Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Modified Retrospective Approach (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 45,340				$ 65,809				$ 45,340	$ 65,809
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	(138,789)				(108,729)				(138,789)	(108,729)
Revenue
Net sales	53,317	$ 68,698	$ 18,420	$ 38,351	54,135	$ 60,772	$ 16,389	$ 32,730	178,786	164,026	$ 159,669
Net loss attributable to AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.	(1,916)	$ 2,954	$ (18,402)	$ (12,876)	$ 23,438	$ 9,546	$ 2,607	$ (12,029)	(30,060)	$ 23,471	$ (111,560)
ASC 606 Adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(1,093)								(1,093)
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	1,093								1,093
Revenue
Net sales									1,093
Net loss attributable to AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.									853
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	44,247								44,247
Equity:
Accumulated deficit	$ (137,696)								(137,696)
Revenue
Net sales									179,879
Net loss attributable to AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.									$ (29,207)