tax Asset Expiration Date [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset Expiration Date [Domain] December 31, 2020 Expiration On 31 December 2020 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2020 [Member] December 31, 2021 Expiration On 31 December 2021 [Member] Represents information pertaining to expiration on December 31, 2021. December 31, 2022 Expiration On 31 December 2022 [Member] Represents information pertaining to expiration on December 31, 2022. December 31, 2023 Expiration On 31 December 2023 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2023 [Member] December 31, 2024 Expiration On 31 December 2024 [Member] Represents information pertaining to expiration on December 31, 2024. December 31, 2025 Expiration On 31 December 2025 [Member] Represents information pertaining to expiration on December 31, 2025. December 31, 2026 Expiration On 31 December 2026 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2026 [Member] December 31, 2027 Expiration On 31 December 2027 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2027 [Member] December 31, 2028 Expiration On 31 December 2028 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2028 [Member] December 31, 2029 Expiration On 31 December 2029 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2029 December 31, 2030 Expiration On 31 December 2030 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2030 [Member] December 31, 2031 Expiration On 31 December 2031 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2031 [Member] December 31, 2032 Expiration On 31 December 2032 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2032 [Member] December 31, 2033 Expiration On 31 December 2033 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2033 [Member] December 31, 2034 Expiration On 31 December 2034 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2034 [Member] December 31, 2035 Expiration On 31 December 2035 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2035 [Member] December 31, 2036 Expiration On 31 December 2036 [Member] Expiration On December 31, 2036 [Member] December 31, 2037 Expiration On 31 December 2037 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2037 [Member] December 31, 2038 Expiration On 31 December 2038 [Member] Expiration On 31 December 2038 [Member] Indefinite Indefinite [Member] Represents information pertaining to infinite deferred tax asset. Income taxes Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Net operating losses Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Period applicable for additional special income tax concession Period Applicable Income Tax Concession Represents the period applicable for income tax concession. Period applicable for additional special income tax concession, renewal term Period Applicable Income Tax Concession, Renewal Term Period Applicable Income Tax Concession, Renewal Term Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases – tax positions in prior period Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross increases – tax positions in current period Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Summary Quarterly Information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Interest income, expense and other financing costs Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense and other financing costs Interest Expense Interest expense and other financing costs, net Interest Income (Expense) and Other Financial Costs, Net Represents the amount of interest income and expense, net, which includes other financing costs. Summary Quarterly Information (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per common share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per common share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average securities which are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their impact is anti-dilutive or their performance conditions have not been met (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair value hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash flow hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenue Sales [Member] Cost of revenue Cost of Sales [Member] Other (expense) income, net Other Income [Member] Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Carrying Amount of Hedged Asset/(Liabilities) Hedged Asset, Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Asset/(Liabilities) Hedged Asset, Fair Value Hedge, Cumulative Increase (Decrease) Cost of revenue Cost of Revenue Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Total amount of income and expense line items excluding the impact of hedges, Revenue Revenue, Excluding Impact Of Hedges Revenue, Excluding Impact Of Hedges Total amount of income and expense line items excluding the impact of hedges, Cost of revenue Cost Of Revenue, Excluding Hedging Impact Of Hedges Cost Of Revenue, Excluding Hedging Impact Of Hedges Gains or (losses) recognized in income representing hedge ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Amount of Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, credit-risk related contingent features Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Net derivative liability positions with credit contingent features Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Maximum potential collateral requirements Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Collateral posted Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] South Koria (SRTO) Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Federal, state and municipal tax authorities in Brazil State And Municipal Tax Authorities And Secretariat Of The Federal Revenue Bureau Of Brazil [Member] State And Municipal Tax Authorities And Secretariat Of The Federal Revenue Bureau Of Brazil [Member] Assessment Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Pre-assessment Tax Authority Pre-Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Pre-Assessment [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of estimated purchase price allocation for the acquisition Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of unaudited pro forma results Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of amount of computer software costs, including capitalized internally developed software costs Schedule of Capitalized Computer Software Costs [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the amount of computer software costs, including capitalized internally developed software costs. Schedule of assets and accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Total unrecognized compensatoin cost related to unvested share-based payment awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based payment awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized as compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract] 2019 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year One Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in year one of the five succeeding years. 2020 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Two Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in year two of the five succeeding years. 2021 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Three Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in year three of the five succeeding years. 2022 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Four Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in year four of the five succeeding years. 2023 Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Five Unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized in year five of the five succeeding years. Total Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Aviation segment Aviation Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Aviation segment. Land segment Land Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Land segment. Marine segment Marine Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Marine segment. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Information concerning revenue, gross profit and income from operations by segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable operating business segments Number of Reportable Segments Gross profit: Gross Profit [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Income from operations: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Capital expenditures: Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Total capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Represents capital expenditures incurred during the period. Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill impairment and intangible asset impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Beneficial interest obtained in exchange for accounts receivable sold Consideration Received for Beneficial Interest Obtained for Transferring Financial Asset Cash dividends declared, but not yet paid Dividends Payable Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Total World Fuel Shareholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Balance as of beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash dividends declared Dividends, Cash Distribution of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Amortization of share-based payment awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance (Cancellation) of common stock related to share-based payment awards (including income tax benefit of $1.6 million 2016) (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance (Cancellation) of common stock related to share-based payment awards (including income tax benefit of $1.6 million 2016) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Purchases of common stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards (in shares) Share Repurchases Related To Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards, Shares Number of shares of common stock that relate to the purchase of stock tendered by employees to exercise share-based payment awards and satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards. Purchases of common stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards Share Repurchases Related to Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards, Value Purchases of stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards. Purchases of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Purchases of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Acquisition of remaining 49% equity interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Reclassification of certain tax effects from U.S. Tax Reform Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Balance as of end of period Balance (in shares) Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Long Long [Member] Short Short [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] U.S. dollar United States of America, Dollars Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional value of commodity contracts Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Notional amount of foreign currency contracts Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Schedule of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum commitments under agreement with executive officers and key employees Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments, under Agreement with Executive Officers and Key Employees [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the information relating to the future minimum commitments under an agreement by the entity with executive officers and key employees. Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] LATAM Latin America [Member] North America North America [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue, ASC 606 Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Other Revenue Other Revenue Other Revenue Business Segments, Geographic Information, and Major Customers Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisitions 2017 Acquisitions 2017 [Member] Acquisitions 2017 [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash paid for acquisition of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash and cash equivalents Cash Acquired from Acquisition Amounts due to sellers Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Non-monetary consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Other current and long-term assets Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Other Current and Long Term Assets Represents the amount of other current and long-term assets acquired at the acquisition date. Liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Accrued Expense And Other Current Liabilities Represents the amount of accrued expenses and other current liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Long-term liabilities and deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Tax Liabilities Purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] World Fuel Services Corp [Member] World Fuel Services Corp [Member] World Fuel Services Corp [Member] Aviation fueling operations of certain ExxonMobil affiliates Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [Member] Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [Member] 2016 Acquisitions Acquisitions, 2016 [Member] Represents the entity's business combinations in 2016. Tobras Tobras [Member] Tobras [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Others Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademark/Trade name rights Trademarks Trade Names Rights [Member] Rights acquired through registration of a trademark and trade names to gain or protect exclusive use of a business name, symbol or other device or style thereof. Number of airports to be acquired (more than) Number Of Airports To Be Acquired Number of airports to be acquired through a definitive agreement. Number of business acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill anticipated to be deductible for tax purposes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Weighted average amortizable lives of identifiable intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Previous percentage ownership of noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Purchase price Previous percentage of ownership of parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Cash paid for acquisition of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Initial noncontrolling interest upon acquisition of businesses Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2016 Plan 2016 Omnibus Plan [Member] 2016 Omnibus Plan [Member] 2006 Plan Omnibus2006 Plan [Member] Represents 2006 Omnibus plan of the entity. Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] SSAR Awards Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Information pertaining to stock based awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Common stock authorized for issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Common stock subject to outstanding awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Outstanding awards issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding awards issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Remaining shares of common stock available for future issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Aggregate annual maturities of debt Maturities of Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Document and Entity Information Amount of purchases, (sales), issuances and (settlements) of financial instrument classified as a derivative asset (liability) after deduction of derivative liability (asset), measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Acquisitions 2018 Acquisitions 2018 [Member] Acquisitions 2018 [Member] Acquisitions and Divestitures Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of unaudited quarterly result Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Effective income tax rate reconciliation, valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Goodwill and other impairments Asset Impairment Charges Cumulative loss period Valuation Allowance, Commentary, Cumulative Loss Evaluation Period Valuation Allowance, Commentary, Cumulative Loss Evaluation Period Transition tax toll charge on historic accumulated foreign earnings Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of changes in goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of identifiable intangible assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of future estimated amortization of identifiable intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Balance as of December 31, 2017 Restructuring Reserve Severance and other restructuring-related costs Paid during the period Payments for Restructuring Restructuring charges as of December 31, 2018 Schedule of allowance for bad debt Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Disclosure of the carrying value of purchased amortizable finite-lived intangible assets, including disclosure of the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Supplier agreements Supplier Agreements [Member] Supplier Agreements [Member] Trademark/trade name rights Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Identifiable intangible assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite lived intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Unvested Restricted Stock Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Balance at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding awards of equity-based plans excluding option plans for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units, as calculated by applying the disclosed pricing methodology. Weighted Average Remaining Vesting Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Aggregate value of awards vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Schedule of revenue, gross profit, income from operations, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures by segment Reconciliation of Revenue, Gross Profit, Income from Operations, Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures by Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of revenue, gross profit, income from operations, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for each reportable segment. Schedule of accounts receivable, net and total assets by segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue, income from operations, non-current assets and total assets by geographic segment Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measured on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Cash surrender value of life insurance Cash Surrender Value [Member] Assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Debt Notes receivable Financing Receivable, Net Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Cash surrender value of life insurance Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Derivative Asset, Inventories, And Investments Fair Value Net Fair value, after effects of master netting arrangements, of derivative, inventory and investment assets net of the amount which can be net settled under a master netting arrangement and collateral. Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Total liabilities Derivative and Inventory Liability Fair Value Net Fair value, after effects of master netting arrangements, of derivative and inventory liability, net of the amount which can be net settled under a master netting arrangement and collateral. Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, assets Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, assets Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Surety Bonds Surety Bonds [Abstract] Outstanding bonds Surety Bonds Outstanding Represents the surety bonds, arranged to satisfy various security requirements, outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total future minimum lease payment Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Rental expenses for properties and equipment Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Minimum sublease rentals due in the future under non-cancelable subleases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Sales and Purchase Commitments Sales and Purchase Commitments [Abstract] Sales commitments under derivative programs Sales Commitments under Derivative Program Amount Represents the sales commitment as of the balance sheet date under derivative programs. Purchase commitments under derivative programs Purchase Commitments under Derivative Program Amount Represents the purchase commitment as of the balance sheet date under derivative programs. Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Aviation Fuel Aviation Fuel [Member] Aviation Fuel [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Minimum purchase required (in barrels) Long-term Purchase Commitment, Minimum Volume Required Components of net deferred tax (liabilities) assets Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Gross Deferred Tax Assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Bad debt reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Net operating loss Accrued and other share-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities U.S. foreign income tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Other income tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Customer deposits Deferred Tax Assets Customer Deposits The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to customer deposits which can only be realized if sufficient taxable income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Investments Deferred Tax Assets Installment Sale The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to installment sales which can only be realized if sufficient taxable income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Cash flow hedges Deferred Tax Assets, Hedging Transactions Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less: Valuation allowance Gross deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill and intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Unrealized foreign exchange Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains Prepaid expenses, deductible for tax purposes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Deferred tax costs on foreign unrepatriated earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Unrealized derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Cash Flow Hedges Deferred Tax Liabilities, Cash Flow Hedges Deferred Tax Liabilities, Cash Flow Hedges Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Reported on the consolidated balance sheets as: Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Classification [Abstract] Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets for deferred tax assets, non-current Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Non-current income tax liabilities, net for deferred tax liabilities, non-current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Schedule of outstanding awards issued pursuant to plans Schedule of Share Based Compensation Award Activity [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of stock-based awards outstanding and available for future issuance under various plans. Schedule of unvested restricted stock outstanding Nonvested Restricted Stock Shares Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of RSUs Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of outstanding and exercisable SSAR Awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrecognized compensation cost Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the estimated aggregate amortization expense for unrecognized compensation cost for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Schedule of components of other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Increase (decrease) in additional liabilities related to unrecognized tax liabilities Unrecognized Tax Liabilities, Period Increase (Decrease) The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax liabilities for the period. Increase (decrease) in assets related to unrecognized tax assets Unrecognized Tax Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax assets for the period. Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax liabilities related to a foreign currency translation expense Unrecognized Tax Liabilities, Related to Foreign Currency Translation, Expense Period Increase (Decrease) The net amount of all increases and decreases in unrecognized tax liabilities related to a foreign currency translation expense for the period. Unrecognized tax liabilities Unrecognized Tax Liabilities The gross amount of unrecognized tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as of the balance sheet date. Unrecognized tax assets Unrecognized Tax Assets The gross amount of unrecognized tax assets related to unrecognized tax benefits as of the balance sheet date. Reconciliation of total amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Gross Unrecognized Tax Liabilities – opening balance Gross decreases – tax positions in prior period Gross decreases – tax positions in current period Settlements Lapse of statute of limitations Gross Unrecognized Tax Liabilities – ending balance Expected reduction in income tax expense if uncertain tax positions are settled by the taxing authorities in the entity's favor Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Expected reduction in effective income tax rate if uncertain tax positions are settled by the taxing authorities in the entity's favor (as a percent) Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Percentage The effective income tax rate of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, recorded as income (expense) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, recorded as income tax income (expense) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense Accrued interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract] Accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Accrued penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Pre-assessment notice, amount Income Tax Examination, Pre-Assessment, Penalties Expense Income Tax Examination, Pre-Assessment, Penalties Expense Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Estimates and Assumptions Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Investments Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Payment Awards Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts receivable, net and total assets by segment Accounts receivable, net: Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for bad debt Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Total assets: Assets [Abstract] Total assets Assets Dividends Dividends [Abstract] Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Stock Repurchase Programs Stock Repurchase Programs [Abstract] Authorized common stock repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Shares repurchased (in shares) Amount of shares repurchased Amount available to repurchase shares under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Assets: Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Short-term derivative assets, net Derivative Asset, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets Intangible Assets, Net Excluding Goodwill and Other Assets, Noncurrent Represents the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges and noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Total assets Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Refund Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Non-current income tax liabilities, net Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] World Fuel shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 0.1 shares authorized, none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100.0 shares authorized, 67.0 and 67.7 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total World Fuel shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Without transition tax toll charge Pro Forma [Member] U.S. and foreign income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Components of income tax provision (benefit) related to income before income taxes Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. federal statutory tax Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current income tax provision (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. federal statutory tax Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred income (loss) before income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-current tax expense (income) Noncurrent Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Represents the non-current portion of income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations. Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reconciliation of U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] U.S. federal statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Foreign earnings, net of foreign taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent State income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent U.S. tax on deemed dividends Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deemed Dividends, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deemed Dividends, Amount Tax Act impact Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Percent Tax Reform - GILTI Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income Tax Reform - BEAT Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Base Erosion And Anti-Abuse Tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Base Erosion And Anti-Abuse Tax Deferred tax impact on foreign unrepatriated earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent Goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Percent Sale of subsidiary Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Percent Uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent Foreign currency adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Currency Adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Currency Adjustments Intercompany interest transfer pricing adjustment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Intercompany Pricing Adjustment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Intercompany Pricing Adjustment Tax authority settlements Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Percent Nontaxable interest income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Interest Income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Interest Income Nondeductible interest expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Interest Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Interest Expense Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Other permanent differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective income tax rate Provision for income taxes Provisional undistributed accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiary Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Undistributed Accumulated Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiary Permanently Reinvested Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Undistributed Accumulated Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiary Permanently Reinvested Foreign withholding tax, if undistributed earnings are no reinvested indefinitely Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries, Withholding Tax If Not Permanently Reinvested Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries, Withholding Tax If Not Permanently Reinvested Accumulated foreign earnings deemed repatriated Foreign Earnings Repatriated Provisional estimate of the associated foreign withholding and state income tax effects Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Withholding And State Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Withholding And State Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income (loss) Less: Net other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for bad debt SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Accounts receivable SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Accounts receivable, net of allowance Allowance for bad debt SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Sale price of receivables, percentage of sold amount Trade Receivables Held-For-Sale, Sale Price, Percentage Of Sold Amount Trade Receivables Held-For-Sale, Sale Price, Percentage Of Sold Amount Receivable, basis spread on variable rate Trade Receivable Discount Margin, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Trade Receivable Discount Margin, Basis Spread On Variable Rate Beneficial interest retained, percentage of accounts receivable Beneficial Interest Retained, Percentage Of Accounts Receivable Beneficial Interest Retained, Percentage Of Accounts Receivable Account receivable sold Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Reconciliation to Cash Flow, Deductions from Held-for-sale Retained beneficial interest Consideration Retained For Beneficial Interest Obtained For Transferring Financial Asset Consideration Retained For Beneficial Interest Obtained For Transferring Financial Asset Fees and interest paid under RPA Fees And Interest Paid Under Receivables Purchase Agreements Fees And Interest Paid Under Receivables Purchase Agreements Accounts receivable sold under repurchase agreement Trade Receivable, Sold Under Agreement, Amount Trade Receivable, Sold Under Agreement, Amount Amount collected of accounts receivables under repurchase agreement Trade Receivables, Cash Collected Under Agreement, Amount Trade Receivables, Cash Collected Under Agreement, Amount Activities in allowance for bad debt SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance as of beginning of period Charges to provision for bad debt SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Recoveries of bad debt SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Addition, Recovery Translation Adjustments SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Increase (Decrease) Adjustment Balance as of end of period Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letters of credit and bankers' acceptances Letters Of Credit And Bankers Acceptance [Member] Letters of Credit and Bankers Acceptance [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Amended credit facility Amended Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Term loans Senior Notes [Member] Other uncommitted credit lines Other Uncommitted Credit Lines [Member] Other Uncommitted Credit Lines [Member] Base rate Base Rate [Member] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum additional borrowings available at the entity's request subject to satisfaction of certain conditions Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Additional Borrowing Capacity Maximum additional borrowing capacity available under the credit facility at the entity's request subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. Amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Payment on outstanding amounts owed Repayments of Senior Debt Amount of term loan outstanding Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Unused portion of facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Reference rate for variable rate of interest Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Basis points added to reference rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Letters of credit, outstanding amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of derivative instruments measured at fair value and their locations on the consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value positions of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Effect of fair value and cash flow hedges on income and expenseEffect of fair value and cash flow hedges on income and expense Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives designated as hedges on the accumulated other comprehensive income and consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives not designated as hedges on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of potential collateral requirements for derivative liabilities Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Cash receipts of retained beneficial interests in receivable sales Proceeds from Collection of Retained Interest in Securitized Receivables New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASU 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Right of use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease payable obligation Operating Lease, Liability Other Investments Other Investments [Abstract] Other investments Equity Method Investments Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative instruments at fair value and their locations on the balance sheets Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Awards Outstanding Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Outstanding [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Balance at the end of the period (in shares) Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average price of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans at which grantees can acquire the award under the plan. Exercised (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted average price at which equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, are exercised during the reporting period. Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted average price of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect during the reporting period as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event specified in the contractual agreement of the plan. Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Aggregate intrinsic value of awards issued Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Issued in Period Aggregate Intrinsic Value The aggregate intrinsic value of awards issued of equity-based plans excluding option plans for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units, as calculated by applying the disclosed pricing methodology. SSAR Awards Exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercisable [Abstract] SSAR Awards (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercisable Number The number of shares into which fully or partially vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, outstanding as of the balance sheet date that can be currently converted under the plan. Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, outstanding and currently exercisable under the plan. Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of vested portions of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, outstanding and currently exercisable under the plan as of the balance sheet date. Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term The weighted average period between the balance sheet date and expiration for all vested portions of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, outstanding and currently exercisable (or convertible) under the plan, which may be expressed in a decimal value. Aggregate intrinsic value of SSAR Awards exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Exercises in Period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value The total accumulated difference between fair values of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, which were exercised (or share units converted) into shares during the reporting period under the plan. Assumptions used to determine weighted average fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted average fair value of SSAR Awards (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted average price at which equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, are issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans. Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yields Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rates Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Issuance of common stock related to share-based payment awards, income tax benefit Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Schedule of U.S. and foreign income before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income tax provision (benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of net deferred tax liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of expiration of NOL carryforward Schedule of Expiration of NOL Carryforward [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the expiration of NOL carryforward deferred tax asset. Schedule of reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of open tax years by jurisdiction with major uncertain tax positions Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Provision for bad debt Provision for Doubtful Accounts Share-based payment award compensation costs Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Excluding Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Asset Change In Amount Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Excluding Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Asset Change In Amount Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges, Write-Down Of Receivables Restructuring Charges, Write-Down Of Receivables Foreign currency losses, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net (reduced by beneficial interests received in exchange for accounts receivables sold of $353.9, $343.3, $162.6 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Short-term derivative assets, net Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Cash collateral with financial counterparties Increase (Decrease) Cash Collateral from Counterparties Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Customer deposits Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Refund Liability Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, Refund Liability Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities The net change during the reporting period in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Non-current income tax, net and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent The net change during the reporting period in amount due for income taxes and other long-term liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, as of beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, as of end of period Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the year for: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash acquired Accounts and notes receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Assets: Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net Amounts Presented Derivative Asset Cash Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Gross Amounts Without Right of Offset Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Deduction Net Amounts Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Liabilities: Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net Amounts Presented Derivative Liability Cash Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Gross Amounts Without Right of Offset Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Deduction Net Amounts Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Adjustment of purchase price allocations Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation of non-USD functional currency subsidiary goodwill Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at the end of the period Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Land [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Office equipment, furniture and fixtures Office Equipment Furniture And Fixtures [Member] The information pertaining to office equipment and furniture and fixtures of the entity. Computer equipment and software costs Computer Equipment And Software Costs [Member] The information pertaining to computer equipment and software costs of the entity. Machinery, equipment and vehicles Machinery and Equipment [Member] Computer software costs Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Software development in progress Software Development In Progress [Member] Capitalized costs to develop software still in progress. Capital lease Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Amount of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and equipment gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property and equipment, net Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation expense Depreciation Computer software costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Computer software costs Capitalized Computer Software, Gross Accumulated amortization Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization Computer software costs, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Computer software costs Amortization expense related to computer software costs Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Acquisitions 2016 and 2015 Acquisitions 2016 and 2015 [Member] Acquisitions 2016 and 2015 [Member] Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income attributable to World Fuel Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Pro Forma [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of aggregate annual maturities of debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest expense and other financing costs, net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Revenue disaggregated by major geographic areas Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Gross profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Non-operating expenses, net: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense and other financing costs, net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total non-operating expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic weighted average common shares (in shares) Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares) Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to World Fuel Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Cash flow hedges, income tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Cash flow hedges, income tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Future estimated amortization of identifiable intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Short-term derivative assets, net Short Term Derivative Assets Net [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing other current assets. Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets Identifiable Intangible And Other Non Current Assets [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing identifiable intangible and other noncurrent assets. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Information about derivative instruments measured at fair value and their locations on the consolidated balance sheet Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gross Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Gross Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Credit Facility Term Loans Capital leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases Debt, Current Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage