v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Aug. 05, 2018
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name ACME UNITED CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000002098  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2018  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   3,374,061
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018