Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Other expense, net $ (19,946) $ (2,905)
Sales 1,014,620 1,068,136
Tax (expense) or benefit (28,506) (38,015)
Net earnings attributable to Flowserve Corporation 27,666 107,734
Foreign currency translation items [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]    
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Divestiture Of Businesses OCIL Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Before Tax 0 [1] (5,460) [1]
Tax (expense) or benefit 0 [1] 0 [1]
Net earnings attributable to Flowserve Corporation 0 [1] (5,460) [1]
Cash flow hedging activity [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]    
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Other expense, net (3,327) [1] 0 [1]
Sales (1,182) [1] (230) [1]
Tax (expense) or benefit 1,302 [1] 86 [1]
Net earnings attributable to Flowserve Corporation (3,207) [1] (144) [1]
Pension and other postretirement effects [Member] | Reclassification out of AOCI [Member]    
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Amortization of actuarial losses (3,424) [1] (3,427) [1]
Prior service costs (156) [1],[2] (118) [1],[2]
Tax (expense) or benefit 1,190 [1] 1,064 [1]
Net earnings attributable to Flowserve Corporation $ (2,390) [1] $ (2,481) [1]
[1] Amounts in parentheses indicate decreases to income. None of the reclass amounts have a noncontrolling interest component.
[2] These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 10 for additional details.