2.2.0.25 true Sheet 00090 - Document - Document Entity Information Document Entity Information http://fwc.com/role/DocumentDocumentEntityInformation false R1.xml false Sheet 00100 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS http://fwc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfOperations false R2.xml false Sheet 00200 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET http://fwc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheet false R3.xml false Sheet 00210 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) http://fwc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetParenthetical false R4.xml false Sheet 00300 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY http://fwc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity false R5.xml false Sheet 00400 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS http://fwc.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows false R6.xml false Sheet 10101 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies false R7.xml false Sheet 10201 - Disclosure - Business Combinations Business Combinations http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinations false R8.xml false Sheet 10301 - Disclosure - Investments Investments http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestments false R9.xml false Sheet 10401 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets false R10.xml false Sheet 10501 - Disclosure - Borrowings Borrowings http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBorrowings false R11.xml false Sheet 10601 - Disclosure - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits http://fwc.com/role/DisclosurePensionsAndOtherPostretirementBenefits false R12.xml false Sheet 10701 - Disclosure - Guarantees and Warranties Guarantees and Warranties http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGuaranteesAndWarranties false R13.xml false Sheet 10801 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments false R14.xml false Sheet 10901 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation Plans http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationPlans false R15.xml false Sheet 11001 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes false R16.xml false Sheet 11101 - Disclosure - Business Segments Business Segments http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegments false R17.xml false Sheet 11201 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties Litigation and Uncertainties http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertainties false R18.xml false Sheet 20102 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy false R19.xml false Sheet 30103 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables false R20.xml false Sheet 30303 - Disclosure - Investments (Tables) Investments (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsTables false R21.xml false Sheet 30403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables false R22.xml false Sheet 30503 - Disclosure - Borrowings (Tables) Borrowings (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsTables false R23.xml false Sheet 30603 - Disclosure - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosurePensionsAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsTables false R24.xml false Sheet 30703 - Disclosure - Guarantees and Warranties (Tables) Guarantees and Warranties (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGuaranteesAndWarrantiesTables false R25.xml false Sheet 30803 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables) Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables false R26.xml false Sheet 30903 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables) Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationPlansTables false R27.xml false Sheet 31103 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Tables) Business Segments (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsTables false R28.xml false Sheet 31203 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (Tables) Litigation and Uncertainties (Tables) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesTables false R29.xml false Sheet 40101 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Projects with final estimated contract profit revisions whose impact exceeded $1 million) (Details) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Projects with final estimated contract profit revisions whose impact exceeded $1 million) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesProjectsWithFinalEstimatedContractProfitRevisionsWhoseImpactExceeded1MillionDetails false R30.xml false Sheet 40102 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Commercial Claims) (Details) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Commercial Claims) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCommercialClaimsDetails false R31.xml false Sheet 40103 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Basic and diluted earnings per share - Table) (Details) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Basic and diluted earnings per share - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTableDetails false R32.xml false Sheet 40104 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Options not included in diluted earnings calculation) (Details) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Options not included in diluted earnings calculation) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOptionsNotIncludedInDilutedEarningsCalculationDetails false R33.xml false Sheet 40105 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails false R34.xml false Sheet 40204 - Disclosure - Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails false R35.xml false Sheet 40301 - Disclosure - Investments (Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Data - Table) (Details) Investments (Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Data - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsSummarizedFinancialDataTableDetails false R36.xml false Sheet 40302 - Disclosure - Investments (Equity in the Net Earnings of Partially Owned Affiliates - Table) (Details) Investments (Equity in the Net Earnings of Partially Owned Affiliates - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsEquityInNetEarningsOfPartiallyOwnedAffiliatesTableDetails false R37.xml false Sheet 40303 - Disclosure - Investments (Refinery/power generation project in Chile - Table) (Details) Investments (Refinery/power generation project in Chile - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsRefineryPowerGenerationProjectInChileTableDetails false R38.xml false Sheet 40304 - Disclosure - Investments (Schedule of Variable Interest Entities - Table) (Details) Investments (Schedule of Variable Interest Entities - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTableDetails false R39.xml false Sheet 40305 - Disclosure - Investments (Narrative) (Details) Investments (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureInvestmentsNarrativeDetails false R40.xml false Sheet 40401 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Net carrying amount of goodwill by geographic region) (Details) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Net carrying amount of goodwill by geographic region) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetCarryingAmountOfGoodwillByGeographicRegionDetails false R41.xml false Sheet 40402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Finite-lived intangible assets table) (Details) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Finite-lived intangible assets table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableDetails false R42.xml false Sheet 40403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Intangible assets amortization schedule) (Details) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Intangible assets amortization schedule) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsAmortizationScheduleDetails false R43.xml false Sheet 40404 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails false R44.xml false Sheet 40501 - Disclosure - Borrowings (Components of long-term debt) (Details) Borrowings (Components of long-term debt) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails false R45.xml false Sheet 40502 - Disclosure - Borrowings (Components of long-term debt) (Parenthetical) (Details) Borrowings (Components of long-term debt) (Parenthetical) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsComponentsOfLongTermDebtParentheticalDetails false R46.xml false Sheet 40503 - Disclosure - Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) Borrowings (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsNarrativeDetails false R47.xml false Sheet 40601 - Disclosure - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension benefits contributions) (Details) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension benefits contributions) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosurePensionsAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsPensionBenefitsContributionsDetails false R48.xml false Sheet 40602 - Disclosure - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Components of net periodic benefit cost and changes recognized in other comprehensive income) (Details) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Components of net periodic benefit cost and changes recognized in other comprehensive income) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosurePensionsAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndChangesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails false R49.xml false Sheet 40603 - Disclosure - Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosurePensionsAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsNarrativeDetails false R50.xml false Sheet 40704 - Disclosure - Guarantees and Warranties (Details) Guarantees and Warranties (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureGuaranteesAndWarrantiesDetails false R51.xml false Sheet 40804 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails false R52.xml false Sheet 40901 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans (Summary of share-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit) (Details) Share-Based Compensation Plans (Summary of share-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationPlansSummaryOfShareBasedCompensationExpenseAndRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails false R53.xml false Sheet 40902 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans (Reconciliation of temporary equity) (Details) Share-Based Compensation Plans (Reconciliation of temporary equity) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationPlansReconciliationOfTemporaryEquityDetails false R54.xml false Sheet 40903 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) Share-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails false R55.xml false Sheet 41001 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails false R56.xml false Sheet 41101 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Operating Revenues By Industry and by Segment - Table) (Details) Business Segments (Operating Revenues By Industry and by Segment - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsOperatingRevenuesByIndustryAndBySegmentTableDetails false R57.xml false Sheet 41102 - Disclosure - Business Segments (Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income Attributable to Foster Wheeler - Table) (Details) Business Segments (Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income Attributable to Foster Wheeler - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsReconciliationOfEbitdaToNetIncomeAttributableToFosterWheelerTableDetails false R58.xml false Sheet 41201 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (Asbestos-Related Open Claims Rollforward) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (Asbestos-Related Open Claims Rollforward) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesAsbestosRelatedOpenClaimsRollforwardDetails false R59.xml false Sheet 41202 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (US Asbestos related assets and liabilities - Table) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (US Asbestos related assets and liabilities - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesUsAsbestosRelatedAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableDetails false R60.xml false Sheet 41203 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (Summary of asbestos related provision activity - Table) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (Summary of asbestos related provision activity - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesSummaryOfAsbestosRelatedProvisionActivityTableDetails false R61.xml false Sheet 41204 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (Summary of asbestos related payments and insurance settlement proceeds - Table) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (Summary of asbestos related payments and insurance settlement proceeds - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesSummaryOfAsbestosRelatedPaymentsAndInsuranceSettlementProceedsTableDetails false R62.xml false Sheet 41205 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (UK Asbestos related assets and liabilities - Table) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (UK Asbestos related assets and liabilities - Table) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesUkAsbestosRelatedAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableDetails false R63.xml false Sheet 41206 - Disclosure - Litigation and Uncertainties (Narrative) (Details) Litigation and Uncertainties (Narrative) (Details) http://fwc.com/role/DisclosureLitigationAndUncertaintiesNarrativeDetails false R64.xml false Book All Reports All Reports false 1 162 60 0 6 305 true false As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PowerPlantOperationAndMaintenanceMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ItalyMember 5 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis_fwlt_RestrictedAwardsMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PharmaceuticalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_AsiaMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember 3 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_fwlt_SulfurRecoveryTechnologyAcquisitionMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PowerPlantOperationAndMaintenanceMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_SecuredDebtEnergiaHoldingsMember 4 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ChileMember 5 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_AsiaMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember 3 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_fwlt_EnvironmentalIndemnificationsMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 11 As_Of_4_22_2011 1 As_Of_3_31_2011 69 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_fwlt_ContractsInProcessOrBillingsInExcessOfCostsAndEstimatedEarningsOnUncompletedContractsMember 2 Duration_1_1_2006_To_12_31_2008_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_fwlt_PowerPlantDisputeIrelandMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedKingdomMember 11 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember 4 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_CAndFGroupMember 2 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_RefineryPowerGenerationProjectInChileMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_CAndFGroupMember 2 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_EuropeMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OilAndGasMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_WindFarmProjectInItalyMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByIncomeStatementLocationAxis_fwlt_CostOfOperatingRevenuesMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_SecuredDebtEnergiaHoldingsMember 4 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_EuropeMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ChileMember 5 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 9 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OtherNetOfEliminationsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_WasteToEnergyProjectInItalyMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember 2 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_ChemicalPetrochemicalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_fwlt_OtherAccountsReceivableMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_fwlt_OtherAccountsPayableMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_fwlt_EnvironmentalIndemnificationsMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 8 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember 3 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 3 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByIncomeStatementLocationAxis_fwlt_CostOfOperatingRevenuesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_CentroEnergiaTeverolaMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_EnvironmentalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2011_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember 3 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_WasteToEnergyFacilityInCamdenMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 8 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_SecuredDebtFwPowerSRLMember 3 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_AmendedAndRestatedUSSeniorSecuredCreditAgreementMember 3 Duration_12_1_2010_To_12_31_2010_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_fwlt_SulfurRecoveryTechnologyAcquisitionMember 2 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_CentroEnergiaFerraraMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010 66 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_TrademarksMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_fwlt_TaxIndemnificationsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_AsiaMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_fwlt_PowerPlantArbitrationNorthAmericaMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ItalyMember 4 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedKingdomMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_fwlt_EnviromentalMattersMember 3 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 15 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_fwlt_ContractsInProcessOrBillingsInExcessOfCostsAndEstimatedEarningsOnUncompletedContractsMember 2 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OilRefiningMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_ParentMember 9 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember 4 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 2 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OilAndGasMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember 2 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ItalyMember 4 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_EuropeMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_fwlt_EnvironmentalIndemnificationsMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_USSeniorCreditAgreementMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember 3 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 2 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010 75 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 4 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_fwlt_OtherAccountsReceivableMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_AmendedAndRestatedUSSeniorSecuredCreditAgreementMember 5 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_PatentsMember 3 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ItalyMember 5 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedKingdomMember 2 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByIncomeStatementLocationAxis_us-gaap_OtherExpenseMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PowerGenerationMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 3 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedKingdomMember 8 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PowerGenerationMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_EuropeMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2009_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalPowerGroupMember_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_AsiaMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 6 As_Of_9_12_2008 1 As_Of_12_31_2009 4 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 1 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_PatentsMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_USSeniorCreditAgreementMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis_fwlt_StockOptionsTypeMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember 5 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011 138 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByIncomeStatementLocationAxis_us-gaap_OtherExpenseMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2010 4 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 14 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_fwlt_SecuredDebtFwPowerSRLMember 3 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 8 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OilRefiningMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_EnvironmentalMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ChileMember 8 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_fwlt_GlobalEAndCGroupMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember 1 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 4 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_ChemicalPetrochemicalMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 8 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_ChileMember 5 As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_fwlt_RegisteredSharesMember 1 As_Of_11_4_2010 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember 5 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_fwlt_CentroEnergiaFerraraAndCentroEnergiaTeverolaMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_PharmaceuticalMember 1 Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_2010 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_us-gaap_TrademarksMember 3 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByDerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueByBalanceSheetLocationAxis_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember 1 As_Of_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_fwlt_UnitedStatesMember 12 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameAxis_fwlt_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember 2 Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_fwlt_OtherNetOfEliminationsMember 1 true true