SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net sales	$ 60,970	$ 48,972	$ 21,183	$ 38,940	$ 53,317	$ 68,698	$ 18,420	$ 38,351	$ 170,065	$ 178,786	$ 164,026
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									59,446	65,770	61,847
(Benefit) provision for income taxes									(17,143)	1,840	(4,579)
Net (loss) income attributable to AgroFresh Solutions, Inc									(60,832)	(30,060)	23,471
Parent Company
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net sales									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									0	0	27
(Loss) Income in earnings of subsidiaries									(72,242)	(33,219)	10,005
(Loss) Income before taxes									(72,242)	(33,219)	9,978
(Benefit) provision for income taxes									(10,732)	(2,979)	(13,584)
Net (loss) income attributable to AgroFresh Solutions, Inc									$ (61,510)	$ (30,240)	$ 23,562