| Cover Page | May 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35504 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 61-1488595 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10344 Sam Houston Park Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77064 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 949-2500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | FET |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001401257 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
