Erickson (EACIQ) 10-K 10 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EAC
Entity Registrant Name	ERICKSON INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1490165
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		13,823,818
Entity Public Float			$100,342,385
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,097	$1,881	$1,468	$268
Restricted cash	567	2,883
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $739 and $991 in 2014 and 2013, respectively	44,350	65,987
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,780	3,360
Income tax receivable	677	135
Deferred tax assets	1,230	3,715
Total current assets	60,701	77,961
Aircraft support parts, net	137,593	126,696
Aircraft, net	128,221	127,179
Property, plant and equipment, net	120,635	109,382
Goodwill	215,241	234,978
Other intangible assets, net	20,053	22,484
Other non-current assets	23,077	28,625
Total assets	705,521	727,305
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,844	29,035
Current portion of long-term debt	4,144	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	19,034	41,233
Income tax payable	315	621
Deferred tax liabilities	884	0
Total current liabilities	44,221	70,889
Long-term debt	12,751	16,160
Long-term revolving credit facilities	89,339	68,086
Long-term notes payable	355,000	355,000
Other long-term liabilities	13,181	1,819
Uncertain tax positions	6,313	5,669
Deferred tax liabilities	3,703	16,775
Total liabilities	524,508	534,398
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value; 110,000,000 shares authorized; 13,823,818 and 13,787,914 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	181,018	179,954
Retained earnings	1,812	12,104
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,544	-42
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	180,287	192,017
Noncontrolling interest	726	890
Total stockholders’ equity	181,013	192,907	105,368	-9,145
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$705,521	$727,305

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$739	$991
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	110,000,000	110,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	13,823,818	13,787,914
Common stock, outstanding shares	13,823,818	13,787,914

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues:	$346,609	$318,221	$180,824
Cost of revenues	263,445	222,108	119,405
Gross profit	83,164	96,113	61,419
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	26,494	37,366	17,232
Research and development	3,782	4,000	4,683
Selling and marketing	9,286	7,755	6,071
Impairment of goodwill	21,272	0	0
Total operating expenses	60,834	49,121	27,986
Operating income	22,330	46,992	33,433
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-35,800	-25,175	-6,990
Interest expense related to tax contingencies	-10	-13	0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	-2,433	-2,067	-1,174
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)	-387	309	-322
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	-215	0
Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)	-42	-172	788
Gain on involuntary conversion	308	0	0
Gain on disposal of equipment	358	1	-5
Other expense, net	1,013	-3,674	119
Total other income (expense)	-36,993	-31,006	-7,584
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-14,663	15,986	25,849
Income tax expense (benefit)	-4,432	6,120	10,213
Net income (loss)	-10,231	9,866	15,636
Less: Net (income) loss related to noncontrolling interest	-61	-209	-406
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	-10,292	9,657	15,230
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock	0	0	2,795
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-10,292	9,657	12,435
Net income (loss)	-10,231	9,866	15,636
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,658	-107	136
Comprehensive income (loss)	-12,889	9,759	15,772
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	95	-215	-435
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	($12,794)	$9,544	$15,337
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic earnings per common share	($0.75)	$0.86	$1.78
Dilutive earnings per common share	($0.75)	$0.82	$1.78
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	13,800,494	11,221,005	6,981,027
Diluted	13,800,494	11,834,506	6,981,027

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_PRE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Of Erickson Incorporated	Noncontrolling Interest Amount
				Class A
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($9,145,000)	$66,161,000	$0	$1,000	$0	($9,988,000)	($36,000)	($10,023,000)	$878,000
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		34,999.50	0	1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends accrued on redeemable preferred stock	-2,795,000	2,795,000				-2,795,000		-2,795,000
Noncontrolling interest dividend	-297,000								-297,000
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock (in shares)		34,999.50	4,802,970	1,000
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock	68,956,000	-68,956,000	500	-1,000	68,956,000			68,956,000
Issuance of common stock related to IPO, net (in shares)			4,800,000
Issuance of common stock related to IPO, net	31,454,000		500		31,454,000			31,454,000
Stock-based compensation	2,118,000		214,933		2,118,000			2,118,000
Shares withheld for payment of taxes (in shares)			-91,118
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-695,000				-695,000			-695,000
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	15,636,000					15,230,000		15,230,000	406,000
Foreign currency translation	136,000						107,000	107,000	29,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,772,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	105,368,000	0	1,000	0	101,833,000	2,447,000	71,000	104,352,000	1,016,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		0	9,726,785	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest dividend	-341,000								-341,000
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock (in shares)		-4,008,439	4,008,439
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock	78,044,000	-78,044,000			78,044,000			78,044,000
Stock-based compensation	792,000				792,000			792,000
Shares withheld for payment of taxes (in shares)			-34,944
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-715,000				-715,000			-715,000
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock (in shares)		4,008,439
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock		78,044,000
Issuance of Restricted Stock Units			87,634
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	9,866,000					9,657,000		9,657,000	209,000
Foreign currency translation	-107,000						-113,000	-113,000	6,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,759,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	192,907,000	0	1,000	0	179,954,000	12,104,000	-42,000	192,017,000	890,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		0	13,787,914	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest dividend	-69,000								-69,000
Stock-based compensation	861,000				861,000			861,000
Shares withheld for payment of taxes (in shares)			-14,791
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-211,000				-211,000			-211,000
Issuance of Restricted Stock Units			50,695
Proceeds from shareholder, net	414,000				414,000			414,000
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	-10,231,000					-10,292,000		-10,292,000	61,000
Foreign currency translation	-2,658,000						-2,502,000	-2,502,000	-156,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	-12,889,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$181,013,000	$0	$1,000	$0	$181,018,000	$1,812,000	($2,544,000)	$180,287,000	$726,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		0	13,823,818	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($10,231)	$9,866	$15,636
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,903	33,328	21,661
Impairment of goodwill	21,272	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-7,790	5,214	2,682
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	-1,869	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	324	1,877	3,137
Non-cash interest income on loans	0	-140	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt	0	215	0
Stock-based compensation	861	792	2,118
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,433	2,067	1,174
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-358	-1	5
Gain on involuntary conversion	-308	0	0
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable	0	3,441	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	19,719	-20,991	2,679
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,544	427	2,803
Income tax receivable	434	915	201
Aircraft support parts, net	-17,240	-32,001	-27,355
Other non-current assets	5,602	-3,131	0
Accounts payable	-8,856	-19,502	-85
Accrued and other current liabilities	-20,652	-6,350	199
Income tax payable	629	-304	6,215
Other long-term liabilities	655	-514	-2,912
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	13,984	-24,792	28,158
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (see Note 6)	0	-226,868	0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment, net	-56,807	-56,104	-22,736
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	24,660	0	0
Restricted cash	2,222	958	1,438
Purchase of intangible assets	0	-2,205	0
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable	0	1,660	0
Decrease (increase) in other assets	-126	-35	103
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-69	-341	-297
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,120	-282,935	-21,492
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	0	0	31,454
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414	0	0
Repayments of subordinated notes	0	-27,572	0
Repayments of credit facilities	-206,686	-250,215	-327,063
Borrowings from credit facilities	227,939	246,377	291,234
Borrowing of notes	0	400,000	0
Repayment of notes	0	-45,000	0
Other long-term borrowings	409	0	0
Debt issuance costs	-371	-14,986	-376
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-211	-716	-695
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,494	307,888	-5,446
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-2,142	252	-20
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,216	413	1,200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,881	1,468	268
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5,097	1,881	1,468
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	35,693	27,818	3,655
Cash paid for income taxes, net	$3,925	$1,477	$1,104

Description_of_the_Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business	Description of the Business
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Erickson Incorporated (“EAC”) and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies: EAC Acquisition Corporation (“EAC Acq.”), Erickson Helicopters, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“EHI,” formerly known as Evergreen Helicopters, Inc.), CAC Development Ltd. (“Canada”), Canadian Air-Crane Ltd. (“CAC”), Erickson Air-Crane Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“EACM”), European Air-Crane S.p.A. (“EuAC”), Air Amazonia Serviços Aeronáuticos Ltda. (“Air Amazonia”), Dutch Air-Crane B.V. (“DAC”), and Erickson Aviation Peru S.A.C. (“Peru”) (collectively referred to as “the Company”). EuAC owns a 60% equity interest in Societa Italiania de Manutenzioni Aeroautiche S.p.A. (“SIMA”), which is an aircraft maintenance organization located in Lucca, Italy; and EACM owns a 49% equity interest in Layang-Layang Services Sdn. Bhd., which provides aircraft rental services in Malaysia.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned a fleet of 19 heavy lift helicopters, comprised of 13 S-64E and six S-64F model Aircranes, and 35 medium and light lift aircraft of varying model types, comprised of 28 rotor wing aircraft and seven fixed-wing aircraft. As of December 31, 2014, the Company leased a fleet of one heavy lift, 31 medium and light lift aircraft of varying types, comprised of 26 rotary wing aircraft and five fixed-wing aircraft. The Company’s fleet operations span the globe with a presence on six continents. As of December 31, 2014, 21 of the owned aircraft and 20 of the leased aircraft were deployed outside of North America.
	The Company owns the Type Certificate and Production Certificate for the S-64 Aircrane which gives it the authorization to convert and remanufacture the S-64 Aircrane for its own use or to sell to third parties. The Company holds a Type Certificate issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) certifying the S-64F model which allows the Aircrane to be sold to third parties in the European Union. The Company holds a Repair Station Certificate which allows the Company to repair and overhaul airframes and components for Aircranes and certain other aircraft, and the Company owns the Type Certificate for engines used in the S-64 Aircrane.
	Fiscal 2014
	On April 1, 2014, the Company completed a rebranding initiative which included the following changes in legal names of entities: Erickson Air-Crane, Incorporated became Erickson Incorporated, Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. became Erickson Helicopters, Inc., and Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, Inc. became Erickson Transport, Inc.
	Fiscal 2013
	On May 2, 2013, the Company closed its $400.0 million aggregate principal note offering of 8.25% second priority senior secured obligations due 2020 (the “2020 Senior Notes”). Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $386.4 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ commissions and estimated transaction fees and expenses. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to (i) finance a portion of the purchase price for the EHI acquisition (see “Note 6 — Acquisitions”), (ii) refinance its 2015 Subordinated Notes and 2016 Subordinated Notes, (iii) refinance its prior senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, comprised of the Term Debt and Revolving Line of Credit, (iv) pay related fees and expenses and (v) record the remaining cash to the balance sheet. A total of $46.0 million of the net proceeds were deposited in escrow on May 2, 2013, consisting of $45.0 million of aggregate principal and $1.0 million related to anticipated interest, to be used toward the acquisition of Air Amazonia, the aerial services business of Brazil-based HRT Participações em Petroleo, S.A.(“HRT”). These proceeds of the offering were not released from escrow to consummate the Air Amazonia acquisition before July 31, 2013, and as a result, pursuant to the terms of the 2020 Senior Notes, an aggregate principal amount of Notes equal to $45.0 million were redeemed, on a pro rata basis, on August 5, 2013 pursuant to a special mandatory redemption, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2020 Senior Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, August 5, 2013. The Company completed the acquisition of Air Amazonia on September 3, 2013, funding the purchase price with borrowings from its senior secured asset-based credit facility also entered into on May 2, 2013 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). See “Note 6 — Acquisitions” for further information.
	On May 2, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of EHI, based in McMinnville, Oregon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. (“EIA”) prior to the acquisition. EHI operated a fleet that consisted of 63 aircraft as of May 2, 2013, which included varying rotary-wing and fixed-wing types for a wide range of passenger transport and light, medium and heavy load-carrying missions. This diverse fleet serves both government and commercial customers, including programs with the U.S. military in support of overseas operations. EHI maintains a global presence with operations in North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific (see “Note 6 — Acquisitions”).
	On September 3, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Air Amazonia, which included a fleet of six rotor wing aircraft and ground facilities. This fleet serves oil and gas activities in the Solimoes region of Brazil (see “Note 6 — Acquisitions”).
	Fiscal 2012
	In April 2012, the Company completed its initial public offering of common stock in which a total of 4,800,000 shares of common stock were sold and issued, including 1,050,000 shares purchased by the existing stockholders of the Company, at an issue price of $8.00 per share. The Company raised a total of $38.4 million in gross proceeds from the initial public offering, or approximately $31.5 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $2.1 million and offering costs of $4.8 million. Upon the closing of the initial public offering, all shares of the Company’s redeemable preferred stock (“Redeemable Preferred Stock”) and Class A common stock then outstanding automatically converted into an aggregate of 4,802,970 shares of the Company’s common stock. Proceeds received from the initial public offering were used to pay down indebtedness.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Accounting
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810-Consolidation ("ASC 810"). Intercompany accounts and transactions between the companies are eliminated upon consolidation.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Reclassification has been made to prior period amounts of acquired intangible assets related to our Air Amazonia acquisition from other intangible assets, net to goodwill on the consolidated balance sheets as a result of the final purchase price accounting. Such reclassification had no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity or consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The prior period reclassification includes $0.4 million of intangible assets, net reclassified to goodwill as of December 31, 2013.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates for which changes in the near term are considered reasonably possible and that may have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements are: (a) excess and obsolete aircraft support parts reserves, (b) allowance for doubtful accounts, (c) income tax assets and liabilities, (d) warranty reserves, (e) cost-per-hour ("CPH") reserves and (f) estimates and assumptions made in determining fair values in connection with the business combinations. Management of the Company bases their estimates on historical experience and other relevant assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries CAC, EuAC and Air Amazonia, are measured in their functional currencies of the Canadian dollars (C$), Euros (€) and Brazilian Real (R$) respectively and then are translated into U.S. dollars. Generally, balance sheet accounts are translated using the current exchange rate at each balance sheet date. Results of operations are translated using the average exchange rate each month. Translation gains or losses resulting from the changes in the exchange rates from month to month are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries EHI, EACM, DAC, and EAP are prepared using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The transactions related to these operations that are denominated in foreign currencies have been re-measured in U.S. dollars, and any resulting gain or loss is reported in total other income (expense), net.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company classifies cash on deposit in banks and cash invested in money market accounts maturing in less than three months from the original date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these items approximates fair value. The Company's subsidiaries generally maintain cash account balances sufficient to meet their short-term working capital requirements and periodically remit funds to the parent company to pay intercompany lease, maintenance and other charges. Substantially all of the Company's cash is concentrated in a few financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant risk on these balances.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash held in accounts in foreign institutions totaled $5.4 million and $3.8 million, of which $0.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, was restricted cash.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash of $0.6 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, maintained at financial institutions, serves as collateral for performance bonds required as a part of certain operating and sales contracts.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company makes estimates as to the overall collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis and writes off accounts receivable after reasonable collection efforts have been made and collection is deemed questionable or not probable. The Company specifically analyzes its accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and changes in its customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Charges increasing the allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded in selling and marketing expenses.
	Aircraft Support Parts, net
	Aircraft support parts, net consist of aircraft parts and work-in-process which are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the first-in first-out method. Costs capitalized for aircraft support parts include materials, labor, and operating overhead. Work-in-process consists of remanufactured aircraft in various stages of production and in-process aircraft support parts. All aircraft require daily routine repairs and maintenance based on inspections. Such maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Periodically, aircraft are removed from service and undergo heavy maintenance activities including inspections and repairs of the airframe and related parts as required; depending on the nature of the costs, they are either capitalized or expensed as incurred. Upon completion of an aircraft remanufacture, based on the demand for our services, the Company may transfer an aircraft into its fleet.
	Abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and scrap are recorded as current-period expenses. Production overhead rates are based on the planned capacity of the production facilities and overhead costs are allocated to production based on actual direct labor hours.
	Aircraft parts are categorized as serviceable, which indicates that they are in a condition suitable for installing on an aircraft, or repairable, which indicates that additional overhaul or repair work needs to be performed in order for the part to be certified as serviceable. Since the Company operates within a niche of the heavy-lift helicopter market, it experiences long lead times and is required to carry large quantities of spares inventory in order to ensure availability of parts for servicing its fleet of aircraft. The Company records an excess and obsolete reserve for parts when its quantity on hand exceeds its forecasted need for the part or when parts have either not been utilized for a period of seven years or have been deemed obsolete or beyond economical repair by the Company’s engineering department. Accordingly, changes in forecasted demand, revised cost estimates or design changes for a part can affect estimates associated with the Company’s provision for excess and obsolete aircraft support parts, and it can vary significantly as a result.
	Aircraft support parts, net are classified as a non-current asset in the consolidated balance sheets because they are primarily used to maintain and overhaul the Company's fleet of aircraft, which are long-term assets. Aircraft support parts which are used in operations are recorded as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
	Aircraft and Property, Plant, and Equipment, net
	Aircraft and property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Aircraft	15 years
	Buildings	20 years
	Vehicles and equipment	3-5 years
	The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures that increase the value or productive capacity of assets are capitalized. Upon retirement or other disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the life of the lease.
	Overhauls on certain significant components are capitalized, then amortized based on estimated flight hours between overhauls based on established life limits.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets result from our acquisition of existing businesses. In accordance with accounting standards related to business combinations, goodwill is not amortized, however, certain definite-lived identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We review goodwill annually, or on an interim basis if warranted, for impairment to determine if events or changes in business conditions indicate that the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. Such reviews assess the fair value of the assets based upon our estimates of the future cash flows we expect the assets to generate within the boundaries of the applicable reporting units of the Company. We review identified intangible assets for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See “Note 6 - Acquisitions” for additional information pertaining to the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded an impairment charge of $21.3 million against the carrying amount of goodwill. See "Note 7 - Goodwill" for additional information pertaining to the impairment charge.
	There have been no other events or changes in circumstances that would indicate the carrying amounts of all other goodwill and other intangible assets may not be recoverable and no other impairments were recorded for goodwill or other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. In such cases, the amount of the impairment is determined based on the relative fair values of the impaired assets. No impairments were recorded for long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Investments
	Investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting if the investment gives the Company the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company has an ownership interest in the investee of between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee's board of directors and the effect of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. Investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for under the cost method.
	Deferred Offering Costs
	Deferred offering costs consist of direct incremental accounting and legal fees related to the Company's initial and secondary public offerings of its common stock and other anticipated registration statements. Approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million of deferred offering costs were included in prepaid expenses and other on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In April 2012, the Company completed its initial public offering. The Company raised a total of $38.4 million in gross proceeds from the initial public offering, or approximately $31.5 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $2.1 million and offering costs of $4.8 million.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs consist of expenditures associated with obtaining debt financing, principally legal and bank commitment fees. Such costs are deferred and amortized over the term of the related credit agreements using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs included in other non-current assets within the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $11.4 million and $13.5 million, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs was $2.4 million, $2.1 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S., state, and several foreign jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities.
	The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for accounting for income taxes, using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
	The Company is subject to audit by federal, state and local taxing authorities. The outcome of these audits may result in the Company being assessed taxes in addition to amounts previously paid. Accordingly, the Company maintains a reserve for uncertain tax positions. The Company calculates its reserves in accordance with applicable accounting standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Changes in facts and circumstances, such as conclusion of tax audits, identification of new issues, changes in federal or state laws, or interpretations of the law, could result in material changes to the amounts recorded for such tax positions.
	It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) within other income (expense).
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Restricted stock units ("RSUs") are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of the vesting period. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation costs related to restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period of the award.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company enters into short-term and medium-term service contracts with its customers, which generally range from one day to one year. Occasionally, the Company enters into multi-year contracts, with extension options for additional years. Revenue is recognized for contracts as the services are rendered and include leasing of the aircraft, pilot and field maintenance support and related services. The Company charges daily rates and hourly rates depending upon the type of service rendered. Mobilization fees, which represent recovery of costs incurred to deploy an aircraft to a customer, are recognized as the related mobilization occurs. Revenues from timber harvesting operations are earned based on the number of flight hours or the timber volume and quality delivered to customers, depending on the customer contract.
	Sales contracts for Aircranes include multiple deliverables, such as warranty, spare parts, training and crew provisioning arrangements. The Company allocates consideration associated with the arrangement based on the relative selling prices of the various elements. Selling prices are based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”); if VSOE is not available, third party evidence of selling prices is used. In circumstances where neither VSOE nor third party evidence is available, the Company uses estimated selling prices as the basis for allocating consideration.
	For the sale of Aircranes that involve significant production, modification or customization, the Company uses the percentage of completion method of accounting when all required criteria are met. In circumstances where the criteria for using the percentage of completion method of accounting are not met, revenue is recognized as each unit is completed, delivered, and accepted by the customer and the rights of ownership are transferred. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, the Company accrues the estimated losses immediately.
	Revenue recognized represents the price negotiated with the customer, adjusted by any discounts. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes remitted to governmental authorities on the customer's behalf. The amount reported as cost of sales is determined by specific identification of costs to remanufacture each Aircrane, plus a proportion of deferred program costs from specific modifications to the Aircrane ordered by the customer.
	For the sales of the other aircraft the revenue is recognized when the title passes to the customer in accordance with the contract.
	The Company's Manufacturing, Repair, and Overhaul ("MRO") facilities enter into contracts that require maintenance, repair, overhaul and/or assembly of various major components and other aircraft parts. In all such instances, revenues and costs are deferred until repairs are completed and the customer accepts the final product. For sales of spare parts, revenue and cost of sales are recorded once the parts are shipped to the customer in accordance with the contract or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured and the price is fixed and determinable. In instances where title does not pass to the customer upon shipment, the Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales upon delivery or customer acceptance, depending on the terms of the sales agreement. CPH contracts are accounted for on a long-term contract basis; revenues are recognized based upon negotiated hourly rates and applicable flight hours earned, and profitability of the contract is based upon estimated costs over the life of the contract.
	Warranty and Cost-Per-Hour Reserves
	Sales of Aircranes to third parties include limited warranty provisions that require the Company to remedy deficiencies in quality or performance of its products over a specified period of time, generally from two to five years depending on the type of part, component or airframe, including technical assistance services. Warranty reserves are established at the time that revenue is recognized at levels that represent the estimate of the costs that will be incurred to fulfill those warranty requirements.
	The Company offers CPH contracts pursuant to which the Company provides components and expendable supplies for a customer's aircraft at a fixed cost per flight hour. The amount of the accrual is estimated on a per flight hour basis and recorded as the hours are flown on the aircraft. See "Note 19-Warranty Reserves and CPH Reserves."
	Risks and Uncertainties
	The Company performs aerial services operations, sells Aircranes and spare parts, and performs other services throughout the world. Customers outside the U.S. accounted for 70.2%, 65.8% and 53.3% of consolidated net revenues during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Many of the industries in which our service customers operate are associated with periodic economic disruption, including timber harvesting, firefighting, and construction. For each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had revenues from two customers in excess of 10% of the total revenues.
	The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the Company's net revenues in 2014, 2013, or 2012:
		Segment		Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Fluor(1)	Government		17.4	%		14.8	%	—
U.S. Forest Service	Government		13	%		14.7	%	28.6	%
Italian Ministry of Civil Protection (2)	Government		—	%		3	%	12.9	%
			30.4	%		32.5	%	41.5	%
-1	Fluor was a customer serviced by Evergreen Helicopters for the year ended December 31, 2012.
-2	Our contract to provide services to the Italian Ministry of Civil Protection expired in June 2013.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and believes it has made adequate provisions for potential credit losses. The Company does not generally require collateral on accounts receivable; however, under certain circumstances, the Company obtains a letter of credit or requires prepayment prior to performing services. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts using a specific identification method based on an evaluation of payment history, the customer's credit situation, and other factors. At December 31, 2014, four customers made up 41.7% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance. At December 31, 2013, three customers made up 41.7% of the Company's accounts receivable balance. Allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.7 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the total current and non-current trade receivables as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
Fluor	14.4	%		19.4	%
Alion Science and Technology Corporation	11.8	%		—	%
Army Contracting Command – Rock Island	4.7	%		13.8	%
Hellenic Fire Brigade(1)	10.8	%		8.5	%
	41.7	%		41.7	%
-1	On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into a three year agreement with the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (“NAMSA”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to supply aerial firefighting services in Greece for the 2012 to 2014 firefighting seasons. Prior to the agreement with NAMSA, the Company contracted directly with the Hellenic Fire Brigade to provide firefighting services in Greece. At December 31, 2013, the receivable from Hellenic Fire Brigade was classified in other non-current assets due to the long-term nature of obtaining resolution regarding the Company’s permanent establishment status in Greece.
The Company operates within the aviation industry where certain vendors constitute the sole source for FAA-approved parts. The loss of certain suppliers could cause a material business disruption to the Company.
The Company operates in portions of Europe that have been significantly affected by the global recession, such as Greece and Italy, and the Company bears risk that existing or future accounts receivable may be uncollectable if these customers experience curtailed government spending.
Collaborative Arrangements
The Company entered into a collaborative agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013 for the ongoing development and testing of composite main rotor blades for the Aircrane and the CH-54. The agreement calls for the parties to equally share costs associated with the completion of testing. Under the agreement, once the testing and certifications are completed, the Company maintains the sole and exclusive right to sell the blades for the S-64E and S-64F helicopters to third parties. The purchaser of the intellectual property received the sole and exclusive right to sell the composite blades for the CH-54A and CH-54B helicopters to third parties. The initial sale of the intellectual property to the counterparty of the collaborative agreement was recorded in net revenues on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company’s portion of ongoing project costs, to the extent they qualify for capitalization on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are included as aircraft support parts, net and property, plant, and equipment, net. The Company’s portion of these costs that are to be expensed as incurred are classified on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as research and development expense.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
•	Level 1:  Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.
•	Level 2:  Valuations based on other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•	Level 3:  Valuations based on inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying value of bank borrowings and long-term debt approximate fair value due to the variable rate nature of the indebtedness.
The Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include Company's goodwill of $215.2 million and $235.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company is subject to exposures that arise from foreign currency movements between the date the foreign currency transactions are recorded and the date they are settled. The Company's exposure to foreign currency movements is partially mitigated through naturally offsetting asset and liability currency positions. The Company periodically enters into foreign currency hedging transactions to mitigate risk of foreign currency movements in Europe, Australia, and Canada. A significant percentage of the Company's revenues are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, whereas a substantial portion of its costs are incurred in U.S. dollars. The Company uses hedging strategies to manage and minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on its profits. The Company did not have any open foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2014 or 2013. (See "Note 18-Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities")
All derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent of holding them. The Company uses derivative instruments to principally manage cash flow risks from revenue which is expected to be recognized from executed contracts for the future delivery of goods or services. Revenues from such customer contracts are recorded in U.S. dollars at the contract rate and the impact of the foreign currency forward contract is recognized in gross margin and operating income at the time of revenue recognition. At the end of each accounting period, the value of each outstanding foreign currency forward contract is marked to market in the balance sheet on the basis of the then prevailing forward exchange rate. Revenues which are not hedged are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during the month the services are rendered. All changes in fair value of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts have been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations because they do not meet the requirements for deferral accounting. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
Variable Interest Entities
An entity is generally considered a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) that is subject to consolidation under ASC 810-Consolidation, if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following characteristics: (a) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity; (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. (See "Note 20-Variable Interest Entities")
Environmental Remediation
The Company is subject to federal and state requirements for protection of the environment, including those for discharge of hazardous materials and remediation of contaminated sites. The Company periodically assesses, based on environmental studies, expert analyses and legal reviews, the Company's contingencies, obligations and commitments for remediation of contaminated sites, including assessments of ranges and probabilities of recoveries from other responsible parties who have and have not agreed to a settlement and of recoveries from insurance carriers. The Company immediately accrues and charges to current expense identified exposures related to environmental remediation sites based on its best estimate within a range of potential exposure for investigation, cleanup and monitoring costs to be incurred. (See “Note 16-Commitments and Contingencies").
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs predominately consist of internal labor costs and engineering tooling design costs, which are charged to expense when incurred. The Company's research and development expense totaled $3.8 million, $4.0 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("Basic EPS") is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders after the reduction of earnings allocated to preferred stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and excludes the effects of any potentially dilutive securities.
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share ("Diluted EPS") gives effect to all dilutive potential common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the computation of both basic and diluted loss per common share included 13,800,494 shares of outstanding common stock, as the Company was in a loss position for the year. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share included 11,221,005 and 11,834,506 shares of outstanding common stock, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, 6,981,027 shares of outstanding common stock was used in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share, as there was no dilutive potential common shares. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share excluded 18,169, 16,458, and 158,557 shares, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and the effects on the consolidated financial statements of translating the financial statements of the Company's international subsidiaries. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is presented as a component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and consists of the cumulative amount of the Company's foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax impact.
Segment Reporting
In accordance with guidance in FASB ASC 280-Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"), the Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments. Prior to May 2, 2013, the Company’s reportable operating segments were Aerial services, which consisted of firefighting, timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, and crewing, and Manufacturing/MRO, which consisted of aftermarket support and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services for the Aircrane and other aircraft and the remanufacture of Aircranes and related components. The Company completed its acquisition of EHI on May 2, 2013, and as a result of the acquisition, the Company established new reportable operating segments to assess performance by type of customer: Government and Commercial. Segment data for prior periods has been reclassified to reflect the establishment of the Government and Commercial segments. The Government segment includes firefighting, defense and security, and transportation and other operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with government customers. The Commercial segment includes both timber harvesting and infrastructure construction operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with commercial customers.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” to resolve the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Although permitted by the ASU, the Company did not elect early adoption or retrospective application. As such, the ASU became effective prospectively for the Company as of its first quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits that meet the conditions described by the ASU; accordingly, the ASU did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This ASU requires revenue to be recognized to reflect the consideration an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers in the appropriate period. This ASU also requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures about customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are required. The Company will be required to implement this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, using one of the two prescribed retrospective methods. No early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined the effect of the adoption on the consolidated financial statements.
There have been no other recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the year ended December 31, 2014 that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Trade accounts receivable	$	42,296		$	60,190
	Other receivables	2,793			6,788
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(739		)	(991		)
		$	44,350		$	65,987
	Following are the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the year ended (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	991		$	460		$	476
	Additions	137			634			12
	Amounts written-off net of recovered	(389		)	(103		)	(28		)
	Balance at end of period	$	739		$	991		$	460
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had bad debt recoveries of $0.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had bad debt expense of $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net

Aircraft Support Parts, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Aircraft Support Parts, net	Aircraft Support Parts, net
	Aircraft support parts, net consists of aircraft parts and work-in-process which are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the first-in first-out method. Costs capitalized in aircraft support parts include materials, labor, and operating overhead. Work-in-process consists of remanufactured aircraft in various stages of production and in-process aircraft support parts. Upon completion of an aircraft remanufacture, based on the demand for the Company’s services, the Company may transfer an aircraft into its fleet. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were one and zero aircraft being remanufactured, respectively.
	Aircraft support parts consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Aircraft parts	$	124,629		$	115,400
	Work-in-process	18,604			17,296
	Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	(5,640		)	(6,000		)
		$	137,593		$	126,696
	Following are the changes in the excess and obsolete reserve during the years ended (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(6,000	)	$	(6,060	)	$	(5,050	)
	Increase in reserves	(117		)	(585		)	(1,662		)
	Amounts written off	477			645			652
	Balance at end of period	$	(5,640	)	$	(6,000	)	$	(6,060	)

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment	Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment
	Aircraft, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Aircraft	$	162,246		$	151,044
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(34,025		)	(23,865		)
		$	128,221		$	127,179
	The following table represents the changes in aircraft employed in the Company's fleet as of December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively.
		Aircraft		Total Aircraft Employed
	Aircraft in our fleet as of December 31, 2012			21
	Aircraft transferred from inventory	2
	Aircraft removed from fleet for maintenance	-1
	Aircraft purchased as part of the EHI acquisition	28
	Aircraft purchased as part of the Air Amazonia acquisition	6
	Aircraft leased as part of the EHI acquisition	35
	Aircraft leased subsequent to the EHI acquisition	1
	Aircraft returned to the lessor during the period	-2
	Aircraft in our fleet as December 31, 2013			90
	Aircraft purchased	2
	Aircraft returned to lessor	-2
	Aircraft sold	-4
	Aircraft in our fleet at December 31, 2014			86
	Property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Land and land improvements	$	308		$	308
	Buildings	7,926			7,597
	Vehicles and equipment	29,500			29,598
	Deferred overhauls, net	86,768			68,773
	Construction-in-progress	15,926			19,923
		140,428			126,199
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(19,793		)	(16,817		)
		$	120,635		$	109,382
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, depreciation expense was $17.8 million, $13.4 million, and $9.0 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, amortization expense associated with deferred overhauls was $14.7 million, $18.1 million, and $12.7 million, respectively.
	Repairs and maintenance costs were $22.9 million, $20.0 million and $15.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction pursuant to which the Company sold one S-64 Aircrane for a total purchase price of $24.7 million. The net book value of the Aircrane at the date of the transaction was $12.3 million. The lease has an initial term of seven years commencing on June 30, 2014, and base lease payments of approximately $264 thousand per month. The Company has the right to purchase the aircraft back from the lessor at the end of the fourth year of the lease term at a purchase price based upon the fair market value at that time. At the end of the term of the lease, the lessor has a put right to sell the aircraft back at a purchase price based on the fair market value at that time. The Company has accounted for the transaction as a sale-leaseback under ASC 840-40 “Sale-Leaseback Transactions”. The profit on the sale was deferred and will be recognized ratably over the term of the lease as a reduction to rent expense. The current portion of the deferred gain of $1.8 million is included in other current liabilities, and the non-current portion of deferred gain of $9.7 million is included in other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	Evergreen Helicopters, Inc.
	On May 2, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of EHI, based in McMinnville Oregon, and prior to the acquisition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation (“EIA”). EHI operates a fleet of aircraft of varying rotary-wing and fixed-wing types for a wide range of passenger transport and light, medium and heavy load-carrying missions. The assets purchased and liabilities assumed for EHI have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations of EHI are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) since the closing date of the acquisition. Intangible assets included goodwill of $231.6 million, customer relationships of $19.3 million amortized over a period of nine years, and trade names of $0.4 million amortized over a period of 6 months. The goodwill and other intangible assets totaling $251.3 million are amortized over a 15-year period for tax purposes. The final total purchase price consideration transferred for EHI was $298.0 million.
	Pro Forma Results of Operations (Unaudited)
	The following pro forma information presents a summary of the Company’s results of operations assuming the EHI acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the period presented. The pro forma results include the straight-line amortization associated with acquired intangible assets consisting of customer relationships of $19.3 million amortized over a period of nine years and trade names of $0.4 million amortized over a period of six months, fair value adjustments to depreciable property, plant, and equipment assets, and interest expense associated with debt used to fund the acquisition. The following pro forma information assumes the shares of Series A Preferred Stock had converted into the same number of shares of common stock at the beginning of the period presented. To better reflect the combined operating results, significant nonrecurring acquisition-related expenses directly attributable to the transaction have been excluded. In addition, the pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.
		Year Ended December 31, 2013		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Net revenues	$	378,696	$	379,270
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	18,626		17,684
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic	1.35		1.61
	Diluted	1.35		1.61
	Weighted average shares outstanding(1):
	Basic	13,768,836		10,989,466
	Diluted	13,793,844		10,989,466
	(1) Weighted average shares outstanding for the purposes of the above pro forma calculation assume the Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of 4,008,439 shares converted to the same number of shares of common stock at the beginning of the period presented.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company incurred approximately $1.1 million and $8.9 million in EHI acquisition and integration-related expenses, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses.
	Air Amazonia
	On September 3, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Air Amazonia, the aerial services business of HRT, based in Brazil, including a fleet of six rotor wing aircraft and ground facilities. This fleet serves oil and gas activities in the Solimoes region of Brazil. In addition to the acquired fleet, the Company also had the right of first refusal on all helicopter services in the Solimoes region of Brazil from HRT as operator, as well as on all helicopter services in all of Brazil (including offshore) from HRT. Our original contract with HRT had expired effective September 2, 2014. In January 2015 we began a new two-year contract with PetroRio (formerly HRT) for transport of personnel to near-shore oil rigs.
	In connection with the acquisition of Air Amazonia, consideration transferred included cash of $23.0 million at closing for the business, which includes a fully-operational fleet of six rotary-wing aircraft of varying types and mission capabilities, and an additional $3 million due within 12 months of closing.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company incurred approximately $0.5 million and $1.5 million in Air Amazonia acquisition and integration-related expenses, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses.
	The assets purchased and liabilities assumed for Air Amazonia have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations of Air Amazonia are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) since the closing date of the acquisition. During the third quarter of 2014 the Company finalized the purchase accounting related to the acquisition, including the working capital adjustment receivable under the purchase agreement of $1.0 million, goodwill of $5.3 million, and $2.5 million in customer relationship intangibles, for a final total purchase price consideration of $26.0 million.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Government Segment			Commercial Segment			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014
	Goodwill, gross	$	231,627		$	3,351		$	234,978
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			—
	Goodwill, net	231,627			3,351			234,978
	Activity during 2014
	Impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			(21,272		)
	Purchase accounting adjustments for Air Amazonia	—			1,928			1,928
	Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	—			(393		)	(393		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014
	Goodwill, gross	231,627			4,886			236,513
	Accumulated impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			(21,272		)
	Goodwill, net	$	210,355		$	4,886		$	215,241
	The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Conditions that would trigger an impairment assessment, include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of an asset or an adverse action.
	The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process pursuant to ASC 350-20-35. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the second step of the impairment test is to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company performed the annual impairment review for EHI, which is considered a reporting unit for the purposes of that analysis. The Company compared business unit book value to its fair value, determined through the income approach, and concluded step two of the impairment test should be performed.
	For the purposes of step two analysis, the Company estimated the fair value of EHI reporting unit using income approach. The income approach estimates fair value by discounting the future cash flows expected to be generated by the business unit to their present value. The Company believes this is the most reliable indicator of fair value and is consistent with the approach a market place participant would use. Based on the Company’s step two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill was lower than its carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $21.3 million against the carrying amount of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2014. The impairment charge is included in impairment of goodwill on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
	The estimation of fair value utilizing the above approach includes numerous uncertainties which require significant judgment when making assumptions of the cost of capital, expected growth rates, selection of discount rates, as well as assumptions regarding general economic and business conditions, among other factors. Key assumptions used in measuring the implied fair value of goodwill included a discount rate of 10%, effective tax rate of 38%, terminal EBITDA multiple of 7.0, and utilizing excess earnings method to value the customer relationship intangible.
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company performed the annual goodwill impairment review for the Oil and Gas business, which is considered a reporting unit, under our commercial operating segment, for the purposes of that analysis. The goodwill originated as a result of purchase price accounting for Air Amazonia acquisition, see "Note 6-Acquisitions". The Company assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As a result of this qualitative assessment, the Company determined it was not necessary to perform the step one of the goodwill impairment test.

Other_Intangible_Assets_net

Other Intangible Assets, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets, net	Other Intangible Assets, net
	Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Useful Life		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in years)
	Customer Relationships (EHI)	9		$	19,300		$	19,300
	Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia)	9		2,500			2,500
	Type Certificate(1)	Indefinite		2,205			2,205
				24,005			24,005
	Less: Accumulated amortization			(3,952		)	(1,521		)
				$	20,053		$	22,484
	-1	The Type Certificate included in intangible assets is the Type Certificate for engines used in the Aircrane, purchased individually during 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 amortization expense for intangible assets was $2.4 million and was recorded in cost of sales. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for future periods, as of December 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
		Intangible Asset Amortization
	2015	$	2,421
	2016	2,421
	2017	2,421
	2018	2,421
	2019	2,421
	Thereafter	5,743
	Total	$	17,848

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
	Accrued and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Payroll and related taxes	$	6,069	$	12,004
	Deferred maintenance on aircraft(1)	—		9,694
	Interest	5,542		5,142
	Accrued commissions	1,301		1,074
	Deferred revenue	795		1,210
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760		—
	Other	3,567		12,109
		$	19,034	$	41,233
	-1	In connection with the acquisition of EHI, the Company pre-negotiated accelerated timelines and return-to-service obligations with the lessors of certain EHI leased aircraft in exchange for obtaining consent for the transfer of the leases to the Company. The liability was estimated based on historical maintenance costs incurred for the same or like components.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Outstanding debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
		Current		Long-term		Current		Long-term
	2020 Senior Notes	$	—	$	355,000	$	—	$	355,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	—		89,339		—		68,086
	2020 subordinated notes, net of discount	4,000		12,486		—		16,160
	Fixtures financing	144		265		—		—
	Total	$	4,144	$	457,090	$	—	$	439,246
	2020 Senior Notes Offering
	On May 2, 2013, the Company closed its $400.0 million aggregate principal note offering. The 2020 Senior Notes bear interest at 8.25%, are second priority senior secured obligations, and are due in 2020. The 2020 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries.
	The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to (i) finance a portion of the purchase price for the EHI acquisition, (ii) refinance its 2015 Subordinated Notes and 2016 Subordinated Notes, (iii) refinance its prior senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, comprised of the Term Debt and Revolving Line of Credit, (iv) pay related fees and expenses, and (v) used the remaining cash to fund operations.
	The indenture under which the 2020 Senior Notes were issued, among other things, limits the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) pay dividends or distributions, repurchase equity, prepay subordinated debt or make certain investments; (ii) incur additional debt or issue certain disqualified stock and preferred stock; (iii) incur liens on assets; (iv) merge or consolidate with another company or sell all or substantially all assets; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vi) allow to exist certain restrictions on the ability of the guarantors to pay dividends or make other payments to the Company.
	The 2020 Senior Notes are secured by second-position liens, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, on substantially all of the Company and the guarantors’ existing and future assets that secure the Company’s new Revolving Credit Facility.
	The interest rate on the 2020 Senior Notes is fixed at 8.25%. The outstanding balance under the 2020 Senior Notes at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $355.0 million.
	A total of $46.0 million of the net proceeds were initially deposited in escrow, consisting of $45.0 million of aggregate principal and $1.0 million related to anticipated interest, to be used toward the acquisition of Air Amazonia. Pursuant to the terms of the 2020 Senior Notes, these proceeds of the offering were not released from escrow to consummate the Air Amazonia acquisition before July 31, 2013, and as a result, an aggregate principal amount of 2020 Senior Notes equal to $45.0 million were redeemed, on a pro rata basis, on August 5, 2013 pursuant to a special mandatory redemption, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2020 Senior Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, August 5, 2013. The Company funded the purchase price of the Air Amazonia acquisition with borrowings from its Revolving Credit Facility during 2013 (see “Note 6 —Acquisitions”).
	On May 2, 2014, the Company commenced an offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange all $355.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2020, which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Old Notes”), for an equal principal amount of new 8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2020 which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “New Notes”). The Exchange Offer was completed on June 6, 2014.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On May 2, 2013, the Company entered into the Revolving Credit Facility, providing a new $100.0 million, five-year revolving credit facility with a group of financial institutions led by Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and including Bank of the West, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, and HSBC Bank USA NA. On June 14, 2013, the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to increase the maximum aggregate amount that the Company may borrow from $100.0 million to $125.0 million, and on March 11, 2014 it was amended to increase the maximum amount that the Company may borrow to $140.0 million. The interest rate under the Revolving Credit Facility is 225-450 basis points over LIBOR/Prime base rate depending on the Company’s senior leverage ratio. The proceeds under the Revolving Credit Facility are primarily used for general corporate purposes.
	The Company and each of the Company’s current and future, direct and indirect, material subsidiaries guarantee the indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility on a senior secured first lien basis.
	The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants including, without limitation, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20:1.00 if the Company’s average excess availability, as calculated pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, is greater than $16.8 million or 1.05:1.00 if the Company’s average excess availability, as calculated pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, is less than or equal to $16.8 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio has multiple inputs, including, but not limited to, bank EBITDA, maintenance capital expenditures, and cash paid for interest and taxes. The Company's fixed charge coverage ratio as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 1.53:1.00 and 2.66:1.00, respectively. The Revolving Credit Facility also imposes an annual growth capital expenditures limit of approximately $25.0 million, subject to standard carry-over provisions. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	The Revolving Credit Facility includes mandatory prepayment requirements for the certain types of transactions, including, without limitation, requiring prepayment from (a) proceeds that the Company receives as a result of certain asset sales, subject to re-investment provisions on terms to be determined, and (b) proceeds from extraordinary receipts.
	The outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $89.3 million and $68.1 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 5.09%. The interest rate at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was 5.02% and 5.06%, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had $4.7 million and $5.1 million in outstanding standby letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility, respectively, and maximum borrowing availability was $46.0 million and $51.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	2020 Subordinated Notes
	Pursuant to the terms of the EHI stock purchase agreement, the consideration included $17.5 million of the Company’s subordinated notes. The subordinated notes accrue interest at a fixed rate of 6.0% per annum, mature on November 2, 2020, and may be prepaid at the Company’s option. Upon an event of default under the subordinated notes, the interest rate will increase to 8.0% per annum until the event of default is cured. The Company has agreed to pay, in cash, quarterly installments of interest only (in arrears) until March 31, 2015, after which date the Company has agreed to pay, in addition to such interest, on a quarterly basis $1.0 million in principal. Upon any refinancing of the 2020 Senior Notes or the Revolving Credit Facility the principal amount of the subordinated notes with all accrued interest thereon will become due and payable. Upon a change of control, the principal amount together with all accrued interest shall forthwith be due and payable. Until the principal amount of the subordinated notes together with all accrued interest thereon has been paid in full, the Company and its subsidiaries may not declare or pay any dividend, make any payment on account of, or take certain other actions in respect of any of the Company or its subsidiaries’ equity interests, subject to certain exceptions.
	For purchase accounting of the EHI acquisition, the fair value of the subordinated notes was estimated at $15.9 million, assuming a market level borrowing rate of 9.00%. As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the 2020 Subordinated Notes was $16.5 million, made up of the face value of $17.5 million net of the unamortized discount of $1.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the 2020 Subordinated Notes was $16.2 million, made up of the face value of $17.5 million net of the unamortized discount of $1.3 million.The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the 2020 Subordinated Notes was 6.00% during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The following table presents the Company’s required principal payments for the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
		2020 Senior Notes		Revolving Credit Facility		2020 Subordinated Notes		Fixtures financing		Total
	2015	$	—	$	—	$	4,000	$	144	$	4,144
	2016	—		—		4,000		149		4,149
	2017	—		—		4,000		116		4,116
	2018	—		89,339		4,000		—		93,339
	2019	—		—		1,500		—		1,500
	Thereafter	355,000		—		—		—		355,000
	Total future debt principal payments	$	355,000	$	89,339	$	17,500	$	409	$	462,248

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Financial Information	Consolidating Financial Information
	Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have guaranteed its obligations under the $355.0 million outstanding principal amount of 8.25% notes due 2020. The following presents the condensed consolidating financial information for:
	•	Erickson Incorporated (the ‘‘Parent Company’’), the issuer of the guaranteed obligations;
	•	Guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis, as specified in the indenture related to the Company’s obligations under the 2020 Senior Notes;
	•	Non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis;
	•	Consolidating entries and eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among the Parent Company, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries, (b) eliminate the investments in the Company’s subsidiaries, and (c) record consolidating entries; and
	•	Erickson Incorporated and Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis
	Each guarantor subsidiary was 100% owned by the Parent Company as of the date of each condensed consolidating balance sheet presented. The 2020 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each guarantor subsidiary. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements, except for the use by the Parent Company and guarantor subsidiaries of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in subsidiaries which are eliminated upon consolidation. Changes in intercompany receivables and payables related to operations, such as intercompany sales or service charges, are included in cash flows from operating activities. All figures presented are in thousands.
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7		$	274		$	4,816		$	—		$	5,097
	Restricted cash	136			—			431			—			567
	Accounts receivable, net	13,117			26,199			4,990			44			44,350
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,506			1,171			1,103			—			8,780
	Income tax receivable	320			—			335			22			677
	Deferred tax assets	1,440			—			(210		)	—			1,230
	Total current assets	21,526			27,644			11,465			66			60,701
	Aircraft support parts, net	106,721			30,482			435			(45		)	137,593
	Aircraft, net	82,799			42,405			3,017			—			128,221
	Property, plant and equipment, net	70,732			47,762			2,141			—			120,635
	Goodwill	—			210,356			5,647			(762		)	215,241
	Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,726			2,122			—			20,053
	Other non-current assets	323,332			4,337			501			(305,093		)	23,077
	Total assets	$	607,315		$	378,712		$	25,328		$	(305,834	)	$	705,521
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	6,021		$	11,465		$	2,358		$	—		$	19,844
	Current portion of long-term debt	4,144			—			—			—			4,144
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(54,577		)	49,166			24,998			(553		)	19,034
	Income tax payable	(397		)	—			137			575			315
	Deferred tax liabilities	884			—			—						884
	Total current liabilities	(43,925		)	60,631			27,493			22			44,221
	Long-term debt, less current portion	12,751			—			—			—			12,751
	Long-term revolving credit facilities	89,339			—			—			—			89,339
	Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
	Other long-term liabilities	12,410			708			63			—			13,181
	Uncertain tax positions	6,313			—			—			—			6,313
	Deferred tax liabilities	5,061			—			(1,358		)	—			3,703
	Total liabilities	436,949			61,339			26,198			22			524,508
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common stock	1			—			1,675			(1,675		)	1
	Additional paid-in capital	181,018			297,994			33			(298,027		)	181,018
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(8,993		)	19,379			(3,171		)	(5,403		)	1,812
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,660		)	—			(41		)	(843		)	(2,544		)
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	170,366			317,373			(1,504		)	(305,948		)	180,287
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			92			726
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	170,366			317,373			(870		)	(305,856		)	181,013
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	607,315		$	378,712		$	25,328		$	(305,834	)	$	705,521
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	576		$	(12	)	$	1,317		$	—		$	1,881
	Restricted cash	151			364			2,368			—			2,883
	Accounts receivable, net	17,290			40,560			8,024			113			65,987
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,878			582			900			—			3,360
Income tax receivable	70			—			65			—			135
Deferred tax assets	3,372			—			343			—			3,715
Total current assets	23,337			41,494			13,017			113			77,961
Aircraft support parts, net	93,719			33,022			—			(45		)	126,696
Aircraft, net	88,242			35,236			3,701			—			127,179
Property, plant and equipment, net	70,145			37,825			1,412			—			109,382
Other intangible assets, net	2,205			17,870			2,409			—			22,484
Goodwill	—			231,626			4,114			(762		)	234,978
Other non-current assets	325,768			7,133			816			(305,092		)	28,625
Total assets	$	603,416		$	404,206		$	25,469		$	(305,786	)	$	727,305
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	8,179		$	17,889		$	2,967		$	—		$	29,035
Accrued and other current liabilities	(48,899		)	66,513			23,592			27			41,233
Income tax payable	—			—			621			—			621
Total current liabilities	(40,720		)	84,402			27,180			27			70,889
Long-term debt, less current portion	16,160			—			—			—			16,160
Long-term revolving credit facilities	68,086			—			—			—			68,086
Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,756			—			63			—			1,819
Uncertain tax positions	5,669			—			—			—			5,669
Deferred tax liabilities	16,745			—			30			—			16,775
Total liabilities	422,696			84,402			27,273			27			534,398
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	1			—			1,674			(1,674		)	1
Additional paid-in capital	179,954			297,994			33			(298,027		)	179,954
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	806			21,810			(5,142		)	(5,370		)	12,104
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(41		)	—			997			(998		)	(42		)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	180,720			319,804			(2,438		)	(306,069		)	192,017
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			256			890
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	180,720			319,804			(1,804		)	(305,813		)	192,907
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	603,416		$	404,206		$	25,469		$	(305,786	)	$	727,305
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Net revenues:	$	151,502		$	163,094		$	55,663		$	(23,650	)	$	346,609
Cost of revenues	94,545			145,054			47,328			(23,482		)	263,445
Gross profit	56,957			18,040			8,335			(168		)	83,164
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	22,166			912			3,416			—			26,494
Research and development	3,782			—			—			—			3,782
Selling and marketing	8,432			593			429			(168		)	9,286
Impairment of goodwill	—			21,272			—			—			21,272
Total operating expenses	34,380			22,777			3,845			(168		)	60,834
Operating income (loss)	22,577			(4,737		)	4,490			—			22,330
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(35,210		)	20			(610		)	—			(35,800		)
Other income (expense), net	(3,600		)	2,286			229			(108		)	(1,193		)
Total other income (expense)	(38,810		)	2,306			(381		)	(108		)	(36,993		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(16,233		)	(2,431		)	4,109			(108		)	(14,663		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,433		)	—			2,001			—			(4,432		)
Net income (loss)	(9,800		)	(2,431		)	2,108			(108		)	(10,231		)
Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(61		)	(61		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(9,800	)	$	(2,431	)	$	2,108		$	(169	)	$	(10,292	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Net revenues:	$	161,500		$	128,109		$	52,852		$	(24,240	)	$	318,221
Cost of revenues	98,347			100,429			47,543			(24,211		)	222,108
Gross profit	63,153			27,680			5,309			(29		)	96,113
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	27,472			5,111			4,844			(61		)	37,366
Research and development	4,000			—			—			—			4,000
Selling and marketing	6,803			780			123			49			7,755
Total operating expenses	38,275			5,891			4,967			(12		)	49,121
Operating income (loss)	24,878			21,789			342			(17		)	46,992
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(25,103		)	1			(73		)	—			(25,175		)
Other expense, net	(5,515		)	16			33			(365		)	(5,831		)
Total other income (expense)	(30,618		)	17			(40		)	(365		)	(31,006		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(5,740		)	21,806			302			(382		)	15,986
Income tax expense	5,311			(5		)	814			—			6,120
Net income (loss)	(11,051		)	21,811			(512		)	(382		)	9,866
Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(209		)	(209		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(11,051	)	$	21,811		$	(512	)	$	(591	)	$	9,657
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Net revenues:	$	153,213		$	—		$	57,797		$	(30,186	)	$	180,824
Cost of revenues	94,158			—			55,473			(30,226		)	119,405
Gross profit	59,055			—			2,324			40			61,419
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	14,201			—			3,085			(54		)	17,232
Research and development	4,683			—			—			—			4,683
Selling and marketing	5,953			—			104			14			6,071
Total operating expenses	24,837			—			3,189			(40		)	27,986
Operating income (loss)	34,218			—			(865		)	80			33,433
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(6,874		)	—			(48		)	(68		)	(6,990		)
Other expense, net	(359		)	—			36			(271		)	(594		)
Total other income (expense)	(7,233		)	—			(12		)	(339		)	(7,584		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	26,985			—			(877		)	(259		)	25,849
Income tax expense	9,733			—			480			—			10,213
Net income (loss)	17,252			—			(1,357		)	(259		)	15,636
Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(406		)	(406		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	17,252			—			(1,357		)	(665		)	15,230
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock	2,795			—			—			—			2,795
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	14,457		$	—		$	(1,357	)	$	(665	)	$	12,435
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(9,800	)	$	(2,431	)	$	2,108		$	(108	)	$	(10,231	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,366			10,769			768			—			34,903
Impairment of goodwill	—			21,272			—			—			21,272
Deferred income taxes	(8,224		)	—			434			—			(7,790		)
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	—			(1,869		)	—			—			(1,869		)
Non-cash interest expense on debt	324			—			—			—			324
Stock-based compensation	861			—			—			—			861
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,433			—			—			—			2,433
Gain on sale of equipment	(121		)	(32		)	(205		)	—			(358		)
Gain on involuntary conversion	—			(308		)				—			(308		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	4,173			14,361			1,143			42			19,719
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4,628		)	(588		)	(328		)	—			(5,544		)
Income tax receivable	(210		)	(3		)	669			(22		)	434
Aircraft support parts, net	(17,900		)	1,177			(517		)	—			(17,240		)
Other non-current assets	1,741			3,620			241			—			5,602
Accounts payable	(2,161		)	(6,422		)	(273		)	—			(8,856		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	(4,402		)	(14,760		)	(936		)	(554		)	(20,652		)
Income tax payable	(407		)	—			461			575			629
Other long-term liabilities	(54		)	709			—			—			655
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(15,009		)	25,495			3,565			(67		)	13,984
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	13			365			1,844			—			2,222
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	24,660			—			—			—			24,660
Increase in other assets	—			—			(126		)	—			(126		)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—			—			(136		)	67			(69		)
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(30,110		)	(25,574		)	(1,123		)	—			(56,807		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(5,437		)	(25,209		)	459			67			(30,120		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414			—			—			—			414
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(211		)	—			—			—			(211		)
Repayments of credit facilities	(206,686		)	—			—			—			(206,686		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	227,939			—			—			—			227,939
Other long-term borrowings	409			—			—			—			409
Debt issuance costs	(371		)	—			—			—			(371		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	21,494			—			—			—			21,494
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,617		)	—			(525		)	—			(2,142		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(569		)	286			3,499			—			3,216
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576			(12		)	1,317			—			1,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7		$	274		$	4,816		$	—		$	5,097
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(11,051	)	$	21,811		$	(512	)	$	(382	)	$	9,866
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,535			7,400			393			—			33,328
Deferred income taxes	4,543			—			554			117			5,214
Non-cash interest expense on debt	1,877			—			—			—			1,877
Stock-based compensation	792			—			—			—			792
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt	215			—			—			—			215
Non-cash interest income on loans	(140		)	—			—			—			(140		)
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(25		)	(23		)	47			—			(1		)
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable	3,441			—			—			—			3,441
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,067			—			—			—			2,067
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5,866		)	(15,440		)	298			17			(20,991		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(614		)	1,454			(413		)	—			427
Income tax receivable, net	170			—			745			—			915
Aircraft support parts, net	(12,354		)	(19,692		)	—			45			(32,001		)
Other non-current assets	(1,114		)	(2,124		)	107			—			(3,131		)
Accounts payable	1,304			(21,376		)	570			—			(19,502		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	(45,424		)	43,153			(1,080		)	(2,999		)	(6,350		)
Income tax payable	—			—			(187		)	(117		)	(304		)
Other long-term liabilities	(514		)	—			—			—			(514		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(37,158		)	15,163			522			(3,319		)	(24,792		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(235,029		)	5,139			22			3,000			(226,868		)
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(35,530		)	(19,950		)	(624		)	—			(56,104		)
Restricted cash	992			(364		)	330			—			958
Purchase of intangible assets	(2,205		)	—			—			—			(2,205		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(651		)	310			(341		)
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable	1,660			—			—			—			1,660
Increase in other assets	—			—			(35		)	—			(35		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(270,112		)	(15,175		)	(958		)	3,310			(282,935		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	(27,572		)	—			—			—			(27,572		)
Repayments of credit facilities	(250,215		)	—			—			—			(250,215		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	246,377			—			—			—			246,377
Borrowing of notes	400,000			—			—			—			400,000
Repayment of notes	(45,000		)	—			—			—			(45,000		)
Debt issuance costs	(14,986		)	—			—			—			(14,986		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(716		)	—			—			—			(716		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	307,888			—			—			—			307,888
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(83		)	—			326			9			252
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	535			(12		)	(110		)	—			413
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	41			—			1,427			—			1,468
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	576		$	(12	)	$	1,317		$	—		$	1,881
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	17,252		$	—		$	(1,357	)	$	(259	)	$	15,636
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,428			—			233			—			21,661
Deferred income taxes	2,682			—			—			—			2,682
Non-cash interest expense on debt	3,137			—			—			—			3,137
Stock-based compensation	2,118			—			—			—			2,118
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	5			—			—			—			5
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,174			—			—			—			1,174
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,144		)	—			3,811			12			2,679
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,496			—			307			—			2,803
Income tax receivable, net	1,011			—			(810		)	—			201
Aircraft support parts, net	(27,355		)	—			—			—			(27,355		)
Accounts payable	2,313			—			(2,398		)	—			(85		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	422			—			(470		)	247			199
Income tax payable	5,516			—			699			—			6,215
Other long-term liabilities	(2,912		)	—			—			—			(2,912		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,143			—			15			—			28,158
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(22,695		)	—			(41		)	—			(22,736		)
Restricted cash	198			—			1,240			—			1,438
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(297		)	—			—			—			(297		)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	136			—			(33		)	—			103
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(22,658		)	—			1,166			—			(21,492		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	31,454			—			—			—			31,454
Repayments of credit facilities	(327,063		)	—			—			—			(327,063		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	291,234			—			—			—			291,234
Debt issuance costs	(376		)	—			—			—			(376		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(695		)	—			—			—			(695		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,446		)	—			—			—			(5,446		)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	39			—			1,161			—			1,200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2			—			266			—			268
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	41		$	—		$	1,427		$	—		$	1,468

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of income (loss) before noncontrolling interest and income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Domestic	$	(21,533	)		$	13,200		$	24,407
	Foreign	6,870				2,786			1,442
	Income (loss) before noncontrolling interest and income taxes	$	(14,663	)		$	15,986		$	25,849
	Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Current income tax expense:
	U.S. federal income taxes	$	—			$	125		$	1,028
	State and local income taxes	10				50			59
	Foreign income taxes	3,684				2,107			6,444
	Total current income tax expense	$	3,694			$	2,282		$	7,531
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. federal income taxes	$	(8,115	)		$	4,168		$	2,375
	State and local income taxes	(555		)		(185		)	303
	Foreign income taxes	544				(145		)	4
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	(8,126	)		$	3,838		$	2,682
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(4,432	)		$	6,120		$	10,213
	A reconciliation from the U.S statutory rate to the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Tax at U.S. statutory rate	$	(5,132	)		$	5,595		$	9,047
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	(316		)		258			569
	Nondeductible expenses	1,069				805			333
	Foreign withholding taxes	1,722				1,442			1,031
	Foreign tax rate differences - current year earnings	(327		)		(485		)	(55		)
	Foreign tax rate differences - deemed dividends and unremitted earnings	789				—			—
	Non-deductible receivable allowance	—				—			295
	Tax credits	(2,800		)		(1,755		)	(7,155		)
	Change in tax contingency items	42				72			5,964
	Foreign tax attribute adjustment	—				(1,450		)	—
	Valuation allowance	691				2,067			—
	Other, net	(170		)		(429		)	184
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(4,432	)		$	6,120		$	10,213
	Deferred income tax balances reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are paid or recovered. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities and balance sheet classifications are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities and other reserves	$	2,227			$	2,405
	Accrued benefits	490				661
	Accrued incentive compensation	209				1,321
	Inventory reserve	2,057				2,188
	Deferred revenue from sale leaseback	4,169				—
	Foreign tax credits	11,793				9,103
	Research and other credits	763				775
	Net operating loss carryforwards	17,862				14,461
	Total deferred tax assets	39,570				30,914
	Valuation allowance	(2,758		)		(2,067		)
	Net deferred tax assets	36,812				28,847
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax-over-book depreciation and amortization	(21,646		)		(17,613		)
	Basis difference in aircrane support parts	(17,961		)		(23,890		)
	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs	(562		)		(404		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(40,169		)		(41,907		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(3,357	)		$	(13,060	)
	Net current deferred tax assets	$	346			$	3,715
	Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	(3,703		)		(16,775		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(3,357	)		$	(13,060	)
	The Company's tax credit and loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			Expiration
	Federal net operating loss carryforward	42,864			2031 - 2034
	Foreign tax credits	6,024			2018 - 2024
Federal research & experimentation credits	616			2029 - 2034
State net operating loss carryforwards	15,711			2015 - 2034
State tax credits	199			2015 - 2019
In accounting for income taxes, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more likely than not. The Company believes based on factors including, but not limited to, the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences and forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss by jurisdiction, that as of December 31, 2014 it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its deferred tax assets, including its net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits, with the exception of those related to Malaysia where the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its net operating loss carryforwards. The Company’s utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and credits may be subject to annual limitations due to ownership change provisions of Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383.
The Company no longer intends to permanently reinvest the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and the current year tax expense includes $0.2 million for the deferred tax liabilities for future repatriations of unremitted earnings from all foreign subsidiaries. All future years earnings will include the U.S. tax tax effect of both actual and deemed repatriation.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning of year	$	5,740			$	5,964
Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods	99				71
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods	(8		)		(295		)
Gross increases - current period	507				—
Unrecognized tax benefits end of year	$	6,338			$	5,740
Unrecognized tax benefits for all periods presented include $5.7 million for potential income taxes due if the Company were determined to have a permanent establishment in Greece. The Greek taxing authorities have recently completed their permanent establishment examination of the Company's 2010 and 2011 tax years and we expect to receive their audit findings in the coming weeks. Management continues to evaluate its permanent establishment position in Greece and believes it is reasonably possible a resolution could occur in the near future at which time the unrecognized tax benefit would be removed through successful resolution or settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits increased in 2014 and decreased in 2013 primarily due to positions associated with permanent establishment that could be challenged by taxing authorities although management believes the positions taken are appropriate. Payment of tax related to unrecognized tax benefits of both prior and current periods would result in a foreign tax credit in the United States which the Company included in its deferred assets.
The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in other income (expense), net. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recognized approximately $0.8 million in interest and penalties. The Company had a total of $2.5 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued at December 31, 2014.
The IRS has completed their income tax examination of the Company's 2012 tax year and notified the Company that they will expand the scope of their audit examination to include the 2013 tax year. At this time, the Company is not aware of any adjustments that will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
The Italian tax authorities have examined our fiscal years 2008 to 2010. All assessments issued by the taxing authorities have either been appealed and await hearing or Management intends to appeal within the statutory timer period allowed.
The Malaysian taxing authorities have examined our fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and have proposed adjustments relating to certain withholding tax liabilities. Management does not believe the ultimate outcome of this audit will result in any material adjustments.
All material uncertain tax positions associated with the aforementioned audit examinations are reflected in the ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and several foreign jurisdictions. Depending on the jurisdiction, the Company is generally no longer subject to examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the December 31, 2010 tax year.

Authorized_Capital_Stock

Authorized Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Authorized Capital Stock	Authorized Capital Stock
	On May 2, 2013, the Company purchased 100% of the outstanding share capital of EHI from EIA for consideration that included 4,008,439 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock converted according to its terms, at the Company’s option, into an equal number of shares of the Company’s common stock, on August 20, 2013, following the Company obtaining stockholder approval of the issuance of shares of its common stock upon such conversion under NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.
	In April 2012, the Company completed its initial public offering of common stock. In connection with the initial public offering, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to authorize the Company to issue up to 110,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Upon the closing of the initial public offering, all outstanding shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock and all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock automatically converted into an aggregate of 4,802,970 shares of the Company’s common stock.
	The Board of Directors is authorized, at any time, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock, in one or more series with such designations, preferences and rights, and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions, as shall be set forth in the resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issuance thereof.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company maintains the Erickson Incorporated 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for substantially all full-time U.S. employees. Under the plan, participating U.S. employees may defer up to 100% of their pretax salary, subject to the annual IRS limitation, which for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $17,500, $17,500 and $17,000, respectively. The Company may make a discretionary matching contribution, determined annually, equal to a uniform percentage or dollar amount per Plan participant. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company contributed $1.0 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
	Canadian Air-Crane Ltd. maintains a Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan for salaried employees in Canada. Under this plan, participating Canadian employees may defer up to 18% of their pretax salary, subject to an annual maximum amount which for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was C$24,270, C$23,820 and C$22,970, respectively. The Company may contribute up to 2.5% of an employee's compensation. The Company contributed $0.1 million under this plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Reportable Segments
	The Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments. Prior to May 2, 2013, the Company’s reportable operating segments were Aerial services, which consisted of firefighting, timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, and crewing, and Manufacturing/MRO, which consisted of aftermarket support and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services for the Aircrane and other aircraft and the remanufacture of Aircranes and related components. On May 2, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of EHI. As a result of the acquisition, the Company established new reportable operating segments to assess performance by type of customer: Government and Commercial. The Government segment includes firefighting, defense and security, and transportation and other operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with government customers. The Commercial segment includes both logging and construction operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with commercial customers.
	The Company deploys its fleet of aircraft to maximize fleet utilization. When making fleet resource allocation decisions, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) primarily considers aircraft type required, route economics, and the financial impact of the resource allocation decision on an individual customer basis. Because the fleet and related resources are used interchangeably between reportable operating segments, the Company does not generate for the CODM’s use an allocation of fleet and fleet support assets including aircraft, net, aircraft support parts, net, and property, plant, and equipment, net, across the reportable operating segments.
	The Company’s CODM, management team and board of directors evaluate the performance of the Company’s operating segments based on net sales and gross profit. Gross profit for each segment includes net sales to third parties and related cost of sales directly attributable to the segment. Gross profit for each segment excludes costs shared by the segments but not allocated to the segments for the use of the CODM and excludes costs not directly attributable to the segments. Costs excluded from segment gross profit are primarily fixed or semi-fixed in nature and include salaries and benefits of pilots and field mechanics, depreciation and amortization costs related to aircraft, aircraft lease costs, aircraft insurance, and other similar type costs. The Company includes intercompany transfers between segments for management reporting purposes.
	Government. The Company’s Government revenue is derived primarily from contracts with various governments who use its services for firefighting, defense and security, and transportation and other government-related activities. Many of the Company’s contracts for Government services are multi-year and provide the majority of its current revenue backlog.
	•	Firefighting. The Company generally charges a daily standby fee for the contract period with an additional rate for hours flown; some contracts include a minimum number of hours to be flown before the hourly rate is charged. The Company has both domestic and international contracts, which may be exclusive-use or call-when-needed in nature. Exclusive-use contracts denote that the Company is obligated to provide, and its customers are obligated to take and pay for, the use of the Company’s services. Call-when-needed contracts are contracts with pre-negotiated terms under which the Company may elect to provide services if requested.
	•	Defense and Security. The Company generally charges a daily standby fee for the contract period with an additional rate for hours flown; some contracts include a minimum number of hours to be flown before the hourly rate is charged. The Company has both domestic and international contracts, but the majority of its defense and security-related work is performed outside of the U.S.
	•	Transportation and Other Government-Related Activities. This line of business captures several types of government services including transportation of items for various government entities that are not defense or security related, crewing and CPH services for government customers, as well as other government-related services. Crewing services are typically for customers who have purchased an Aircrane but lack trained or certified operating personnel-related to the Aircrane. The Company offers pilots and field maintenance crews as part of its crewing services. For government customers who desire better predictability and stability in their aircraft operating costs, the Company offers CPH contracts in which it provides major components and rotable parts at a fixed cost per flight hour.
	Commercial. The Company’s Commercial revenue is derived primarily from timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, and manufacturing/ MRO.
	•	Timber Harvesting. The Company generally operates on either an hourly rate structure or a per cubic meter of high grade timber delivered basis. The Company serves a variety of customers, primarily in North America.
	•	Infrastructure Construction. The Company’s infrastructure construction operations vary from short-term construction jobs (generally one to five days in duration) to longer-term jobs (several months or years in duration) within the oil and gas, construction, energy transmission, and energy generation industries.
	•	MRO, Component Part Sale, and Other. The Company has an ongoing revenue stream from customers who own or operate either Aircranes or the military version CH-54s, or other aircraft and require parts support for their helicopters. Further, the Company provides services to customers who own or operate Aircranes, CH-54s, or other aircraft and need their aircraft components repaired or overhauled by a certified facility. The Company is also pursuing aftermarket opportunities to manufacture and sell parts or provide maintenance, repair, or overhaul for other aircraft components.
	In the Company’s Central Point, Oregon facility it has the capability to remanufacture Aircranes on existing S-64 and CH-54 airframes for either resale or to induct into the Company’s fleet, and this remains a core business competency. Customers who identify a year-round or otherwise critical application for an Aircrane may find it advantageous to own an Aircrane rather than leasing the Company’s fleet services. The Company has sold ten Aircranes since 2002, including a sale-leaseback transaction executed in the second quarter of 2014, and subsequently re-purchased one of these Aircranes in 2012. While the Company continues to pursue Aircranes sales and will make sales strategically when opportunities arise, it does not rely on Aircrane sales as an essential part of its business planning.
	The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operations by its two reportable segments. Amounts identified as ‘‘Corporate’’ are assets or expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific segment:
	Revenue by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Net revenues:
	Government	$	247,981		$	221,581		$	105,858
	Commercial	98,628			96,640			74,966
	Total net revenues	$	346,609		$	318,221		$	180,824
	Gross Profit by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Gross Profit:
	Government	$	161,809		$	146,149		$	64,636
	Commercial	55,382			53,541			42,904
	Non-allocated costs(1)	(134,027		)	(103,577		)	(46,121		)
	Total gross profit	$	83,164		$	96,113		$	61,419
	-1	Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.
	Assets by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Government	$	255,055		$	295,153
	Commercial	17,957			21,070
	Corporate(1)	49,686			51,756
	Fixed assets(2)	382,823			359,326
	Total assets	$	705,521		$	727,305
	-1	Corporate assets are comprised primarily of cash, prepaid and other current assets, and deferred tax assets
	-2	Fixed assets are comprised of the aircraft fleet and fleet support assets including aircraft, net, aircraft support parts, net, and property, plant, and equipment, net. Property, plant, and equipment, net are primarily used to support the aircraft fleet, with minimal amounts allocated to the corporate function
	A reconciliation of the Company’s segment gross profit to operating income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Reconciliation to operating income:
	Government gross profit	$	161,809		$	146,149		$	64,636
	Commercial gross profit	55,382			53,541			42,904
	Non-allocated costs of revenue(1)	(134,027		)	(103,577		)	(46,121		)
	Operating expenses, net(2)	(60,834		)	(49,121		)	(27,986		)
	Total operating income	$	22,330		$	46,992		$	33,433
	-1	Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.
	-2	Other corporate expenses include research and development, corporate sales and marketing expenses, stock-based compensation expense, certain tax expenses, various nonrecurring charges, and other separately managed general and administrative costs.
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Net revenues:
	North America	$	131,690		$	136,100		$	107,613
	Middle East	77,760			67,315			—
	Europe	26,924			24,096			37,362
	Asia	26,036			25,410			11,262
	South America	43,458			24,809			13,465
	Africa	26,459			20,598			—
	Australia	14,282			19,893			11,122
	Total net revenues	$	346,609		$	318,221		$	180,824
	Revenues are attributed to geographic area based on the country where the services were performed; for the Manufacturing / MRO line of business within the Commercial reportable segment, revenues are attributed to geographic area based on the country in which the customer is located.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	In addition to the stated items and transaction below, the Company reimbursed various entities affiliated with the ZM Funds and Quinn Morgan for expenses and other costs totaling $0.2 million, $0.5 million, and $0.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company received $0.4 million, net from short-swing profit disgorgement remitted by the ZM Funds. This activity was classified on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 as an increase to additional paid-in capital and as a component of financing activity within the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had incurred approximately $0.5 million in legal costs associated with stockholder lawsuit filed against the Company, the members of its board of directors, EAC Acquisition Corp., and the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates. See "Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies" for further discussion.
	2015 Subordinated Notes and 2016 Subordinated Notes
	The Company was party to a Second Lien Credit Agreement pursuant to which the Company borrowed $20.0 million (the “Second Lien Debt”). Lenders of Second Lien Debt to the Company included the ZM Funds, which are affiliates of the Company through common ownership.
	On June 30, 2010, concurrent with the refinancing of the Company’s senior debt, the Company used proceeds from the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facilities to partially pay-down $11.5 million of its $20.0 million Second Lien Debt to one of the ZM Funds and certain of its affiliates. The remaining $8.5 million was exchanged for 2015 Subordinated Notes at a rate of 20.0% per annum, which was payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of such notes and payable quarterly.
	No periodic principal or interest payments were required and the 2015 Subordinated Notes were to mature on June 30, 2015. In connection with the initial public offering in April 2012, the interest rate on the 2015 Subordinated Notes was amended from 20.0% per annum to 10.0% per annum. In connection with the 2020 Senior Notes offering consummated on May 2, 2013, all of the 2015 Subordinated Notes were repaid in full.
	On June 30, 2011, in connection with an amendment to the Company’s credit agreement at the time, an additional $10.0 million of 2016 Subordinated Notes were issued to two of the ZM Funds at a rate of 20.0% per annum, which was payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of such notes and payable quarterly. No periodic principal or interest payments are required and the 2016 Subordinated Notes were to mature on June 30, 2016. Additionally, in connection with the Working Capital Guarantee Credit Agreement, the Company issued $1.0 million in additional 2016 Subordinated Notes to two of the ZM Funds at a rate of 20.0% per annum, which was payable in kind by increasing the principal amount of such notes and payable quarterly. In connection with the initial public offering in April 2012, the interest rate on the 2016 Subordinated Notes was amended from 20.0% per annum to 10.0% per annum. In connection with the 2020 Senior Notes offering consummated on May 2, 2013, all of the 2016 Subordinated Notes were repaid in full.
	Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. (“EHI”) Acquisition
	In connection with the Company’s acquisition of EHI, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Second Lien SPA”) with all of the second lien lenders of EIA, including two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates, pursuant to which the Company would issue 3,375,527 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock to EIA’s second lien lenders. To facilitate the Company’s acquisition of EHI, the second lien lenders, including two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates, executed certain waivers and consents pursuant to the EIA’s amended and restated second lien credit agreement and certain related agreements (the “EIA Second Lien Credit Facility”) with Wilmington Trust FSB and certain lenders listed therein, including two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates.
	The EIA Second Lien Credit Facility provided a loan facility of up to $100.0 million, with loans bearing interest at an annual rate of 11.0% plus the greater of (a) the prime rate and (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%; provided that in no event shall the rate be lower than 5.0%, or for Eurodollar borrowing 12.0% plus LIBOR (with a 3.0% floor) plus statutory reserves, and loans were entitled to certain annual payments in kind. The EIA Second Lien Credit Facility was secured by a second lien security interest in substantially all of EIA’s and EHI’s assets, certain guarantees and other collateral. The loans under the EIA Second Lien Credit Facility were to mature on September 30, 2015. The EIA Second Lien Credit Facility provided that certain assets sales by EIA, including the Company’s acquisition of EHI, required that all loans be repaid in full and loan availability be permanently reduced to zero.
	In connection with the EHI acquisition, which was funded with a portion of the proceeds from the 2020 Senior Notes offering (See “Note 10 - Debt”), two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates received 1,689,155 shares of Series A Preferred Stock as repayment of $20.0 million of principal of their pro rata share of the EIA Second Lien Credit Facility. In addition, two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates forgave $2.5 million of their pro rata share of the EIA Second Lien Credit Facility in connection with the EHI acquisition and retained approximately $37.9 million in the EIA Second Lien Credit Facility.
	In addition, the Company issued 632,911 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock to EIA’s first lien lenders in connection with the Company’s acquisition of EHI and certain of those first lien lenders sold their shares to certain of the EIA second lien lenders, including two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates. A total of 1,984,680 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued to two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates (including shares that two of the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates purchased from the EIA first lien lenders).
	Transaction Fee
	In connection with the EHI acquisition, 10th Lane Partners, LLC, an entity controlled by Q&U Investments, LLC and affiliated with Quinn Morgan, one of the Company’s directors, received a fee of $2.5 million from the Company in consideration for services rendered to the Company by 10th Lane Partners, LLC, its affiliates and employees.
	Registration Rights
	The Company is party to an amended and restated registration rights agreement among the Company and the ZM Funds, which are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, ZM EAC LLC has the right to require that the Company register its shares under the Securities Act for sale to the public. If ZM EAC LLC exercises its demand registration right, ZM Private Equity Fund I, L.P. and ZM Private Equity Fund II, L.P. will have the opportunity to include their shares in the registration. The Company must pay all expenses, except for underwriters’ discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with the exercise of these demand registration rights.
	In addition, the ZM Funds have piggyback registration rights, which mean that they have the right to include their shares in any registration that the Company effects under the Securities Act, other than a registration affected pursuant to an exercise of demand registration rights, subject to specified exceptions. The Company must pay all expenses, except for underwriters’ discounts and commissions, incurred in connection with these piggyback registration rights.
	The Company is unable to estimate the dollar value of registration rights to the holders of these rights. The amount of reimbursable expenses under the registration rights agreement depends on a number of variables, including whether registration rights are exercised incident to a primary offering by the Company, the form on which the Company is eligible to register such a transaction, and whether the Company has a shelf registration in place at the time of any future offering.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental Remediation Matters
	The Company is continuing to participate in remediating environmental damage resulting from the identification of hazardous substances at its Central Point, Oregon facility. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement with Erickson Group, Ltd. (“Erickson Group”), a previous owner of the Company, Erickson Group agreed to bear the financial responsibility for the payment of the first $1.5 million of the cleanup costs. Erickson Group and the Company shall each bear one-half of the financial responsibility for the payment of the next $1.0 million of cleanup costs, and any aggregate costs in excess of $2.5 million will be the sole responsibility of Erickson Group. Erickson Group is responsible for directing and controlling the remediation efforts. Since 2000, the Company has paid $0.4 million to Erickson Group for a portion of its exposure on the $0.5 million layer of financial responsibility and has recorded a liability for the remaining $0.1 million exposure on its remaining share. Environmental consultants indicate that the Central Point site may require monitoring for another 20 years; therefore, the Company believes the full amount of its financial share will ultimately be paid.
	Legal Proceedings
	Fortis Matter
	A complaint was served on EHI on August 27, 2012, by the plaintiff, Fortis Lease Deutschland GmbH, in the Regional Court, 7th Chamber for Commercial Matters, Cologne, Germany. The plaintiff claims approximately €0.8 million ($1.0 million) in damages for the payment of VAT levied on the purchase price relating to EHI’s purchase of two helicopters from the plaintiff in 2011. The complaint lodged by plaintiff resulted in a default judgment against EHI issued on February 26, 2013. In a brief filed with the court on May 10, 2013, EHI objected to the default judgment, arguing that the sale of the two helicopters was tax exempt as they both were exported to a third country outside the European Union. In May 2014, Erickson paid €40,000 (approximately $55,000) in full and final settlement of this matter.
	Arizona Environmental Matter
	In August 2012, EHI received a request for information from the State of Arizona regarding the Broadway-Pantano Site in Tucson, Arizona, which is comprised of two landfills at which the State has been conducting soil and groundwater investigations and cleanups. In addition, EHI has been served with various petitions to perpetuate testimony regarding the State’s investigation into contamination at the Site. According to these documents, the State has identified approximately 101 parties that are potentially responsible for the contamination. Based on the information request and the petition to perpetuate testimony, it is possible that the State or other liable parties may assert that EHI is liable for the alleged contamination at the Site. There were no material developments with respect to this matter in 2013 or during the twelve months period ended December 31, 2014. At this time, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter, nor is it able to estimate the amount or range of loss or the impact on its financial condition in the event of an unfavorable outcome.
	World Fuel Claim
	In December 2013, World Fuel, a former fuel supplier of Evergreen International Aviation (‘‘EIA’’) and Evergreen Airlines (‘‘EA’’), filed suit against EIA, EA and other named parties claiming approximately $9 million of accounts payable due and owing to World Fuel for fuel purchases made by EIA and EA. Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. (Erickson’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ‘‘EHI’’) was a named party in the lawsuit since it was alleged that EHI signed a joint and several guaranty of payment in favor of World Fuel in 2012. In April 2014, the Company filed its Amended Answer which included certain counterclaims against World Fuel and certain cross claims against Mr. Delford Smith. Discovery in this matter is ongoing. At this time, the Company is not able to determine the likelihood of any outcome in this matter, nor is it able to estimate the amount or range of loss or the impact on its financial condition in the event of an unfavorable outcome.
	Stockholder Action
	In August 2013, a putative stockholder of the Company filed a class and derivative action in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware against the Company, the members of its board of directors, EAC Acquisition Corp., and the ZM Funds and certain of their affiliates. The plaintiff asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment in connection with the EHI acquisition and requested an award of unspecified monetary damages to the stockholders and to the Company, disgorgement and restitution, certain other equitable relief, and an award of plaintiff’s costs and disbursements, including legal fees. On October 3, 2013, the defendants moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint on the ground that all of the plaintiff’s claims in reality were derivative in nature and that the plaintiff had failed to allege facts sufficient to excuse pre-suit demand. On December 4, 2013, rather than oppose the motion to dismiss, the plaintiff chose to file an amended complaint. On January 24, 2014, the defendants again moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s amended complaint on the same grounds. On April 15, 2014, the Court denied the defendants’ motion, holding that one aspect of the plaintiff’s claim was direct and that, in any event, the plaintiff had pled facts sufficient to excuse pre-suit demand. Although the Company is unable to predict the final outcome of the proceeding, the Company believes the allegations lack merit, intends to vigorously defend against them, and believes that the final results will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In addition to the foregoing litigation, the Company is subject to ongoing litigation and claims as part of its normal business operations. The Company makes a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company recognizes expenses for legal costs in connection with defending a loss contingency as those costs are incurred. In the Company’s opinion, none of these claims will have a material adverse effect on it.
	Operating Leases
	The Company owns substantially all of its property, periodically leases certain premises on a short term basis, and leases a minor amount of its facilities and certain other property under non-cancelable operating lease agreements that expire on various dates through August of 2064. Certain leases have renewal options. Operating lease expense for the facilities leases were $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In connection with the 2013 acquisition of EHI, the Company acquired certain operating leases for aircraft that expire on various dates through December 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, operating lease expense associated with aircraft was $20.2 million and $14.0 million, respectively.
	Minimum future lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	18,876
	2016	17,014
	2017	13,413
	2018	12,921
	2019	5,145
	Thereafter	7,630
		$	74,999
	Outstanding Purchase Orders
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $29.6 million of outstanding purchase orders for scheduled parts deliveries through 2019, all in the ordinary course of business and the majority of which were cancelable.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts as it is considered necessary. The purpose of these transactions is to reduce the impact of future currency fluctuations related to anticipated cash receipts from expected future revenue that is denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. The change in the valuation of the foreign currency forwards portfolio is recorded within unrecognized or recognized gain (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Outstanding balances of foreign currency forward contracts in asset positions are included in prepaid expenses and other assets if maturing within one year, or other non-current assets if maturing beyond one year within the consolidated balance sheet. Outstanding balances of foreign currency forward contracts in liability positions are included in accrued and other current liabilities if maturing within one year, or other long-term liabilities if maturing beyond one year within the consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company was not party to any foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Warranty_Reserves_and_Cost_Per

Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves	Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves
	Sales of Aircranes to third parties include limited warranty provisions that require the Company to remedy deficiencies in quality or performance of its products over a specified period of time, generally from two to five years depending on the type of part, component or airframe, including technical assistance services. Warranty reserves are established at the time that revenue is recognized at levels that represent the estimate of the costs that will be incurred to fulfill those warranty requirements and is included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Warranty reserves may be adjusted periodically to sustain levels representing the estimate of the costs to fulfill those warranty requirements over the remaining life of the warranty.
	Warranty expense, net was zero, zero, and a $0.5 million benefit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 warranty liability reserve was zero. All warranty periods expired at December 31, 2012.
	A summary of the warranty reserves related to sales of Aircranes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	—		$	1,015
	Increases to reserves	—			—			—
	Warranty provided or expired	—			—			(1,015		)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	—		$	—
	The Company offers CPH contracts pursuant to which the Company provides components and expendable supplies for a customer's aircraft at a fixed cost per flight hour. The Company estimates the total covered maintenance costs for the aircraft over the coverage period based on historical trends. The amount of the accrual is estimated on a per flight hour basis and recorded as the hours are flown on the aircraft. The timing of cash paid for repairs and maintenance on the aircraft will impact the balance of the accrual.
	Net CPH expense was zero, $0.7 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 CPH liability was zero and $0.5 million, respectively.
	A summary of the CPH reserves is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	$	511		$	3,569		$	2,770
	Increases to reserves	—			747			5,282
	Warranty provided or expired	(511		)	(3,805		)	(4,483		)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	511		$	3,569

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity	Variable Interest Entities
	An entity is generally considered a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) that is subject to consolidation under ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation,” if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following characteristics: (a) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity; or (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity.
	European Air-Crane, S.p.A. (“EuAC”) is 49% owned by Erickson Incorporated (“EAC”); 49% owned by Grupo Inaer (“Inaer” formerly Elilario Italia S.p.A.); and 2% owned by Fiduciaria Centro Nord (“FCN”). EAC provided FCN with the financial means to purchase and transfer the shares of EuAC, in exchange for the patrimonial and administrative rights derived from the shares. These rights include the right to decide whether and how to vote in shareholders’ meetings and the right to decide whether, when and to whom the shares should be transferred and endorsed.
	The Company believes that EuAC is a VIE and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE due to its ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities, the exposure to the expected losses of the entity if they occur, and the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. As such, the consolidated financial statements include the balances of EuAC.
	At December 31, 2014, EuAC consolidated assets and liabilities were $4.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, EuAC consolidated VIE assets and liabilities were $5.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of noncontrolling interest is reflected in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	In the third quarter of 2014 through its Brazilian subsidiary Air Amazonia, the Company had entered into a purchase agreement to acquire a 60% interest in Costa Do Sol Taxi Aero Corporation ("Costa Do Sol") and obtained control of the entity effective December 1, 2014.
	The Company believes that Costa Do Sol is a VIE and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE due to its ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities, the exposure to the expected losses of the entity if they occur, and the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. As such, the consolidated financial statements include the balances of Costa Do Sol.
	At December 31, 2014, Costa Do Sol consolidated assets and liabilities were $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, noncontrolling interest of zero is reflected in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Seasonality

Seasonality	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Seasonality [Abstract]
Seasonality	Seasonality
	The Company’s flight hours are substantially reduced in winter or monsoon seasons. The global deployment of the Company’s aircraft and crews helps to limit the effect of seasonality, but the Company’s operations tend to peak in June through October and to be at a low point in January through April.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	The Company calculates basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Shares issuable upon the satisfaction of certain conditions are considered outstanding and included in the computation of basic loss per share.
	The following table shows the computation of income (loss) per share (net income (loss) in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	(10,292	)	$	9,657	$	12,435
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,800,494			11,221,005		6,981,027
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	—			53,419		—
	Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock	—			560,082		—
	Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,800,494			11,834,506		6,981,027
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.75	)	$	0.86	$	1.78
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.75	)	$	0.82	$	1.78
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share	18,169			16,458		158,557

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation
	In 2012, the Company adopted a Long Term Incentive Plan and reserved for issuance 417,649 shares of its common stock. The goal of the plan is to align the interests of the Company’s eligible participants with the interests of its stockholders by providing long-term incentive compensation opportunities tied to the performance of the Company and its common stock. Because vesting is based on continued employment, these equity based incentives are also intended to attract, retain and motivate key personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and effort the successful conduct of the Company’s business is largely dependent. There were 7,808 shares available for grant under the Long Term Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit awards activity during the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average
		Award Units		Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2011	—		$	—
	Granted	389,057		7.77
	Vested restricted stock units	(214,933	)	7.8
	Forfeited	(15,567	)	7.83
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2012	158,557		7.73
	Granted	45,914		21.43
	Vested restricted stock units	(88,610	)	10.68
	Forfeited	(24,643	)	7.75
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2013	91,218		11.75
	Granted	35,752		16.68
	Vested restricted stock units	(50,695	)	12.81
	Forfeited	(20,672	)	12.74
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2014	55,603		$	13.59
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company granted 35,752, 45,914, and 389,057 restricted stock unit awards, respectively. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Cost of revenues	$	69		$	70	$	378
	Operating expenses	792			722		1,740
	Total	$	861		$	792	$	2,118
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested restricted stock unit awards as of December 31, 2014 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years, as follows (in thousands):
		Unamortized
		Compensation
		Expense
	2015	$	445
	2016	91
	Thereafter	7
	Total	$	543

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On January 1, 2015, as a result of an organizational restructuring, the Company established new reportable operating segments to assess performance by type of customer and end market: Government Aviation Services, Commercial Aviation Services, Oil & Gas Aviation Services and Manufacturing & MRO.
	On March 3, 2015, Udo Rieder informed the board of directors that he will retire from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the board of directors, effective March 31, 2015. The board of directors had appointed Jeffrey Roberts as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2015.

SUPPLEMENTARY_DATA

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
		2014
	(Unaudited)	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter		4th Quarter			Total
	Net Revenues	$	74,184		$	80,885		$	118,338	$	73,202		$	346,609
	Gross Profit	8,280			13,729			47,978		13,177			83,164
	Net income (loss)	(7,525		)	(17,162		)	16,941		(2,485		)	(10,231		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(7,594		)	(17,109		)	16,862		(2,451		)	(10,292		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.55	)	$	(1.24	)	$	1.22	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.75	)
	Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.55	)	$	(1.24	)	$	1.22	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.75	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	13,789,426			13,799,501			13,802,212		13,810,587			13,800,494
	Dilutive	13,789,426			13,799,501			13,817,050		13,810,587			13,800,494
		2013
	(Unaudited)	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter		4th Quarter			Total
	Net Revenues	$	36,940		$	68,590		$	120,226	$	92,465		$	318,221
	Gross Profit	9,274			17,490			46,185		23,164			96,113
	Net income (loss)	(995		)	(1,797		)	14,488		(1,830		)	9,866
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(1,216		)	(1,952		)	14,525		(1,700		)	9,657
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	1.26	$	(0.12	)	$	0.86
	Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	1.05	$	(0.12	)	$	0.82
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	9,727,127			9,759,758			11,562,465		13,786,308			11,221,005
	Dilutive	9,727,127			9,759,758			13,813,514		13,786,308			11,834,506

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810-Consolidation ("ASC 810"). Intercompany accounts and transactions between the companies are eliminated upon consolidation.
Reclassification	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Reclassification has been made to prior period amounts of acquired intangible assets related to our Air Amazonia acquisition from other intangible assets, net to goodwill on the consolidated balance sheets as a result of the final purchase price accounting. Such reclassification had no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity or consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates for which changes in the near term are considered reasonably possible and that may have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements are: (a) excess and obsolete aircraft support parts reserves, (b) allowance for doubtful accounts, (c) income tax assets and liabilities, (d) warranty reserves, (e) cost-per-hour ("CPH") reserves and (f) estimates and assumptions made in determining fair values in connection with the business combinations. Management of the Company bases their estimates on historical experience and other relevant assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
	The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries CAC, EuAC and Air Amazonia, are measured in their functional currencies of the Canadian dollars (C$), Euros (€) and Brazilian Real (R$) respectively and then are translated into U.S. dollars. Generally, balance sheet accounts are translated using the current exchange rate at each balance sheet date. Results of operations are translated using the average exchange rate each month. Translation gains or losses resulting from the changes in the exchange rates from month to month are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries EHI, EACM, DAC, and EAP are prepared using the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. The transactions related to these operations that are denominated in foreign currencies have been re-measured in U.S. dollars, and any resulting gain or loss is reported in total other income (expense), net.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company classifies cash on deposit in banks and cash invested in money market accounts maturing in less than three months from the original date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these items approximates fair value. The Company's subsidiaries generally maintain cash account balances sufficient to meet their short-term working capital requirements and periodically remit funds to the parent company to pay intercompany lease, maintenance and other charges. Substantially all of the Company's cash is concentrated in a few financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant risk on these balances.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company makes estimates as to the overall collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis and writes off accounts receivable after reasonable collection efforts have been made and collection is deemed questionable or not probable. The Company specifically analyzes its accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and changes in its customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Charges increasing the allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded in selling and marketing expenses.
Aircraft Support Parts, Net	Aircraft Support Parts, net
	Aircraft support parts, net consist of aircraft parts and work-in-process which are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the first-in first-out method. Costs capitalized for aircraft support parts include materials, labor, and operating overhead. Work-in-process consists of remanufactured aircraft in various stages of production and in-process aircraft support parts. All aircraft require daily routine repairs and maintenance based on inspections. Such maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Periodically, aircraft are removed from service and undergo heavy maintenance activities including inspections and repairs of the airframe and related parts as required; depending on the nature of the costs, they are either capitalized or expensed as incurred. Upon completion of an aircraft remanufacture, based on the demand for our services, the Company may transfer an aircraft into its fleet.
	Abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and scrap are recorded as current-period expenses. Production overhead rates are based on the planned capacity of the production facilities and overhead costs are allocated to production based on actual direct labor hours.
	Aircraft parts are categorized as serviceable, which indicates that they are in a condition suitable for installing on an aircraft, or repairable, which indicates that additional overhaul or repair work needs to be performed in order for the part to be certified as serviceable. Since the Company operates within a niche of the heavy-lift helicopter market, it experiences long lead times and is required to carry large quantities of spares inventory in order to ensure availability of parts for servicing its fleet of aircraft. The Company records an excess and obsolete reserve for parts when its quantity on hand exceeds its forecasted need for the part or when parts have either not been utilized for a period of seven years or have been deemed obsolete or beyond economical repair by the Company’s engineering department. Accordingly, changes in forecasted demand, revised cost estimates or design changes for a part can affect estimates associated with the Company’s provision for excess and obsolete aircraft support parts, and it can vary significantly as a result.
	Aircraft support parts, net are classified as a non-current asset in the consolidated balance sheets because they are primarily used to maintain and overhaul the Company's fleet of aircraft, which are long-term assets. Aircraft support parts which are used in operations are recorded as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets result from our acquisition of existing businesses. In accordance with accounting standards related to business combinations, goodwill is not amortized, however, certain definite-lived identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We review goodwill annually, or on an interim basis if warranted, for impairment to determine if events or changes in business conditions indicate that the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. Such reviews assess the fair value of the assets based upon our estimates of the future cash flows we expect the assets to generate within the boundaries of the applicable reporting units of the Company. We review identified intangible assets for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
	The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process pursuant to ASC 350-20-35. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the second step of the impairment test is to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. In such cases, the amount of the impairment is determined based on the relative fair values of the impaired assets
Investments	Investments
	Investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting if the investment gives the Company the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company has an ownership interest in the investee of between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee's board of directors and the effect of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. Investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for under the cost method.
Deferred Offering Costs	Deferred Offering Costs
	Deferred offering costs consist of direct incremental accounting and legal fees related to the Company's initial and secondary public offerings of its common stock and other anticipated registration statements.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs consist of expenditures associated with obtaining debt financing, principally legal and bank commitment fees. Such costs are deferred and amortized over the term of the related credit agreements using a method that approximates the effective interest method.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S., state, and several foreign jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities.
	The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for accounting for income taxes, using currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
	The Company is subject to audit by federal, state and local taxing authorities. The outcome of these audits may result in the Company being assessed taxes in addition to amounts previously paid. Accordingly, the Company maintains a reserve for uncertain tax positions. The Company calculates its reserves in accordance with applicable accounting standards for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Changes in facts and circumstances, such as conclusion of tax audits, identification of new issues, changes in federal or state laws, or interpretations of the law, could result in material changes to the amounts recorded for such tax positions.
	It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) within other income (expense).
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Restricted stock units ("RSUs") are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of the vesting period. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the compensation costs related to restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period of the award.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company enters into short-term and medium-term service contracts with its customers, which generally range from one day to one year. Occasionally, the Company enters into multi-year contracts, with extension options for additional years. Revenue is recognized for contracts as the services are rendered and include leasing of the aircraft, pilot and field maintenance support and related services. The Company charges daily rates and hourly rates depending upon the type of service rendered. Mobilization fees, which represent recovery of costs incurred to deploy an aircraft to a customer, are recognized as the related mobilization occurs. Revenues from timber harvesting operations are earned based on the number of flight hours or the timber volume and quality delivered to customers, depending on the customer contract.
	Sales contracts for Aircranes include multiple deliverables, such as warranty, spare parts, training and crew provisioning arrangements. The Company allocates consideration associated with the arrangement based on the relative selling prices of the various elements. Selling prices are based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”); if VSOE is not available, third party evidence of selling prices is used. In circumstances where neither VSOE nor third party evidence is available, the Company uses estimated selling prices as the basis for allocating consideration.
	For the sale of Aircranes that involve significant production, modification or customization, the Company uses the percentage of completion method of accounting when all required criteria are met. In circumstances where the criteria for using the percentage of completion method of accounting are not met, revenue is recognized as each unit is completed, delivered, and accepted by the customer and the rights of ownership are transferred. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, the Company accrues the estimated losses immediately.
	Revenue recognized represents the price negotiated with the customer, adjusted by any discounts. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes remitted to governmental authorities on the customer's behalf. The amount reported as cost of sales is determined by specific identification of costs to remanufacture each Aircrane, plus a proportion of deferred program costs from specific modifications to the Aircrane ordered by the customer.
	For the sales of the other aircraft the revenue is recognized when the title passes to the customer in accordance with the contract.
	The Company's Manufacturing, Repair, and Overhaul ("MRO") facilities enter into contracts that require maintenance, repair, overhaul and/or assembly of various major components and other aircraft parts. In all such instances, revenues and costs are deferred until repairs are completed and the customer accepts the final product. For sales of spare parts, revenue and cost of sales are recorded once the parts are shipped to the customer in accordance with the contract or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured and the price is fixed and determinable. In instances where title does not pass to the customer upon shipment, the Company recognizes revenue and cost of sales upon delivery or customer acceptance, depending on the terms of the sales agreement. CPH contracts are accounted for on a long-term contract basis; revenues are recognized based upon negotiated hourly rates and applicable flight hours earned, and profitability of the contract is based upon estimated costs over the life of the contract.
Collaborative Arrangements	Collaborative Arrangements
	The Company entered into a collaborative agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013 for the ongoing development and testing of composite main rotor blades for the Aircrane and the CH-54. The agreement calls for the parties to equally share costs associated with the completion of testing. Under the agreement, once the testing and certifications are completed, the Company maintains the sole and exclusive right to sell the blades for the S-64E and S-64F helicopters to third parties. The purchaser of the intellectual property received the sole and exclusive right to sell the composite blades for the CH-54A and CH-54B helicopters to third parties. The initial sale of the intellectual property to the counterparty of the collaborative agreement was recorded in net revenues on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company’s portion of ongoing project costs, to the extent they qualify for capitalization on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are included as aircraft support parts, net and property, plant, and equipment, net. The Company’s portion of these costs that are to be expensed as incurred are classified on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as research and development expense.
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company is subject to exposures that arise from foreign currency movements between the date the foreign currency transactions are recorded and the date they are settled. The Company's exposure to foreign currency movements is partially mitigated through naturally offsetting asset and liability currency positions. The Company periodically enters into foreign currency hedging transactions to mitigate risk of foreign currency movements in Europe, Australia, and Canada. A significant percentage of the Company's revenues are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, whereas a substantial portion of its costs are incurred in U.S. dollars. The Company uses hedging strategies to manage and minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on its profits. The Company did not have any open foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2014 or 2013. (See "Note 18-Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities")
	All derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent of holding them. The Company uses derivative instruments to principally manage cash flow risks from revenue which is expected to be recognized from executed contracts for the future delivery of goods or services. Revenues from such customer contracts are recorded in U.S. dollars at the contract rate and the impact of the foreign currency forward contract is recognized in gross margin and operating income at the time of revenue recognition. At the end of each accounting period, the value of each outstanding foreign currency forward contract is marked to market in the balance sheet on the basis of the then prevailing forward exchange rate. Revenues which are not hedged are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during the month the services are rendered. All changes in fair value of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts have been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations because they do not meet the requirements for deferral accounting. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	An entity is generally considered a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) that is subject to consolidation under ASC 810-Consolidation, if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following characteristics: (a) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity; (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. (See "Note 20-Variable Interest Entities")
	An entity is generally considered a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) that is subject to consolidation under ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation,” if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following characteristics: (a) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses of the entity; or (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity.
Environmental Remediation	Environmental Remediation
	The Company is subject to federal and state requirements for protection of the environment, including those for discharge of hazardous materials and remediation of contaminated sites. The Company periodically assesses, based on environmental studies, expert analyses and legal reviews, the Company's contingencies, obligations and commitments for remediation of contaminated sites, including assessments of ranges and probabilities of recoveries from other responsible parties who have and have not agreed to a settlement and of recoveries from insurance carriers. The Company immediately accrues and charges to current expense identified exposures related to environmental remediation sites based on its best estimate within a range of potential exposure for investigation, cleanup and monitoring costs to be incurred. (See “Note 16-Commitments and Contingencies").
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs predominately consist of internal labor costs and engineering tooling design costs, which are charged to expense when incurred.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("Basic EPS") is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders after the reduction of earnings allocated to preferred stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and excludes the effects of any potentially dilutive securities.
	Diluted earnings (loss) per common share ("Diluted EPS") gives effect to all dilutive potential common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings.
	The Company calculates basic income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Shares issuable upon the satisfaction of certain conditions are considered outstanding and included in the computation of basic loss per share.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and the effects on the consolidated financial statements of translating the financial statements of the Company's international subsidiaries. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is presented as a component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets and consists of the cumulative amount of the Company's foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax impact.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	In accordance with guidance in FASB ASC 280-Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"), the Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments. Prior to May 2, 2013, the Company’s reportable operating segments were Aerial services, which consisted of firefighting, timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, and crewing, and Manufacturing/MRO, which consisted of aftermarket support and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services for the Aircrane and other aircraft and the remanufacture of Aircranes and related components. The Company completed its acquisition of EHI on May 2, 2013, and as a result of the acquisition, the Company established new reportable operating segments to assess performance by type of customer: Government and Commercial. Segment data for prior periods has been reclassified to reflect the establishment of the Government and Commercial segments. The Government segment includes firefighting, defense and security, and transportation and other operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with government customers. The Commercial segment includes both timber harvesting and infrastructure construction operating segments, as these lines of business are primarily contracted with commercial customers.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting standards update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” to resolve the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Although permitted by the ASU, the Company did not elect early adoption or retrospective application. As such, the ASU became effective prospectively for the Company as of its first quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits that meet the conditions described by the ASU; accordingly, the ASU did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This ASU requires revenue to be recognized to reflect the consideration an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to customers in the appropriate period. This ASU also requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures about customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are required. The Company will be required to implement this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, using one of the two prescribed retrospective methods. No early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined the effect of the adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment	Aircraft and property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Aircraft	15 years
	Buildings	20 years
	Vehicles and equipment	3-5 years
Summary of Customers that Accounted for at Least 10% of Company's Net Revenues	The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the Company's net revenues in 2014, 2013, or 2012:
		Segment		Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
				December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Fluor(1)	Government		17.4	%		14.8	%	—
	U.S. Forest Service	Government		13	%		14.7	%	28.6	%
	Italian Ministry of Civil Protection (2)	Government		—	%		3	%	12.9	%
				30.4	%		32.5	%	41.5	%
	-1	Fluor was a customer serviced by Evergreen Helicopters for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	-2	Our contract to provide services to the Italian Ministry of Civil Protection expired in June 2013.
Schedule Of Concentration Of Risk By Accounts Receivable	The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the total current and non-current trade receivables as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Fluor	14.4	%		19.4	%
	Alion Science and Technology Corporation	11.8	%		—	%
	Army Contracting Command – Rock Island	4.7	%		13.8	%
	Hellenic Fire Brigade(1)	10.8	%		8.5	%
		41.7	%		41.7	%
	-1	On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into a three year agreement with the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (“NAMSA”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to supply aerial firefighting services in Greece for the 2012 to 2014 firefighting seasons. Prior to the agreement with NAMSA, the Company contracted directly with the Hellenic Fire Brigade to provide firefighting services in Greece. At December 31, 2013, the receivable from Hellenic Fire Brigade was classified in other non-current assets due to the long-term nature of obtaining resolution regarding the Company’s permanent establishment status in Greece.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa1

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Trade accounts receivable	$	42,296		$	60,190
	Other receivables	2,793			6,788
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(739		)	(991		)
		$	44,350		$	65,987
	Following are the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the year ended (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	991		$	460		$	476
	Additions	137			634			12
	Amounts written-off net of recovered	(389		)	(103		)	(28		)
	Balance at end of period	$	739		$	991		$	460

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Tab

Aircraft Support Parts, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Aircraft Support Parts, Net	Aircraft support parts consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Aircraft parts	$	124,629		$	115,400
	Work-in-process	18,604			17,296
	Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	(5,640		)	(6,000		)
		$	137,593		$	126,696
Rollforward of Inventory Reserve	Following are the changes in the excess and obsolete reserve during the years ended (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(6,000	)	$	(6,060	)	$	(5,050	)
	Increase in reserves	(117		)	(585		)	(1,662		)
	Amounts written off	477			645			652
	Balance at end of period	$	(5,640	)	$	(6,000	)	$	(6,060	)

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an1

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Aircraft	Aircraft, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Aircraft	$	162,246		$	151,044
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(34,025		)	(23,865		)
		$	128,221		$	127,179
Schedule of Changes in Aircraft Employed	The following table represents the changes in aircraft employed in the Company's fleet as of December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively.
		Aircraft		Total Aircraft Employed
	Aircraft in our fleet as of December 31, 2012			21
	Aircraft transferred from inventory	2
	Aircraft removed from fleet for maintenance	-1
	Aircraft purchased as part of the EHI acquisition	28
	Aircraft purchased as part of the Air Amazonia acquisition	6
	Aircraft leased as part of the EHI acquisition	35
	Aircraft leased subsequent to the EHI acquisition	1
	Aircraft returned to the lessor during the period	-2
	Aircraft in our fleet as December 31, 2013			90
	Aircraft purchased	2
	Aircraft returned to lessor	-2
	Aircraft sold	-4
	Aircraft in our fleet at December 31, 2014			86
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Net	Property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Land and land improvements	$	308		$	308
	Buildings	7,926			7,597
	Vehicles and equipment	29,500			29,598
	Deferred overhauls, net	86,768			68,773
	Construction-in-progress	15,926			19,923
		140,428			126,199
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(19,793		)	(16,817		)
		$	120,635		$	109,382

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Pro Forma Information Company's Results of Operations
		Year Ended December 31, 2013		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Net revenues	$	378,696	$	379,270
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	18,626		17,684
	Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic	1.35		1.61
	Diluted	1.35		1.61
	Weighted average shares outstanding(1):
	Basic	13,768,836		10,989,466
	Diluted	13,793,844		10,989,466
	(1) Weighted average shares outstanding for the purposes of the above pro forma calculation assume the Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of 4,008,439 shares converted to the same number of shares of common stock at the beginning of the period presented.

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Government Segment			Commercial Segment			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014
	Goodwill, gross	$	231,627		$	3,351		$	234,978
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			—
	Goodwill, net	231,627			3,351			234,978
	Activity during 2014
	Impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			(21,272		)
	Purchase accounting adjustments for Air Amazonia	—			1,928			1,928
	Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	—			(393		)	(393		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014
	Goodwill, gross	231,627			4,886			236,513
	Accumulated impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			(21,272		)
	Goodwill, net	$	210,355		$	4,886		$	215,241

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Ta

Other Intangible Assets, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Useful Life		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in years)
	Customer Relationships (EHI)	9		$	19,300		$	19,300
	Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia)	9		2,500			2,500
	Type Certificate(1)	Indefinite		2,205			2,205
				24,005			24,005
	Less: Accumulated amortization			(3,952		)	(1,521		)
				$	20,053		$	22,484
	-1	The Type Certificate included in intangible assets is the Type Certificate for engines used in the Aircrane, purchased individually during 2013.
Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for future periods, as of December 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
		Intangible Asset Amortization
	2015	$	2,421
	2016	2,421
	2017	2,421
	2018	2,421
	2019	2,421
	Thereafter	5,743
	Total	$	17,848

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab1

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Payroll and related taxes	$	6,069	$	12,004
	Deferred maintenance on aircraft(1)	—		9,694
	Interest	5,542		5,142
	Accrued commissions	1,301		1,074
	Deferred revenue	795		1,210
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760		—
	Other	3,567		12,109
		$	19,034	$	41,233
	-1	In connection with the acquisition of EHI, the Company pre-negotiated accelerated timelines and return-to-service obligations with the lessors of certain EHI leased aircraft in exchange for obtaining consent for the transfer of the leases to the Company. The liability was estimated based on historical maintenance costs incurred for the same or like components.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Total Debt Outstanding	Outstanding debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
		Current		Long-term		Current		Long-term
	2020 Senior Notes	$	—	$	355,000	$	—	$	355,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	—		89,339		—		68,086
	2020 subordinated notes, net of discount	4,000		12,486		—		16,160
	Fixtures financing	144		265		—		—
	Total	$	4,144	$	457,090	$	—	$	439,246
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The following table presents the Company’s required principal payments for the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
		2020 Senior Notes		Revolving Credit Facility		2020 Subordinated Notes		Fixtures financing		Total
	2015	$	—	$	—	$	4,000	$	144	$	4,144
	2016	—		—		4,000		149		4,149
	2017	—		—		4,000		116		4,116
	2018	—		89,339		4,000		—		93,339
	2019	—		—		1,500		—		1,500
	Thereafter	355,000		—		—		—		355,000
	Total future debt principal payments	$	355,000	$	89,339	$	17,500	$	409	$	462,248

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7		$	274		$	4,816		$	—		$	5,097
	Restricted cash	136			—			431			—			567
	Accounts receivable, net	13,117			26,199			4,990			44			44,350
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,506			1,171			1,103			—			8,780
	Income tax receivable	320			—			335			22			677
	Deferred tax assets	1,440			—			(210		)	—			1,230
	Total current assets	21,526			27,644			11,465			66			60,701
	Aircraft support parts, net	106,721			30,482			435			(45		)	137,593
	Aircraft, net	82,799			42,405			3,017			—			128,221
	Property, plant and equipment, net	70,732			47,762			2,141			—			120,635
	Goodwill	—			210,356			5,647			(762		)	215,241
	Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,726			2,122			—			20,053
	Other non-current assets	323,332			4,337			501			(305,093		)	23,077
	Total assets	$	607,315		$	378,712		$	25,328		$	(305,834	)	$	705,521
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	6,021		$	11,465		$	2,358		$	—		$	19,844
	Current portion of long-term debt	4,144			—			—			—			4,144
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(54,577		)	49,166			24,998			(553		)	19,034
	Income tax payable	(397		)	—			137			575			315
	Deferred tax liabilities	884			—			—						884
	Total current liabilities	(43,925		)	60,631			27,493			22			44,221
	Long-term debt, less current portion	12,751			—			—			—			12,751
	Long-term revolving credit facilities	89,339			—			—			—			89,339
	Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
	Other long-term liabilities	12,410			708			63			—			13,181
	Uncertain tax positions	6,313			—			—			—			6,313
	Deferred tax liabilities	5,061			—			(1,358		)	—			3,703
	Total liabilities	436,949			61,339			26,198			22			524,508
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common stock	1			—			1,675			(1,675		)	1
	Additional paid-in capital	181,018			297,994			33			(298,027		)	181,018
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(8,993		)	19,379			(3,171		)	(5,403		)	1,812
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,660		)	—			(41		)	(843		)	(2,544		)
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	170,366			317,373			(1,504		)	(305,948		)	180,287
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			92			726
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	170,366			317,373			(870		)	(305,856		)	181,013
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	607,315		$	378,712		$	25,328		$	(305,834	)	$	705,521
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	576		$	(12	)	$	1,317		$	—		$	1,881
	Restricted cash	151			364			2,368			—			2,883
	Accounts receivable, net	17,290			40,560			8,024			113			65,987
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,878			582			900			—			3,360
	Income tax receivable	70			—			65			—			135
	Deferred tax assets	3,372			—			343			—			3,715
	Total current assets	23,337			41,494			13,017			113			77,961
	Aircraft support parts, net	93,719			33,022			—			(45		)	126,696
	Aircraft, net	88,242			35,236			3,701			—			127,179
	Property, plant and equipment, net	70,145			37,825			1,412			—			109,382
	Other intangible assets, net	2,205			17,870			2,409			—			22,484
Goodwill	—			231,626			4,114			(762		)	234,978
Other non-current assets	325,768			7,133			816			(305,092		)	28,625
Total assets	$	603,416		$	404,206		$	25,469		$	(305,786	)	$	727,305
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	8,179		$	17,889		$	2,967		$	—		$	29,035
Accrued and other current liabilities	(48,899		)	66,513			23,592			27			41,233
Income tax payable	—			—			621			—			621
Total current liabilities	(40,720		)	84,402			27,180			27			70,889
Long-term debt, less current portion	16,160			—			—			—			16,160
Long-term revolving credit facilities	68,086			—			—			—			68,086
Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,756			—			63			—			1,819
Uncertain tax positions	5,669			—			—			—			5,669
Deferred tax liabilities	16,745			—			30			—			16,775
Total liabilities	422,696			84,402			27,273			27			534,398
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	1			—			1,674			(1,674		)	1
Additional paid-in capital	179,954			297,994			33			(298,027		)	179,954
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	806			21,810			(5,142		)	(5,370		)	12,104
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(41		)	—			997			(998		)	(42		)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	180,720			319,804			(2,438		)	(306,069		)	192,017
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			256			890
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	180,720			319,804			(1,804		)	(305,813		)	192,907
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	603,416		$	404,206		$	25,469		$	(305,786	)	$	727,305
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Net revenues:	$	151,502		$	163,094		$	55,663		$	(23,650	)	$	346,609
	Cost of revenues	94,545			145,054			47,328			(23,482		)	263,445
	Gross profit	56,957			18,040			8,335			(168		)	83,164
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	22,166			912			3,416			—			26,494
	Research and development	3,782			—			—			—			3,782
	Selling and marketing	8,432			593			429			(168		)	9,286
	Impairment of goodwill	—			21,272			—			—			21,272
	Total operating expenses	34,380			22,777			3,845			(168		)	60,834
	Operating income (loss)	22,577			(4,737		)	4,490			—			22,330
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income (expense), net	(35,210		)	20			(610		)	—			(35,800		)
	Other income (expense), net	(3,600		)	2,286			229			(108		)	(1,193		)
	Total other income (expense)	(38,810		)	2,306			(381		)	(108		)	(36,993		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(16,233		)	(2,431		)	4,109			(108		)	(14,663		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,433		)	—			2,001			—			(4,432		)
	Net income (loss)	(9,800		)	(2,431		)	2,108			(108		)	(10,231		)
	Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(61		)	(61		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(9,800	)	$	(2,431	)	$	2,108		$	(169	)	$	(10,292	)
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Net revenues:	$	161,500		$	128,109		$	52,852		$	(24,240	)	$	318,221
	Cost of revenues	98,347			100,429			47,543			(24,211		)	222,108
	Gross profit	63,153			27,680			5,309			(29		)	96,113
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	27,472			5,111			4,844			(61		)	37,366
	Research and development	4,000			—			—			—			4,000
	Selling and marketing	6,803			780			123			49			7,755
	Total operating expenses	38,275			5,891			4,967			(12		)	49,121
	Operating income (loss)	24,878			21,789			342			(17		)	46,992
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income (expense), net	(25,103		)	1			(73		)	—			(25,175		)
	Other expense, net	(5,515		)	16			33			(365		)	(5,831		)
	Total other income (expense)	(30,618		)	17			(40		)	(365		)	(31,006		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(5,740		)	21,806			302			(382		)	15,986
	Income tax expense	5,311			(5		)	814			—			6,120
	Net income (loss)	(11,051		)	21,811			(512		)	(382		)	9,866
	Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(209		)	(209		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(11,051	)	$	21,811		$	(512	)	$	(591	)	$	9,657
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Net revenues:	$	153,213		$	—		$	57,797		$	(30,186	)	$	180,824
	Cost of revenues	94,158			—			55,473			(30,226		)	119,405
	Gross profit	59,055			—			2,324			40			61,419
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	14,201			—			3,085			(54		)	17,232
	Research and development	4,683			—			—			—			4,683
	Selling and marketing	5,953			—			104			14			6,071
	Total operating expenses	24,837			—			3,189			(40		)	27,986
	Operating income (loss)	34,218			—			(865		)	80			33,433
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income (expense), net	(6,874		)	—			(48		)	(68		)	(6,990		)
Other expense, net	(359		)	—			36			(271		)	(594		)
Total other income (expense)	(7,233		)	—			(12		)	(339		)	(7,584		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	26,985			—			(877		)	(259		)	25,849
Income tax expense	9,733			—			480			—			10,213
Net income (loss)	17,252			—			(1,357		)	(259		)	15,636
Less: Net income related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(406		)	(406		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	17,252			—			(1,357		)	(665		)	15,230
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock	2,795			—			—			—			2,795
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	14,457		$	—		$	(1,357	)	$	(665	)	$	12,435
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(9,800	)	$	(2,431	)	$	2,108		$	(108	)	$	(10,231	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	23,366			10,769			768			—			34,903
	Impairment of goodwill	—			21,272			—			—			21,272
	Deferred income taxes	(8,224		)	—			434			—			(7,790		)
	Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	—			(1,869		)	—			—			(1,869		)
	Non-cash interest expense on debt	324			—			—			—			324
	Stock-based compensation	861			—			—			—			861
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,433			—			—			—			2,433
	Gain on sale of equipment	(121		)	(32		)	(205		)	—			(358		)
	Gain on involuntary conversion	—			(308		)				—			(308		)
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities
	Accounts receivable	4,173			14,361			1,143			42			19,719
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4,628		)	(588		)	(328		)	—			(5,544		)
	Income tax receivable	(210		)	(3		)	669			(22		)	434
	Aircraft support parts, net	(17,900		)	1,177			(517		)	—			(17,240		)
	Other non-current assets	1,741			3,620			241			—			5,602
	Accounts payable	(2,161		)	(6,422		)	(273		)	—			(8,856		)
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(4,402		)	(14,760		)	(936		)	(554		)	(20,652		)
	Income tax payable	(407		)	—			461			575			629
	Other long-term liabilities	(54		)	709			—			—			655
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(15,009		)	25,495			3,565			(67		)	13,984
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Restricted cash	13			365			1,844			—			2,222
	Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	24,660			—			—			—			24,660
	Increase in other assets	—			—			(126		)	—			(126		)
	Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	—			—			(136		)	67			(69		)
	Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(30,110		)	(25,574		)	(1,123		)	—			(56,807		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(5,437		)	(25,209		)	459			67			(30,120		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from shareholders, net	414			—			—			—			414
	Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(211		)	—			—			—			(211		)
	Repayments of credit facilities	(206,686		)	—			—			—			(206,686		)
	Borrowings from credit facilities	227,939			—			—			—			227,939
	Other long-term borrowings	409			—			—			—			409
	Debt issuance costs	(371		)	—			—			—			(371		)
	Net cash provided by financing activities	21,494			—			—			—			21,494
	Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,617		)	—			(525		)	—			(2,142		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(569		)	286			3,499			—			3,216
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576			(12		)	1,317			—			1,881
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7		$	274		$	4,816		$	—		$	5,097
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,051	)	$	21,811		$	(512	)	$	(382	)	$	9,866
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	25,535			7,400			393			—			33,328
	Deferred income taxes	4,543			—			554			117			5,214
	Non-cash interest expense on debt	1,877			—			—			—			1,877
	Stock-based compensation	792			—			—			—			792
	Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt	215			—			—			—			215
	Non-cash interest income on loans	(140		)	—			—			—			(140		)
	Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(25		)	(23		)	47			—			(1		)
	Loss on sale of term loan note receivable	3,441			—			—			—			3,441
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,067			—			—			—			2,067
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5,866		)	(15,440		)	298			17			(20,991		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(614		)	1,454			(413		)	—			427
Income tax receivable, net	170			—			745			—			915
Aircraft support parts, net	(12,354		)	(19,692		)	—			45			(32,001		)
Other non-current assets	(1,114		)	(2,124		)	107			—			(3,131		)
Accounts payable	1,304			(21,376		)	570			—			(19,502		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	(45,424		)	43,153			(1,080		)	(2,999		)	(6,350		)
Income tax payable	—			—			(187		)	(117		)	(304		)
Other long-term liabilities	(514		)	—			—			—			(514		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(37,158		)	15,163			522			(3,319		)	(24,792		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(235,029		)	5,139			22			3,000			(226,868		)
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(35,530		)	(19,950		)	(624		)	—			(56,104		)
Restricted cash	992			(364		)	330			—			958
Purchase of intangible assets	(2,205		)	—			—			—			(2,205		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(651		)	310			(341		)
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable	1,660			—			—			—			1,660
Increase in other assets	—			—			(35		)	—			(35		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(270,112		)	(15,175		)	(958		)	3,310			(282,935		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	(27,572		)	—			—			—			(27,572		)
Repayments of credit facilities	(250,215		)	—			—			—			(250,215		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	246,377			—			—			—			246,377
Borrowing of notes	400,000			—			—			—			400,000
Repayment of notes	(45,000		)	—			—			—			(45,000		)
Debt issuance costs	(14,986		)	—			—			—			(14,986		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(716		)	—			—			—			(716		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	307,888			—			—			—			307,888
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(83		)	—			326			9			252
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	535			(12		)	(110		)	—			413
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	41			—			1,427			—			1,468
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	576		$	(12	)	$	1,317		$	—		$	1,881
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	17,252		$	—		$	(1,357	)	$	(259	)	$	15,636
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,428			—			233			—			21,661
Deferred income taxes	2,682			—			—			—			2,682
Non-cash interest expense on debt	3,137			—			—			—			3,137
Stock-based compensation	2,118			—			—			—			2,118
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	5			—			—			—			5
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,174			—			—			—			1,174
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,144		)	—			3,811			12			2,679
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,496			—			307			—			2,803
Income tax receivable, net	1,011			—			(810		)	—			201
Aircraft support parts, net	(27,355		)	—			—			—			(27,355		)
Accounts payable	2,313			—			(2,398		)	—			(85		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	422			—			(470		)	247			199
Income tax payable	5,516			—			699			—			6,215
Other long-term liabilities	(2,912		)	—			—			—			(2,912		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,143			—			15			—			28,158
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(22,695		)	—			(41		)	—			(22,736		)
Restricted cash	198			—			1,240			—			1,438
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(297		)	—			—			—			(297		)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	136			—			(33		)	—			103
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(22,658		)	—			1,166			—			(21,492		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	31,454			—			—			—			31,454
Repayments of credit facilities	(327,063		)	—			—			—			(327,063		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	291,234			—			—			—			291,234
Debt issuance costs	(376		)	—			—			—			(376		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	(695		)	—			—			—			(695		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,446		)	—			—			—			(5,446		)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	39			—			1,161			—			1,200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2			—			266			—			268
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	41		$	—		$	1,427		$	—		$	1,468

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Noncontrolling Interest Income Taxes by Taxing Jurisdiction	The components of income (loss) before noncontrolling interest and income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Domestic	$	(21,533	)		$	13,200		$	24,407
	Foreign	6,870				2,786			1,442
	Income (loss) before noncontrolling interest and income taxes	$	(14,663	)		$	15,986		$	25,849
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Current income tax expense:
	U.S. federal income taxes	$	—			$	125		$	1,028
	State and local income taxes	10				50			59
	Foreign income taxes	3,684				2,107			6,444
	Total current income tax expense	$	3,694			$	2,282		$	7,531
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. federal income taxes	$	(8,115	)		$	4,168		$	2,375
	State and local income taxes	(555		)		(185		)	303
	Foreign income taxes	544				(145		)	4
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	(8,126	)		$	3,838		$	2,682
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(4,432	)		$	6,120		$	10,213
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation from the U.S statutory rate to the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended				Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Tax at U.S. statutory rate	$	(5,132	)		$	5,595		$	9,047
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	(316		)		258			569
	Nondeductible expenses	1,069				805			333
	Foreign withholding taxes	1,722				1,442			1,031
	Foreign tax rate differences - current year earnings	(327		)		(485		)	(55		)
	Foreign tax rate differences - deemed dividends and unremitted earnings	789				—			—
	Non-deductible receivable allowance	—				—			295
	Tax credits	(2,800		)		(1,755		)	(7,155		)
	Change in tax contingency items	42				72			5,964
	Foreign tax attribute adjustment	—				(1,450		)	—
	Valuation allowance	691				2,067			—
	Other, net	(170		)		(429		)	184
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(4,432	)		$	6,120		$	10,213
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities and balance sheet classifications are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities and other reserves	$	2,227			$	2,405
	Accrued benefits	490				661
	Accrued incentive compensation	209				1,321
	Inventory reserve	2,057				2,188
	Deferred revenue from sale leaseback	4,169				—
	Foreign tax credits	11,793				9,103
	Research and other credits	763				775
	Net operating loss carryforwards	17,862				14,461
	Total deferred tax assets	39,570				30,914
	Valuation allowance	(2,758		)		(2,067		)
	Net deferred tax assets	36,812				28,847
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax-over-book depreciation and amortization	(21,646		)		(17,613		)
	Basis difference in aircrane support parts	(17,961		)		(23,890		)
	Prepaid expenses and deferred costs	(562		)		(404		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(40,169		)		(41,907		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(3,357	)		$	(13,060	)
	Net current deferred tax assets	$	346			$	3,715
	Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	(3,703		)		(16,775		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(3,357	)		$	(13,060	)
Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards	The Company's tax credit and loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			Expiration
	Federal net operating loss carryforward	42,864			2031 - 2034
	Foreign tax credits	6,024			2018 - 2024
	Federal research & experimentation credits	616			2029 - 2034
	State net operating loss carryforwards	15,711			2015 - 2034
	State tax credits	199			2015 - 2019
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	The Company's tax credit and loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			Expiration
	Federal net operating loss carryforward	42,864			2031 - 2034
	Foreign tax credits	6,024			2018 - 2024
	Federal research & experimentation credits	616			2029 - 2034
	State net operating loss carryforwards	15,711			2015 - 2034
	State tax credits	199			2015 - 2019
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits beginning of year	$	5,740			$	5,964
	Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods	99				71
	Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods	(8		)		(295		)
	Gross increases - current period	507				—
	Unrecognized tax benefits end of year	$	6,338			$	5,740

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue by Reportable Segment	The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operations by its two reportable segments. Amounts identified as ‘‘Corporate’’ are assets or expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific segment:
	Revenue by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Net revenues:
	Government	$	247,981		$	221,581		$	105,858
	Commercial	98,628			96,640			74,966
	Total net revenues	$	346,609		$	318,221		$	180,824
Schedule of Gross Profit by Reportable Segment	Gross Profit by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Gross Profit:
	Government	$	161,809		$	146,149		$	64,636
	Commercial	55,382			53,541			42,904
	Non-allocated costs(1)	(134,027		)	(103,577		)	(46,121		)
	Total gross profit	$	83,164		$	96,113		$	61,419
	-1	Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.
Schedule of Assets by Reportable Segment	Assets by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Government	$	255,055		$	295,153
	Commercial	17,957			21,070
	Corporate(1)	49,686			51,756
	Fixed assets(2)	382,823			359,326
	Total assets	$	705,521		$	727,305
	-1	Corporate assets are comprised primarily of cash, prepaid and other current assets, and deferred tax assets
	-2	Fixed assets are comprised of the aircraft fleet and fleet support assets including aircraft, net, aircraft support parts, net, and property, plant, and equipment, net. Property, plant, and equipment, net are primarily used to support the aircraft fleet, with minimal amounts allocated to the corporate function
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss)	A reconciliation of the Company’s segment gross profit to operating income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Reconciliation to operating income:
	Government gross profit	$	161,809		$	146,149		$	64,636
	Commercial gross profit	55,382			53,541			42,904
	Non-allocated costs of revenue(1)	(134,027		)	(103,577		)	(46,121		)
	Operating expenses, net(2)	(60,834		)	(49,121		)	(27,986		)
	Total operating income	$	22,330		$	46,992		$	33,433
	-1	Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.
	-2	Other corporate expenses include research and development, corporate sales and marketing expenses, stock-based compensation expense, certain tax expenses, various nonrecurring charges, and other separately managed general and administrative costs.
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Net revenues:
	North America	$	131,690		$	136,100		$	107,613
	Middle East	77,760			67,315			—
	Europe	26,924			24,096			37,362
	Asia	26,036			25,410			11,262
	South America	43,458			24,809			13,465
	Africa	26,459			20,598			—
	Australia	14,282			19,893			11,122
	Total net revenues	$	346,609		$	318,221		$	180,824

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Minimum future lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending December 31:
	2015	$	18,876
	2016	17,014
	2017	13,413
	2018	12,921
	2019	5,145
	Thereafter	7,630
		$	74,999

Warranty_Reserves_and_Cost_Per1

Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Summary of Warranty Reserves Related to Sales of Aircranes	A summary of the warranty reserves related to sales of Aircranes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	—		$	1,015
	Increases to reserves	—			—			—
	Warranty provided or expired	—			—			(1,015		)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	—		$	—
Schedule of CPH Reserves	A summary of the CPH reserves is as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	$	511		$	3,569		$	2,770
	Increases to reserves	—			747			5,282
	Warranty provided or expired	(511		)	(3,805		)	(4,483		)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	511		$	3,569

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Computation of Loss Per Share	The following table shows the computation of income (loss) per share (net income (loss) in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	(10,292	)	$	9,657	$	12,435
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,800,494			11,221,005		6,981,027
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	—			53,419		—
	Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock	—			560,082		—
	Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,800,494			11,834,506		6,981,027
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.75	)	$	0.86	$	1.78
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.75	)	$	0.82	$	1.78
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share	18,169			16,458		158,557

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Awards Activity	The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit awards activity during the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average
		Award Units		Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2011	—		$	—
	Granted	389,057		7.77
	Vested restricted stock units	(214,933	)	7.8
	Forfeited	(15,567	)	7.83
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2012	158,557		7.73
	Granted	45,914		21.43
	Vested restricted stock units	(88,610	)	10.68
	Forfeited	(24,643	)	7.75
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2013	91,218		11.75
	Granted	35,752		16.68
	Vested restricted stock units	(50,695	)	12.81
	Forfeited	(20,672	)	12.74
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2014	55,603		$	13.59
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Cost of revenues	$	69		$	70	$	378
	Operating expenses	792			722		1,740
	Total	$	861		$	792	$	2,118
Schedule of Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Outstanding Unvested Restricted Stock Unit Awards Expected to be Recognized	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested restricted stock unit awards as of December 31, 2014 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years, as follows (in thousands):
		Unamortized
		Compensation
		Expense
	2015	$	445
	2016	91
	Thereafter	7
	Total	$	543

SUPPLEMENTARY_DATA_Tables

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
		2014
	(Unaudited)	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter		4th Quarter			Total
	Net Revenues	$	74,184		$	80,885		$	118,338	$	73,202		$	346,609
	Gross Profit	8,280			13,729			47,978		13,177			83,164
	Net income (loss)	(7,525		)	(17,162		)	16,941		(2,485		)	(10,231		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(7,594		)	(17,109		)	16,862		(2,451		)	(10,292		)
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.55	)	$	(1.24	)	$	1.22	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.75	)
	Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.55	)	$	(1.24	)	$	1.22	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.75	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	13,789,426			13,799,501			13,802,212		13,810,587			13,800,494
	Dilutive	13,789,426			13,799,501			13,817,050		13,810,587			13,800,494
		2013
	(Unaudited)	1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter		4th Quarter			Total
	Net Revenues	$	36,940		$	68,590		$	120,226	$	92,465		$	318,221
	Gross Profit	9,274			17,490			46,185		23,164			96,113
	Net income (loss)	(995		)	(1,797		)	14,488		(1,830		)	9,866
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	(1,216		)	(1,952		)	14,525		(1,700		)	9,657
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	1.26	$	(0.12	)	$	0.86
	Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.20	)	$	1.05	$	(0.12	)	$	0.82
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic	9,727,127			9,759,758			11,562,465		13,786,308			11,221,005
	Dilutive	9,727,127			9,759,758			13,813,514		13,786,308			11,834,506

Description_of_the_Business_Ad

Description of the Business - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	2-May-13	Apr. 30, 2012	Sep. 03, 2013
				Aircraft		Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity interest held (as a percent)	100.00%
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering	$0	$0	$31,454,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	13,823,818	13,787,914
Customer Relationships (EHI)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes operated				63
8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				400,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)				8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity period				2020
Net proceeds from offering				386,400,000
Escrow account deposit	46,000,000			46,000,000
Notes offering, aggregate principal amount	45,000,000			45,000,000
Notes offering, anticipated interest	1,000,000			1,000,000
Principal amount of notes subject to special mandatory redemption	45,000,000			45,000,000
Percentage of redemption price subject to special mandatory redemption	100.00%			100.00%
Outside of North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	21
Number of aircranes operated	20
Heavy Lift Helicopters
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	19
S-64 E Model Aircranes
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	13
S-64 F Model Aircranes
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	6
Medium and Light Lift Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	35
Number of aircranes leased	31
Rotor Wing Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	28					6
Number of aircranes leased	26
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	7
Number of aircranes leased	5
Heavy Lift Aircrafts
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes leased	1
European Air-Crane S.p.A. | SIMA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity interest held (as a percent)	60.00%
EACM | Layang-Layang Services Sdn. Bhd.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity interest held (as a percent)	49.00%
Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued			4,800,000		4,800,000
Sale Of Stock, Shares Issued To Existing Stockholders					1,050,000
Common stock, par value					$8
Proceeds From Issuance Initial Public Offering, Gross					38,400,000
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering					31,500,000
Stock Issuance Costs, Underwriting Discounts And Commissions					2,100,000
Stock Issuance Costs, Other Offering Costs					$4,800,000
Common stock, outstanding shares					4,802,970

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Aircraft
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	15 years
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	20 years
Vehicles and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Vehicles and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Customers that Accounted for at Least 10% of Company's Net Revenues (Details) (Customer Concentration Risk, Revenues)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	30.40%		32.50%		41.50%
Fluor
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.40%	[1]	14.80%	[1]	0.00%	[1]
U.S. Forest Service
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%		14.70%		28.60%
Italian Ministry of Civil Protection
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	0.00%	[2]	3.00%	[2]	12.90%	[2]
[1]	Fluor was a customer serviced by Evergreen Helicopters for the year ended December 31, 2012.
[2]	Our contract to provide services to the Italian Ministry of Civil Protection expired in June 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Customers that Accounted for at Least 10% of Total Current and Non-Current Trade Receivables (Details) (Credit Concentration Risk, Accounts Receivable)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	41.70%		41.70%
Fluor
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.40%		19.40%
Alion Science and Technology Corporation
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.80%		0.00%
Army Contracting Command – Rock Island
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	4.70%		13.80%
Hellenic Fire Brigade
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.80%	[1]	8.50%	[1]
[1]	On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into a three year agreement with the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (“NAMSA”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to supply aerial firefighting services in Greece for the 2012 to 2014 firefighting seasons. Prior to the agreement with NAMSA, the Company contracted directly with the Hellenic Fire Brigade to provide firefighting services in Greece. At December 31, 2013, the receivable from Hellenic Fire Brigade was classified in other non-current assets due to the long-term nature of obtaining resolution regarding the Company’s permanent establishment status in Greece.

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
										customer	customer
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash And Restricted Cash Account In Foreign Institutions	$5,400,000				$3,800,000				$5,400,000	$3,800,000
Restricted Cash Balance In Foreign Institutions	600,000				2,500,000				600,000	2,500,000
Restricted cash	567,000				2,883,000				567,000	2,883,000
Impairment charge against goodwill									21,272,000	0	0
Deferred Offering Costs	300,000				400,000				300,000	400,000
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering									0	0	31,454,000
Debt Issuance Cost									11,400,000	13,500,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs									2,433,000	2,067,000	1,174,000
Concentration Risk Number Of Customers										2	2
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	739,000				991,000				739,000	991,000
Goodwill	215,241,000				234,978,000				215,241,000	234,978,000
Research and development									3,782,000	4,000,000	4,683,000
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,810,587	13,802,212	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	11,562,465	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,221,005	6,981,027
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,810,587	13,817,050	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	13,813,514	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,834,506	6,981,027
Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share									18,169	16,458	158,557
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									30.40%	32.50%	41.50%
Concentration Risk Number Of Customers									2
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenues | Foreign Customers
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									70.20%	65.80%	53.30%
Credit Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									41.70%	41.70%
Concentration Risk Number Of Customers									4	3
Intangible Assets, Net
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment										$400,000

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa2

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$42,296	$60,190
Other receivables	2,793	6,788
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-739	-991
Accounts receivable	$44,350	$65,987

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa3

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$991	$460	$476
Additions	137	634	12
Amounts written-off net of recovered	-389	-103	-28
Balance at end of period	$739	$991	$460

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa4

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Recovery of bad debt	$0.20
Bad debt expense		$0.70	$0.10

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Sch

Aircraft Support Parts, net - Schedule of Aircraft Support Parts, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Aircraft parts	$124,629	$115,400
Work-in-process	18,604	17,296
Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	-5,640	-6,000	-6,060	-5,050
Total	$137,593	$126,696

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Rol

Aircraft Support Parts, net - Rollforward of Inventory Reserve (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	($6,000)	($6,060)	($5,050)
Increase in reserves	-117	-585	-1,662
Amounts written off	477	645	652
Ending Balance	($5,640)	($6,000)	($6,060)

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Add

Aircraft Support Parts, net - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Aircraft	Aircraft
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of Aircraft Being Remanufactured	1	0

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an2

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Aircraft (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Aircraft	$162,246	$151,044
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-34,025	-23,865
Aircraft, net	$128,221	$127,179

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an3

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Changes in Aircraft Employed (Details)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 03, 2013
	Aircraft	Aircraft	Aircraft
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]
Aircraft in fleet, Beginning Balance	90	21
Aircraft transferred from inventory		2
Aircraft removed from fleet for maintenance		-1
Number Of Aircraft Purchased	2
Aircraft leased as part of the EHI acquisition		35
Aircraft leased subsequent to the EHI acquisition		1
Aircraft returned to lessor	-2	-2
Aircraft sold	-4
Aircraft in fleet, Ending Balance	86	90
Customer Relationships (EHI)
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]
Number Of Aircraft Purchased		28
Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia)
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]
Number Of Aircraft Purchased		6	6

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an4

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$140,428	$126,199
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-19,793	-16,817
Property, plant, and equipment, net	120,635	109,382
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	308	308
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	7,926	7,597
Vehicles and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	29,500	29,598
Deferred overhauls, net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	86,768	68,773
Construction-in-progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$15,926	$19,923

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an5

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Aircraft
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense			$17,800,000	$13,400,000	$9,000,000
Cost of Services, Maintenance Costs			22,900,000	20,000,000	15,900,000
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number of Assets Sold	1	1
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft		24,700,000	24,660,000	0	0
Sale-leaseback, net book value	12,300,000	12,300,000
Lease initial term commencing date	7 years
Lease payment per month		264,000
Sale-leaseback deferred gain, current			1,800,000
Sale-leaseback deferred gain, non-current			9,700,000
Deferred overhauls, net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortization expense			$14,700,000	$18,100,000	$12,700,000

Acquisitions_Summary_of_Pro_Fo

Acquisitions - Summary of Pro Forma Information Company's Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Convertible Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock	4,008,439
Customer Relationships (EHI)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net revenues	$378,696		$379,270
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$18,626		$17,684
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic, dollars per share	$1.35		$1.61
Diluted, dollars per share	$1.35		$1.61
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	13,768,836	[1]	10,989,466	[1]
Diluted	13,793,844	[1]	10,989,466	[1]
[1]	Weighted average shares outstanding for the purposes of the above pro forma calculation assume the Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of 4,008,439 shares converted to the same number of shares of common stock at the beginning of the period presented.

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
	Aircraft		Aircraft	Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number Of Aircraft Purchased	2
Customer Relationships (EHI)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition completion date		2-May-13
Goodwill		$231,600,000
Goodwill and intangible assets		251,300,000
Acquired goodwill amortization period		15 years
Acquisition and integration related expenses	1,100,000		8,900,000
Number Of Aircraft Purchased			28
Customer Relationships	19,300,000		19,300,000
Consideration transferred		298,000,000
Customer Relationships (EHI) | Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired customer relationship amortized			19,300,000
Acquired customer relationships amortization period			9 years
Customer Relationships (EHI) | Trademarks and Trade Names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired customer relationship amortized			400,000
Acquired customer relationships amortization period			6 months
Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition completion date				3-Sep-13
Acquisition and integration related expenses	500,000		1,500,000
Number Of Aircraft Purchased			6	6
Purchase price in cash				23,000,000
Additional purchase price				3,000,000
Customer Relationships	2,500,000		2,500,000
Consideration transferred					26,000,000
Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia) | Goodwill
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					5,300,000
Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia) | Other Current Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					$1,000,000

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Changes_i

Goodwill - Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	$234,978
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	234,978
Impairment losses	-21,272	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments for Air Amazonia	1,928
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	-393
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	236,513	234,978
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-21,272	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	215,241	234,978
Government gross profit
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	231,627
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	231,627
Impairment losses	-21,272
Purchase accounting adjustments for Air Amazonia	0
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	231,627
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-21,272
Goodwill, net, ending balance	210,355
Commercial gross profit
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	3,351
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	3,351
Impairment losses	0
Purchase accounting adjustments for Air Amazonia	1,928
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	-393
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	4,886
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$4,886

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment charge against goodwill	$21,272	$0	$0
Assumption of discount rate in measuring implied fair value of goodwill	10.00%
Effective tax rate	38.00%
Assumption of EBITDA multiple in measuring fair value of goodwill	7

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Su

Other Intangible Assets, net - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Type Certificate (in years)	Indefinite	[1]
Type Certificate	$2,205	[1]	$2,205	[1]
Total other intangible assets, gross	24,005		24,005
Less: Accumulated amortization	-3,952		-1,521
Total other intangible assets, net	20,053		22,484
Customer Relationships (EHI)
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	9 years
Customer Relationships	19,300		19,300
Customer Relationships (Air Amazonia)
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	9 years
Customer Relationships	$2,500		$2,500
[1]	The Type Certificate included in intangible assets is the Type Certificate for engines used in the Aircrane, purchased individually during 2013.

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Su1

Other Intangible Assets, net - Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,421
2016	2,421
2017	2,421
2018	2,421
2019	2,421
Thereafter	5,743
Total	$17,848

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Ad

Other Intangible Assets, net - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (Cost of Sales, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost of Sales
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$2.40

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab2

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll and related taxes	$6,069		$12,004
Deferred maintenance on aircraft	0	[1]	9,694	[1]
Interest	5,542		5,142
Accrued commissions	1,301		1,074
Deferred revenue	795		1,210
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760		0
Other	3,567		12,109
Total	$19,034		$41,233
[1]	In connection with the acquisition of EHI, the Company pre-negotiated accelerated timelines and return-to-service obligations with the lessors of certain EHI leased aircraft in exchange for obtaining consent for the transfer of the leases to the Company. The liability was estimated based on historical maintenance costs incurred for the same or like components.

Debt_Schedule_of_Total_Outstan

Debt - Schedule of Total Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current	$4,144	$0
Long-term debt	457,090	439,246
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current	0	0
Long-term debt	89,339	68,086
Fixtures financing
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current	144	0
Long-term debt	265	0
2020 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current	0	0
Long-term debt	355,000	355,000
2020 subordinated notes, net of discount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current	4,000	0
Long-term debt	$12,486	$16,160

Debt_2020_Senior_Notes_Offerin

Debt - 2020 Senior Notes Offering (Details) (8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-14	Dec. 31, 2013	2-May-13
8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$400,000,000				$400,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%				8.25%
Debt maturity date	1-Jan-20	1-Jan-20
Debt outstanding		355,000,000	355,000,000	355,000,000
Escrow account deposit	46,000,000	46,000,000			46,000,000
Notes offering, aggregate principal amount	45,000,000	45,000,000			45,000,000
Notes offering, anticipated interest	1,000,000	1,000,000
Principal amount of notes subject to special mandatory redemption	$45,000,000	$45,000,000			$45,000,000
Percentage of redemption price subject to special mandatory redemption	100.00%	100.00%

Debt_Revolving_Credit_Facility

Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 11, 2014	Jun. 14, 2013	2-May-13
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term revolving credit facilities		$89,339,000	$68,086,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities	100,000,000			140,000,000	125,000,000	100,000,000
Debt instrument term period	5 years
Fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum		1.2	1.2
Average excess availability of credit facility		16,800,000	16,800,000
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		1.53	2.66
Average excess availability ratio		1.05	1.05
Annual growth capital expenditures		25,000,000	25,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior credit agreement		2.25%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior credit agreement		4.50%
Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)		5.09%
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.02%	5.06%
Credit Agreement | Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding		4,700,000	5,100,000
Maximum borrowing availability		$46,000,000	$51,800,000

Debt_2020_Subordinated_Notes_D

Debt - 2020 Subordinated Notes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-13	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subordinated notes fixed interest rate	20.00%	10.00%
2020 subordinated notes, net of discount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consideration paid, subordinated notes			$17,500,000
Subordinated notes fixed interest rate			6.00%
Subordinated notes maturity, years			2-Nov-20
Increase in interest rate, until maturity period			8.00%
Interest payable due date			3/31/15
Quarterly payment of principal			1,000,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)		6.00%		6.00%
2020 subordinated notes, net of discount | Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of subordinated notes		15,900,000
Interest rate		9.00%
Debt outstanding		16,500,000			16,200,000
Debt instrument, face amount		17,500,000			17,500,000
Debt instrument, unamortized discount		1,000,000			$1,300,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Maturities_of

Debt - Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	$4,144
2016	4,149
2017	4,116
2018	93,339
2019	1,500
Thereafter	355,000
Long-term Debt	462,248
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	89,339
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	89,339
Fixtures financing
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	144
2016	149
2017	116
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	409
2020 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	355,000
Long-term Debt	355,000
2020 subordinated notes, net of discount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	4,000
2016	4,000
2017	4,000
2018	4,000
2019	1,500
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	$17,500

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,097,000	$1,881,000	$1,468,000	$268,000
Restricted cash	567,000	2,883,000
Accounts receivable, net	44,350,000	65,987,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,780,000	3,360,000
Income tax receivable	677,000	135,000
Deferred tax assets	1,230,000	3,715,000
Total current assets	60,701,000	77,961,000
Aircraft support parts, net	137,593,000	126,696,000
Aircraft, net	128,221,000	127,179,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	120,635,000	109,382,000
Goodwill	215,241,000	234,978,000
Other intangible assets, net	20,053,000	22,484,000
Other non-current assets	23,077,000	28,625,000
Total assets	705,521,000	727,305,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,844,000	29,035,000
Current portion of long-term debt	4,144,000	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	19,034,000	41,233,000
Income tax payable	315,000	621,000
Deferred tax liabilities	884,000	0
Total current liabilities	44,221,000	70,889,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	12,751,000	16,160,000
Long-term revolving credit facilities	89,339,000	68,086,000
Long-term notes payable	355,000,000	355,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	13,181,000	1,819,000
Uncertain tax positions	6,313,000	5,669,000
Deferred tax liabilities	3,703,000	16,775,000
Total liabilities	524,508,000	534,398,000
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,000	1,000
Additional paid-in capital	181,018,000	179,954,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	1,812,000	12,104,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,544,000	-42,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	180,287,000	192,017,000
Noncontrolling interest	726,000	890,000
Total stockholders’ equity	181,013,000	192,907,000	105,368,000	-9,145,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	705,521,000	727,305,000
Parent Company
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,000	576,000	41,000	2,000
Restricted cash	136,000	151,000
Accounts receivable, net	13,117,000	17,290,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,506,000	1,878,000
Income tax receivable	320,000	70,000
Deferred tax assets	1,440,000	3,372,000
Total current assets	21,526,000	23,337,000
Aircraft support parts, net	106,721,000	93,719,000
Aircraft, net	82,799,000	88,242,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	70,732,000	70,145,000
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	2,205,000	2,205,000
Other non-current assets	323,332,000	325,768,000
Total assets	607,315,000	603,416,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,021,000	8,179,000
Current portion of long-term debt	4,144,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	-54,577,000	-48,899,000
Income tax payable	-397,000	0
Deferred tax liabilities	884,000
Total current liabilities	-43,925,000	-40,720,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	12,751,000	16,160,000
Long-term revolving credit facilities	89,339,000	68,086,000
Long-term notes payable	355,000,000	355,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	12,410,000	1,756,000
Uncertain tax positions	6,313,000	5,669,000
Deferred tax liabilities	5,061,000	16,745,000
Total liabilities	436,949,000	422,696,000
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,000	1,000
Additional paid-in capital	181,018,000	179,954,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-8,993,000	806,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,660,000	-41,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	170,366,000	180,720,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	170,366,000	180,720,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	607,315,000	603,416,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	274,000	-12,000	0	0
Restricted cash	0	364,000
Accounts receivable, net	26,199,000	40,560,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,171,000	582,000
Income tax receivable	0	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Total current assets	27,644,000	41,494,000
Aircraft support parts, net	30,482,000	33,022,000
Aircraft, net	42,405,000	35,236,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	47,762,000	37,825,000
Goodwill	210,356,000	231,626,000
Other intangible assets, net	15,726,000	17,870,000
Other non-current assets	4,337,000	7,133,000
Total assets	378,712,000	404,206,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	11,465,000	17,889,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	49,166,000	66,513,000
Income tax payable	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Total current liabilities	60,631,000	84,402,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	0	0
Long-term revolving credit facilities	0	0
Long-term notes payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	708,000	0
Uncertain tax positions	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	61,339,000	84,402,000
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	297,994,000	297,994,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	19,379,000	21,810,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	317,373,000	319,804,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	317,373,000	319,804,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	378,712,000	404,206,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,816,000	1,317,000	1,427,000	266,000
Restricted cash	431,000	2,368,000
Accounts receivable, net	4,990,000	8,024,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,103,000	900,000
Income tax receivable	335,000	65,000
Deferred tax assets	-210,000	343,000
Total current assets	11,465,000	13,017,000
Aircraft support parts, net	435,000	0
Aircraft, net	3,017,000	3,701,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,141,000	1,412,000
Goodwill	5,647,000	4,114,000
Other intangible assets, net	2,122,000	2,409,000
Other non-current assets	501,000	816,000
Total assets	25,328,000	25,469,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,358,000	2,967,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	24,998,000	23,592,000
Income tax payable	137,000	621,000
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Total current liabilities	27,493,000	27,180,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	0	0
Long-term revolving credit facilities	0	0
Long-term notes payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	63,000	63,000
Uncertain tax positions	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	-1,358,000	30,000
Total liabilities	26,198,000	27,273,000
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,675,000	1,674,000
Additional paid-in capital	33,000	33,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-3,171,000	-5,142,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-41,000	997,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	-1,504,000	-2,438,000
Noncontrolling interest	634,000	634,000
Total stockholders’ equity	-870,000	-1,804,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	25,328,000	25,469,000
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	44,000	113,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Income tax receivable	22,000	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Total current assets	66,000	113,000
Aircraft support parts, net	-45,000	-45,000
Aircraft, net	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	-762,000	-762,000
Other intangible assets, net	0	0
Other non-current assets	-305,093,000	-305,092,000
Total assets	-305,834,000	-305,786,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	-553,000	27,000
Income tax payable	575,000	0
Deferred tax liabilities
Total current liabilities	22,000	27,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	0	0
Long-term revolving credit facilities	0	0
Long-term notes payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Uncertain tax positions	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	22,000	27,000
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock	-1,675,000	-1,674,000
Additional paid-in capital	-298,027,000	-298,027,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-5,403,000	-5,370,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-843,000	-998,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	-305,948,000	-306,069,000
Noncontrolling interest	92,000	256,000
Total stockholders’ equity	-305,856,000	-305,813,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($305,834,000)	($305,786,000)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues:	$73,202	$118,338	$80,885	$74,184	$92,465	$120,226	$68,590	$36,940	$346,609	$318,221	$180,824
Cost of revenues									263,445	222,108	119,405
Gross profit	13,177	47,978	13,729	8,280	23,164	46,185	17,490	9,274	83,164	96,113	61,419
Operating expenses:
General and administrative									26,494	37,366	17,232
Research and development									3,782	4,000	4,683
Selling and marketing									9,286	7,755	6,071
Impairment of goodwill									21,272	0	0
Total operating expenses									60,834	49,121	27,986
Operating income									22,330	46,992	33,433
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									-35,800	-25,175	-6,990
Other income (expense), net									-1,193	-5,831	-594
Total other income (expense)									-36,993	-31,006	-7,584
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									-14,663	15,986	25,849
Income tax expense									-4,432	6,120	10,213
Net income (loss)	-2,485	16,941	-17,162	-7,525	-1,830	14,488	-1,797	-995	-10,231	9,866	15,636
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest									-61	-209	-406
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated									-10,292	9,657	15,230
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock									0	0	2,795
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-2,451	16,862	-17,109	-7,594	-1,700	14,525	-1,952	-1,216	-10,292	9,657	12,435
Parent Company
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues:									151,502	161,500	153,213
Cost of revenues									94,545	98,347	94,158
Gross profit									56,957	63,153	59,055
Operating expenses:
General and administrative									22,166	27,472	14,201
Research and development									3,782	4,000	4,683
Selling and marketing									8,432	6,803	5,953
Impairment of goodwill									0
Total operating expenses									34,380	38,275	24,837
Operating income									22,577	24,878	34,218
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									-35,210	-25,103	-6,874
Other income (expense), net									-3,600	-5,515	-359
Total other income (expense)									-38,810	-30,618	-7,233
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									-16,233	-5,740	26,985
Income tax expense									-6,433	5,311	9,733
Net income (loss)									-9,800	-11,051	17,252
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated									-9,800	-11,051	17,252
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock											2,795
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders											14,457
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues:									163,094	128,109	0
Cost of revenues									145,054	100,429	0
Gross profit									18,040	27,680	0
Operating expenses:
General and administrative									912	5,111	0
Research and development									0	0	0
Selling and marketing									593	780	0
Impairment of goodwill									21,272
Total operating expenses									22,777	5,891	0
Operating income									-4,737	21,789	0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									20	1	0
Other income (expense), net									2,286	16	0
Total other income (expense)									2,306	17	0
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									-2,431	21,806	0
Income tax expense									0	-5	0
Net income (loss)									-2,431	21,811	0
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated									-2,431	21,811	0
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock											0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders											0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues:									55,663	52,852	57,797
Cost of revenues									47,328	47,543	55,473
Gross profit									8,335	5,309	2,324
Operating expenses:
General and administrative									3,416	4,844	3,085
Research and development									0	0	0
Selling and marketing									429	123	104
Impairment of goodwill									0
Total operating expenses									3,845	4,967	3,189
Operating income									4,490	342	-865
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									-610	-73	-48
Other income (expense), net									229	33	36
Total other income (expense)									-381	-40	-12
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									4,109	302	-877
Income tax expense									2,001	814	480
Net income (loss)									2,108	-512	-1,357
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated									2,108	-512	-1,357
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock											0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders											-1,357
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues:									-23,650	-24,240	-30,186
Cost of revenues									-23,482	-24,211	-30,226
Gross profit									-168	-29	40
Operating expenses:
General and administrative									0	-61	-54
Research and development									0	0	0
Selling and marketing									-168	49	14
Impairment of goodwill									0
Total operating expenses									-168	-12	-40
Operating income									0	-17	80
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									0	0	-68
Other income (expense), net									-108	-365	-271
Total other income (expense)									-108	-365	-339
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									-108	-382	-259
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									-108	-382	-259
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest									-61	-209	-406
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated									-169	-591	-665
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock											0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders											($665)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform4

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($10,231,000)	$9,866,000	$15,636,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,903,000	33,328,000	21,661,000
Impairment of goodwill	21,272,000	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-7,790,000	5,214,000	2,682,000
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	-1,869,000	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	324,000	1,877,000	3,137,000
Stock-based compensation	861,000	792,000	2,118,000
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt	0	215,000	0
Non-cash interest income on loans	0	-140,000	0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,433,000	2,067,000	1,174,000
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-358,000	-1,000	5,000
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable	0	3,441,000	0
Gain on involuntary conversion	-308,000	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	19,719,000	-20,991,000	2,679,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,544,000	427,000	2,803,000
Income tax receivable, net	434,000	915,000	201,000
Aircraft support parts, net	-17,240,000	-32,001,000	-27,355,000
Other non-current assets	5,602,000	-3,131,000	0
Accounts payable	-8,856,000	-19,502,000	-85,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	-20,652,000	-6,350,000	199,000
Income tax payable	629,000	-304,000	6,215,000
Other long-term liabilities	655,000	-514,000	-2,912,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	13,984,000	-24,792,000	28,158,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	2,222,000	958,000	1,438,000
Purchase of intangible assets	0	-2,205,000	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	24,660,000	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-69,000	-341,000	-297,000
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable	0	1,660,000	0
Decrease (increase) in other assets	-126,000	-35,000	103,000
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-226,868,000	0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-56,807,000	-56,104,000	-22,736,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,120,000	-282,935,000	-21,492,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses	0	0	31,454,000
Repayments of subordinated notes	0	-27,572,000	0
Repayments of credit facilities	-206,686,000	-250,215,000	-327,063,000
Borrowings from credit facilities	227,939,000	246,377,000	291,234,000
Other long-term borrowings	409,000	0	0
Repayment of notes	0	-45,000,000	0
Borrowing of notes	0	400,000,000	0
Debt issuance costs	-371,000	-14,986,000	-376,000
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-211,000	-716,000	-695,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,494,000	307,888,000	-5,446,000
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-2,142,000	252,000	-20,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,216,000	413,000	1,200,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,881,000	1,468,000	268,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	5,097,000	1,881,000	1,468,000
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	-9,800,000	-11,051,000	17,252,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,366,000	25,535,000	21,428,000
Impairment of goodwill	0
Deferred income taxes	-8,224,000	4,543,000	2,682,000
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	324,000	1,877,000	3,137,000
Stock-based compensation	861,000	792,000	2,118,000
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt		215,000
Non-cash interest income on loans		-140,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,433,000	2,067,000	1,174,000
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-121,000	-25,000	5,000
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable		3,441,000
Gain on involuntary conversion	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,173,000	-5,866,000	-1,144,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-4,628,000	-614,000	2,496,000
Income tax receivable, net	-210,000	170,000	1,011,000
Aircraft support parts, net	-17,900,000	-12,354,000	-27,355,000
Other non-current assets	1,741,000	-1,114,000
Accounts payable	-2,161,000	1,304,000	2,313,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	-4,402,000	-45,424,000	422,000
Income tax payable	-407,000	0	5,516,000
Other long-term liabilities	-54,000	-514,000	-2,912,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-15,009,000	-37,158,000	28,143,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	13,000	992,000	198,000
Purchase of intangible assets		-2,205,000
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	24,660,000
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	0	0	-297,000
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable		1,660,000
Decrease (increase) in other assets	0	0	136,000
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		-235,029,000
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-30,110,000	-35,530,000	-22,695,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,437,000	-270,112,000	-22,658,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses			31,454,000
Repayments of subordinated notes		-27,572,000
Repayments of credit facilities	-206,686,000	-250,215,000	-327,063,000
Borrowings from credit facilities	227,939,000	246,377,000	291,234,000
Other long-term borrowings	409,000
Repayment of notes		-45,000,000
Borrowing of notes		400,000,000
Debt issuance costs	-371,000	-14,986,000	-376,000
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-211,000	-716,000	-695,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,494,000	307,888,000	-5,446,000
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-1,617,000	-83,000	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-569,000	535,000	39,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576,000	41,000	2,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	7,000	576,000	41,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	-2,431,000	21,811,000	0
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,769,000	7,400,000	0
Impairment of goodwill	21,272,000
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	-1,869,000
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt		0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-32,000	-23,000	0
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable		0
Gain on involuntary conversion	-308,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	14,361,000	-15,440,000	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-588,000	1,454,000	0
Income tax receivable, net	-3,000	0	0
Aircraft support parts, net	1,177,000	-19,692,000	0
Other non-current assets	3,620,000	-2,124,000
Accounts payable	-6,422,000	-21,376,000	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	-14,760,000	43,153,000	0
Income tax payable	0	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	709,000	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	25,495,000	15,163,000	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	365,000	-364,000	0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable		0
Decrease (increase) in other assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		5,139,000
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-25,574,000	-19,950,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-25,209,000	-15,175,000	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses			0
Repayments of subordinated notes		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Repayment of notes		0
Borrowing of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	286,000	-12,000	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-12,000	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	274,000	-12,000	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	2,108,000	-512,000	-1,357,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	768,000	393,000	233,000
Impairment of goodwill	0
Deferred income taxes	434,000	554,000	0
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt		0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-205,000	47,000	0
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable		0
Gain on involuntary conversion
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,143,000	298,000	3,811,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-328,000	-413,000	307,000
Income tax receivable, net	669,000	745,000	-810,000
Aircraft support parts, net	-517,000	0	0
Other non-current assets	241,000	107,000
Accounts payable	-273,000	570,000	-2,398,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	-936,000	-1,080,000	-470,000
Income tax payable	461,000	-187,000	699,000
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	3,565,000	522,000	15,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	1,844,000	330,000	1,240,000
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-136,000	-651,000	0
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable		0
Decrease (increase) in other assets	-126,000	-35,000	-33,000
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		22,000
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-1,123,000	-624,000	-41,000
Net cash used in investing activities	459,000	-958,000	1,166,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses			0
Repayments of subordinated notes		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Repayment of notes		0
Borrowing of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-525,000	326,000	-20,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,499,000	-110,000	1,161,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,317,000	1,427,000	266,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,816,000	1,317,000	1,427,000
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	-108,000	-382,000	-259,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Impairment of goodwill	0
Deferred income taxes	0	117,000	0
Non-cash income from satisfaction of return to service liability	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Write-off of debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt		0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	0	0	0
Loss on sale of term loan note receivable		0
Gain on involuntary conversion	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	42,000	17,000	12,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	0
Income tax receivable, net	-22,000	0	0
Aircraft support parts, net	0	45,000	0
Other non-current assets	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	-554,000	-2,999,000	247,000
Income tax payable	575,000	-117,000	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-67,000	-3,319,000	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	67,000	310,000	0
Proceeds from sale of term loan note receivable		0
Decrease (increase) in other assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		3,000,000
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	67,000	3,310,000	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses			0
Repayments of subordinated notes		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Repayment of notes		0
Borrowing of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	9,000	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0	$0

Consolidating_Financial_Inform5

Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-14	Dec. 31, 2013	2-May-13
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest		100.00%
8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding		$355	$355	$355
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%				8.25%
Debt maturity date	1-Jan-20	1-Jan-20

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Noncontrolling Interest Income Taxes by Taxing Jurisdiction (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	($21,533)	$13,200	$24,407
Foreign	6,870	2,786	1,442
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	($14,663)	$15,986	$25,849

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current income tax expense:
U.S. federal income taxes	$0	$125	$1,028
State and local income taxes	10	50	59
Foreign income taxes	3,684	2,107	6,444
Total current income tax expense	3,694	2,282	7,531
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. federal income taxes	-8,115	4,168	2,375
State and local income taxes	-555	-185	303
Foreign income taxes	544	-145	4
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-8,126	3,838	2,682
Income tax expense (benefit)	($4,432)	$6,120	$10,213

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax at U.S. statutory rate	($5,132)	$5,595	$9,047
Nondeductible expenses	-316	258	569
Nondeductible expenses	1,069	805	333
Foreign withholding taxes	1,722	1,442	1,031
Foreign tax rate differences - current year earnings	-327	-485	-55
Foreign tax rate differences - deemed dividends and unremitted earnings	789	0	0
Non-deductible receivable allowance	0	0	295
Tax credits	-2,800	-1,755	-7,155
Change in tax contingency items	42	72	5,964
Foreign tax attribute adjustment	0	-1,450	0
Valuation allowance	691	2,067	0
Other, net	-170	-429	184
Income tax expense (benefit)	($4,432)	$6,120	$10,213

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities and other reserves	$2,227	$2,405
Accrued benefits	490	661
Accrued incentive compensation	209	1,321
Inventory reserve	2,057	2,188
Deferred revenue from sale leaseback	4,169	0
Foreign tax credits	11,793	9,103
Research and other credits	763	775
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,862	14,461
Total deferred tax assets	39,570	30,914
Valuation allowance	-2,758	-2,067
Net deferred tax assets	36,812	28,847
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Tax-over-book depreciation and amortization	-21,646	-17,613
Basis difference in aircrane support parts	-17,961	-23,890
Prepaid expenses and deferred costs	-562	-404
Total deferred tax liabilities	-40,169	-41,907
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	-3,357	-13,060
Deferred tax assets	346	3,715
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	($3,703)	($16,775)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Tax_Cr

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Credits and Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Domestic Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$42,864
Domestic Tax Authority | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	616
Foreign Tax Authority | General Business Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	6,024
State and Local Jurisdiction
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	15,711
State and Local Jurisdiction | General Business Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$199

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Unrec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning of year	$6,338	$5,740	$5,964
Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods	99	71
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods	-8	-295
Gross increases - current period	507	0
Unrecognized tax benefits end of year	$6,338	$5,740	$5,964

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	$200,000
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties	800,000
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning of year	6,338,000	5,740,000	5,964,000
Penalties included in unrecognized tax benefit	2,500,000
Greek
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits beginning of year	$5,700,000

Authorized_Capital_Stock_Addit

Authorized Capital Stock - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	0 Months Ended
	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized shares		110,000,000	110,000,000
Common stock, outstanding shares		13,823,818	13,787,914
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized shares				110,000,000
Common stock, outstanding shares				4,802,970
Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized				10,000,000
Evergreen International Aviation Inc
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage Of Outstanding Share Capital Purchased	100.00%
Evergreen International Aviation Inc | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	4,008,439

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	401(k) Profit Sharing Plan	401(k) Profit Sharing Plan	401(k) Profit Sharing Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan	Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Canadian Air Crane Ltd	Canadian Air Crane Ltd	Canadian Air Crane Ltd	Canadian Air Crane Ltd	Canadian Air Crane Ltd	Canadian Air Crane Ltd
				USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	CAD
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Deferred Compensation By Employees Percentage	100.00%			18.00%	18.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent				2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Defined Contribution Plan Deferred Compensation By Employees Amount	$17,500	$17,500	$17,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$1,000,000	$300,000	$400,000	$100,000	24,270	$100,000	23,820	$100,000	22,970

Reportable_Segments_Additional

Reportable Segments - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Revenue by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$73,202	$118,338	$80,885	$74,184	$92,465	$120,226	$68,590	$36,940	$346,609	$318,221	$180,824
Government gross profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									247,981	221,581	105,858
Commercial gross profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues									$98,628	$96,640	$74,966

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o1

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Gross Profit by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total gross profit

$13,177

$47,978

$13,729

$8,280

$23,164

$46,185

$17,490

$9,274

$83,164

$96,113

$61,419

Operating Segments | Government gross profit

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total gross profit

161,809

146,149

64,636

Operating Segments | Commercial gross profit

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total gross profit

55,382

53,541

42,904

Non-allocated costs

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Non-allocated costs

($134,027)

[1]

($103,577)

[1]

($46,121)

[1]

[1]

Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o2

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Assets by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$705,521		$727,305
Government gross profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	255,055		295,153
Commercial gross profit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	17,957		21,070
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	49,686	[1]	51,756	[1]
Fixed Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$382,823	[2]	$359,326	[2]
[1]	Corporate assets are comprised primarily of cash, prepaid and other current assets, and deferred tax assets
[2]	Fixed assets are comprised of the aircraft fleet and fleet support assets including aircraft, net, aircraft support parts, net, and property, plant, and equipment, net. Property, plant, and equipment, net are primarily used to support the aircraft fleet, with minimal amounts allocated to the corporate function

Reportable_Segments_Reconcilia

Reportable Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit	$13,177	$47,978	$13,729	$8,280	$23,164	$46,185	$17,490	$9,274	$83,164		$96,113		$61,419
Operating expenses, net									-60,834		-49,121		-27,986
Total operating income									22,330		46,992		33,433
Operating Segments | Government gross profit
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit									161,809		146,149		64,636
Operating Segments | Commercial gross profit
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit									55,382		53,541		42,904
Non-allocated costs
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Non-allocated costs of revenue									-134,027	[1]	-103,577	[1]	-46,121	[1]
Operating expenses, net									($60,834)	[2]	($49,121)	[2]	($27,986)	[2]
[1]	Non-allocated costs include costs that are shared by both of the reporting segments but are not allocated to the operating segments for the use of the CODM and expenses that are not directly attributable to the operating segments.
[2]	Other corporate expenses include research and development, corporate sales and marketing expenses, stock-based compensation expense, certain tax expenses, various nonrecurring charges, and other separately managed general and administrative costs.

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o3

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$73,202	$118,338	$80,885	$74,184	$92,465	$120,226	$68,590	$36,940	$346,609	$318,221	$180,824
North America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									131,690	136,100	107,613
Middle East
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									77,760	67,315	0
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									26,924	24,096	37,362
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									26,036	25,410	11,262
South America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									43,458	24,809	13,465
Africa
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									26,459	20,598	0
Australia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues									$14,282	$19,893	$11,122

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses and other costs				$200,000	$500,000	$200,000
Cash received from related party		400,000
Loss Contingency, Legal Costs Related Party Suit				500,000
Repayments of Debt				0	45,000,000	0
Subordinated notes fixed interest rate	20.00%			10.00%
Borrowing of notes				0	400,000,000	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit				2,500,000
Percentage of beneficial owners of Company's common stock			5.00%
EIA Second Lien Credit Facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	20,000,000			20,000,000
Repayments of Debt				20,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities				100,000,000
2015 Subordinated Notes | EIA Second Lien Credit Facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	8,500,000
EIA Second Lien Credit Facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period				11.00%
Interest rate on senior credit agreement				0.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum				5.00%
Libor Interest Rate Plus				12.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate Interest Rate Floor				3.00%
Zm Funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock				1,689,155
Zm Funds | EIA Second Lien Credit Facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	11,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Forgiveness				2,500,000
Related Party Transaction Credit Facility Retained Amount				37,900,000
Zm Funds | 2016 Subordinated Notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Borrowing of notes							10,000,000
Zm Funds | 2016 Subordinated Notes | Working Capital Guarantee Credit Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Borrowing of notes				$1,000,000
EIA Second Lien Lenders
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock				3,375,527
EIA First Lien Lenders
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock				632,911
EIA First Lien Lenders | Zm Funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock				1,984,680

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Minimum Future Lease Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$18,876
2016	17,014
2017	13,413
2018	12,921
2019	5,145
Thereafter	7,630
Total	$74,999

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	31-May-14	31-May-14	Aug. 27, 2012	Aug. 27, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Environmental Remediation Matters	Fortis	Fortis	Fortis	Fortis	Arizona	Customer Relationships (EHI)	Customer Relationships (EHI)
				USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Sites	USD ($)	USD ($)
							Helicopter		Parties
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
First portion of cleanup costs to be borne by the former owner				$1,500,000
Second portion of cleanup costs to be shared by the entity and former owner equally				1,000,000
Cleanup costs, in excess of specified amount, to be borne by the former owner				2,500,000
Loss contingencies, liability paid				400,000
Entity's share of financial responsibility				500,000
Remaining entity's share of financial responsibility liability				100,000
Time frame to monitor the site				20 years
Amount of damages for the payment of VAT levied							1,000,000	800,000
Number of helicopters purchased from plaintiff							2	2
Amount paid in final settlement					55,000	40,000
Number of Alleged Cleanup Sites									2
Number of parties responsible for contamination									101
Accounts payable due		9,000,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	2,300,000	1,800,000	700,000							20,200,000	14,000,000
Outstanding Purchase Orders	$29,600,000

Warranty_Reserves_and_Cost_Per2

Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves - Summary of Warranty Reserves Related to Sales of Aircranes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$0	$0	$1,015
Increases to reserves	0	0	0
Warranty provided or expired	0	0	-1,015
Ending Balance	$0	$0	$0

Warranty_Reserves_and_Cost_Per3

Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves - Schedule of CPH Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cost Per Hour Liability Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$511	$3,569	$2,770
Increases to reserves	0	747	5,282
Warranty provided or expired	-511	-3,805	-4,483
Ending Balance	$0	$511	$3,569

Warranty_Reserves_and_Cost_Per4

Warranty Reserves and Cost Per Hour Reserves - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Guarantees [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty Period Minimum	2 years
Standard Product Warranty Period Maximum	5 years
Product Warranty Expense Net	$0	$0	($500,000)
Cost Per Hour Expense Net	0	700,000	5,300,000
Cost Per Hour Liability Reserve	$0	$511,000	$3,569,000	$2,770,000

Variable_Interest_Entity_Addit

Variable Interest Entity - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest	$726,000	$890,000
Grupo Inaer
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage by noncontrolling owners	49.00%
Fiduciaria Centro Nord (FCN)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage by noncontrolling owners	2.00%
European Air-Crane S.p.A.
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership interest percentage	49.00%
VIE assets	4,100,000	5,500,000
VIE liabilities	1,900,000	3,000,000
Costa Do Sol
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership interest percentage	60.00%
VIE assets	100,000
VIE liabilities	100,000
Noncontrolling interest	$0

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Schedu

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($2,451)	$16,862	($17,109)	($7,594)	($1,700)	$14,525	($1,952)	($1,216)	($10,292)	$9,657	$12,435
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,810,587	13,802,212	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	11,562,465	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,221,005	6,981,027
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards									0	53,419
Dilutive effect of Series A Preferred Stock									0	560,082	0
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,810,587	13,817,050	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	13,813,514	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,834,506	6,981,027
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.18)	$1.22	($1.24)	($0.55)	($0.12)	$1.26	($0.20)	($0.13)	($0.75)	$0.86	$1.78
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.18)	$1.22	($1.24)	($0.55)	($0.12)	$1.05	($0.20)	($0.13)	($0.75)	$0.82	$1.78
Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share									18,169	16,458	158,557

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Awards Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock Award Units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Award Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	91,218	158,557	0
Granted (in shares)	35,752	45,914	389,057
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	-50,695	-88,610	-214,933
Forfeited (in shares)	-20,672	-24,643	-15,567
Outstanding unvested at September 30, 2014 (in shares)	55,603	91,218	158,557
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2013 (in dollars)	$11.75	$7.73	$0
Granted (in dollars)	$16.68	$21.43	$7.77
Vested restricted stock units (in dollars)	$12.81	$10.68	$7.80
Forfeited (in dollars)	$12.74	$7.75	$7.83
Outstanding unvested at September 30, 2014 (in dollars)	$13.59	$11.75	$7.73

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Outstanding Unvested Restricted Stock Unit Awards Expected to be Recognized (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
2015	$445
2016	91
Thereafter	7
Total	$543

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$861	$792	$2,118
Cost of Sales
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	69	70	378
Operating expenses
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$792	$722	$1,740

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of common stock shares reserved for issuance under Long Term Incentive Plan			417,649
Number of common stock shares available for grant under Long Term Incentive Plan	7,808
Weighted average period for unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	211 days
Restricted Stock Award Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	35,752	45,914	389,057

SUPPLEMENTARY_DATA_Schedule_of

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues:	$73,202	$118,338	$80,885	$74,184	$92,465	$120,226	$68,590	$36,940	$346,609	$318,221	$180,824
Gross Profit	13,177	47,978	13,729	8,280	23,164	46,185	17,490	9,274	83,164	96,113	61,419
Net income (loss)	-2,485	16,941	-17,162	-7,525	-1,830	14,488	-1,797	-995	-10,231	9,866	15,636
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($2,451)	$16,862	($17,109)	($7,594)	($1,700)	$14,525	($1,952)	($1,216)	($10,292)	$9,657	$12,435
Basic earnings per common share	($0.18)	$1.22	($1.24)	($0.55)	($0.12)	$1.26	($0.20)	($0.13)	($0.75)	$0.86	$1.78
Dilutive earnings per common share	($0.18)	$1.22	($1.24)	($0.55)	($0.12)	$1.05	($0.20)	($0.13)	($0.75)	$0.82	$1.78
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	13,810,587	13,802,212	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	11,562,465	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,221,005	6,981,027
Diluted	13,810,587	13,817,050	13,799,501	13,789,426	13,786,308	13,813,514	9,759,758	9,727,127	13,800,494	11,834,506	6,981,027