2.0.0.10 false CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $) 00200 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET true false In Thousands false false 1 usd $ false false Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 false 2 usd $ false false Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 6 Current Assets: 4 us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 7 Cash and cash equivalents 5 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 true true false false 953688000 953688 false false false 2 true true false false 997158000 997158 false false false Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 8 Accounts and notes receivable, net: 5 us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 9 Trade 6 us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrPrograms us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 500023000 500023 false false false 2 false true false false 526525000 526525 false false false Amount to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from customers in accordance with the contractual provisions of long-term contracts or programs including amounts billed and unbilled as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Article 5 false 10 Other 6 fwlt_OtherAccountsAndNotesReceivableNet fwlt false debit instant monetary Includes insurance claims, interest, dividends, foreign refundable value added taxes and security/other deposits that are... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 108477000 108477 false false false 2 false true false false 117718000 117718 false false false Includes insurance claims, interest, dividends, foreign refundable value added taxes and security/other deposits that are anticipated to be collected within one year and the current portion of the asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable. No authoritative reference available. false 11 Contracts in process 5 us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 254014000 254014 false false false 2 false true false false 219774000 219774 false false false Amount included in cost of uncompleted contracts in excess of related billings, or unbilled accounts receivable, which is expected to be collected within a year within one year (or one operating cycle, if longer) from the date of the balance sheet. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c(3) -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 45 -Paragraph 12 false 12 Prepaid, deferred and refundable income taxes 5 us-gaap_PrepaidTaxes us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 41719000 41719 false false false 2 false true false false 46478000 46478 false false false Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of payments made in advance for income and other taxes, which will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 4 false 13 Other current assets 5 us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 43389000 43389 false false false 2 false true false false 33902000 33902 false false false Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 8 -Article 5 false 14 Total current assets 5 us-gaap_AssetsCurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1901310000 1901310 false false false 2 false true false false 1941555000 1941555 false false false Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 true 15 Land, buildings and equipment, net 4 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 377589000 377589 false false false 2 false true false false 398132000 398132 false false false Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b, c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 false 16 Restricted cash 4 us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 30759000 30759 false false false 2 false true false false 34905000 34905 false false false Cash and equivalents whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 17 Notes and accounts receivable - long-term 4 us-gaap_LongTermAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 1381000 1381 false false false 2 false true false false 1571000 1571 false false false The aggregate of amounts due from customers or clients more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business and an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date more than one year from the balance sheet date, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the Company of the amount it deems uncertain of collection and net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder, respectively. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 false 18 Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates 4 us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 223488000 223488 false false false 2 false true false false 228030000 228030 false false false Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable form a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. No authoritative reference available. false 19 Goodwill 4 us-gaap_Goodwill us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 86625000 86625 false false false 2 false true false false 88702000 88702 false false false Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 false 20 Other intangible assets, net 4 us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 70491000 70491 false false false 2 false true false false 73029000 73029 false false false Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 42, 45 false 21 Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable 4 fwlt_AsbestosRelatedInsuranceRecoveryReceivable fwlt false debit instant monetary Estimate of recoveries anticipated to be collected in more than one year from insurers relating to asbestos claims. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 236159000 236159 false false false 2 false true false false 244265000 244265 false false false Estimate of recoveries anticipated to be collected in more than one year from insurers relating to asbestos claims. No authoritative reference available. false 22 Other assets 4 us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 84437000 84437 false false false 2 false true false false 87781000 87781 false false false Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 false 23 Deferred tax assets 4 us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 82363000 82363 false false false 2 false true false false 89768000 89768 false false false The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 false 24 TOTAL ASSETS 4 us-gaap_Assets us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 3094602000 3094602 false false false 2 false true false false 3187738000 3187738 false false false Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 true 27 Current Liabilities: 5 us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 28 Current installments on long-term debt 6 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 35672000 35672 false false false 2 false true false false 36930000 36930 false false false Obligation related to long-term debt (excluding convertible debt) and capital leases, the portion which is due in one year or less in the future. No authoritative reference available. false 29 Accounts payable 6 us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 251403000 251403 false false false 2 false true false false 303436000 303436 false false false Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 false 30 Accrued expenses 6 us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 236986000 236986 false false false 2 false true false false 280861000 280861 false false false Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 false 31 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 6 us-gaap_BillingsInExcessOfCost us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 631079000 631079 false false false 2 false true false false 600725000 600725 false false false Liabilities due to billings on long term contracts that exceed the income recorded under the percentage of completion contract accounting method, or that exceed the accumulated costs under the completed contract accounting method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 45 -Paragraph 5, 12 false 32 Income taxes payable 6 us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 49068000 49068 false false false 2 false true false false 60052000 60052 false false false Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the unpaid sum of the known and estimated amounts payable to satisfy all currently due domestic and foreign income tax obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph b(1) -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 48 -Paragraph 15, 21 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Section Appendix E -Paragraph 289 false 33 Total current liabilities 6 us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1204208000 1204208 false false false 2 false true false false 1282004000 1282004 false false false Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 21 -Article 5 true 34 Long-term debt 5 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 164197000 164197 false false false 2 false true false false 175510000 175510 false false false Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section H false 35 Deferred tax liabilities 5 us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 60679000 60679 false false false 2 false true false false 62956000 62956 false false false Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42 false 36 Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits 5 us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 251236000 251236 false false false 2 false true false false 270269000 270269 false false false This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 6 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 3 false 37 Asbestos-related liability 5 fwlt_AsbestosRelatedLiability fwlt false credit instant monetary Estimated liability to settle asbestos claims. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 338273000 338273 false false false 2 false true false false 352537000 352537 false false false Estimated liability to settle asbestos claims. No authoritative reference available. false 38 Other long-term liabilities 5 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 170199000 170199 false false false 2 false true false false 171405000 171405 false false false Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 24 -Article 5 false 39 Commitments and contingencies 5 fwlt_CommitmentAndContigenciesLiabilities fwlt false na instant string Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply... false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0     false false false 2 false false false false 0 0     false false false Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies. No authoritative reference available. false 40 TOTAL LIABILITIES 5 us-gaap_Liabilities us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 2188792000 2188792 false false false 2 false true false false 2314681000 2314681 false false false Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. No authoritative reference available. true 41 Temporary Equity: 4 us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 42 Non-vested share-based compensation awards subject to redemption 5 us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmount us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 4829000 4829 false false false 2 false true false false 2570000 2570 false false false The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph i -Article 4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number D-98 -Paragraph 2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 false 43 TOTAL TEMPORARY EQUITY 5 fwlt_TotalTemporaryEquity fwlt false credit instant monetary TOTAL TEMPORARY EQUITY false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 4829000 4829 false false false 2 false true false false 2570000 2570 false false false TOTAL TEMPORARY EQUITY No authoritative reference available. true 45 Equity: 5 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false No definition available. false 46 Registered shares: CHF 3.00 par value; authorized: March 31,2010 - 190,696,806 shares and December 31, 2009 - 190,649,900 shares; conditionally authorized: March 31, 2010 - 62,135,022 shares and December 31, 2009 - 62,181,928 shares; issued and outstanding: March 31, 2010 - 127,488,849 shares and December 31, 2009 - 127,441,943 shares 6 us-gaap_CommonStockValue us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 329538000 329538 false false false 2 false true false false 329402000 329402 false false false Dollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 false 47 Paid-in capital 6 us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 621216000 621216 false false false 2 false true false false 617938000 617938 false false false Excess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of APIC associated with common AND preferred stock. For APIC associated with only common stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Common Stock. For APIC associated with only preferred stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Preferred Stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 false 48 Retained earnings 6 us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 394241000 394241 false false false 2 false true false false 322181000 322181 false false false The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 false 49 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 6 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -482022000 -482022 false false false 2 false true false false -438004000 -438004 false false false Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 false 50 TOTAL FOSTER WHEELER AG SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 6 us-gaap_StockholdersEquity us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 862973000 862973 false false false 2 false true false false 831517000 831517 false false false Total of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 4 -Section E Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 true 51 Noncontrolling interests 5 us-gaap_MinorityInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 38008000 38008 false false false 2 false true false false 38970000 38970 false false false Total of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 27 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A false 52 TOTAL EQUITY 5 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 900981000 900981 false false false 2 false true false false 870487000 870487 false false false Total of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A true 53 TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND EQUITY 4 us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity us-gaap true credit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 true true false false 3094602000 3094602 false false false 2 true true false false 3187738000 3187738 false false false Total of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items. 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