| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 12, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 12, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FUELCELL ENERGY INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000886128 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 1-14204 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-0853042 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3 Great Pasture Road, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Danbury |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06810 |
| City Area Code | 203 |
| Local Phone Number | 825-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | FCEL |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
