2.2.0.25truefalse4110 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions (Details)truefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2011_TO_Mar31_2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001333141duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Mar31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001333141duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001333141duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2true0fms_NoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsDetailsAbstractfmsfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseNoncontrolling Interests Subject To Put Provisions (Details) [Abstract]3false0fms_TemporaryEquityPutProvisionsPotentialObligationsfmsfalsecreditinstantPotential obligations under the put provisions as of the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse290513000290513falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse279709000279709falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPotential obligations under the put provisions as of the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePotential obligations under the put provisions4true0fms_TemporaryEquityLineItemsfmsfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseTemporary Equity [Line Items]5false0us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse279709000279709falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions beginning balance6false0us-gaap_Dividendsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1070900010709falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse290584000290584falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for all securities (common shares, preferred shares) during the period.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 Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l falsefalseDividends paid7false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestIncreaseFromStockIssuanceus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-1955000-1955falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1103200011032falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncrease in noncontrolling interest balance from issuance of additional shares to noncontrolling interest holders or the sale of all or a portion of the parent's equity interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalsePurchase (sale) of noncontrolling interests8false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-603000-603falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-4392000-4392falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseCash contributions from noncontrolling interests9false0fms_ChangesInFairValueOfNoncontrollingInterestsfmsfalsecreditdurationChanges in the fair value of noncontrolling interests.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-4377000-4377falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-24222000-24222falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChanges in the fair value of noncontrolling interests.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseChanges in fair value of noncontrolling interests10false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse249115000249115falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse230226000230226falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet Income11false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse120569000120569falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-136328000-136328falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax12false0us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse290513000290513falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse279709000279709falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions ending balance13false0fms_TemporaryEquityPutProvisionsExerciseablefmsfalsecreditinstantPut options exercisable as of the balance sheet date.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9649700096497falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryPut options exercisable as of the balance sheet date.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePut provisions exercisable14false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.fms.com/role/disclosurenoncontrollinginterestssubjecttoputprovisionsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxis} : Noncontrolling interests subject to put provisions [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2011_TO_Mar31_2011_fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxis_NoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001333141duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions [Member]fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldifms_NoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsMemberfms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxis} : Noncontrolling interests subject to put provisions [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010_fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxis_NoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001333141duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions [Member]fms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldifms_NoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsMemberfms_TemporaryEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions [Member]16true0fms_TemporaryEquityLineItemsfmsfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseTemporary Equity [Line Items]17false0us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse231303000231303falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe 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 falsefalseNoncontrolling interests subject to put provisions beginning balance18false0us-gaap_Dividendsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-8412000-8412falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-38964000-38964falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate cash, stock, and paid-in-kind dividends declared for all securities (common shares, preferred shares) during the period.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 Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph l falsefalseDividends paid19false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestIncreaseFromStockIssuanceus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse27890002789falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2896900028969falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncrease in noncontrolling interest balance from issuance of additional shares to noncontrolling interest holders or the sale of all or a portion of the parent's equity interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalsePurchase (sale) of noncontrolling interests20false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse16070001607falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse52890005289falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseCash contributions from noncontrolling interests21false0fms_ChangesInFairValueOfNoncontrollingInterestsfmsfalsecreditdurationChanges in the fair value of noncontrolling interests.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse43770004377falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2422200024222falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChanges in the fair value of noncontrolling interests.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseChanges in fair value of noncontrolling interests22false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1002000010020falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2883900028839falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet Income23false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse423000423falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5100051falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax321Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions (Details) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue