Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 7,415	$ 80,946	$ 57,768
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
Foreign currency translation income (loss)	5,500	(26,113)	30,558
Cash flow hedging instruments unrealized gain (loss)	(9,710)	(4,242)	945
Postretirement benefit liabilities gain (loss)	80	(39)	24
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(4,130)	(30,394)	31,527
Total comprehensive income	3,285	50,552	89,295
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,262	352	1,066
Comprehensive income attributable to Ferro Corporation	$ 2,023	$ 50,200	$ 88,229