<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>592</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>560</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>120</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>11</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001001 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003001 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopments</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionAndExitOfJointVenture</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DerivativesAndHedgingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivatives and Hedging Activities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptions</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Equity Method Investments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/EquityMethodInvestments</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Method Investments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligations</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Legal Matters and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/LegalMattersAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Legal Matters and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Warranty Reserve</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/WarrantyReserve</Role>
      <ShortName>Warranty Reserve</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Realignment Programs</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/RealignmentPrograms</Role>
      <ShortName>Realignment Programs</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Schedule - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopmentsPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionAndExitOfJointVentureTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DerivativesAndHedgingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Warranty Reserve (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/WarrantyReserveTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Warranty Reserve (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2319301 - Disclosure - Realignment Programs (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/RealignmentProgramsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Realignment Programs (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Estimated Useful Lives of Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopmentsEstimatedUsefulLivesOfAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Estimated Useful Lives of Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401405 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAndAccountingDevelopmentsEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments (Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionAndExitOfJointVentureDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Exit of Joint Venture) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionAndExitOfJointVentureExitOfJointVentureDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions, Disposition and Exit of Joint Venture (Exit of Joint Venture) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Intangible Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Intangible Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403404 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Actual and Estimated Future Amortization) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsActualAndEstimatedFutureAmortizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Actual and Estimated Future Amortization) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/InventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Disclosures by Compensation Plans) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansDisclosuresByCompensationPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Disclosures by Compensation Plans) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Information Regarding Stock Options) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansInformationRegardingStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Information Regarding Stock Options) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405404 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Range of Exercise Prices per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansRangeOfExercisePricesPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Range of Exercise Prices per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405405 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Information Regarding Restricted Shares) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPlansInformationRegardingRestrictedSharesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Information Regarding Restricted Shares) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DerivativesAndHedgingActivitiesDetailsTextual</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Fair Value Balance Sheet Disclosures) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DerivativesAndHedgingActivitiesFairValueBalanceSheetDisclosuresDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Fair Value Balance Sheet Disclosures) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Fair Value of Forward Exchange Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DerivativesAndHedgingActivitiesFairValueOfForwardExchangeContractsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Fair Value of Forward Exchange Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407401 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Accounts Receivable, net) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptionsAccountsReceivableNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Accounts Receivable, net) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Property, Plant and Equipment, net) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptionsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Property, Plant and Equipment, net) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptionsAccruedLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Retirement Obligations and Other Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DetailsOfCertainConsolidatedBalanceSheetCaptionsRetirementObligationsAndOtherLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Details of Certain Consolidated Balance Sheet Captions (Retirement Obligations and Other Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409401 - Disclosure - Equity Method Investments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/EquityMethodInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Method Investments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsDebtIncludingCapitalLeaseObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Maturities of Debt by Type) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsMaturitiesOfDebtByTypeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Maturities of Debt by Type) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Senior Notes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsSeniorNotesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Senior Notes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410405 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Senior Credit Facility) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsSeniorCreditFacilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Senior Credit Facility) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410406 - Disclosure - Debt and Lease Obligations (Future Minimum Lease Payments Due) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/DebtAndLeaseObligationsFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt and Lease Obligations (Future Minimum Lease Payments Due) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAssumptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411403 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsDetailsTextual</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411404 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Net Benefit Costs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsNetBenefitCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Net Benefit Costs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411405 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsFundedStatusDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Funded Status) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411406 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411407 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsChangeInBenefitObligationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411408 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsExpectedBenefitPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411409 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsChangeInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411410 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411411 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Plan Assets by Percentage Allocation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsPlanAssetsByPercentageAllocationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Plan Assets by Percentage Allocation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411412 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Plan Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsPlanAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Plan Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411413 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Accumulated and Projected Obligations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAccumulatedAndProjectedObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Accumulated and Projected Obligations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411414 - Disclosure - Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Effect of One Percentage Point) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsEffectOfOnePercentagePointDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Effect of One Percentage Point) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412401 - Disclosure - Legal Matters and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/LegalMattersAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Legal Matters and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Warranty Reserve (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/WarrantyReserveDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Warranty Reserve (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414401 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Shareholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Reportable Segments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationReportableSegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Reportable Segments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationSalesAndLongLivedAssetsByGeographicAreaDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419402 - Disclosure - Realignment Programs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/RealignmentProgramsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Realignment Programs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="fls-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420401 - Schedule - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.flowserve.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>fls-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>fls-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>fls-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>fls-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>fls-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>fls-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
