Cash Recoveries for Environmental Obligations

No definition available.

Name:	fmc_CashRecoveriesForEnvironmentalObligations
Namespace Prefix:	fmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Environmental Provision, Net of Recoveries recorded to Other Assets

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fmc_EnvironmentalProvisionNetOfRecoveriesRecordedToOtherAssets
Namespace Prefix:	fmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Environmental Remediation Provision, Net

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fmc_EnvironmentalRemediationProvisionNet
Namespace Prefix:	fmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase during the period in Third-party Environmental Recoveries Receivable

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fmc_IncreaseInThirdPartyEnvironmentalRecoveriesReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	fmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	fmc_RecordedRecoveriesRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	fmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13207-110859

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6395460&loc=d3e13647-108346

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which decreases (increases) the accrual for environmental loss contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.Y.Q2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011672&loc=d3e149879-122751

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Foreign Currency Translation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513664

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expense (reversal of expense) which increases (decreases) the accrual for environmental loss contingencies from revisions in estimates to existing obligations. Excludes changes related to business acquisitions, divestitures, or currency movement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesIncreaseDecreaseForRevisionInEstimates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow to settle environmental loss contingencies.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase (decrease) in the accrual for environmental loss contingencies during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value of the obligation (known or estimated) arising from requirements to perform activities to remediate one or more sites, payable in twelve months or in the next operating cycle if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13207-110859

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6911-107765

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (d)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13237-110859

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying value of the obligation (known or estimated) arising from requirements to perform activities to remediate one or more sites, payable after twelve months or beyond the next operating cycle if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (d)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13237-110859

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13207-110859

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Best estimate of the reasonably possible loss exposure in excess of the amount accrued for remediation, site restoration, postclosure, monitoring commitments, or other exit costs associated with the sale, disposal or abandonment of a particular property resulting from unanticipated contamination of the assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EnvironmentalExitCostsReasonablyPossibleAdditionalLossesBestEstimate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The charge against earnings in the period for known or estimated future costs arising from requirements to perform environmental remediation activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13296-110859

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of known and reasonably estimable amounts of recoveries from third-parties pertaining to an entity's environmental remediation obligations. An entity's balance sheet may include several assets that relate to an environmental remediation obligation. Among them are the following: a. Receivables from other potentially responsible parties that are not providing initial funding; b. anticipated recoveries from insurers; and c. anticipated recoveries from prior owners as a result of indemnification agreements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64822958&loc=d3e13022-110858

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6393242&loc=d3e13207-110859

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RecordedThirdPartyEnvironmentalRecoveriesReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis=us-gaap_SegmentContinuingOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis=us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=fmc_OtherAssetsIncludingLongtermReceivablesNetMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	fmc_EnvironmentalAccrualActivityAxis=fmc_GrossMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	fmc_EnvironmentalAccrualActivityAxis=fmc_RecoveriesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	fmc_EnvironmentalAccrualActivityAxis=fmc_NetMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Environmental Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Environmental Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Environmental reserves, long-term					$ (291.5)	$ (306.4)
Environmental loss contingencies, net of expected recoveries, in excess of accrual			$ 240.0
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental charges, net	$ 3.3	$ 2.5	5.6	$ 9.1
Environmental provision, net	14.7	5.6	20.8	16.4
Continuing Operations
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental charges, net	3.3	2.5	5.6	9.1
Discontinued Operations
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental charges, net	11.4	3.1	15.2	7.3
Other Assets Including Long-term Receivables, Net
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental Recoveries, beginning			27.2
Increase in Recoveries			0.4
Cash Received			(1.3)
Environmental Recoveries, ending	26.3		26.3
Other Liabilities
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental remediation provision, net	15.1	5.6	21.2	18.2
Other Assets
Recorded Recoveries [Roll Forward]
Environmental remediation provision, net	(0.4)	$ 0.0	(0.4)	$ (1.8)
Gross
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2016			378.1
Provision/(benefit)			21.2
(Spending)/recoveries			(27.3)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			3.9
Net change			(2.2)
Total environmental reserves at June 30, 2017	375.9		375.9
Environmental reserves, current					(74.0)
Environmental reserves, long-term					(301.9)
Total environmental reserves, net of recoveries at end of period	(375.9)		(378.1)		(375.9)	(378.1)
Recoveries
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2016			11.4
Provision/(benefit)			0.0
(Spending)/recoveries			0.0
Foreign currency translation adjustments			0.0
Net change			0.0
Total environmental reserves at June 30, 2017	11.4		11.4
Environmental reserves, current					(1.0)
Environmental reserves, long-term					(10.4)
Total environmental reserves, net of recoveries at end of period	(11.4)		(11.4)		(11.4)	(11.4)
Net
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Total environmental reserves at December 31, 2016			366.7
Provision/(benefit)			21.2
(Spending)/recoveries			(27.3)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			3.9
Net change			(2.2)
Total environmental reserves at June 30, 2017	364.5		364.5
Environmental reserves, current					(73.0)
Environmental reserves, long-term					(291.5)
Total environmental reserves, net of recoveries at end of period	$ (364.5)		$ (366.7)		$ (364.5)	$ (366.7)