Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Consolidated Balance Sheets Assets [Abstract] Assets ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Items - End of Period Cash and Cash Items - Beginning of Year Cash and cash items Cash and cash items Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $0.0 in 2010 and $65.0 in 2009 Inventory, Net Inventory, net Inventories Inventories Costs in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts or Programs Expected to be Collected within One Year Contracts in progress, less progress billings Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid expenses Combines other receivables and other current assets. Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current receivables and current assets (expected to be realized or consumed within one year) not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Other receivables and current assets Other receivables and current assets Assets, Current Total Current Assets Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Segment and Consolidated Totals Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total Investments in Net Assets of and Advances to Equity Affiliates Plant and Equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost Plant and Equipment, at cost Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Less: Accumulated depreciation Less accumulated depreciation Plant and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Plant and Equipment, net Goodwill, 1 Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Total Goodwill Intangible Assets, net INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net Intangible Assets, net Noncurrent Capital Lease Receivables Capital Leases, Lessor Balance Sheet, Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases, Noncurrent, Total Other Noncurrent Assets Other noncurrent assets Other noncurrent assets Other noncurrent assets Other Noncurrent Assets Total Assets Consolidated Asset Total Total Assets Consolidated Identifiable Assets Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Equity LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Payables and accrued liabilities Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued income taxes Short-term Borrowings Total Short-term Borrowings Short-term borrowings Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Less: Current Portion Less: Current Portion Current portion of long-term debt Current portion of long-term debt Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Other long term debt, Weighted average rate Total Long term Debt, Noncurrent LONG-TERM DEBT Long-Term Debt Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Deferred Income and Other Noncurrent Liabilities Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Income Taxes Liabilities Total Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES Commitments and Contingencies 2009 Commitments and Contingencies - See Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies - See Note 16 Air Products Shareholders' Equity Air Products Shareholder's Equity Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Balance, beginning and end of year Common stock (par value $1 per share; 2011 and 2010 - 249,455,584 shares) Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Capital in excess of par value Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Retained earnings Retained earnings Accumulated other comp income Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost (2011 - 36,322,620 shares; 2010 - 35,652,719 shares) Treasury stock, at cost (2010 - 37,303,234 shares; 2009 - 38,195,320 shares) Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Purchase of treasury shares Treasury stock, at cost (2010 - XXXXX shares; 2008 - 38,195,320 shares) Treasury stock, at cost (2009 - 39,373,898 shares; 2008 - 40,120,957 shares) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance, end of year Balance, beginning of year Adjusted balance, beginning of year Total Air Products Shareholders' Equity Total Air Products Shareholders' Equity Minority Interest Balance, end of year Balance at beginning of year Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests Carrying balance of noncontrolling interest Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Balance, end of period Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of year Total Equity Total Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value, per share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares Common stock, issued shares Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, shares Consolidated Income Statements Sales Segment Revenue from External Customers Segment and Consolidated Totals Sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of sales Cost of sales Cost of sales Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling and administrative Selling and administrative Selling and administrative Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and development Research and development Amortization of credit facility fees, gain on sale of stock and acquisition related costs. Amortization Of Credit Facility Fees Gain On Sale Of Stock And Acquisition Related Costs Net loss on Airgas transaction Net loss on Airgas transaction Net loss on Airgas transaction Customer Bankruptcy Customer Bankruptcy Customer bankruptcy Customer bankruptcy Customer bankruptcy and asset actions Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due To Settlements Pension settlement Pre-tax payment for pension obligation settlement charge Pension settlement Items which arise from transactions and events not directly related to the company's principal income earnings activities. Composed of income and expense activity that is secondary to the company's main business pursuits and includes, for example: Technology and royalty income, Interest income, Foreign exchange (gain)/loss, (Gain)/loss on the sale or disposal of assets/investments, Amortization of intangibles and Insurance settlements, net of related expenses. Other income expense, net Other (income), net Other (Income) Expense, Net Other income, net Other income (expense), net Other (income), net Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income Operating Income Operating income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity Affiliates Income Total Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity affiliates' income Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes Income tax provision Revise estimated tax benefit of previous impairment charges Income tax provision Income tax expense from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Income from Continuing Operations Income from Continuing Operations Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax Net Income Net Income Net Income Net income Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income Attributable to Air Products Net Income Attributable to Air Products Net Income Attributable to Air Products Net income attributable to Air Products (used in basic and diluted EPS) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net Income Attributable to Air Products Net Income Attributable to Air Products Income Loss From Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations-attributable to Air Products INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income from continuing operations Tax benefit, recognized in income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Income from Continuing Operations, Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations Loss from discontinued operations Income from Discontinued Operations, Basic Earnings Per Share Basic Net income attributable to Air Products, per basic share Net Income Attributable to Air Products Basic Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products Income from Continuing Operations Income from Continuing Operations, Diluted Income from continuing operations Tax benefit per share, recognized in income from discontinued operations Income from Discontinued Operations, Diluted Loss from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products Net Income Attributable to Air Products Net Income Attributable to Air Products Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding (in millions) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding (in millions) Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding (in millions) Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution (in millions) Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares used in diluted EPS Weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming dilution Dividends per share Dividends Declared Per Common Share - Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share - Cash Dividends per common share Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements Comprehensive Income Statements [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) Translation adjustments Net (loss) on derivatives, net of tax (benefit) Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax (benefit) Net gain (loss) on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax (benefit) Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax (benefit) of $2.6 and $(13.6) Pension and postretirement benefits Reclassification adjustments. Reclassification adjustments: Reclassification adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized Upon Sale Or Liquidation Net Of Tax Currency translation adjustment Currency translation adjustment Currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Derivatives, net of tax (benefit) Derivatives, net of tax (benefit) Derivatives Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification of Defined Benefit Plan's Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax Pension and postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income and (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income-Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income Attributable to Air Products Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax effect on Translation adjustments Tax effect on translation adjustments Tax effect on Net (loss) on derivatives Net gain (loss) on derivatives, tax Tax effect on net gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) Tax effect on unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Tax effect on unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Net Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Tax Tax effect on pension and postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Tax Tax effect on derivatives Derivatives, net of tax (benefit) Derivatives reclassified, tax Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Tax effects of unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Total Tax effect on available-for-sale securities Tax effect on Pension and postretirement benefits Tax effect on pension and postretirement benefits reclassified Pension and postretirement benefits, tax Tax effect on pension and postretirement benefits reclassified Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating Activities Adjustments to Reconcile Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations [Abstract] (Deprecated 2009-01-31) Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Segment depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred income taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Combines gain (loss) on sale of assets and gain (loss) on sale of investments. A noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities. Proceeds from the sale of assets and investments are shown as investing activities. Loss gain on sale of assets and investments Gain on sale of assets and investments Loss (gain) on sale of assets and investments Share-based compensation expense Share-based compensation Share-based compensation Before-Tax Share-Based Compensation Cost Increase (Decrease) in Leasing Receivables Noncurrent capital lease receivables Noncurrent capital lease receivables Payment of acquisition related costs. Payment Of Acquisition Related Costs Payment of acquisition related costs Payment of acquisition related costs Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Other adjustments Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Other adjustments Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Working capital changes that provided (used) cash, excluding effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Trade receivables Trade receivables Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Inventories Inventories The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of contracts in progress. Increase Decrease Contracts in progress Contracts in progress, less progress billings Contracts in progress Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Other receivables Other receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Payables and accrued liabilities Payables and accrued liabilities Other working capital Other working capital Other working capital Other working capital Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing Activities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to plant and equipment Additions to plant and equipment Additions to plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, less cash acquired Payments to acquire SAGA group, net of cash acquired Acquisitions, less cash acquired Acquisitions, less cash acquired Payments To Acquire Equity Method Investments Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates Payments To Acquire Available For Sale Securities Equity Investment in Airgas stock Total amount paid for shares purchased prior to tender offer Airgas stock purchased prior to tender offer Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale of Airgas stock Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Total Proceeds from sale of Airgas stock Combines proceeds from sale of assets and proceeds from sale of investments. Proceeds from sale of assets and investments Proceeds from sale of assets and investments Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Change in restricted cash Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Change in restricted cash Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Used for Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing Activities Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term debt proceeds Long-term debt proceeds Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper and short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Total Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid to shareholders Dividends paid to shareholders Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock option exercises Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Other financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash Used for Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Items Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Items (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Items Supplemental Cash Flow Information Significant Non cash Transaction [Abstract] Significant Non cash Transaction [Abstract] Significant noncash transactions: Liabilities Associated With Acquisitions Liabilities Associated With Acquisitions Short-term borrowings associated with SAGA acquisition Liability Related To Obligation To Purchase Liability Related To Obligation To Purchase LiabilityRelatedToObligationToPurchase Noncurrent liability related to the purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests Obligation to purchase liability Basis of Presentation and Major Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Major Accounting Policies [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Major Accounting Policies New Accounting Guidance New Accounting Guidance [Abstract] NEW ACCOUNTING Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Guidance Airgas Transaction Unsolicited tender offer of a company. Unsolicited Tender Offer [Text Block] Airgas Transaction Business Combinations Business combinations text block Business Combinations Inventories Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventories Goodwill Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements. Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements disclosure Fair Value Measurements Retirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Noncontrolling Interests NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS [Abstract] NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS2 Noncontrolling Interests Income Taxes and Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Income Taxes and Discontinued Operations Income Taxes and Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes and Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes and Discontinued Operations Supplemental Information Supplemental Information [Abstract] Additional balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow information. Includes disclosure of unusual or material transactions not applicable to other specific notes. Supplemental Information Text Block Supplemental Information Business Segment and Geographic Information [Abstract] Business Segment and Geographic Information BUSINESS SEGMENT Business Segment and Geographic Information Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Goodwill by Segment, Table Schedule of Goodwill by Segment GOODWILL Schedule of Outstanding Foreign Exchange Contracts Categorized by Type of Hedge Schedule Of Forward Exchange Contracts Schedule of Outstanding Currency Price Risk Management Instruments Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps and Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps Fair Value of Derivative Instruments, Table Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of gain/loss related to derivative instruments, Table Schedule of Gain/Loss Related to Derivative Instruments Schedule Of Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Text Block Schedule Of Carrying Values And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments Text Block Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Financial Instruments Schedule Of Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Text Block Schedule Of Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Text Block Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Other Liabilities Schedule of Net Pension Cost, table Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Changes in equity text block. Changes In Equity [Text Block] Changes in Equity Schedule Of Earnings Per Share By Common Class Schedule Of Earnings Per Share By Common Class Schedule of Earnings per Share Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Ownership Interests Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Revenue from External Customers Business Segment Information Schedule of identifiable assets by segment. Schedule Of Identifiable Assets By Segment Text Block Schedule of Identifiable Assets Information Segment Geographic Information, Table Schedule of Geographic Information Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility [Member] Cash price per share of tender offer to purchase outstanding common stock of Airgas, Inc. Cash Price Per Share Of Tender Offer Cash price per share of tender offer to purchase outstanding common stock of Airgas, Inc., including the associated preferred stock purchase rights Potential Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Potential Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Total value of transaction Potential Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Equity Interests Issued And Issuable Potential Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Equity Interests Issued And Issuable Equity component of transaction Expected Cost Of Acquired Entity Liabilities Incurred Expected Cost Of Acquired Entity Liabilities Incurred Debt component of transaction Bridge Loan Credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility, expiration date Payments for Underwriting Expense Underwriting fees incurred Early termination penalties incurred. Early termination penalties incurred Number of shares purchased prior to tender offer Shares Purchased Prior To Tender Offer Number of shares purchased prior to tender offer Shares Sold Prior To Tender Offer Shares Sold Prior To Tender Offer Number of shares sold prior to tender offer Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Net Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Net, Total Recognized gain on sale of stock Gain loss on sale of available for sale securities after tax Gain loss on sale of available for sale securities after tax Recognized gain on sale of stock, after tax Gain loss on sale of available for sale securities after tax per share Gain loss on sale of available for sale securities after tax per share Recognized gain on sale of stock, per share Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs Transaction costs incurred during period Payment of acquisition related costs Transaction costs incurred during period Net Loss On Stock Transaction After Tax Net Loss On Stock Transaction After Tax Transaction costs incurred during period, after tax Transaction costs incurred during period after tax Transaction Costs Incurred During Period After Tax Transaction costs incurred during period, after tax Net Loss On Stock Transaction After Tax Per Share Net Loss On Stock Transaction After Tax Per Share Transaction costs incurred during period, after tax, per share Transaction costs incurred during period after tax per share Transaction Costs Incurred During Period After Tax Per Share Transaction costs incurred during period, after tax, per share Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] French SAGA [Member] French SAGA [Member] Percentage of SAGA group shares purchased Percentage of SAGA group shares purchased SAGA revenues for calendar year 2009 Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Amount paid for SAGA group shares Purchase price for remaining shares Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash acquired in SAGA group transaction Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Work in process Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Total Total inventory Total FIFO value Less: Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost Less: Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO cost Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) Goodwill, Acquisitions and Adjustments Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, Currency Translation Derivative [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Net Investment Hedges [Member] US$ Notional Notional Amount of Derivatives, Total Years Average Maturity Amounts included in designated foreign currency denominated debt Amounts included in qualifying intercompany loans Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Maximum length of time of hedged exposures, years Libor rate Libor Pay % Pay % Average receive % Average Receive % Average Receive Libor Average Receive Libor Average Receive % Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Years Average Maturity Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Maximum length of time of hedged exposures, years Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedges Not Designated [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Receivables [Member] Other Receivables [Member] Other Assets Noncurrent [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] Total Derivatives, Assets Total Derivatives, Assets Total Derivatives, Assets Total Derivatives, Liabilities Total Derivatives, Liabilities Total Derivatives, Liabilities Net (gain) loss recognized in OCI (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net, Total The amount of net gains (losses) on a cash flow hedge reclassified in the period to cost of sales from accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss Reclassified To Cost Of Sales Sales Net Net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI to sales/cost of sales (effective portion) Net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI to other (income) expense (effective portion) Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Other Expense, Net, Total Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI to other (income) expense (ineffective portion) Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net, Total Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Net (gain) loss recognized in OCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Net (gain) loss recognized in other (income) expense Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net, Total Net liability position of derivatives with credit risk-related contingent features Collateral amount that counterparties would be required to post Agreements To Purchase The Remaining Shares Agreements to purchase the remaining shares Agreements to purchase the remaining shares Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative assets Derivative Assets, Total Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Total Available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) of $(.1) Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Other investments Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative liabilities Debt Instrument, Fair Value Long-term debt, including current portion Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Ending balance Beginning balance Other liabilities Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets at Fair Value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities at Fair Value Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Income Income (Expense) included in interest expense Decrease In Capital In Excess Of Par Value For Adjustment To Initial Estimate Decrease In Capital In Excess Of Par Value For Adjustment To Initial Estimate Decrease in Air Products capital in excess of par value for purchase of noncontrolling interests Adjustment to initial estimate (see FN 14) Decrease recognized in capital Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Total Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] U.S. [Member] U.S. [Member] International [Member] International [Member] Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Prior service cost (credit) amortization Prior service cost (credit) amortization Prior service cost amortization Prior service cost Actuarial loss amortization Actuarial loss amortization Actuarial loss Settlement and curtailment charges Settlements and curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments, Total Special termination benefits Special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs Other Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Cash contributions to funded plans and benefit payments under unfunded plans Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Total expected contributions for 2011 Payment For Pension Obligation Settlement Charge After Tax Payment For Pension Obligation Settlement Charge After Tax Payment for pension obligation settlement charge after-tax Pension settlement expense after-tax, per share Pension Settlement Expense After-Tax, Per Share Payment for pension obligation settlement charge after-tax, per share Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Brazilian anticompetitive civil fines imposed Accrual for environmental loss contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Ending Balance Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Beginning Balance Environmental liability recognized with this site Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Total Pretax expense recognized as a component of income from discontinued operations Sites on which final settlement has not been reached. Sites on which final settlement has not been reached Environmental Loss Contingencies Payout Period Maximum Environmental Loss Contingencies Payout Period Maximum Accruals for environmental loss contingencies, maximum payout period, years Accruals for environmental loss contingencies, minimum exposure Accruals for environmental loss contingencies, maximum exposure Accruals for environmental loss contingencies, maximum exposure Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Losses, Low Estimate Environmental loss contingencies estimated costs through completion, minimum Environmental Remediation Expense Environmental charge recognized in conjunction with plan to sell production facility Pretax expense recognized as a component of income from discontinued operations Environmental Exit Costs, Reasonably Possible Additional Losses, High Estimate Environmental loss contingencies estimated costs through completion, maximum Paulsboro, New Jersey [Member] Paulsboro, New Jersey [Member] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Number of stock options granted Granted, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Weighted-average exercise price of stock options granted Granted, weighted average exercise price The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology, estimated fair value per option. Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average grant date fair value per option Estimated fair value of stock option granted, per option Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Expected volatility, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Expected volatility, maximum Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Minimum Expected life in years, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Maximum Expected life in years, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free interest rate, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Risk-free interest rate, maximum Number of restricted shares granted Granted, shares Number of shares/units granted Weighted average grant date fair value of deferred stock units Weighted-average grant date fair value of shares/units Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value Share-based compensation cost charged against income Allocated share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense, Net Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Net Share-based compensation cost charged against income, net of tax After-Tax Share-Based Compensation Cost After-Tax Share-Based Compensation Cost Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Air Products [Member] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury shares Dividends, Common Stock Dividends on common stock Dividends on common stock (per share $.49 and $.45 for the three months ended 30 June 2010 and 30 June 2009 and $1.43 and $1.34 for the nine months ended 30 June 2010 and 30 June 2009, respectively Dividends, Common Stock, Total Dividends on common stock (per share $.49 and $.45) Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Dividends to noncontrolling interests Dividends to noncontrolling interests Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Share-based compensation expense Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Tax benefits of stock option and award plans Noncurrent liability related to the purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests Purchase of noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Contribution from noncontrolling interests Contribution from noncontrolling interests Other equity transactions Other Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Employee stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Other Award Plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Other Award Plans Other award plans Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Total dilutive potential common shares Effect of dilutive securities Effect of dilutive securities Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive options excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share Noncontrolling Interest [Table] CryoService Limited [Member] CryoService Limited [Member] Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Increased ownership interest percentage, from Ownership Interest percentage in business Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Percentage of ownership in equity affiliate Increased ownership interest percentage, to Obligation To Purchase Liability Obligation To Purchase Liability Changes from net income and transfers to noncontrolling interests Changes from net income and transfers to noncontrolling interests Changes from net income attributable to Air Products and transfers to noncontrolling interests Changes from net income attributable to Air Products and transfers to noncontrolling interests Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at End of Year Balance at beginning of year Unrecognized tax benefits Balance at End of Year Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefit that if recognized would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of audit Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Favorable impact to current year earnings Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Decrease in unrecognized tax benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program authorized amount Purchase of treasury shares Purchase of treasury shares Purchase of treasury shares Number of shares purchased prior to tender offer Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Shares repurchase authorization remains, amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment Total [Member] Sales to External Customers Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment, Total Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Merchant Gases [Member] Merchant Gases [Member] Tonnage Gases [Member] Tonnage Gases [Member] Electronics And Performance Materials [Member] Electronics and Performance Materials [Member] Forward Exchange Contracts [Member] Foreign Currency Debt [Member] Intercompany Loan [Member] Intercompany Loan [Member] Interest Rate Swaps Contracts [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps (Net Investment Hedge) [Member] Fair Value Hedges [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Contracts [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Axis] Portion at Fair Value [Domain] Portion at Fair Value [Domain] Carrying Value [Member] Fair Value [Member] Airgas [Member] Airgas Investment [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Site Contingency by Nature [Axis] Site Contingency, Nature of Contingency [Domain] Environmental [Member] Pace, Florida [Member] Pace, Florida [Member] Piedmont, Florida [Member] Piedmont, Florida [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Employee Stock Options [Member] Deferred Stock Units [Member] Restricted Shares [Member] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Selling and Administrative [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Research and Development [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Equipment and Energy [Member] Equipment and Energy [Member] Other [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Asia [Member] Asia [Member] Latin America/Other [Member] Latin America/Other [Member]