Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Revenue: Product revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Total Aggregate revenue during the period for services performed, leases, and royalties, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. Services And Other Revenue Net Service and other revenue Sales Revenue, Net Total revenue Total revenue Revenue Costs and expenses: Cost of product revenue Cost of product revenue Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of sales The aggregate total costs related to services performed, leases, royalties and other revenue. Services And Other Cost Of Revenue Cost of service and other revenue Selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Research and development expense Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense, Total Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Other expense, net Other expense, net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Interest Expense, Interest Income, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interests, Net Income before net interest expense and income taxes Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Net interest expense Net interest expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Net income Net income Net income Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net income attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Net Income Net income attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income from continuing operations Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share (Note 3): Earnings per share attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. (Note 3): Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Basic Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per share from continuing operations Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Diluted Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations Weighted average shares outstanding (Note 2): Weighted average shares outstanding (Note 3): Basic (in shares) Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average number of shares outstanding Diluted Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted Total shares and dilutive securities Total shares and dilutive securities Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Other comprehensive income (loss), Foreign Currency Translation Net gains (losses) on hedging instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net gains (losses) arising during the period Other comprehensive income (loss), Unrealized Gains on Hedging Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income Net deferral of hedging gains (net of income taxes) Net deferral of hedging gains (net of income taxes) (Note 14) Net gains (losses) on hedging instruments Other comprehensive income (loss), Unrealized Gains on Hedging Pension and other post-retirement benefits: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income Reclassification adjustment for amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income Amortization of prior service (cost) credit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Transition Asset (Obligation), Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for amortization of transition asset included in net income Reclassification adjustment for amortization of transition asset included in net income Amortization of transition asset Other comprehensive income (loss), Defined Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits Change in pension and other post retirement benefit losses net of income taxes (Note 11) Net pension and other postretirement benefits Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax Net pension and other postretirement benefits Change in pension and other post-retirement benefit gains (losses) (net of income taxes) (Note 11) Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest. Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect Cumulative deferral of hedging losses, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect, Total Net gains (losses) on hedging instruments, tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Cumulative deferral of pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Total Net pensions and other postretirement benefits, tax effect Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date, for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance. This item includes the cost of uncompleted contracts in excess of related billings, or unbilled accounts receivable, which is expected to be collected within one year from the date of the balance sheet. Trade Receivables Net Current TradeReceivablesNetCurrent Trade receivables, net of allowances of $6.6 in 2012 and $7.8 in 2011 Inventories, net (Note 4) Inventories, net Derivative Assets, Current Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) Derivative financial instruments (Note 10) Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Current Asset Income taxes benefit Income taxes receivable Other current assets Total current assets Total current assets Investments Long-term Investments, Total Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6) Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $562.9 in 2012 and $528.0 in 2011 Property, plant and equipment, net Total long-lived assets Goodwill (Note 7) Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Total Intangible assets, net (Note 7) Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $56.4 in 2012 and $52.8 in 2011 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Non-Current Asset Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Assets, Noncurrent, Total Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Total assets Corporate Total assets Total assets Liabilities and equity Current liabilities: Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current, Total Total short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts payable, trade Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in Excess of Cost, Total Advance payments and progress billings Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued payroll Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) Income taxes payable Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Current (Liability) Current (Liability) Deferred income taxes Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current, Total Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 5) Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term debt, less current portion Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, less current portion (Note 11) Accrued pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of current portion Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, net of current portion Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, less current portion Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivative financial instruments (Note 11) Deferred income taxes (Note 10) Non-Current (Liability) Deferred income taxes Non-Current (Liability) Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 18) Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 13) Stockholders' equity (Note 13): Stockholders' equity (Note 10): Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 12.0 shares authorized; no shares issued in 2011 or 2010 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 12.0 shares authorized; no shares issued in 2012 or 2011 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300.0 shares authorized in 2010 and 2009; 143.2 shares issued in 2010 and 2009; 119.8 and 121.8 shares outstanding in 2010 and 2009, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Issuance of common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.01 par value, 600.0 shares authorized in 2012 and 2011; 286.3 shares issued in 2012 and 2011; 239.1 and 237.8 shares outstanding in 2012 and 2011, respectively Common stock held in employee benefit trust, at cost; 0.1 shares outstanding in 2010 and 2009 Common stock held in employee benefit trust, at cost; 0.2 in 2012 and 2011 FMC Technologies stock held in trust Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 23.3 and 21.2 shares in 2010 and 2009, respectively Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 47.0 and 48.3 shares in 2012 and 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury shares purchased to date-Value Capital in excess of par value of common stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning Balance Total FMC Technologies, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total FMC Technologies, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total equity Balance Balance Total equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity Trade receivables, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Accumulated depreciation Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common stock price Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common stock, shares authorized Authorized stock repurchase, shares Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Ending balance at December 31 Beginning balance at December 31 Total number of common stock shares held in trust. Common Stock Held In Trust Shares Common Stock Held In Trust Shares Common stock held in employee benefit trust, shares Common stock held in treasury (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Common stock held in treasury at cost (in shares) Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash provided (required) by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided (required) by operating activities of continuing operations: Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided (required) by operating activities: Depreciation Depreciation, Total Amortization Amortization, Total Employee benefit plan and stock-based compensation costs Employee benefit plan and stock-based compensation costs Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation, Total Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Deferred income tax provision Total deferred Unrealized loss on derivative instruments Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Other Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Other Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: The net change during the period in trade receivables, net and costs in excess of billings. Increase Decrease In Trade Receivables Trade receivables, net Trade receivables, net Inventories, net Inventories, net Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Accounts payable, trade Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Advance payments and progress billings The net change during the period in tax assets and liabilities excluding the non-current portion of tax expense and benefit taken through earnings. Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes, Net Income taxes Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations Change in pension and other post retirement benefit losses net of income taxes (Note 11) Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Obligations, Total Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other assets and liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash provided by operating activities Cash provided (required) by investing activities: Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Cash required by investing activities Cash required by investing activities Cash provided (required) by financing activities: Cash provided (required) by financing activities: Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Net increase in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Total Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Net increase in commercial paper Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper, Total Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of outstanding amounts Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Repayments of long-term debt Proceeds from exercise of stock options Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Cash required by financing activities Cash provided (required) by financing activities Cash provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Increase in cash and cash equivalents Increase in cash and cash equivalents Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Recently Adopted Accounting Standards [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings Per Share Inventories [Abstract] Inventories Text Block Inventories Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes Text Block Income Taxes Warranty Obligations [Abstract] Warranty Obligations Text Block Warranty Obligations Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Text Block Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Text Block Stock-Based Compensation Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Text Block Stockholders' Equity Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Financial Instruments Text Block Derivative Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Text Block Fair Value Measurements Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract] Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Text Block Commitments And Contingent Liabilities Business Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block Business Segment Information Business Segment Information Subsequent Event [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Basis of Accounting Basis Of Presentation Use of Estimates Use Of Estimates Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Basic And Diluted EPS Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Components Of Inventories Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Warranty Cost And Accrual Information Schedule Of Warranty Cost And Accrual Information Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Tabular disclosure of the number of restricted stock units that were granted during the year and the and weighted-average grant date fair value per share for the total number of units granted during the year. Restricted Stock Awards Granted Disclosure [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Awards Granted Restricted Stock Awards Granted Share Repurchase Programs [Table Text Block] Share Repurchase Programs [Table Text Block] Share Repurchase Programs Schedule Of Repurchase Of Shares Of Common Stock Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Outstanding Derivative Positions Notional Amounts Of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Gain or (Loss) Reclassified From Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships - Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Instruments (Effective Portion) Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) In Statement Of Financial Performance Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Changes In Fair Value Of Level 3 Contingent Earn-Out Consideration Obligation Reconciliation Of Revenue And Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Revenue And Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Table Text Block] Segment Revenue, Segment Operating Profit And Corporate Items Schedule Of Segment Revenue And Segment Operating Profit Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Text Block] Segment Operating Capital Segment Operating Capital Employed And Segment Assets Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Stock split conversion ratio Income from continuing operations Net income attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Dilutive effect of restricted stock units and stock options Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per share attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per share attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Inventory, Raw Materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Total Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process Work in process Inventory, Finished Goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Finished goods Inventory, Gross Gross inventories before LIFO reserves and valuation adjustments Gross inventories before LIFO reserves and valuation adjustments Inventory Adjustments LIFO reserves and valuation adjustments Inventory Adjustments, Total LIFO reserves and valuation adjustments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving credit facility maturing on march two thousand and seventeen member Revolving Credit Facility Maturing On March Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing On March 2017 [Member] Five-Year Revolving Agreement [Member] Five Year Revolving Agreement [Member] Five-Year Revolving Agreement [Member] Three-Year Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Three-Year Revolving Credit Agreement [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Libor member Libor [Member] LIBOR [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Base Rate Loans [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] One-Month LIBOR [Member] One Month Libor [Member] One-Month LIBOR [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date Line of credit facility, initiation date Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum Capacity for Letters of Credit Under Credit Facility Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Revolving credit agreement, amount outstanding Conditional Increase In Maximum Borrowing Capacity Under Line Of Credit Facility Conditional Increase In Maximum Borrowing Capacity Under Line Of Credit Facility Conditional Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity under Line of Credit Facility Line Of Credit Facility Term Of Debt Years Line Of Credit Facility Term Of Debt Years Term of debt (in years) Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Term loan, maturity date Maturity date Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate (as a percent) Revolving credit agreement, variable interest rate Revolving Credit Facility Maturing In December Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing In December Two Thousand Twelve [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Maturing In December 2012 [Member] Long-term Line of Credit Long-term Line of Credit, Total Revolving credit facilities Long-term Commercial Paper Long-term Commercial Paper, Total Commercial paper Unsecured Debt Term loan Unsecured Debt, Total Secured Debt Secured Debt, Total Property financing Long-term Debt Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less: current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Less: current portion Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Excluding Retroactive Benefit Related To Tax Holidays [Member] Excluding Retroactive Benefit Related To Tax Holidays [Member] Excluding Retroactive Benefit Related To Tax Holidays [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rates Effective income tax rate Effective income tax rate Product Warranty Accrual Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Product Warranty Accrual, Total Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Expense for new warranties Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued, Total Expenses for new warranties Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease), Total Adjustments to existing accruals Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Claims paid Product Warranty Accrual, Payments, Total Claims paid Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of transition asset Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service benefit Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of actuarial losses (gains), net Actuarial (gain) loss Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Performance-Based Award [Member] Performance Based Award [Member] Performance-Based [Member] Market-Based Award [Member] Market Based Award [Member] Market-Based [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restricted Stock Expense Restricted stock Stock-based compensation expense for nonvested stock awards Restricted stock Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, actual expected payout, shares. Performance period ending at fiscal year end. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Actual Expected Payout Shares Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, actual expected payout, shares Expected payout shares (in shares) Time based award [member] Time Based Award [Member] Time-Based [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of restricted stock granted, Shares Payout shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted (in dollars per share) Stockholders' Equity [Table] Stockholders' Equity [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Shares Authorized for Repurchase [Member] Shares Authorized For Repurchase [Member] Shares Authorized For Repurchase [Member] Cumulative Number of Shares Authorized for Repurchase [Member] Cumulative Number Of Shares Authorized For Repurchase [Member] Cumulative Number Of Shares Authorized For Repurchase [Member] Ninety Five Million Authorization Program [Member] Ninety Five Million Authorization Program [Member] $95 Million Authorization Program [Member] Current Program [Member] Current Program [Member] Current Program [Member] Stockholders' Equity [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity [Line Items] Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Authorized stock repurchase, shares Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Authorized stock repurchase, amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Remaining value available for purchase Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Remaining shares available for purchase (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock awards Stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Shares issued from treasury stock in connection with stock-based compensation Treasury shares purchased in period -Shares Shares of common stock repurchased Treasury stock purchases Treasury shares purchased in period -Value Purchases of treasury stock (Note 13) Purchases of treasury stock (Note 13) Value of common stock repurchased Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Foreign Currency Translation, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Foreign Currency Translation, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Foreignn Currency Translation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Cash flow hedges in accumulated OCI (loss) gain Cash flow hedges in accumulated OCI (loss) gain Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Unrealized Gains on Hedging, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Unrealized Gains on Hedging, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Unrealized Gains on Hedging Cash flow hedges in accumulated OCI (loss) gain Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Defined Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Defined Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Defined Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Defined Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Defined Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits, Beginning Balance Cumulative deferral of pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss at December 31 Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Number of interest rate swap instruments (as an integer) Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Variable rate debt hedged Variable-rate debt Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net Gain (loss) on discontinuation of cash flow hedge due to forecasted transaction probable of not occurring Gain on discontinuation of cash flow hedges due to forecasted transaction probable of not occurring Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net, Total Gain (loss) on discontinuation of cash flow hedge due to forecasted transaction probable of not occurring Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Cash flow hedges gain (loss) expected to be reclassified within twelve months Cash flow hedges gain (loss) expected to be reclassified within twelve months Derivative [Table] Currency Position [Axis] Currency Position [Axis] Currency Position [Domain] Currency Position [Domain] Currency Position [Domain] Brazilian Real [Member] Brazilian Real [Member] Brazilian Real [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] Euro [Member] Euro [Member] Euro [Member] Malaysian Ringgit [Member] Malaysian Ringgit [Member] Malaysian Ringgit [Member] Norwegian Krone [Member] Norwegian Krone [Member] Norwegian Krone [Member] Singapore Dollar [Member] Singapore Dollar [Member] Singapore Dollar [Member] U.S. Dollar [Member] U S Dollar [Member] U.S. Dollar [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Rate Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Instruments Embedded InPurchase And Sale Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Instruments Embedded Inpurchase And Sale Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Instruments Embedded In Purchase And Sale Contracts [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts Notional Amount Bought Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Sale Contracts Notional Amount Sold Notional Amount Sold Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contracts [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current - Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Current Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Current - Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Long-term - Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Long Term Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Long-Term - Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset, Total Derivative Liability Designated as Hedging Instrument Derivative Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability, Total Derivative Liabilities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement And Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Sales [Member] Revenue [Member] Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost Of Sales [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member] Selling General And Administrative Expense [Member] Selling, General And Administrative Expense [Member] Other Income (Expense), Net [Member] Other Income Expense Net [Member] Other Income (Expense), Net [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) Instruments (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI in Derivative Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net 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, Total Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net, Total Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features, Existence and Nature Credit-risk-related contingent features Fair Value Measurements [Table] Fair Value Measurements [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Trading Securities, Equity, Current Equity securities Trading Securities, Equity, Current, Total Trading Securities, Debt, Current Fixed income Trading Securities, Debt, Current, Total Trading Securities, Other Stable value fund Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange contracts Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Total assets Total assets Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange contracts Earn-out contingent consideration obligation liability fair value disclosure Earn-Out Contingent Consideration Obligation Liability Fair Value Disclosure Contingent earn-out consideration Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities Total liabilities Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Remeasurement adjustment Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income Foreign currency translation adjustment Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Other Revenue and Intercompany Eliminations [Member] Other Revenue And Intercompany Eliminations [Member] Other Revenue And Intercompany Eliminations [Member] Corporate Expense [Member] Corporate Expense [Member] Corporate Expense [Member] Other Revenue and Other Expense Net [Member] Other Revenue And Other Expense Net [Member] Other Revenue And Other Expense, Net [Member] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Segment Operating Profit (Loss) Segment operating profit Operating Income (Loss), Total Total segment operating profit Segment Reporting Other Revenue Expense Segment Reporting Other Revenue Expense Corporate items Total corporate items Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Attributable to Economic Entity Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Attributable to Economic Entity Income from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income before income taxes attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Income from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to FMC Technologies, Inc. Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting Segment Operating Capital Employed Segment Reporting Segment Operating Capital Employed Segment operating capital employed Total segment operating capital employed Accounts payable and billings in excess of cost and other liabilities. Accounts Payable And Billings In Excess Of Cost And Other Liabilities Segment liabilities included in total segment operating capital employed Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Acquisition date Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business combination, percentage of interest owned Percentage of remaining interest acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price Total Total cash purchase price Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Benefits [Member] United States Pension Plans Of U S Entity Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. Pensions [Member] Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] International Pensions [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Subsea technologies [Member] Subsea Technologies [Member] Subsea Technologies [Member] Surface technologies [Member] Surface Technologies [Member] Surface Technologies [Member] Energy infrastructure [Member] Energy Infrastructure [Member] Energy Infrastructure [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intercompany Eliminations [Member] Unallocated Amount To Segment [Member] Corporate [Member] Material Reconciling Items [Member] Material Reconciling Items [Member]