Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 06, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Registrant Name	ORION ENGINEERED CARBONS S.A.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	N4
Entity File Number	001-36563
Entity Tax Identification Number	00-0000000
Entity Address, Address Line One	4501 Magnolia Cove Drive Suite 106
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77345
City Area Code	281
Local Phone Number	318-2959
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, no par value
Trading Symbol	OEC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		60,487,117
Entity Central Index Key	0001609804
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false