Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (11,410)	$ (11,779)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(39)	147
Pension obligations	61	74
Change in fair value of derivative agreements	1,613	(2,918)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1,635	(2,697)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	1,316	(724)
Comprehensive loss, net of tax	(11,091)	(13,752)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest	178	(3)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Fairmount Santrol Holdings Inc.	$ (11,269)	$ (13,749)