| 8-K Cover | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36563 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ORION ENGINEERED CARBONS S.A. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | N4 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | OEC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001609804 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
