Erickson (EACIQ) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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		13,833,174

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,874	$5,097	$3,210	$1,881
Restricted cash	518	567
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $188 and $739 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	51,932	44,350
Inventory	9,153	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,783	8,780
Income tax receivable	739	677
Deferred tax assets	1,286	1,230
Total current assets	75,285	60,701
Aircraft support parts, net	138,898	137,593
Assets held for sale	8,350	0
Aircraft, net	115,099	128,221
Property, plant and equipment, net	117,127	120,635
Goodwill	164,550	215,241
Other intangible assets, net	19,413	20,053
Other non-current assets	21,932	23,077
Total assets	660,654	705,521
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,149	19,844
Current portion of long-term debt	3,793	4,144
Accrued and other current liabilities	35,612	19,034
Income tax payable	0	315
Deferred tax liabilities	0	884
Total current liabilities	56,554	44,221
Long-term debt	12,185	12,751
Long-term revolving credit facilities	103,925	89,339
Long-term notes payable	355,000	355,000
Other long-term liabilities	19,513	13,181
Uncertain tax positions	6,581	6,313
Deferred tax liabilities	3,412	3,703
Total liabilities	557,170	524,508
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock; $0.0001 par value; 110,000,000 shares authorized; 13,823,818 and 13,823,818 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	181,163	181,018
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-73,158	1,812
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-5,012	-2,544
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	102,994	180,287
Noncontrolling interest	490	726
Total stockholders’ equity	103,484	181,013		192,907
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$660,654	$705,521

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$188	$739
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	13,823,818
Common stock, outstanding shares	13,823,818	13,823,818

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$66,162	$74,184
Cost of revenues	64,788	66,658
Gross profit	1,374	7,526
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	6,938	6,797
Research and development	878	1,318
Selling and marketing	1,755	2,234
Impairment of goodwill	49,823	0
Other asset impairment	7,143	0
Total operating expenses	66,537	10,349
Operating loss	-65,163	-2,823
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-9,212	-8,753
Amortization of debt issuance costs	-624	-621
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)	-436	217
Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)	-68	-57
Gain (loss) on disposal of equipment	-6	130
Other expense, net	-191	-188
Total other income (expense)	-10,537	-9,272
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-75,700	-12,095
Income tax benefit	-617	-4,570
Net loss	-75,083	-7,525
Less: Net (income) loss related to noncontrolling interest	113	-69
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	-74,970	-7,594
Net loss	-75,083	-7,525
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,591	330
Comprehensive loss	-77,674	-7,195
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	236	-69
Comprehensive loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated	($77,438)	($7,264)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic, dollars per share	($5.42)	($0.55)
Diluted, dollars per share	($5.42)	($0.55)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	13,823,818	13,789,426
Diluted	13,823,818	13,789,426

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) of Erickson Incorporated	Noncontrolling Interest Amount
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$192,907	$1	$179,954	$12,104	($42)	$192,017	$890
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		13,787,914
Issuance of Restricted Stock Units		50,695
Noncontrolling interest dividend	-69						-69
Stock-based compensation	861		861			861
Shares withheld for payment of taxes (in shares)		-14,791
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	-211		-211			-211
Proceeds from shareholder, net	414		414			414
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	-10,231			-10,292		-10,292	61
Foreign currency translation	-2,658				-2,502	-2,502	-156
Comprehensive loss	-12,889
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	181,013	1	181,018	1,812	-2,544	180,287	726
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		13,823,818
Stock-based compensation	145		145			145
Components of comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss	-75,083			-74,970		-74,970	-113
Foreign currency translation	-2,591				-2,468	-2,468	-123
Comprehensive loss	-77,674
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$103,484	$1	$181,163	($73,158)	($5,012)	$102,994	$490
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		13,823,818

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($75,083)	($7,525)
Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,818	7,953
Impairment of goodwill	49,823	0
Other asset impairment	7,143	0
Deferred income taxes	-1,418	-3,984
Non-cash interest expense on debt	177	37
Stock-based compensation	145	160
Amortization of debt issuance costs	624	621
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	6	-130
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-8,059	13,876
Inventory	-9,153	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-224	-599
Income tax receivable	263	-785
Aircraft support parts, net	-1,523	-7,864
Other non-current assets	2,390	1,545
Accounts payable	-2,205	1,995
Accrued and other current liabilities	17,447	-4,043
Income tax payable	-601	943
Other long-term liabilities	3,689	294
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-7,741	2,494
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment, net	-5,674	-17,483
Restricted cash	-51	200
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,725	-17,283
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	0	414
Repayments of subordinated notes	-1,000	0
Repayments of credit facilities	-34,211	-24,400
Borrowings from credit facilities	48,797	39,867
Other long-term borrowings	-48	0
Payments under capital leases	-140	0
Debt issuance costs	-70	-230
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,328	15,651
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-2,085	467
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,223	1,329
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,097	1,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,874	3,210
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	1,594	1,269
Cash paid for income taxes, net	$768	$486

Description_of_the_Business

Description of the Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, the Company owned a fleet of 19 heavy lift helicopters, comprised of 13 S-64E and six S-64F model Aircranes, and 34 medium and light lift aircraft of varying model types, comprised of 28 rotor wing aircraft and six fixed-wing aircraft. As of March 31, 2015, the Company leased a fleet of one heavy lift S-64F model Aircrane, 31 medium and light lift aircraft of varying types, comprised of 26 rotor wing aircraft and five fixed-wing aircraft. The Company’s fleet operations span the globe with a presence on six continents. As of March 31, 2015, 24 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. The Company also holds the production certificate to manufacture engine parts for the Pratt & Whitney JT12 and JFTD12 engines.
	Fiscal 2015
	On January 1, 2015, as a result of an organizational restructuring, the Company established new operating reportable segments to assess performance by type of customer and end market: Government Aviation Services, Commercial Aviation Services and Manufacturing & MRO.
	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.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of all majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. In presenting these unaudited consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgments and available information at a point in time. As such, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management’s opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported.
	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and following the guidance of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). As permitted under such rules, certain notes and other financial information normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)
	have been condensed or omitted; however, the unaudited consolidated financial statements do include such notes and financial information sufficient so as to make the interim information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2015.
	The balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Reclassification has been made to prior period amounts of external commissions from sales and marketing operating expenses to cost of revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Such reclassification had no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity or the consolidated balance sheet. The prior period reclassification includes $0.8 million of external commissions reclassified from sales and marketing operating expenses to cost of revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	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 March 31, 2015, 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.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This standard amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
	There have been no other recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Trade accounts receivable	$	49,597			$	42,296
	Other receivables	2,523				2,793
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(188		)		(739		)
		$	51,932			$	44,350
	The Company had bad debt expense of zero in the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had bad debt recoveries of $0.3 million.
	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 may require from its customers a letter of credit, a parent corporation guarantee, or full or partial 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.
	The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the total current and non-current trade receivables as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014:
		Segment		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Fluor	Government Aviation Services		15.9	%		14.4	%
	Alion Science and Technology Corporation	Government Aviation Services		9.6	%		11.8	%
	Hellenic Fire Brigade(1)	Commercial Aviation Services		8.4	%		10.8	%
				33.9	%		37	%
	-1	On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into a three year agreement with the NATO Support Agency (“NSPA”), 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the Company’s net revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2015 or March 31, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Fluor	20.5	%		20.4	%
	Kestrel (Australia)	12.8	%		14.9	%
	Alion Science and Technology Corporation	10.3	%		—	%
	Army Contracting Command - Rock Island	—	%		11.2	%
		43.6	%		46.5	%
	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 uncollectible if the customers experience curtailed government spending.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory
	Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Finished goods	$	9,153		$	—
	In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into an exclusive agreement with Bell Helicopters Textron Inc. (Bell) to provide support for the Bell 214 B and ST models, including spare parts supply, technical assistance, maintenance training, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. As a part of the agreement the Company acquired $9.4 million of inventory from Bell in exchange for a two year promissory note. When acquired, the Company classified the assets as inventory within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
	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 both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was one aircraft being remanufactured.
	Aircraft support parts consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Aircraft parts	$	126,580		$	124,629
	Work-in-process	17,868			18,604
	Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	(5,550		)	(5,640		)
		$	138,898		$	137,593

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net

Aircraft Support Parts, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Aircraft Support Parts, net	Inventory
	Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Finished goods	$	9,153		$	—
	In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into an exclusive agreement with Bell Helicopters Textron Inc. (Bell) to provide support for the Bell 214 B and ST models, including spare parts supply, technical assistance, maintenance training, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. As a part of the agreement the Company acquired $9.4 million of inventory from Bell in exchange for a two year promissory note. When acquired, the Company classified the assets as inventory within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
	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 both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was one aircraft being remanufactured.
	Aircraft support parts consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Aircraft parts	$	126,580		$	124,629
	Work-in-process	17,868			18,604
	Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	(5,550		)	(5,640		)
		$	138,898		$	137,593

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Classification of Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	We have classified certain assets as held for sale as these assets are ready for immediate sale and the Company expects these assets to be sold within one year. The changes in assets held for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2015, are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Assets Held for Sale
		# of Aircraft
	Aircraft held for sale
	Book value, January 1, 2015	—	$	—
	Classified as held for sale, net of impairment	9	5,779
	Aircraft held for sale, March 31, 2015	9	5,779
	Deferred overhauls associated with aircraft held for sale, March 31, 2015		2,571
	Total assets held for sale, March 31, 2015		$	8,350
	During the first quarter of 2015, nine aircraft were reclassified to assets held for sale as the Company reviewed its fleet strategy for fiscal 2015. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.1 million to write down the carrying value of the aircraft to their estimated fair value less the costs to sell. The charge is included in other asset impairment in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The fair value of assets held for sale is considered a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy as the measurement is based on the recent sales and listed prices in the active markets for similar aircraft. The assets will no longer be depreciated or amortized effective March 31, 2015.

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Aircraft	$	149,634		$	162,246
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(34,535		)	(34,025		)
		$	115,099		$	128,221
	Property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Land and land improvements	$	308		$	308
	Buildings	9,372			7,926
	Vehicles and equipment	30,198			29,500
	Deferred overhauls, net	82,881			86,768
	Construction-in-progress	15,126			15,926
		137,885			140,428
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(20,758		)	(19,793		)
		$	117,127		$	120,635
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, depreciation expense was $4.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense associated with deferred overhauls was $3.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company completed a nonmonetary exchange of aircraft pursuant to which the Company transferred four Bell 212 helicopters to a third party in exchange for two Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters. Independent appraisal confirmed that the fair values of the two aircraft received approximated the book values of the four aircraft transferred, and no gain or loss was recorded on the transaction. Prior to the exchange the aircraft were recorded in aircraft, net and their major components were recorded in deferred overhauls, net within property, plant, and equipment, net in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The aircraft received and their major components were also recorded in aircraft, net and deferred overhauls, net, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.
	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 had 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 accrued and other current liabilities, and the non-current portion of deferred gain of $9.2 million is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands):
		Government Aviation Services			Commercial Aviation Services			Manufacturing & MRO		Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015
	Goodwill, gross	$	207,128		$	23,843		$	5,542	$	236,513
	Accumulated impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			—		(21,272		)
	Goodwill, net	185,856			23,843			5,542		215,241
	Activity during 2015
	Impairment losses	(49,823		)	—			—		(49,823		)
	Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	—			(868		)	—		(868		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015
	Goodwill, gross	207,128			22,975			5,542		235,645
	Accumulated impairment losses	(71,095		)	—			—		(71,095		)
	Goodwill, net	$	136,033		$	22,975		$	5,542	$	164,550
	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 business climate.
	The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process pursuant to ASC 350-20 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other". 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 was considered a reporting unit for the purposes of that analysis. 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.
	On January 1, 2015, the Company re-evaluated its reporting units and determined four reporting units under its three operating reportable segments. The Company reassigned its goodwill to each of the four reporting units as of January 1, 2015 using a relative fair value approach.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis which indicated that it is more likely than not not that the fair value of the Government Aviation Services reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company compared the 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 the step two analysis, the Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using the 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 $49.8 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
	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%, an effective tax rate of 38%, a terminal EBITDA multiple of 7.0, and utilizing the excess earnings method to value the customer relationship intangible.

Other_Intangible_Assets_net

Other Intangible Assets, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets, net	Other Intangible Assets, net
	Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment		Useful Life		March 31,			December 31,
				(in years)		2015			2014
	Customer Relationships	Government Aviation Services		9		$	19,300		$	19,300
	Customer Relationships	Commercial Aviation Services		2	(1)	2,500			2,500
	Type Certificate(2)	Manufacturing & MRO		Indefinite		2,205			2,205
						24,005			24,005
	Less: accumulated amortization					(4,592		)	(3,952		)
						$	19,413		$	20,053
	-1	During the first quarter of 2015 the Company reevaluated the customer relationship intangible related to the acquisition of Air Amazonia and reduced the useful life from 9 years to 2 years.
	-2	The Type Certificate included in intangible assets is the Type Certificate for engines used in the Aircrane, purchased individually during 2013.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, amortization expense for intangible assets was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and was recorded in cost of revenues. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for future periods, including remaining amounts to be recorded in 2015 as of March 31, 2015, is as follows (in thousands):
		Intangible Asset Amortization
	2015	$	2,398
	2016	3,197
	2017	2,320
	2018	2,144
	2019	2,144
	Thereafter	5,005
	Total	$	17,208

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Interest	$	13,002	$	5,542
	Payroll and related taxes	7,739		6,069
	Promissory note, net of discount(1)	4,568		—
	Deferred revenue	2,011		795
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760		1,760
	Accrued commissions	1,369		1,301
	Capital lease obligations	834		—
	Other	4,329		3,567
		$	35,612	$	19,034
	-1	In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a $10.0 million promissory note with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) in exchange for inventory delivered to the Company. The promissory note has no stated interest rate and matures on March 1, 2017. The Company has agreed to pay, beginning on March 1, 2015, semi-annual principal payments, in cash, until the date of maturity. For the purposes of recording the initial liability, the fair value of the promissory note was estimated at $9.4 million, assuming a market level borrowing rate of 6.5% per annum. Interest expense is recorded as the discount is amortized over the term of the note. As of March 31, 2015, the carrying value of the promissory note was $8.4 million, made up of the face value of the remaining principal of $9.0 million, net of the unamortized discount of $0.6 million. The non-current portion of the note of $3.8 million is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Outstanding debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Current		Long-term		Current		Long-term
	2020 Senior Notes	$	—	$	355,000	$	—	$	355,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	—		103,925		—		89,339
	2020 subordinated notes, net of discount	3,647		11,969		4,000		12,486
	Fixtures financing	146		216		144		265
	Total	$	3,793	$	471,110	$	4,144	$	457,090
	2020 Senior Notes 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 primarily to finance a portion of the purchase price for the EHI acquisition and refinance its 2015 Subordinated Notes and 2016 Subordinated Notes.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $355.0 million.
	On May 2, 2014, the Company commenced an offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange all $355.0 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 March 11, 2014 the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to increase the maximum amount that the Company may borrow from $125.0 million 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 Revolving Credit Facility also imposes an annual growth capital expenditures limit of approximately $25.0 million which is subject to standard carry-over provisions. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $103.9 million and $89.3 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the three months period ended March 31, 2015 was 5.07%. The interest rate at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 5.00% and 5.02%, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 the Company had $1.8 million and $4.7 million in outstanding standby letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility, respectively, and maximum borrowing availability was $34.3 million and $46.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015, the carrying value of the 2020 Subordinated Notes was $15.6 million, made up of the face value of the remaining principal of $16.5 million net of the unamortized discount of $0.9 million. 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. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the 2020 Subordinated Notes was 6.00% during the three months period ended March 31, 2015.

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Long-Term Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	$	9,238	$	9,678
	Promissory note, net of discount (see Note 10)	3,833		—
	Capital lease obligations	2,892		—
	Other	3,550		3,503
		$	19,513	$	13,181

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. Figures presented as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited.
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	90		$	44		$	2,740		$	—		$	2,874
	Restricted cash	135			—			383			—			518
	Accounts receivable, net	16,522			25,626			9,746			38			51,932
	Inventory	9,153			—			—			—			9,153
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,984			824			1,975			—			8,783
	Income tax receivable	652			—			87			—			739
	Deferred tax assets	1,188			—			(154		)	252			1,286
	Total current assets	33,724			26,494			14,777			290			75,285
	Aircraft support parts, net	108,113			30,486			344			(45		)	138,898
	Assets held for sale	3,800			2,550			2,000			—			8,350
	Aircraft, net	83,087			32,009			3			—			115,099
	Property, plant and equipment, net	72,353			43,280			1,494			—			117,127
	Goodwill	—			160,533			4,779			(762		)	164,550
	Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,190			2,018			—			19,413
	Other non-current assets	322,076			4,313			637			(305,094		)	21,932
	Total assets	$	625,358		$	314,855		$	26,052		$	(305,611	)	$	660,654
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	5,030			9,712			2,407			—			$	17,149
	Current portion of long-term debt	3,793			—			—			—			3,793
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(26,744		)	34,212			28,144			—			35,612
	Income tax payable	—			—			—			—			—
	Deferred tax liabilities	226			—			—			(226		)	—
	Total current liabilities	(17,695		)	43,924			30,551			(226		)	56,554
	Long-term debt, less current portion	12,185			—			—			—			12,185
	Long-term revolving credit facilities	103,925			—			—			—			103,925
	Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
	Other long-term liabilities	15,912			3,538			63			—			19,513
	Uncertain tax positions	6,581			—			—			—			6,581
	Deferred tax liabilities	4,051			—			(1,116		)	477			3,412
	Total liabilities	479,959			47,462			29,498			251			557,170
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common stock	1			—			1,675			(1,675		)	1
	Additional paid-in capital	181,163			297,994			33			(298,027		)	181,163
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(32,150		)	(30,601		)	(5,110		)	(5,297		)	(73,158		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,615		)	—			(678		)	(719		)	(5,012		)
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	145,399			267,393			(4,080		)	(305,718		)	102,994
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			(144		)	490
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	145,399			267,393			(3,446		)	(305,862		)	103,484
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	625,358		$	314,855		$	26,052		$	(305,611	)	$	660,654
		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
Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,726			2,122			—			20,053
Goodwill	—			210,356			5,647			(762		)	215,241
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 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 Statement of Operations
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Net revenues:	$	24,329		$	37,544		$	12,892		$	(8,603	)	$	66,162
Cost of revenues	25,197			34,642			13,517			(8,568		)	64,788
Gross profit	(868		)	2,902			(625		)	(35		)	1,374
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	6,038			202			698			—			6,938
Research and development	878			—			—			—			878
Selling and marketing	1,707			50			33			(35		)	1,755
Impairment of goodwill	—			49,823			—			—			49,823
Other asset impairment	3,441			2,749			953			—			7,143
Total operating expenses	12,064			52,824			1,684			(35		)	66,537
Operating loss	(12,932		)	(49,922		)	(2,309		)	—			(65,163		)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(9,030		)	(76		)	(106		)	—			(9,212		)
Other income (expense), net	(1,743		)	19			405			(6		)	(1,325		)
Total other income (expense)	(10,773		)	(57		)	299			(6		)	(10,537		)
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(23,705		)	(49,979		)	(2,010		)	(6		)	(75,700		)
Income tax benefit	(542		)	—			(75		)	—			(617		)
Net loss	(23,163		)	(49,979		)	(1,935		)	(6		)	(75,083		)
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			113			113
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(23,163	)	$	(49,979	)	$	(1,935	)	$	107		$	(74,970	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent Company			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Net revenues:	$	24,627		$	42,752		$	11,560		$	(4,755	)	$	74,184
Cost of revenues	21,896			37,776			11,741			(4,755		)	66,658
Gross profit	2,731			4,976			(181		)	—			7,526
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	5,642			420			735			—			6,797
Research and development	1,318			—			—			—			1,318
Selling and marketing	2,047			157			30			—			2,234
Total operating expenses	9,007			577			765			—			10,349
Operating income (loss)	(6,276		)	4,399			(946		)	—			(2,823		)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(8,508		)	16			(261		)	—			(8,753		)
Other income (expense), net	(598		)	26			66			(13		)	(519		)
Total other income (expense)	(9,106		)	42			(195		)	(13		)	(9,272		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(15,382		)	4,441			(1,141		)	(13		)	(12,095		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(3,807		)	—			(763		)	—			(4,570		)
Net income (loss)	(11,575		)	4,441			(378		)	(13		)	(7,525		)
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(69		)	(69		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(11,575	)	$	4,441		$	(378	)	$	(82	)	$	(7,594	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(23,163	)	$	(49,979	)	$	(1,935	)	$	(6	)	$	(75,083	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,272			3,328			218			—			8,818
Impairment of goodwill	—			49,823			—			—			49,823
Other asset impairment	3,441			2,749			953			—			7,143
Deferred income taxes	(1,418		)	—			—			—			(1,418		)
Non-cash interest expense on debt	177			—			—			—			177
Stock-based compensation	145			—			—			—			145
Amortization of debt issuance costs	624			—			—			—			624
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(22		)	—			28			—			6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(3,404		)	571			(5,232		)	6			(8,059		)
Inventory	(9,153		)	—			—			—			(9,153		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	522			347			(1,093		)	—			(224		)
Income tax receivable	—			—			241			22			263
Aircraft support parts, net	(1,536		)	(3		)	16			—			(1,523		)
Other non-current assets	702			1,839			(151		)	—			2,390
Accounts payable	(990		)	(1,753		)	538			—			(2,205		)
Accrued and other current liabilities	18,293			(6,270		)	4,871			553			17,447
Income tax payable	61			—			(87		)	(575		)	(601		)
Other long-term liabilities	3,751			(62		)	—			—			3,689
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(6,698		)	590			(1,633		)	—			(7,741		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	—			—			(51		)	—			(51		)
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(4,735		)	(680		)	(259		)	—			(5,674		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,735		)	(680		)	(310		)	—			(5,725		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	(1,000		)	—			—			—			(1,000		)
Repayments of credit facilities	(34,211		)	—			—			—			(34,211		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	48,797			—			—			—			48,797
Other long-term borrowings	(48		)	—			—			—			(48		)
Payments under capital leases	—			(140		)	—			—			(140		)
Debt issuance costs	(70		)	—			—			—			(70		)
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities	13,468			(140		)	—			—			13,328
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,952		)	—			(133		)	—			(2,085		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	83			(230		)	(2,076		)	—			(2,223		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7			274			4,816			—			5,097
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	90		$	44		$	2,740		$	—		$	2,874
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
										Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(11,575	)	$	4,441		$	(378	)	$	(13	)	$	(7,525	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,311			2,452			190			—			7,953
Deferred income taxes	(4,119		)	—			135			—			(3,984		)
Non-cash interest expense on debt	37			—			—			—			37
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
Stock-based compensation	160			—			—			—			160
Non-cash interest income on loans	—			—			—			—			—
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(61		)	(25		)	(44		)	—			(130		)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	621			—			—			—			621
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,884			9,764			(785		)	13			13,876
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(266		)	(332		)	(1		)	—			(599		)
Income tax receivable, net	18			—			(803		)	—			(785		)
Aircraft support parts, net	(3,335		)	(4,325		)	(204		)	—			(7,864		)
Other non-current assets	(57		)	1,596			6			—			1,545
Accounts payable	1,774			(197		)	418			—			1,995
Accrued and other current liabilities	208			(6,582		)	2,331			—			(4,043		)
Income tax payable	39			—			904			—			943
Other long-term liabilities	294			—			—			—			294
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(6,067		)	6,792			1,769			—			2,494
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			—			—
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(10,635		)	(6,777		)	(71		)	—			(17,483		)
Restricted cash	—			—			200			—			200
Purchase of intangible assets	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by investing activities	(10,635		)	(6,777		)	129			—			(17,283		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414			—			—			—			414
Repayments of credit facilities	(24,400		)	—			—			—			(24,400		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	39,867			—			—			—			39,867
Repayment of notes	—			—			—			—			—
Debt issuance costs	(230		)	—			—			—			(230		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in financing activities	15,651			—			—			—			15,651
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	482			—			(15		)	—			467
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(569		)	15			1,883			—			1,329
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576			(12		)	1,317			—			1,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7		$	3		$	3,200		$	—		$	3,210

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 0.8% and differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a full valuation allowance position against U.S. Federal and State deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 includes withholding taxes for which no net deferred tax assets will be recognized in 2015 due to the full valuation allowance position, as well as tax expense for deferred tax liabilities associated with indefinite lived assets, which liabilities cannot be offset against deferred tax assets to reduce the amount of the valuation allowance. The tax benefit from applying the effective tax rate to pretax loss results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was reduced by $0.2 million reflecting limitation of interim period loss benefit to the full year expected forecast benefit of Federal and State taxes.
	For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 37.8% and differed from the statutory rate primarily due to recurring items such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amount of income it earns in those jurisdictions.
	The Company recognizes deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more likely than not. In order to make this determination the Company evaluates factors for each jurisdiction 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. The cumulative loss incurred in the U.S. over the past twelve quarter period ending March 31, 2015 was significant negative objective evidence against the Company’s ability to realize a benefit from its U.S. deferred tax assets which include net operating loss, tax credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited the ability of the Company to consider in its evaluation other subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. On the basis of its evaluation the Company determined that its U.S. deferred tax assets were not more likely than not to be realized and that a full valuation allowance against net U.S. deferred tax assets was appropriate.
	As of March 31, 2015, for foreign jurisdictions, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize all of its deferred tax assets, including its net operating loss carryforwards, with the exception of those related to Malaysia and Costa do Sol in Brazil where the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its net operating loss carryforwards.
	As of March 31, 2015, there have been no material changes to the Company’s uncertain tax position as provided at December 31, 2014. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties during the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $0.2 million due to the uncertain tax positions associated with certain tax matters in Greece. The ending balance for the unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $8.9 million at March 31, 2015 and included penalties of approximately $2.6 million and the related interest was immaterial. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in other income (expense).
	The IRS has completed the information gathering phase of their income tax examination of the 2012 tax year and has started the information gathering phase of their examination of the 2013 tax year. The Italian tax authorities have examined our fiscal years 2008 to 2010 and all assessments issued by the taxing authorities have either been appealed or await hearing. The Malaysian tax authorities have examined our fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and have proposed adjustments relating to certain withholding tax liabilities. The Greek tax authorities have completed their permanent establishment examination and at this time we are waiting for the Athens Tax Office to issue their written audit report.
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 from the aforementioned income tax examinations. All material uncertain tax positions associated with the examinations have been taken into account in the ending balance of the unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2015.
	The Company is not under income or withholding tax examination by tax authorities in any other jurisdictions.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. On January 1, 2015, as a part of a reorganization, the Company established reportable operating segments to assess performance by type of customer and end market: Government Aviation Services, Commercial Aviation Services, and Manufacturing & MRO.
	Government Aviation Services. The Company’s Government Aviation Services revenue is derived primarily from contracts with the United States Department of Defense, international governments, and other organizations such as the United Nations and NATO who use its services for 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.
	•	Defense, Security Contracts and Other Government-Related Activities. 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 United States. This line of business also captures several types of government services including transportation of items for various government entities that are not defense or security related, as well as other government-related services.
	Commercial Aviation Services. The Company’s Commercial Aviation Services revenue is derived primarily from firefighting, timber harvesting, infrastructure construction, oil and gas services, and other commercial services.
	•	Firefighting Contracts. 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.
	•	Timber Harvesting Contracts. 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 in North America.
	•	Infrastructure Construction Contracts. 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 construction, energy transmission, and energy generation industries.
	•	Oil & Gas Services Contracts. The Company's oil and gas operations are generally longer-term jobs (several months or years in duration). The Company typically charges a daily standby fee for the contract period with an additional rate for flight hours flown; some contracts include a guaranteed minimum quantity of billable flight hours. The majority of oil and gas related work is performed in South America.
	Manufacturing & MRO. The Company's Manufacturing & MRO revenues is derived primarily from manufacturing; maintenance, repair, and overhaul services; as well as aircraft sales.
	•	Manufacturing / MRO. 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 also has an agreement with Bell Helicopter whereby the Company provides product support for the Bell 214 B and ST models, providing 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.
	•	Trade. This line of business captures sales of types of aircraft and aircraft related assets other than Aircranes to external commercial and governmental customers by the Trade group.
	The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operations by its three reportable segments:
	Revenue by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenues:
	Government Aviation Services	$	32,875		$	41,533
	Commercial Aviation Services	26,253			29,906
	Manufacturing & MRO	7,034			2,745
	Total net revenues	$	66,162		$	74,184
	Gross Profit by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Gross Profit:
	Government Aviation Services	$	4,362		$	6,313
	Commercial Aviation Services	(4,687		)	296
	Manufacturing & MRO	1,699			917
	Total gross profit	$	1,374		$	7,526
	Assets by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Government Aviation Services	$	183,398		$	232,775
	Commercial Aviation Services	58,660			56,456
	Manufacturing & MRO	22,574			16,207
	Corporate(1)	16,548			13,633
	Fixed Assets(2)	379,474			386,450
	Total assets	$	660,654		$	705,521
	-1	Corporate assets are comprised primarily of cash, deferred tax assets, and deferred offering costs.
	-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 loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Reconciliation to operating loss:
	Government Aviation Services gross profit	$	4,362		$	6,313
	Commercial Aviation Services gross profit	(4,687		)	296
	Manufacturing & MRO gross profit	1,699			917
	Operating expenses, net(1)	(66,537		)	(10,349		)
	Total operating loss	$	(65,163	)	$	(2,823	)
	-1	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.
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenues:
	North America	$	16,857		$	17,715
	Middle East	16,557			19,951
	Europe	853			3,314
	Asia	5,615			5,757
	South America	11,037			8,107
	Africa	6,793			8,287
	Australia	8,450			11,053
	Total net revenues	$	66,162		$	74,184
	For each operating segment, revenues are attributed to geographic area based on the country where the services were performed; for the Manufacturing & MRO reportable segment, revenues are attributed to geographic area based on the country in which the customer is located.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
	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 2014 or during the three months period ended March 31, 2015. 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.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 zero during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	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 three months ended March 31, 2014.
	During the three months period ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had incurred no 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.
	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.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, EuAC consolidated assets and liabilities were $3.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, EuAC consolidated VIE assets and liabilities were $4.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of net income related to 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 March 31, 2015, Costa Do Sol consolidated assets and liabilities were $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, Costa Do Sol consolidated assets and liabilities were $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.1 million and zero, respectively, of net loss related to noncontrolling interest is reflected in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Seasonality

Seasonality	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	The Company calculates basic earnings (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 earnings (loss) per share.
	The following table shows the computation of earnings (loss) per share (net earnings (loss) in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	(74,970	)	$	(7,594	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818			13,789,426
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	—			—
	Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818			13,789,426
	Basic loss per share	$	(5.42	)	$	(0.55	)
	Diluted loss per share	$	(5.42	)	$	(0.55	)
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted loss per share	20,357			41,723

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average
		Award Units		Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2014	55,603		$	13.59
	Granted	—		—
	Vested restricted stock units	—		—
	Forfeited	—		—
	Outstanding unvested at March 31, 2015	55,603		$	13.59
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the Company granted zero and 15,500 restricted stock units, respectively. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Cost of revenues	$	12		$	16
	Operating expenses	133			144
	Total	$	145		$	160
	Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested restricted stock unit awards as of March 31, 2015 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.4 years, as follows (in thousands):
		Unamortized
		Compensation
		Expense
	2015	$	291
	2016	91
	Thereafter	7
	Total	$	389

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of all majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. In presenting these unaudited consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgments and available information at a point in time. As such, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management’s opinion, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported.
Consolidation	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Accounting	The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and following the guidance of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). As permitted under such rules, certain notes and other financial information normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)
	have been condensed or omitted; however, the unaudited consolidated financial statements do include such notes and financial information sufficient so as to make the interim information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of December 31, 2014 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2015.
	The balance sheet at December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Reclassification has been made to prior period amounts of external commissions from sales and marketing operating expenses to cost of revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Such reclassification had no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity or the consolidated balance sheet.
Recent 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 March 31, 2015, 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.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This standard amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
Receivables	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 may require from its customers a letter of credit, a parent corporation guarantee, or full or partial 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.
Goodwill	The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process pursuant to ASC 350-20 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other". 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.
Consolidation of VIE	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.
Earnings Per Share	The Company calculates basic earnings (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 earnings (loss) per share.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa1

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Trade accounts receivable	$	49,597			$	42,296
	Other receivables	2,523				2,793
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(188		)		(739		)
		$	51,932			$	44,350
Summary of Customers that Accounted for at Least 10% of Total Current and Non-Current Trade Receivables	The following is a summary of customers that accounted for at least 10% of the total current and non-current trade receivables as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014:
		Segment		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Fluor	Government Aviation Services		15.9	%		14.4	%
	Alion Science and Technology Corporation	Government Aviation Services		9.6	%		11.8	%
	Hellenic Fire Brigade(1)	Commercial Aviation Services		8.4	%		10.8	%
				33.9	%		37	%
	-1	On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into a three year agreement with the NATO Support Agency (“NSPA”), 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 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 the three months ended March 31, 2015 or March 31, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Fluor	20.5	%		20.4	%
	Kestrel (Australia)	12.8	%		14.9	%
	Alion Science and Technology Corporation	10.3	%		—	%
	Army Contracting Command - Rock Island	—	%		11.2	%
		43.6	%		46.5	%

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Finished goods	$	9,153	$	—

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Tab

Aircraft Support Parts, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Aircraft Support Parts, Net	Aircraft support parts consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Aircraft parts	$	126,580		$	124,629
	Work-in-process	17,868			18,604
	Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	(5,550		)	(5,640		)
		$	138,898		$	137,593

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Tables

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Classification of Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale	The changes in assets held for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2015, are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Assets Held for Sale
		# of Aircraft
	Aircraft held for sale
	Book value, January 1, 2015	—	$	—
	Classified as held for sale, net of impairment	9	5,779
	Aircraft held for sale, March 31, 2015	9	5,779
	Deferred overhauls associated with aircraft held for sale, March 31, 2015		2,571
	Total assets held for sale, March 31, 2015		$	8,350

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an1

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Aircraft	Aircraft, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Aircraft	$	149,634		$	162,246
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(34,535		)	(34,025		)
		$	115,099		$	128,221
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Net	Property, plant, and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Land and land improvements	$	308		$	308
	Buildings	9,372			7,926
	Vehicles and equipment	30,198			29,500
	Deferred overhauls, net	82,881			86,768
	Construction-in-progress	15,126			15,926
		137,885			140,428
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(20,758		)	(19,793		)
		$	117,127		$	120,635

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are as follows (in thousands):
		Government Aviation Services			Commercial Aviation Services			Manufacturing & MRO		Total
	Balance at January 1, 2015
	Goodwill, gross	$	207,128		$	23,843		$	5,542	$	236,513
	Accumulated impairment losses	(21,272		)	—			—		(21,272		)
	Goodwill, net	185,856			23,843			5,542		215,241
	Activity during 2015
	Impairment losses	(49,823		)	—			—		(49,823		)
	Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	—			(868		)	—		(868		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015
	Goodwill, gross	207,128			22,975			5,542		235,645
	Accumulated impairment losses	(71,095		)	—			—		(71,095		)
	Goodwill, net	$	136,033		$	22,975		$	5,542	$	164,550

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Ta

Other Intangible Assets, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Reportable Segment		Useful Life		March 31,			December 31,
				(in years)		2015			2014
	Customer Relationships	Government Aviation Services		9		$	19,300		$	19,300
	Customer Relationships	Commercial Aviation Services		2	(1)	2,500			2,500
	Type Certificate(2)	Manufacturing & MRO		Indefinite		2,205			2,205
						24,005			24,005
	Less: accumulated amortization					(4,592		)	(3,952		)
						$	19,413		$	20,053
	-1	During the first quarter of 2015 the Company reevaluated the customer relationship intangible related to the acquisition of Air Amazonia and reduced the useful life from 9 years to 2 years.
	-2	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, including remaining amounts to be recorded in 2015 as of March 31, 2015, is as follows (in thousands):
		Intangible Asset Amortization
	2015	$	2,398
	2016	3,197
	2017	2,320
	2018	2,144
	2019	2,144
	Thereafter	5,005
	Total	$	17,208

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab1

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Interest	$	13,002	$	5,542
	Payroll and related taxes	7,739		6,069
	Promissory note, net of discount(1)	4,568		—
	Deferred revenue	2,011		795
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760		1,760
	Accrued commissions	1,369		1,301
	Capital lease obligations	834		—
	Other	4,329		3,567
		$	35,612	$	19,034
	-1	In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a $10.0 million promissory note with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) in exchange for inventory delivered to the Company. The promissory note has no stated interest rate and matures on March 1, 2017. The Company has agreed to pay, beginning on March 1, 2015, semi-annual principal payments, in cash, until the date of maturity. For the purposes of recording the initial liability, the fair value of the promissory note was estimated at $9.4 million, assuming a market level borrowing rate of 6.5% per annum. Interest expense is recorded as the discount is amortized over the term of the note. As of March 31, 2015, the carrying value of the promissory note was $8.4 million, made up of the face value of the remaining principal of $9.0 million, net of the unamortized discount of $0.6 million. The non-current portion of the note of $3.8 million is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Total Debt Outstanding	Outstanding debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Current		Long-term		Current		Long-term
	2020 Senior Notes	$	—	$	355,000	$	—	$	355,000
	Revolving Credit Facility	—		103,925		—		89,339
	2020 subordinated notes, net of discount	3,647		11,969		4,000		12,486
	Fixtures financing	146		216		144		265
	Total	$	3,793	$	471,110	$	4,144	$	457,090

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Tab

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Long-Term Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	$	9,238	$	9,678
	Promissory note, net of discount (see Note 10)	3,833		—
	Capital lease obligations	2,892		—
	Other	3,550		3,503
		$	19,513	$	13,181

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
		March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	90		$	44		$	2,740		$	—		$	2,874
	Restricted cash	135			—			383			—			518
	Accounts receivable, net	16,522			25,626			9,746			38			51,932
	Inventory	9,153			—			—			—			9,153
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,984			824			1,975			—			8,783
	Income tax receivable	652			—			87			—			739
	Deferred tax assets	1,188			—			(154		)	252			1,286
	Total current assets	33,724			26,494			14,777			290			75,285
	Aircraft support parts, net	108,113			30,486			344			(45		)	138,898
	Assets held for sale	3,800			2,550			2,000			—			8,350
	Aircraft, net	83,087			32,009			3			—			115,099
	Property, plant and equipment, net	72,353			43,280			1,494			—			117,127
	Goodwill	—			160,533			4,779			(762		)	164,550
	Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,190			2,018			—			19,413
	Other non-current assets	322,076			4,313			637			(305,094		)	21,932
	Total assets	$	625,358		$	314,855		$	26,052		$	(305,611	)	$	660,654
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	5,030			9,712			2,407			—			$	17,149
	Current portion of long-term debt	3,793			—			—			—			3,793
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(26,744		)	34,212			28,144			—			35,612
	Income tax payable	—			—			—			—			—
	Deferred tax liabilities	226			—			—			(226		)	—
	Total current liabilities	(17,695		)	43,924			30,551			(226		)	56,554
	Long-term debt, less current portion	12,185			—			—			—			12,185
	Long-term revolving credit facilities	103,925			—			—			—			103,925
	Long-term notes payable	355,000			—			—			—			355,000
	Other long-term liabilities	15,912			3,538			63			—			19,513
	Uncertain tax positions	6,581			—			—			—			6,581
	Deferred tax liabilities	4,051			—			(1,116		)	477			3,412
	Total liabilities	479,959			47,462			29,498			251			557,170
	Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
	Common stock	1			—			1,675			(1,675		)	1
	Additional paid-in capital	181,163			297,994			33			(298,027		)	181,163
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(32,150		)	(30,601		)	(5,110		)	(5,297		)	(73,158		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,615		)	—			(678		)	(719		)	(5,012		)
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to Erickson Incorporated	145,399			267,393			(4,080		)	(305,718		)	102,994
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			634			(144		)	490
	Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	145,399			267,393			(3,446		)	(305,862		)	103,484
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	625,358		$	314,855		$	26,052		$	(305,611	)	$	660,654
		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
Other intangible assets, net	2,205			15,726			2,122			—			20,053
Goodwill	—			210,356			5,647			(762		)	215,241
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 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
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Net revenues:	$	24,329		$	37,544		$	12,892		$	(8,603	)	$	66,162
	Cost of revenues	25,197			34,642			13,517			(8,568		)	64,788
	Gross profit	(868		)	2,902			(625		)	(35		)	1,374
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	6,038			202			698			—			6,938
	Research and development	878			—			—			—			878
	Selling and marketing	1,707			50			33			(35		)	1,755
	Impairment of goodwill	—			49,823			—			—			49,823
	Other asset impairment	3,441			2,749			953			—			7,143
	Total operating expenses	12,064			52,824			1,684			(35		)	66,537
	Operating loss	(12,932		)	(49,922		)	(2,309		)	—			(65,163		)
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net	(9,030		)	(76		)	(106		)	—			(9,212		)
	Other income (expense), net	(1,743		)	19			405			(6		)	(1,325		)
	Total other income (expense)	(10,773		)	(57		)	299			(6		)	(10,537		)
	Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(23,705		)	(49,979		)	(2,010		)	(6		)	(75,700		)
	Income tax benefit	(542		)	—			(75		)	—			(617		)
	Net loss	(23,163		)	(49,979		)	(1,935		)	(6		)	(75,083		)
	Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			113			113
	Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(23,163	)	$	(49,979	)	$	(1,935	)	$	107		$	(74,970	)
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent Company			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Net revenues:	$	24,627		$	42,752		$	11,560		$	(4,755	)	$	74,184
	Cost of revenues	21,896			37,776			11,741			(4,755		)	66,658
	Gross profit	2,731			4,976			(181		)	—			7,526
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative	5,642			420			735			—			6,797
	Research and development	1,318			—			—			—			1,318
	Selling and marketing	2,047			157			30			—			2,234
	Total operating expenses	9,007			577			765			—			10,349
	Operating income (loss)	(6,276		)	4,399			(946		)	—			(2,823		)
	Other income (expense):
	Interest income (expense), net	(8,508		)	16			(261		)	—			(8,753		)
	Other income (expense), net	(598		)	26			66			(13		)	(519		)
	Total other income (expense)	(9,106		)	42			(195		)	(13		)	(9,272		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(15,382		)	4,441			(1,141		)	(13		)	(12,095		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(3,807		)	—			(763		)	—			(4,570		)
	Net income (loss)	(11,575		)	4,441			(378		)	(13		)	(7,525		)
	Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(69		)	(69		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$	(11,575	)	$	4,441		$	(378	)	$	(82	)	$	(7,594	)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net loss	$	(23,163	)	$	(49,979	)	$	(1,935	)	$	(6	)	$	(75,083	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	5,272			3,328			218			—			8,818
	Impairment of goodwill	—			49,823			—			—			49,823
	Other asset impairment	3,441			2,749			953			—			7,143
	Deferred income taxes	(1,418		)	—			—			—			(1,418		)
	Non-cash interest expense on debt	177			—			—			—			177
	Stock-based compensation	145			—			—			—			145
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	624			—			—			—			624
	Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(22		)	—			28			—			6
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Accounts receivable	(3,404		)	571			(5,232		)	6			(8,059		)
	Inventory	(9,153		)	—			—			—			(9,153		)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	522			347			(1,093		)	—			(224		)
	Income tax receivable	—			—			241			22			263
	Aircraft support parts, net	(1,536		)	(3		)	16			—			(1,523		)
	Other non-current assets	702			1,839			(151		)	—			2,390
	Accounts payable	(990		)	(1,753		)	538			—			(2,205		)
	Accrued and other current liabilities	18,293			(6,270		)	4,871			553			17,447
	Income tax payable	61			—			(87		)	(575		)	(601		)
	Other long-term liabilities	3,751			(62		)	—			—			3,689
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(6,698		)	590			(1,633		)	—			(7,741		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Restricted cash	—			—			(51		)	—			(51		)
	Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(4,735		)	(680		)	(259		)	—			(5,674		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(4,735		)	(680		)	(310		)	—			(5,725		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Repayments of subordinated notes	(1,000		)	—			—			—			(1,000		)
	Repayments of credit facilities	(34,211		)	—			—			—			(34,211		)
	Borrowings from credit facilities	48,797			—			—			—			48,797
	Other long-term borrowings	(48		)	—			—			—			(48		)
	Payments under capital leases	—			(140		)	—			—			(140		)
	Debt issuance costs	(70		)	—			—			—			(70		)
	Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities	13,468			(140		)	—			—			13,328
	Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(1,952		)	—			(133		)	—			(2,085		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	83			(230		)	(2,076		)	—			(2,223		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7			274			4,816			—			5,097
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	90		$	44		$	2,740		$	—		$	2,874
		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Company			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries and
											Eliminations
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,575	)	$	4,441		$	(378	)	$	(13	)	$	(7,525	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	5,311			2,452			190			—			7,953
	Deferred income taxes	(4,119		)	—			135			—			(3,984		)
	Non-cash interest expense on debt	37			—			—			—			37
	Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies	—			—			—			—			—
	Stock-based compensation	160			—			—			—			160
	Non-cash interest income on loans	—			—			—			—			—
	Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	(61		)	(25		)	(44		)	—			(130		)
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	621			—			—			—			621
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Accounts receivable	4,884			9,764			(785		)	13			13,876
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(266		)	(332		)	(1		)	—			(599		)
Income tax receivable, net	18			—			(803		)	—			(785		)
Aircraft support parts, net	(3,335		)	(4,325		)	(204		)	—			(7,864		)
Other non-current assets	(57		)	1,596			6			—			1,545
Accounts payable	1,774			(197		)	418			—			1,995
Accrued and other current liabilities	208			(6,582		)	2,331			—			(4,043		)
Income tax payable	39			—			904			—			943
Other long-term liabilities	294			—			—			—			294
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(6,067		)	6,792			1,769			—			2,494
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			—			—			—
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	(10,635		)	(6,777		)	(71		)	—			(17,483		)
Restricted cash	—			—			200			—			200
Purchase of intangible assets	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash provided by investing activities	(10,635		)	(6,777		)	129			—			(17,283		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholders, net	414			—			—			—			414
Repayments of credit facilities	(24,400		)	—			—			—			(24,400		)
Borrowings from credit facilities	39,867			—			—			—			39,867
Repayment of notes	—			—			—			—			—
Debt issuance costs	(230		)	—			—			—			(230		)
Shares withheld for payment of taxes	—			—			—			—			—
Net cash used in financing activities	15,651			—			—			—			15,651
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	482			—			(15		)	—			467
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(569		)	15			1,883			—			1,329
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576			(12		)	1,317			—			1,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7		$	3		$	3,200		$	—		$	3,210

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue by Reportable Segment	The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operations by its three reportable segments:
	Revenue by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenues:
	Government Aviation Services	$	32,875		$	41,533
	Commercial Aviation Services	26,253			29,906
	Manufacturing & MRO	7,034			2,745
	Total net revenues	$	66,162		$	74,184
Schedule of Gross Profit by Reportable Segment	Gross Profit by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Gross Profit:
	Government Aviation Services	$	4,362		$	6,313
	Commercial Aviation Services	(4,687		)	296
	Manufacturing & MRO	1,699			917
	Total gross profit	$	1,374		$	7,526
Schedule of Assets by Reportable Segment	Assets by Reportable Segment (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Government Aviation Services	$	183,398		$	232,775
	Commercial Aviation Services	58,660			56,456
	Manufacturing & MRO	22,574			16,207
	Corporate(1)	16,548			13,633
	Fixed Assets(2)	379,474			386,450
	Total assets	$	660,654		$	705,521
	-1	Corporate assets are comprised primarily of cash, deferred tax assets, and deferred offering costs.
	-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 loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Reconciliation to operating loss:
	Government Aviation Services gross profit	$	4,362		$	6,313
	Commercial Aviation Services gross profit	(4,687		)	296
	Manufacturing & MRO gross profit	1,699			917
	Operating expenses, net(1)	(66,537		)	(10,349		)
	Total operating loss	$	(65,163	)	$	(2,823	)
	-1	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
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net revenues:
	North America	$	16,857		$	17,715
	Middle East	16,557			19,951
	Europe	853			3,314
	Asia	5,615			5,757
	South America	11,037			8,107
	Africa	6,793			8,287
	Australia	8,450			11,053
	Total net revenues	$	66,162		$	74,184

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Computation of Loss Per Share	The following table shows the computation of earnings (loss) per share (net earnings (loss) in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$	(74,970	)	$	(7,594	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818			13,789,426
	Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	—			—
	Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818			13,789,426
	Basic loss per share	$	(5.42	)	$	(0.55	)
	Diluted loss per share	$	(5.42	)	$	(0.55	)
	Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted loss per share	20,357			41,723

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average
		Award Units		Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Outstanding unvested at December 31, 2014	55,603		$	13.59
	Granted	—		—
	Vested restricted stock units	—		—
	Forfeited	—		—
	Outstanding unvested at March 31, 2015	55,603		$	13.59
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense	The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Stock-based compensation expense:
	Cost of revenues	$	12		$	16
	Operating expenses	133			144
	Total	$	145		$	160
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 March 31, 2015 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.4 years, as follows (in thousands):
		Unamortized
		Compensation
		Expense
	2015	$	291
	2016	91
	Thereafter	7
	Total	$	389

Description_of_the_Business_De

Description of the Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Aircrane
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity interest held (as a percent)	100.00%
Outside of North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	24
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	34
Number of aircranes leased	31
Rotor Wing Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	28
Number of aircranes leased	26
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of aircranes owned	6
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%

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (Cost of Revenues [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment	$0.80

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa2

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$49,597	$42,296
Other receivables	2,523	2,793
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-188	-739
Accounts receivable	$51,932	$44,350

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa3

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Concentration Risk Trade Receivables (Details) (Accounts Receivable [Member], Credit Concentration Risk [Member])	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	33.90%	37.00%
Fluor [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	15.90%	14.40%
Alion Science and Technology Corporation [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	9.60%	11.80%
Hellenic Fire Brigade [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	8.40%	10.80%

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa4

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Concentration Risk Net Revenues (Details) (Net Revenues [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	43.60%	46.50%
Fluor [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	20.50%	20.40%
Kestrel (Australia) [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	12.80%	14.90%
Alion Science and Technology Corporation [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.30%	0.00%
Army Contracting Command - Rock Island [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	0.00%	11.20%

Accounts_Receivable_and_Allowa5

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Bad debt expense	$0
Recovery of bad debt		$0.30

Inventory_Schedule_of_Inventor

Inventory - Schedule of Inventory (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supply Commitment [Line Items]
Finished goods	$9,153,000	$0
Promissory Note [Member] | Bell Helicopters Textron Inc. [Member]
Supply Commitment [Line Items]
Inventory acquired	$9,400,000
Debt instrument, term	2 years

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Sch

Aircraft Support Parts, net - Schedule of Aircraft Support Parts, Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Aircraft parts	$126,580	$124,629
Work-in-process	17,868	18,604
Less: Excess and obsolete reserve	-5,550	-5,640
Total	$138,898	$137,593

Aircraft_Support_Parts_net_Nar

Aircraft Support Parts, net - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Aircraft	Aircraft
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of aircraft being remanufactured	1	1

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Schedule_

Assets Held for Sale - Schedule of Assets Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Aircraft
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, beginning balance		$0
Assets held for sale, ending balance	8,350	0
Aircraft [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of Aircrafts, beginning balance	0
Number of aircrafts, classified as held for sale, net of impairment	9
Number of Aircrafts, ending balance	9
Assets held for sale, classified as held for sale, net of impairment	5,779
Assets held for sale, ending balance	5,779
Deferred Overhauls, Net [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale, ending balance	$2,571

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Narrative

Assets Held for Sale - Narratives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Other asset impairment	$7,143	$0
Aircraft [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts, classified as held for sale, net of impairment	9
Other asset impairment	$7,100

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an2

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Aircraft (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Aircraft	$149,634	$162,246
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-34,535	-34,025
Aircraft, net	$115,099	$128,221

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an3

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$137,885	$140,428
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-20,758	-19,793
Property, plant, and equipment, net	117,127	120,635
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	308	308
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	9,372	7,926
Vehicles and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	30,198	29,500
Deferred Overhauls, Net [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	82,881	86,768
Construction-in-Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$15,126	$15,926

Aircraft_and_Property_Plant_an4

Aircraft and Property, Plant and Equipment - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
		Aircraft	Aircraft
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense		$4,700,000		$4,200,000
Number of assets sold	1		1
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of aircraft			24,700,000
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		9,200,000
Assets given up in exchange		4
Assets received in exchange		2
Gain (loss) recorded on transfers transaction		0
Deferred Overhauls, Net [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortization expense		$3,400,000		$3,200,000

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Changes_i

Goodwill - Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	$236,513
Accumulated impairment loss	-21,272
Goodwill, net	215,241
Impairment of goodwill	-49,823	0	-21,300
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	-868
Goodwill, Gross	235,645		236,513
Accumulated impairment loss	-71,095		-21,272
Goodwill, net	164,550		215,241
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	207,128
Accumulated impairment loss	-21,272
Goodwill, net	185,856
Impairment of goodwill	-49,823
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Goodwill, Gross	207,128
Accumulated impairment loss	-71,095
Goodwill, net	136,033
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	23,843
Accumulated impairment loss	0
Goodwill, net	23,843
Impairment of goodwill	0
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	-868
Goodwill, Gross	22,975
Accumulated impairment loss	0
Goodwill, net	22,975
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	5,542
Accumulated impairment loss	0
Goodwill, net	5,542
Impairment of goodwill	0
Fluctuations due to foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Goodwill, Gross	5,542
Accumulated impairment loss	0
Goodwill, net	$5,542

Goodwill_Narrative_Details

Goodwill - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill	$49,823	$0	$21,300
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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total other intangible assets, gross	$24,005	$24,005
Less: accumulated amortization	-4,592	-3,952
Total other intangible assets, net	19,413	20,053
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	9 years
Customer Relationships	19,300	19,300
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	2 years
Customer Relationships	2,500	2,500
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Type Certificate (in years)	Indefinite
Type Certificate	$2,205	$2,205

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Es

Other Intangible Assets, net - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,398
2016	3,197
2017	2,320
2018	2,144
2019	2,144
Thereafter	5,005
Total	$17,208

Other_Intangible_Assets_net_Na

Other Intangible Assets, net - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$0.60	$0.60
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	2 years
Commercial Aviation Services [Member] | Air Amazonia Services Aereos Ltd [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer Relationships, Useful Life (in years)	2 years		9 years

Accrued_and_Other_Current_Liab2

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 01, 2015
Long-term notes payable	$355,000,000	$355,000,000
Interest	13,002,000	5,542,000
Payroll and related taxes	7,739,000	6,069,000
Promissory note, net of discount	4,568,000	0
Deferred revenue	2,011,000	795,000
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	1,760,000	1,760,000
Accrued commissions	1,369,000	1,301,000
Capital lease obligations	834,000	0
Other	4,329,000	3,567,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	35,612,000	19,034,000
Bell Helicopters Textron Inc. [Member]
Promissory note, amount	9,000,000		10,000,000
Stated interest rate			0.00%
Notes payable	8,400,000		9,400,000
Effective interest rate	6.50%
Long-term notes payable	3,800,000
Unamortized discount	$600,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Total_Outstan

Debt - Schedule of Total Outstanding Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current debt	$3,793	$4,144
Long-term debt	471,110	457,090
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current debt	0	0
Long-term debt	103,925	89,339
Fixtures Financing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current debt	146	144
Long-term debt	216	265
2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current debt	0	0
Long-term debt	355,000	355,000
2020, Subordinated Notes, Net of Discount [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current debt	3,647	4,000
Long-term debt	$11,969	$12,486

Debt_2020_Senior_Notes_Offerin

Debt - 2020 Senior Notes Offering (Details) (8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-14	2-May-13
8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%			8.25%
Debt maturity date	1-Jan-20
Long-term debt	$355	$355	$355

Debt_Revolving_Credit_Facility

Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 11, 2014	Jun. 14, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term revolving credit facilities	$103,925,000	$89,339,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facilities			140,000,000	125,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum	1.2	1.2
Average excess availability of credit facility	16,800,000	16,800,000
Average excess availability ratio	1.05	1.05
Annual growth capital expenditures	25,000,000	25,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior credit agreement	225.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on senior credit agreement	450.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	5.07%
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.02%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding	1,800,000	4,700,000
Maximum borrowing availability	$34,300,000	$46,000,000

Debt_2020_Subordinated_Notes_D

Debt - 2020 Subordinated Notes (Details) (2020, Subordinated Notes, Net of Discount [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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%
Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of subordinated notes	15,900,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.00%
Long-term debt	15,600,000	16,500,000
Debt instrument, face amount	16,500,000	17,500,000
Debt instrument, unamortized discount	$900,000	$1,000,000

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Sch

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Schedule of Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Long-Term Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback	$9,238	$9,678
Long-term notes payable	3,833	0
Capital lease obligations	2,892	0
Other	3,550	3,503
Other long-term liabilities	$19,513	$13,181

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,874,000	$5,097,000	$3,210,000	$1,881,000
Restricted cash	518,000	567,000
Accounts receivable, net	51,932,000	44,350,000
Inventory	9,153,000	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,783,000	8,780,000
Income tax receivable	739,000	677,000
Deferred tax assets	1,286,000	1,230,000
Total current assets	75,285,000	60,701,000
Aircraft support parts, net	138,898,000	137,593,000
Assets held for sale	8,350,000	0
Aircraft, net	115,099,000	128,221,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	117,127,000	120,635,000
Goodwill	164,550,000	215,241,000
Other intangible assets, net	19,413,000	20,053,000
Other non-current assets	21,932,000	23,077,000
Total assets	660,654,000	705,521,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,149,000	19,844,000
Current portion of long-term debt	3,793,000	4,144,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	35,612,000	19,034,000
Income tax payable	0	315,000
Deferred tax liabilities	0	884,000
Total current liabilities	56,554,000	44,221,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	12,185,000	12,751,000
Long-term revolving credit facilities	103,925,000	89,339,000
Long-term notes payable	355,000,000	355,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	19,513,000	13,181,000
Uncertain tax positions	6,581,000	6,313,000
Deferred tax liabilities	3,412,000	3,703,000
Total liabilities	557,170,000	524,508,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,000	1,000
Additional paid-in capital	181,163,000	181,018,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-73,158,000	1,812,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,012,000	-2,544,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	102,994,000	180,287,000
Noncontrolling interest	490,000	726,000
Total stockholders’ equity	103,484,000	181,013,000		192,907,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	660,654,000	705,521,000
Erickson Air-Crane, Incorporated (EAC)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	90,000	7,000	7,000	576,000
Restricted cash	135,000	136,000
Accounts receivable, net	16,522,000	13,117,000
Inventory	9,153,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,984,000	6,506,000
Income tax receivable	652,000	320,000
Deferred tax assets	1,188,000	1,440,000
Total current assets	33,724,000	21,526,000
Aircraft support parts, net	108,113,000	106,721,000
Assets held for sale	3,800,000
Aircraft, net	83,087,000	82,799,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	72,353,000	70,732,000
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets, net	2,205,000	2,205,000
Other non-current assets	322,076,000	323,332,000
Total assets	625,358,000	607,315,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,030,000	6,021,000
Current portion of long-term debt	3,793,000	4,144,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	-26,744,000	-54,577,000
Income tax payable	0	-397,000
Deferred tax liabilities	226,000	884,000
Total current liabilities	-17,695,000	-43,925,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	12,185,000	12,751,000
Long-term revolving credit facilities	103,925,000	89,339,000
Long-term notes payable	355,000,000	355,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	15,912,000	12,410,000
Uncertain tax positions	6,581,000	6,313,000
Deferred tax liabilities	4,051,000	5,061,000
Total liabilities	479,959,000	436,949,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,000	1,000
Additional paid-in capital	181,163,000	181,018,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-32,150,000	-8,993,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,615,000	-1,660,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	145,399,000	170,366,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	145,399,000	170,366,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	625,358,000	607,315,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	44,000	274,000	3,000	-12,000
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	25,626,000	26,199,000
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	824,000	1,171,000
Income tax receivable	0	0
Deferred tax assets	0	0
Total current assets	26,494,000	27,644,000
Aircraft support parts, net	30,486,000	30,482,000
Assets held for sale	2,550,000
Aircraft, net	32,009,000	42,405,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	43,280,000	47,762,000
Goodwill	160,533,000	210,356,000
Other intangible assets, net	15,190,000	15,726,000
Other non-current assets	4,313,000	4,337,000
Total assets	314,855,000	378,712,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,712,000	11,465,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	34,212,000	49,166,000
Income tax payable	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	43,924,000	60,631,000
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	3,538,000	708,000
Uncertain tax positions	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	47,462,000	61,339,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	297,994,000	297,994,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-30,601,000	19,379,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	267,393,000	317,373,000
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	267,393,000	317,373,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	314,855,000	378,712,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,740,000	4,816,000	3,200,000	1,317,000
Restricted cash	383,000	431,000
Accounts receivable, net	9,746,000	4,990,000
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,975,000	1,103,000
Income tax receivable	87,000	335,000
Deferred tax assets	-154,000	-210,000
Total current assets	14,777,000	11,465,000
Aircraft support parts, net	344,000	435,000
Assets held for sale	2,000,000
Aircraft, net	3,000	3,017,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,494,000	2,141,000
Goodwill	4,779,000	5,647,000
Other intangible assets, net	2,018,000	2,122,000
Other non-current assets	637,000	501,000
Total assets	26,052,000	25,328,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,407,000	2,358,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	28,144,000	24,998,000
Income tax payable	0	137,000
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	30,551,000	27,493,000
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	-1,116,000	-1,358,000
Total liabilities	29,498,000	26,198,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	1,675,000	1,675,000
Additional paid-in capital	33,000	33,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-5,110,000	-3,171,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-678,000	-41,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	-4,080,000	-1,504,000
Noncontrolling interest	634,000	634,000
Total stockholders’ equity	-3,446,000	-870,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	26,052,000	25,328,000
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	38,000	44,000
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Income tax receivable	0	22,000
Deferred tax assets	252,000	0
Total current assets	290,000	66,000
Aircraft support parts, net	-45,000	-45,000
Assets held for sale	0
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	-305,094,000	-305,093,000
Total assets	-305,611,000	-305,834,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	0	-553,000
Income tax payable	0	575,000
Deferred tax liabilities	-226,000	0
Total current liabilities	-226,000	22,000
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	477,000	0
Total liabilities	251,000	22,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	-1,675,000	-1,675,000
Additional paid-in capital	-298,027,000	-298,027,000
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-5,297,000	-5,403,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-719,000	-843,000
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Erickson Incorporated	-305,718,000	-305,948,000
Noncontrolling interest	-144,000	92,000
Total stockholders’ equity	-305,862,000	-305,856,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($305,611,000)	($305,834,000)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information - Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues	$66,162	$74,184
Cost of revenues	64,788	66,658
Gross profit	1,374	7,526
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	6,938	6,797
Research and development	878	1,318
Selling and marketing	1,755	2,234
Impairment of goodwill	49,823	0	21,300
Other asset impairment	7,143	0
Total operating expenses	66,537	10,349
Operating loss	-65,163	-2,823
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-9,212	-8,753
Other income (expense), net	-1,325	-519
Total other income (expense)	-10,537	-9,272
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-75,700	-12,095
Income tax benefit	-617	-4,570
Net loss	-75,083	-7,525	-10,231
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	113	-69
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	-74,970	-7,594
Erickson Air-Crane, Incorporated (EAC)
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues	24,329	24,627
Cost of revenues	25,197	21,896
Gross profit	-868	2,731
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	6,038	5,642
Research and development	878	1,318
Selling and marketing	1,707	2,047
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	3,441
Total operating expenses	12,064	9,007
Operating loss	-12,932	-6,276
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-9,030	-8,508
Other income (expense), net	-1,743	-598
Total other income (expense)	-10,773	-9,106
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-23,705	-15,382
Income tax benefit	-542	-3,807
Net loss	-23,163	-11,575
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	-23,163	-11,575
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues	37,544	42,752
Cost of revenues	34,642	37,776
Gross profit	2,902	4,976
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	202	420
Research and development	0	0
Selling and marketing	50	157
Impairment of goodwill	49,823
Other asset impairment	2,749
Total operating expenses	52,824	577
Operating loss	-49,922	4,399
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-76	16
Other income (expense), net	19	26
Total other income (expense)	-57	42
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-49,979	4,441
Income tax benefit	0	0
Net loss	-49,979	4,441
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	-49,979	4,441
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues	12,892	11,560
Cost of revenues	13,517	11,741
Gross profit	-625	-181
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	698	735
Research and development	0	0
Selling and marketing	33	30
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	953
Total operating expenses	1,684	765
Operating loss	-2,309	-946
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	-106	-261
Other income (expense), net	405	66
Total other income (expense)	299	-195
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-2,010	-1,141
Income tax benefit	-75	-763
Net loss	-1,935	-378
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	-1,935	-378
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Line Items]
Net revenues	-8,603	-4,755
Cost of revenues	-8,568	-4,755
Gross profit	-35	0
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	0	0
Research and development	0	0
Selling and marketing	-35	0
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	0
Total operating expenses	-35	0
Operating loss	0	0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-6	-13
Total other income (expense)	-6	-13
Net loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	-6	-13
Income tax benefit	0	0
Net loss	-6	-13
Less: Net loss related to noncontrolling interest	113	-69
Net loss attributable to Erickson Incorporated and common stockholders	$107	($82)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform4

Consolidating Financial Information - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($75,083)	($7,525)	($10,231)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,818	7,953
Impairment of goodwill	49,823	0	21,300
Other asset impairment	7,143	0
Deferred income taxes	-1,418	-3,984
Non-cash interest expense on debt	177	37
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies		0
Stock-based compensation	145	160
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	624	621
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	6	-130
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-8,059	13,876
Inventory	-9,153	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-224	-599
Income tax receivable, net	263	-785
Aircraft support parts, net	-1,523	-7,864
Other non-current assets	2,390	1,545
Accounts payable	-2,205	1,995
Accrued and other current liabilities	17,447	-4,043
Income tax payable	-601	943
Other long-term liabilities	3,689	294
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-7,741	2,494
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	-51	200
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-5,674	-17,483
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,725	-17,283
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	-1,000	0
Proceeds from shareholders, net	0	414
Repayments of credit facilities	-34,211	-24,400
Borrowings from credit facilities	48,797	39,867
Other long-term borrowings	-48	0
Payments under capital leases	-140	0
Repayment of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	-70	-230
Shares withheld for payment of taxes		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,328	15,651
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-2,085	467
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,223	1,329
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,097	1,881	1,881
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,874	3,210	5,097
Erickson Air-Crane, Incorporated (EAC)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	-23,163	-11,575
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,272	5,311
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	3,441
Deferred income taxes	-1,418	-4,119
Non-cash interest expense on debt	177	37
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies		0
Stock-based compensation	145	160
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	624	621
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	-22	-61
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-3,404	4,884
Inventory	-9,153
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	522	-266
Income tax receivable, net	0	18
Aircraft support parts, net	-1,536	-3,335
Other non-current assets	702	-57
Accounts payable	-990	1,774
Accrued and other current liabilities	18,293	208
Income tax payable	61	39
Other long-term liabilities	3,751	294
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-6,698	-6,067
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-4,735	-10,635
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,735	-10,635
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	-1,000
Proceeds from shareholders, net		414
Repayments of credit facilities	-34,211	-24,400
Borrowings from credit facilities	48,797	39,867
Other long-term borrowings	-48
Payments under capital leases	0
Repayment of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	-70	-230
Shares withheld for payment of taxes		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,468	15,651
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-1,952	482
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	83	-569
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7	576	576
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	90	7
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	-49,979	4,441
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,328	2,452
Impairment of goodwill	49,823
Other asset impairment	2,749
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies		0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	0	-25
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	571	9,764
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	347	-332
Income tax receivable, net	0	0
Aircraft support parts, net	-3	-4,325
Other non-current assets	1,839	1,596
Accounts payable	-1,753	-197
Accrued and other current liabilities	-6,270	-6,582
Income tax payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	-62	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	590	6,792
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-680	-6,777
Net cash used in investing activities	-680	-6,777
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	0
Proceeds from shareholders, net		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Payments under capital leases	-140
Repayment of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	-140	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-230	15
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	274	-12	-12
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	44	3
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	-1,935	-378
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	218	190
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	953
Deferred income taxes	0	135
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies		0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	28	-44
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-5,232	-785
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,093	-1
Income tax receivable, net	241	-803
Aircraft support parts, net	16	-204
Other non-current assets	-151	6
Accounts payable	538	418
Accrued and other current liabilities	4,871	2,331
Income tax payable	-87	904
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-1,633	1,769
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	-51	200
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	-259	-71
Net cash used in investing activities	-310	129
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	0
Proceeds from shareholders, net		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Payments under capital leases	0
Repayment of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-133	-15
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,076	1,883
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,816	1,317	1,317
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,740	3,200
Consolidating Entries and Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	-6	-13
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Impairment of goodwill	0
Other asset impairment	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on debt	0	0
Non-cash interest expense on tax contingencies		0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Non-cash interest income on loans		0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	6	13
Inventory	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Income tax receivable, net	22	0
Aircraft support parts, net	0	0
Other non-current assets	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued and other current liabilities	553	0
Income tax payable	-575	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		0
Purchase of intangible assets		0
Purchases of aircraft and property, plant and equipment	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of subordinated notes	0
Proceeds from shareholders, net		0
Repayments of credit facilities	0	0
Borrowings from credit facilities	0	0
Other long-term borrowings	0
Payments under capital leases	0
Repayment of notes		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Shares withheld for payment of taxes		0
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0

Consolidating_Financial_Inform5

Consolidating Financial Information - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	2-May-14	2-May-13
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest	100.00%
8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Obligations Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$355	$355	$355
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.25%			8.25%
Debt maturity date	1-Jan-20

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	0.80%	37.80%
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%
Income tax benefit reduction	$0.20
Unrecognized tax benefits	8.9
Income tax penalties accrued	2.6
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Greece, Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	$0.20

Reportable_Segments_Narrative_

Reportable Segments - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Reportable_Segments_Revenue_De

Reportable Segments - Revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$66,162	$74,184
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	32,875	41,533
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	26,253	29,906
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$7,034	$2,745

Reportable_Segments_Gross_Prof

Reportable Segments - Gross Profit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross profit	$1,374	$7,526
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross profit	4,362	6,313
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross profit	-4,687	296
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross profit	$1,699	$917

Reportable_Segments_Assets_Det

Reportable Segments - Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$660,654	$705,521
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	183,398	232,775
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	58,660	56,456
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	22,574	16,207
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	16,548	13,633
Fixed Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$379,474	$386,450

Reportable_Segments_Reconcilia

Reportable Segments - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit	$1,374	$7,526
Operating expenses, net	-66,537	-10,349
Total operating income	-65,163	-2,823
Non-allocated costs [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating expenses, net	-66,537	-10,349
Government Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit	4,362	6,313
Commercial Aviation Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit	-4,687	296
Manufacturing & MRO [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross Profit	$1,699	$917

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o

Reportable Segments - Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$66,162	$74,184
North America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	16,857	17,715
Middle East [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	16,557	19,951
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	853	3,314
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	5,615	5,757
South America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	11,037	8,107
Africa [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	6,793	8,287
Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$8,450	$11,053

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
		Sites
		Parties
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accounts payable due			$9
Environmental Remediation Matters
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
First portion of cleanup costs to be borne by the former owner	1.5
Second portion of cleanup costs to be shared by the entity and former owner equally	1
Cleanup costs, in excess of specified amount, to be borne by the former owner	2.5
Loss contingencies, liability paid	0.4
Entity's share of financial responsibility	0.5
Remaining entity's share of financial responsibility liability	$0.10
Time frame to monitor the site	20 years
Arizona
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of Alleged Cleanup Sites		2
Number of parties responsible for contamination		101

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Expenses and other costs	$0	$200,000
Cash received from related party		$400,000
Percentage of beneficial owners of Company's common stock	5.00%

Variable_Interest_Entity_Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
VIE assets	$3,300,000	$4,100,000
VIE liabilities	1,500,000	1,900,000
Noncontrolling interest	490,000	726,000
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%
European Air-Crane S.p.A. [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest	600,000	726,000
Costa Do Sol [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, ownership interest percentage	60.00%
VIE assets	1,100,000	100,000
VIE liabilities	1,300,000	100,000
Noncontrolling interest	($73,000)	$0

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	($74,970)	($7,594)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818	13,789,426
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding	13,823,818	13,789,426
Basic loss per share	($5.42)	($0.55)
Diluted loss per share	($5.42)	($0.55)
Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from diluted loss per share	20,357	41,723

Stockbased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-based Compensation - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	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	131 days
Restricted Stock Award Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	0	15,500

Stockbased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-based Compensation - Restricted Stock Unit Award Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock Award Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Award Units [Member]
Restricted Stock Award Units
Beginning balance (in shares)	55,603
Granted (in shares)	0	15,500
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Ending balance (in shares)	55,603
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in dollars)	$13.59
Granted (in dollars)	$0
Vested restricted stock units (in dollars)	$0
Forfeited (in dollars)	$0
Ending balance (in dollars)	$13.59

Stockbased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$145	$160
2015	291
2016	91
Thereafter	7
Total	389
Cost of Revenues [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	12	16
Operating Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$133	$144