Segment Reporting - Sales and Segment Contribution Margin for Reporting Segments and Other Operating Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	$ 269,599	$ 378,750
Operating activities excluded from segment cost of sales	(7,957)	(21,937)
Selling, general and administrative	(30,052)	(34,656)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(38,449)	(44,600)
Goodwill and other asset impairments	(103,866)	0
Interest expense	(22,277)	(23,978)
Other income, net, including interest income	17,671	722
Income tax benefit	36,086	1,972
Net loss	(72,605)	(19,328)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	(260)	(4)
Net loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.	(72,345)	(19,324)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	269,599	378,750
Total segment contribution margin	76,239	103,149
Oil & Gas Proppants
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	155,715	260,477
Oil & Gas Proppants | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	155,715	260,477
Total segment contribution margin	32,891	58,588
Industrial & Specialty Products
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	113,884	118,273
Industrial & Specialty Products | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Total sales	113,884	118,273
Total segment contribution margin	$ 43,348	$ 44,561