Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Summary of Activities Related to Liabilities Associated with Restructuring and Other Charges Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Components of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Disclosure Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Table] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Consolidated Entities [Member] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, pledged Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value Inventories Inventory, Net Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Current Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Equity investment in subsidiaries Equity Method Investments Intercompany assets Intercompany Assets Carrying amounts of assets as of the balance sheet date of all unsettled intercompany transactions. Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Equity investment in subsidiaries Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets Intercompany liabilities Intercompany Liabilities Carrying amounts of liabilities as of the balance sheet date of all unsettled intercompany transactions. Total liabilities Liabilities Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Disclosure I N C O M E T A X E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - INCOME TAXES - Additional Information [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Tax Year Under Exam [Axis] Tax Year Under Exam [Axis] Tax Year Under Exam [Axis] Tax Year Under Exam [Domain] Tax Year Under Exam [Domain] [Domain] for Tax Year Under Exam [Axis] Minimum Tax Year [Member] Minimum Tax Year [Member] Minimum year under tax examination range Maximum Tax Year [Member] [Member] Maximum Tax Year [Member] [Member] Maximum year under tax examination range Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] U.S. state and local tax authorities State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Effective income tax rate-continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Tax years under examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Legal Entity SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure And Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Text Block] Disclosures related to balances of common stock, preferred stock and components of a stock option or other award plan under which share-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from share-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from share-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate. Disclosure Net Commission Earned Under Marketing Agreement [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Commission Earned Under Marketing Agreement [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Gross commission Fees and Commissions, Other Contribution expenses Contract Revenue Cost Amortization of marketing fee Other Amortization of Deferred Charges Net commission expense Commission Income Expense Net Net commission revenue and expense during the period related to agency agreement. Reimbursements associated with Marketing Agreement Reimbursement Revenue Total net sales associated with Marketing Agreement Net Sales With Agency Agreement Net sales associated with Agency Agreement. Disclosure Components Of Long Term Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes - 7.25% Senior Notes 7.25 Percent Due 2018 [Member] Senior notes 7.25 percent due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes - 6.625% Senior Notes 6.625 Percent Due 2020 [Member] Senior notes 6.625 percent due 2020 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Disclosure Segment Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Financial Information [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Reportable Segment Reportable Segment [Member] Corporate And Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Other amortization Other Amortization [Member] Product registration and recall matter Product Registration And Recall Matters [Member] Product Registration and Recall Matters [Member] Restructuring And Other Costs Restructuring And Other Costs [Member] Restructuring And Other Costs [Member] Interest expenses Interest Expense [Member] Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale [Member] Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] Segment, Continuing Operations [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information By Segment Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Axis] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Domain] Segment Reporting Information By Segment Secondary [Domain] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment, Secondary [Domain] Global Consumer Global Consumer [Member] Global Consumer [Member] Scotts LawnService Scotts Lawnservice [Member] Scotts LawnService [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total assets Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Subsidiary Guarantors And Subsidiary Non Guarantors [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Subsidiary Guarantors And Subsidiary Non Guarantors [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Subsidiary Guarantors And Subsidiary Non Guarantors [Table Text Block] Disclosure Inventories For Continuing Operations Net Of Reserves For Excess And Obsolete Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories for Continuing Operations, net of Reserves for Excess and Obsolete Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Total inventories Disclosure Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Table] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Table] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Table] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Impairment, restructuring and other charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Product registration and recall matters Product Registration And Recall Matters The total amount of operating costs and general and administrative expenses, such as consulting and legal costs, incurred during the reporting period related to product registration and recall matters. Other income, net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Equity income in subsidiaries Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other non-operating income Other Nonoperating Income Interest expense Interest Expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Inventories for Continuing Operations Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Disclosure Summary Of Activities Related To Liabilities Associated With Restructuring And Other Charges [Abstract] Disclosure - Summary of Activities Related to Liabilities Associated with Restructuring and Other Charges [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Amounts reserved for restructuring and other charges at September 30, 2011 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring and other charges Restructuring Reserve Period Expense And Other Related Charges Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations along with other related charges. Payments and other Payments For Restructuring And Other The amount of cash paid during the reporting period for charges associated with restructuring charges and other related expenses. Amounts reserved for restructuring and other charges at March 31, 2012 Outstanding Commodity Contracts that Hedge Forecasted Purchases Derivative Volume Table [Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the volume of the entity's derivatives. Fair Values of Company's Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Effect of Derivative Instruments on OCI and Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign currency swap contracts Currency Swap [Member] Commodity hedging instruments Commodity Contract [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Impairment and other charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative assets Derivative Assets Other Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Derivative liabilities Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Segment Financial Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] RETIREMENT AND RETIREE MEDICAL PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] MARKETING AGREEMENT Marketing Agreement [Text Block] Additional information and disclosure related to the exclusive agency agreement of the entity for certain products. INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] CONTINGENCIES Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure Results Of Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Results of Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Global Pro and Pro Seed [Member] Global Pro, Pro Seed, and Smith & Hawken [Member] Global Pro, Pro Seed, and Smith & Hawken [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Gain on sale of Global Pro business Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other expense, net Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Income And Expenses Amount of other income and expenses attributable to the disposal group including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period. Interest expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Net Commission Earned Under Marketing Agreement Marketing Agreement [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure related to the exclusive agency agreement of the entity for certain products. Nature of Operations Nature Of Operations Policy [Text Block] The disclosure for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets. Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure Policy [Text Block] The disclosure for the business description and basis of presentation concepts. Business description describes the nature and type of organization including but not limited to organizational structure as may be applicable to holding companies, parent and subsidiary relationships, business divisions, business units, business segments, affiliates and information about significant ownership of the reporting entity. Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Disclosure D E B T Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - DEBT - Additional Information [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Debt Disclosure [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Group 1 [Member] Group 1 [Member] Group 1 Group 2 [Member] Group 2 [Member] Group 2 Group 3 [Member] Group 3 [Member] Group 3 Group 4 [Member] Group 4 [Member] Group 4 Group 5 [Member] Group 5 [Member] Group 5 Group 6 [Member] Group 6 [Member] Group 6 Group 7 [Member] Group 7 [Member] Group 7 Group 8 [Member] Group 8 [Member] Group 8 Group 9 [Member] Group 9 [Member] Group 9 [Member] Group 10 [Member] Group 10 [Member] Group 10 [Member] Group 11 [Member] Group 11 [Member] Group 11 [Member] Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangements, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale by Type [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] MARP Agreement Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement [Member] Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Senior Notes, 7.25% Due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.25% Due 2018 [Member] Senior notes 7.25 percent due 2018 Senior Notes, 6.625% Due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.625% Due 2020 [Member] Senior notes 6.625 percent due 2020 Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Debt Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative, Maturity Date Derivative, Maturity Date Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Senior secured credit facilities, available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Aggregate face amount of letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Senior secured credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt, covenant compliance Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance Leverage ratio Leverage Ratio Ratio used to calculate the financial leverage of a company or to measure its ability to meet financial obligations. Interest coverage ratio Interest Coverage Ratio Ratio used to assses the company's ability to pay interest on outstanding debt. Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Derivative, Inception Date Derivative, Inception Date Disclosure I M P A I R M E N T R E S T R U C T U R I N G A N D O T H E R C H A R G E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES - Additional Information [Abstract] Active Ingredient [Axis] Active Ingredient [Axis] Active Ingredient [Axis] Active Ingredient MAT28 [Domain] Active Ingredient MAT28 [Domain] [Domain] for Active Ingredient MAT28 [Axis] Active Ingredient MAT28 [Member] Active Ingredient MAT28 [Member] Active Ingredient MAT28 [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Voluntary Retirement Voluntary Retirement [Member] Voluntary Retirement [Member] Restructuring Reserve Restructuring costs Restructuring Charges Plan curtailment charges Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Disclosure Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows [Table] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items] Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows [Line Items] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Line Items] NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets The cash inflow from the sale of long-lived assets. Proceeds from sale of business, net of transaction costs Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Investments in property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment in acquired business, net of cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of 6.625% Senior Notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Purchase of common shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments on sellers notes Repayments of Notes Payable Financing and issuance fees Payments of Financing Costs Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Cash received from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Intercompany financing Payments For Proceeds From Intercompany Advances From Financing Activities The net cash outflow (inflow) from intercompany advances from financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure Effect Of Derivative Instruments On O C I And Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Effect of Derivative Instruments on OCI and Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of sales Cost of Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Amount of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain / (Loss) Reclassified From AOCI Into Earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Disclosure Outstanding Commodity Contracts That Hedge Forecasted Purchases [Abstract] Disclosure - Outstanding Commodity Contracts that Hedge Forecasted Purchases [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Urea Urea [Member] Urea [Member] Diesel Diesel Fuel [Member] Diesel Fuel [Member] Gasoline Gasoline [Member] Gasoline [Member] Heating Oil Heating Oil [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Outstanding commodity contracts Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization Gain on sale of long-lived assets Gain Loss On Sale Of Long Lived Assets The excess or deficiency of net proceeds from sale in the period compared to carrying value of long-lived assets as of consummation date of the sale. Gain on sale of business Gain (Loss) on Sale of Business Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Restructuring reserves Increase (Decrease) in Restructuring Reserve Other non-current items Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash used in operating activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common shares, stated value per share, US dollars per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common shares, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury shares, at cost, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Disclosure - Total Share-Based Compensation Recognized [Abstract] Disclosure - Total Share-Based Compensation Recognized [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Disclosure D E R I V A T I V E I N S T R U M E N T S A N D H E D G I N G A C T I V I T I E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] DERIVATIVES DESIGNATED AS HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Notional amount of outstanding foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Fair value of outstanding derivatives Derivative, Fair Value, Net Interest rate swap loss amount expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Pre-tax price risk gain (loss) amount expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Facilities Line of Credit [Member] Other Debt Other [Member] Debt, Other Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Revolving loans Secured Revolving Loan [Member] Secured Revolving Loan [Member] Less current portions Total long-term debt Income Statement [Abstract] Gross profit Income from operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic income per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations, US dollars per share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations, US dollars per share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic income per common share, US dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period, shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted income per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations, US dollars per share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations, US dollars per share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted income per common share, US dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive potential common shares, shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share, US dollars per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Disclosure Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Disclosure - Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] U.S. Pension United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] International Pension Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. Medical United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Net amortization Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Curtailment loss Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net Periodic Benefit Cost The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period before settlements and curtailments. Accounts receivable, less allowances of $9.8, $7.9 and $12.9, respectively Accounts receivable pledged Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $534.4, $485.1 and $510.5 respectively Total current liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (notes 3 and 12) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common shares and capital in excess of $.01 stated value per share, 61.1, 65.7 and 60.8 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Including Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury shares, at cost: 7.1, 2.6 and 7.5 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Share-Based Compensation Awards Granted Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Total Share-Based Compensation Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Subsidiary Guarantors And Subsidiary Non Guarantors [Text Block] Condensed financial information disclosure presented in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the parent company, subsidiary guarantors and subsidiary non-guarantors as of the same dates or for the same periods for which consolidated financial statements are being presented. Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Disclosure I N V E N T O R I E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - INVENTORIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Reserves for excess and obsolete inventories Inventory Valuation Reserves Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Disclosure D I S C O N T I N U E D O P E R A T I O N S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Additional Information [Abstract] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Gain on sale of discontinued business Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation estimate of annual product value to be supplied to ICL by Scotts LLC under agreements Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Flows after Disposal Disclosure C O N T I N G E N C I E S Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Accrued liabilities related to other regulatory matters which are accounted for in the "Other liabilities" Regulatory Matters Other Liabilities Amounts accrued for regulatory matters not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Disclosure S H A R E H O L D E R S E Q U I T Y Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information [Abstract] Range Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Stock issued under employee purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Total fair value of share-based payment award vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Disclosure Fair Values Of Companys Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Values of Company's Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Total derivatives instruments Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Awards Granted [Abstract] Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation Awards Granted [Abstract] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Title of Individual Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Employees Employees [Member] key Employees Board of Directors Chairman Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Axis] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Domain] Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Total share-based awards Grant Of Share Based Compensation Awards Total Grants of Share-Based Compensation Awards. Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions) Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Classes of Assets and Liabilities, and Results of Discontinued Operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Disclosure M A R K E T I N G A G R E E M E N T Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - MARKETING AGREEMENT - Additional Information [Abstract] Marketing Agreement [Table] Marketing Agreement [Table] Marketing Agreement [Table] Marketing Agreement [Axis] Marketing Agreement [Axis] Marketing Agreement [Axis] Marketing Agreement [Domain] Marketing Agreement [Domain] Marketing Agreement [Domain] Monsanto Marketing Agreement Monsanto Marketing Agreement [Member] Monsanto Marketing Agreement Region Reporting Information, by Region [Axis] Region Reporting Information By Region [Axis] Disclosure of profit or loss, total assets for each reportable region, and a description of the types of products and services for each reportable region. Reporting Region [Domain] Reporting Region [Domain] A regional component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. European Union European Union [Member] European Union [Member] Quantitative Disclosures, by Eligible Item or Group [Axis] Quantitative Disclosures By Eligible Item Or Group [Axis] Quantitative Disclosures, by Eligible Item or Group [Axis] Types of Quantitative Disclosures, by Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Types Of Quantitative Disclosures By Eligible Item Or Group [Domain] Types of Quantitative Disclosures, by Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Contingency, A Contingency A [Member] Contingency, A [Member] Contingency, B Contingency B [Member] Contingency, B [Member] Types of Transactions [Axis] Types Of Transactions [Axis] Types of Transactions [Axis] Types of Transactions [Domain] Types Of Transactions [Domain] Types of Transactions [Domain] Automatic Renewal Automatic Renewal [Member] Automatic Renewal [Member] Additional Renewal Additional Renewal [Member] Additional Renewal [Member] Marketing Agreement [Line Items] Marketing Agreement [Line Items] Marketing Agreement [Line Items] Annual contribution payment Contractual Commitments Future Minimum Payments Due Minimum contractual payments as defined in agreement. Initial consideration for marketing rights Amount of Deferred Costs Related to Long-term Contracts Useful life of Marketing Agreement Deferred Costs Useful Life The useful life of deferred costs of agreement. Remaining amortization period of Marketing Agreement Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Expiration of current term Agreement Expiration Date Agreement Expiration Date Final renewal term Future Event Period Future Event Period Termination fee received except in an event of default by the Company Gain Contingency On Contract Termination Unrecorded Amount Minimum amount of gain that could be realized from termination of a contract between the parties. Termination provision Contract Termination Provision Term Termination provisions as defined in contractual agreement. Termination criteria period Termination Criteria Period Termination Criteria Period Percentage of unit volume sales Percentage Of Net Sales Percentage of Net Sales FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]