<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>538</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>562</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>153</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000010 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000040 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000045 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000050 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000060 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001010 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureTheCompanyAndBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001040 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001050 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureInventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001060 - Disclosure - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001070 - Disclosure - Property, Plant And Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant And Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001080 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Goodwill</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001081 - Disclosure - Other Assets and Notes Receivables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/OtherAssetsAndNotesReceivables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Assets and Notes Receivables</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001090 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilties</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilties</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001100 - Disclosure - Short-Term Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities, and Short-Term Borrowings from Related Parties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureShortTermBorrowingsAndOtherFinancialLiabilitiesAndShortTermBorrowingsFromRelatedParties</Role>
      <ShortName>Short-Term Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities, and Short-Term Borrowings from Related Parties</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001110 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001120 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001140 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureNoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisions</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001150 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001151 - Disclosure - Sources Of Revenue</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/SourcesOfRevenue</Role>
      <ShortName>Sources Of Revenue</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001160 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001190 - Disclosure - Operating Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOperatingLeases</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001210 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001220 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001230 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001240 - Disclosure - Supplementary Cash Flow Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementaryCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplementary Cash Flow Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001245 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001250 - Disclosure - Supplemental Condensed Combining Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCondensedCombiningInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Condensed Combining Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002000 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureTheCompanyAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003010 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis Of Presentation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureTheCompanyAndBasisOfPresentationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis Of Presentation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003050 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureInventories</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003060 - Disclosure - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003070 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003080 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003090 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilties</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003100 - Disclosure - Short-term Borrowings, Other Finanacial Liabilties and Short-term Borrowings from Related Parties (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureShorttermBorrowingsOtherFinanacialLiabiltiesAndShorttermBorrowingsFromRelatedPartiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Short-term Borrowings, Other Finanacial Liabilties and Short-term Borrowings from Related Parties (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003110 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003120 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003140 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Subject To Put Provisions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureNoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Subject To Put Provisions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003145 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity (Table)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/ShareholdersEquityTable</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity (Table)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003150 - Disclosure - Sources Of Revenue (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSourcesOfRevenueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Sources Of Revenue (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/SourcesOfRevenue</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003160 - Disclosure - Earning Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEarningPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earning Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003190 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOperatingLeases</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003210 - Disclosure - Financial Instrument (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instrument (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003220 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003221 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables1</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003230 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003240 - Disclosure - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementaryCashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementaryCashFlowInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003250 - Disclosure - Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCondensedCombiningInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCondensedCombiningInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004010 - Disclosure - The Company and Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureTheCompanyAndBasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>The Company and Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureTheCompanyAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004040 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004050 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureInventoriesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004060 - Disclosure - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004070 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004080 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004085 - Disclosure - Other Assets and Note Receivables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/OtherAssetsAndNoteReceivables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Assets and Note Receivables</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004090 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004100 - Disclosure - Short-term Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities and Short-term Borrowings from Related Parties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureShorttermBorrowingsAndOtherFinancialLiabilitiesAndShorttermBorrowingsFromRelatedPartiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Short-term Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities and Short-term Borrowings from Related Parties (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004110 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004120 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004121 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004122 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004123 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004124 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004140 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureNoncontrollingInterestsSubjectToPutProvisionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Subject to Put Provisions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004150 - Disclosure - Sources Of Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/SourcesOfRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Sources Of Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004151 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004152 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004160 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004170 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004171 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StockOptionsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004172 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/StockOptionsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004173 - Disclosure - Subsidiary Incentive Units (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/SubsidiaryIncentiveUnitsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsidiary Incentive Units (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004181 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004190 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/OperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004210 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004211 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004212 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004220 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004223 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004224 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004225 - Disclosure - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementaryCashFlowInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004230 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004231 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformationDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004250 - Disclosure - Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCondensedCombiningInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004251 - Disclosure - Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com/role/DisclosureSupplementalCondensedCombiningInformationDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Condensed Combining Information (Details 1)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fmc-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9999.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>Uncategorized Items - fmc-20151231.xml</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/role/uncategorizedFacts</Role>
      <ShortName>Uncategorized Items - fmc-20151231.xml</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>fmc-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>fmc-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>fmc-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>fmc-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>fmc-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>fmc-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
