Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Aviation segment Aviation Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Aviation segment. Land segment Land Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Land segment. Marine segment Marine Segment [Member] Represents the information related to the Marine segment. Information concerning revenue, gross profit and income from operations by segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable operating business segments Number of Reportable Segments Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Total revenue Revenues Gross profit: Gross Profit [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Income from operations: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Accounts receivable, net and total assets by segment Accounts receivable, net: Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for bad debt Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Total assets: Assets [Abstract] Total assets Assets Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair value hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash flow hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity contracts for inventory hedging Commodity Contract, Inventory Hedging [Member] Commodity Contract, Inventory Hedging [Member] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenue Sales [Member] Cost of revenue Cost of Sales [Member] Other (expense) income, net Other Income [Member] Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Items Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Gains or (losses) recognized in income representing hedge ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gains or (losses) that were excluded from the assessment of the effectiveness of fair value hedges Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Fair Value Hedge Effectiveness, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount of Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Potential Collateral Requirements for Derivative Liabilities with Credit-Risk-Contingent Features Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Net derivatives liability positions with credit contingent features Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Maximum potential collateral requirements Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Collateral posted and held by our counterparties Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted and Adoption of New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Short-term derivative assets, net Short Term Derivative Assets Net [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing other current assets. Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets Identifiable Intangible And Other Non Current Assets [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing identifiable intangible and other noncurrent assets. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Information about derivative instruments measured at fair value and their locations on the consolidated balance sheet Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Short-term derivative assets, net Derivative Asset, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets Intangible Assets, Net Excluding Goodwill and Other Assets, Noncurrent Represents the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges and noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Total assets Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term debt Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Non-current income tax liabilities, net Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] World Fuel shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 0.1 shares authorized, none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100.0 shares authorized, 68.6 and 69.9 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total World Fuel shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisitions 2017 Acquisitions 2017 [Member] Acquisitions 2017 [Member] Aviation fueling operations of certain ExxonMobil affiliates Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [Member] Aviation Fueling Operations Of Certain ExxonMobil Affiliates [Member] Tobras Tobras [Member] Tobras [Member] Acquisitions, 2016 Acquisitions, 2016 [Member] Represents the entity's business combinations in 2016. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Goodwill anticipated to be deductible for tax purposes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Weighted average amortizable lives of identifiable intangible assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Number of airports to be acquired (more than) Number Of Airports To Be Acquired Number of airports to be acquired through a definitive agreement. Previous percentage ownership of noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Estimated purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Previous percentage of ownership of parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Cash paid for acquisition of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Increase in noncontrolling interest equity Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of changes in goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Long Long [Member] Short Short [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] USD United States of America, Dollars Derivative instruments, at their respective fair value positions Notional value of commodity contracts (in barrels) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Notional amount of foreign currency contracts Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of U.S. and foreign income before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income tax provision and the respective effective income tax rates Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) and Effective Income Tax Rate [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the components of income tax expense and effective income tax rate attributable to continuing operations. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash dividends declared, but not yet paid Dividends Payable Assets acquired, net of cash Fair Value of Assets Acquired Liabilities assumed Liabilities Assumed Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Provision for bad debt Provision for Doubtful Accounts Gain on sale of held for sale assets and liabilities Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Share-based payment award compensation costs Share-based Compensation Deferred income tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Extinguishment of liabilities, net Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Foreign currency gains, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Short-term derivative assets, net Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Cash collateral with financial counterparties Increase (Decrease) Cash Collateral from Counterparties Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Customer deposits Increase (Decrease) in Customer Deposits Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities The net change during the reporting period in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Non-current income tax, net and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent The net change during the reporting period in amount due for income taxes and other long-term liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired and other investments Payments to Acquire Businesses Net of Cash Acquired and Other Investments Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired. Also includes payments for other investments. Proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Borrowings of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchases of common stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock to Satisfy Employee Tax Withholding Obligations Cost of common stock that relate to the purchase of stock tendered by employees to exercise share-based payment awards and satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards. Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, as of beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, as of end of period Equity [Abstract] Schedule of components of other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Cost of revenue Cost of Revenue Gross profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Non-operating expenses, net: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense and other financing costs, net Interest Income (Expense) and Other Financial Costs, Net Represents the amount of interest income and expense, net, which includes other financing costs. Other (expense) income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total non-operating expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income including noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to World Fuel Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic weighted average common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash Flow hedges, net of income tax benefit of $6.6 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to World Fuel Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Without income tax benefit adjustment Pro Forma [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Tax Authority, South Korea (SRTO) [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] United States Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income tax provision Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Income tax benefit (expense) due to change in estimate related to uncertain tax position and adjustment for ASU 2016-09 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies And Share-Based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies And Share-Based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Income tax benefit due to change in estimate related to uncertain tax position Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Special income tax concession period Period Applicable Income Tax Concession Represents the period applicable for income tax concession. Decrease in foreign income taxes due to special income tax concession Income Tax Concession Impact on Foreign Taxes Represents the decrease in foreign taxes due to special tax concession. Impact of income tax concession on basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Income Tax Concession Impact on Basic Earnings per Share Represents the impact of special tax concession on basic earnings per share. Impact of income tax concession on diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Income Tax Concession Impact on Diluted Earnings Per Share Represents the impact of special tax concession on diluted earnings per share. Income tax assessment notice, amount Income Tax Examination, Penalties Expense Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs [Abstract] Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs [Abstract] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loans Senior Notes [Member] Capital leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items] Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Table] Total debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2016 Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign exchange and other adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance as of June 30, 2017 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Instruments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance as of beginning of period Other comprehensive (loss) income Less: Net other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance as of end of period Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Finance Costs Debt, Interest Income, Expense And Other Financing Costs [Text Block] Debt, Interest Income, Expense and Other Financing Costs [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income attributable to World Fuel Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per common share (in shares) Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per common share (in shares) Weighted average securities which are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their impact is anti-dilutive or their performance conditions have not been met (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net Amounts Presented Derivative Asset Cash Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Gross Amounts without Right of Offset Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Deduction Net Amounts Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Gross Amounts Recognized Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Gross Amounts Offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net Amounts Presented Derivative Liability Cash Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Gross Amounts without Right of Offset Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement Deduction Net Amounts Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Offset Against Collateral, Net of Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, Policy Election Derivative instruments, income tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Schedule of debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest expense and other financing costs, net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value measured on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Cash surrender value of life insurance Cash Surrender Value [Member] Assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Debt Notes receivable Financing Receivable, Net Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative assets Cash surrender value of life insurance Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Derivative Asset, Inventories, And Investments Fair Value Net Fair value, after effects of master netting arrangements, of derivative, inventory and investment assets net of the amount which can be net settled under a master netting arrangement and collateral. Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative liabilities Total liabilities at fair value Derivative and Inventory Liability Fair Value Net Fair value, after effects of master netting arrangements, of derivative and inventory liability, net of the amount which can be net settled under a master netting arrangement and collateral. Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, assets Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, assets Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Total World Fuel Shareholders' Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Equity Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance (in shares) Net income (loss) Cash dividends declared Dividends, Cash Distribution of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Amortization of share-based payment awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance of common stock related to share-based payment awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Purchases of common stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards Share Repurchases Related to Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards, Value Purchases of stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards. Purchases of common stock tendered by employees to satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards (in shares) Share Repurchases Related To Employee Stock Based Compensation Awards, Shares Number of shares of common stock that relate to the purchase of stock tendered by employees to exercise share-based payment awards and satisfy the required withholding taxes related to share-based payment awards. Purchases of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Purchases of common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Acquisition of remaining 49% equity interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Other comprehensive income (loss) Balance (in shares) Schedule of revenue, gross profit and income from operations by segment Reconciliation of Revenue, Gross Profit, Income from Operations, Depreciation and Amortization and Capital Expenditures by Segment to Consolidated [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of revenue, gross profit, income from operations, depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for each reportable segment. Schedule of accounts receivable, net and total assets by segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Acquisitions Business Acquisition, Assets And Liabilities Held For Sale [Text Block] The entire disclosure related to acquisition and a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Schedule of derivative instruments measured at fair value and their locations on the consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value positions of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives designated as hedges on the accumulated other comprehensive income and consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Impact of derivatives not designated as hedges on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of potential collateral requirements for derivative liabilities Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative instruments at fair value and their locations on the balance sheets Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense and other financing costs Interest Expense Interest income (expense) and other financing costs, net Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Document and Entity Information Amount of purchases, (sales), issuances and (settlements) of financial instrument classified as a derivative asset (liability) after deduction of derivative liability (asset), measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Cash paid for acquisition of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Non-monetary consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Estimated purchase price Assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Other current and long-term assets Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Other Current and Long Term Assets Represents the amount of other current and long-term assets acquired at the acquisition date. Liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Long-term liabilities and deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Tax Liabilities Estimated purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Pester Pester [Member] Pester [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Cash received for disposal of retail business Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Gain (loss) on disposal of retail business Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Assessment Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Assessment [Member] Additional Assessment Tax Authority Additional Assessment [Member] Tax Authority Additional Assessment [Member] Collectibility of receivables Collectibility of Receivables [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Hanjin Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss contingency, outstanding receivable Loss Contingency, Receivable Anticipated insurance recoveries Estimated Insurance Recoveries