Notes to the consolidated statements of income - Selling, general and administrative expenses (Details)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018 EUR (€)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
FCPA related charge	€ 200,000,000

Represents the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act related charge.

No definition available.

Name:	fms_ForeignCorruptPracticesActRelatedCharge
Namespace Prefix:	fms_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration