Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Income tax provision and the respective effective income tax rates Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) and Effective Income Tax Rate [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the components of income tax expense and effective income tax rate attributable to continuing operations. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of revenue, gross profit and income from operations 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] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] 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. 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 Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Total revenue Revenues Gross profit: Gross Profit [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Income from operations: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income attributable to World Fuel Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Derivative instruments, income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [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] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] 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. Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Information about derivative instruments measured at fair value and their locations on the consolidated balance sheet Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Accounting Policies [Abstract] 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 2016-15 Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Reclassification from cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Reclassification to cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Equity Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance as of beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued 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 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 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 Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Purchases of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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) Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of New Accounting Standard and Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue disaggregated by major geographic areas Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash dividends declared, but not yet paid Dividends Payable Beneficial interest obtained in exchange for accounts receivable sold Consideration Received for Beneficial Interest Obtained for Transferring Financial Asset Business Combinations [Abstract] 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] Aviation fueling operations of certain ExxonMobil affiliates Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [Member] Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [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] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Number of airports to be acquired (more than) Number Of Airports To Be Acquired Number of airports to be acquired through a definitive agreement. 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 Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs [Abstract] Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs [Abstract] Schedule of debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest expense and other financing costs, net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense and other financing costs Interest Expense Interest income (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. Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral 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] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral 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 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 Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs Debt, Interest Income, Expense And Other Financing Costs [Text Block] Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Financing Costs [Text Block] 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] USD United States of America, Dollars Derivative instruments, at their respective fair value positions Notional value of commodity contracts (in barrels) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Notional amount of foreign currency contracts Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] EMEA EMEA [Member] LATAM Latin America [Member] North America North America [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue, excluding assessed tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Other revenues (excluded from ASC 606) Other Revenue, Net Revenue, including assessed tax Earnings per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loans Senior Notes [Member] Capital leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2017 Goodwill Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign exchange and other adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance as of March 31, 2018 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 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 Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of potential collateral requirements for derivative liabilities Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable, net and total assets by segment Accounts receivable, net: Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for bad debt Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Total assets: Assets [Abstract] Total assets Assets Cash paid for acquisition of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Amounts due to sellers Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Non-monetary consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Estimated purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] 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] 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 Estimated purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of estimated purchase price allocation for the acquisition Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Inputs 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 Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative assets Cash surrender value of life insurance Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value 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. Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Total liabilities at fair value 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 Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Amended Credit Facility Amended Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letters of Credit and Bankers Acceptance Letters Of Credit And Bankers Acceptance [Member] Letters of Credit and Bankers Acceptance [Member] 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. Payment on outstanding amounts owed Repayments of Senior Debt Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Accumulated gain (loss), cash flow hedge, including noncontrolling interest Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of AOCI Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [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 [Member] Other Income [Member] Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Carrying Amount of Hedged Asset/(Liabilities) Hedged Asset, Fair Value Hedge 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) Hedged Asset Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Increase (Decrease) Revenue Cost of revenue Cost of Revenue Gains or Loss on fair value hedge relationships Effect of Fair Value Hedges on Results of Operations [Abstract] Hedged Item Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Revenue, Excluding Impact Of Hedges Revenue, Excluding Impact Of Hedges Revenue, Excluding Impact Of Hedges Total amount of income of expense line items excluding the impact of hedges Cost Of Revenue, Excluding Hedging Impact Of Hedges Cost Of Revenue, Excluding Hedging Impact Of Hedges Gain (Loss) recognized in earnings related to fair value or cash flow hedges excluded from assessment of hedge effectiveness Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Before Reclassification, After Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Before Reclassification, After Tax Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, After Tax 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 Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-Risk-Contingent Features Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Net derivatives liability positions with credit contingent features Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Maximum potential collateral requirements Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Collateral posted and held by our counterparties Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Without income tax benefit adjustment and valuation allowance Pro Forma [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 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 Income tax expense due to change in estimate related to uncertain tax position and adjustment for ASU 2016-09 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies And Share-Based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies And Share-Based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Special income tax concession period Period Applicable Income Tax Concession Represents the period applicable for income tax concession. Decrease in foreign income taxes due to special income tax concession Income Tax Concession Impact on Foreign Taxes Represents the decrease in foreign taxes due to special tax concession. Impact of income tax concession on basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Income Tax Concession Impact on Basic Earnings per Share Represents the impact of special tax concession on basic earnings per share. Impact of income tax concession on diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Income Tax Concession Impact on Diluted Earnings Per Share Represents the impact of special tax concession on diluted earnings per share. Income tax assessment notice, amount Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Assessment Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Additional Assessment Tax Authority Additional Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Additional Assessment [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interest 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Provision for bad debt Provision for Doubtful Accounts Share-based payment award compensation costs Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax 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 Foreign currency losses (gains), 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 $121.3 million and $74.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, 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 Customer Deposits 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, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash receipts of retained beneficial interests in receivable sales Proceeds from Collection of Retained Interest in Securitized Receivables 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, Continuing Operations 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 financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net decrease 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, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, as of end of period Assets: Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents 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 Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill 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] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current 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, 67.7 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock 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 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 expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total non-operating expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Net income including noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to World Fuel 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 Cash flow hedges, net of income tax benefit of $4.2 and income tax expense of $6.5 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively 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 Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to World Fuel Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Summary of restructuring activities included in accrued expenses other current liabilities Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring activities duration Restructuring and Related Activities, Plan Duration Restructuring and Related Activities, Plan Duration Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2017 Restructuring Reserve Employee-related costs incurred Restructuring Charges Paid during the period Payments for Restructuring Restructuring charges as of March 31, 2018 Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale [Text Block] The entire disclosure related to acquisition and a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Schedule of changes in goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Two largest counterparties Two Largest Counterparties [Member] Two Largest Counterparties [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration of Credit Risk Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Credit Exposure Credit Exposure [Member] Credit Exposure [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Total credit risk Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted