Chart Industries (GTLS) 10-K 24 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	CHART INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	892553
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,531,313
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$2,494,990,864

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$103,656,000		$137,345,000
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $6,475 and $5,654	178,613,000		224,114,000
Inventories, net	215,725,000		213,004,000
Unbilled contract revenue	58,645,000		31,976,000
Prepaid expenses	15,708,000		12,257,000
Deferred income taxes	17,248,000		14,675,000
Other current assets	15,009,000		16,072,000
Total Current Assets	604,604,000		649,443,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	257,645,000		224,205,000
Goodwill	405,522,000		398,905,000
Identifiable intangible assets, net	153,666,000		172,142,000
Other assets	40,626,000		16,935,000
TOTAL ASSETS	1,462,063,000	[1]	1,461,630,000	[1]
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	114,252,000		101,805,000
Customer advances and billings in excess of contract revenue	82,158,000		102,048,000
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits	35,655,000		39,961,000
Current portion of warranty reserve	14,325,000		19,567,000
Short-term debt	4,903,000		3,280,000
Current convertible notes	0		193,437,000
Current portion of long-term debt	0		3,750,000
Other current liabilities	36,466,000		35,456,000
Total Current Liabilities	287,759,000		499,304,000
Long-term debt	204,099,000		64,688,000
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	46,888,000		47,716,000
Long-term portion of warranty reserve	9,921,000		14,260,000
Accrued pension liabilities	16,920,000		7,719,000
Other long-term liabilities	9,396,000		9,360,000
Total Liabilities	574,983,000		643,047,000
Convertible notes conversion feature	0		56,563,000
Equity
Common stock, par value $.01 per share — 150,000,000 shares authorized, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; 30,482,252 and 30,378,502 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	305,000		304,000
Additional paid-in capital	377,209,000		311,972,000
Retained earnings	511,051,000		429,187,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-8,686,000		13,322,000
Total Chart Industries, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity	879,879,000		754,785,000
Noncontrolling interests	7,201,000		7,235,000
Total Equity	887,080,000		762,020,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	1,462,063,000		1,461,630,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	150,000,000		150,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	30,482,252		30,378,502
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01		$0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	30,482,252		30,378,502
Allowances for doubtful accounts	6,475,000		5,654,000
Common Stock [Member]
Equity
Total Equity	305,000		304,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	30,482,000		30,379,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Equity
Total Equity	377,209,000		311,972,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Equity
Total Equity	511,051,000		429,187,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Equity
Total Equity	-8,686,000		13,322,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity
Total Equity	$7,201,000		$7,235,000
[1]	Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred income taxes.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales	$1,192,952,000		$1,177,438,000	$1,014,152,000
Cost of sales	835,098,000		825,715,000	708,989,000
Gross profit	357,854,000		351,723,000	305,163,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	201,752,000		196,496,000	165,488,000
Amortization expense	17,945,000		19,230,000	14,792,000
Impairment of intangible assets	0		0	3,070,000
Operating expenses, net	219,697,000		215,726,000	183,350,000
Operating income	138,157,000		135,997,000	121,813,000
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense, net	16,631,000		16,275,000	15,679,000
Financing costs amortization	1,392,000		1,306,000	1,530,000
Foreign currency loss (gain)	970,000		-242,000	1,498,000
Other expenses, net	18,993,000		17,339,000	18,707,000
Income before income taxes	119,164,000		118,658,000	103,106,000
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	36,340,000		32,903,000	35,300,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Deferred	-248,000		-1,607,000	-4,518,000
Income tax expense, net	36,092,000		31,296,000	30,782,000
Net income	83,072,000		87,362,000	72,324,000
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	1,208,000		4,186,000	1,029,000
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	81,864,000		83,176,000	71,295,000
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share:
Basic	$2.69	[1]	$2.75	$2.39
Diluted	$2.67	[1]	$2.60	$2.36
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	30,384		30,209	29,786
Diluted	30,666		31,931	30,194
Retained Earnings [Member]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$81,864,000		$83,176,000	$71,295,000
[1]	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. As such, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted earnings per share may not equal reported annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$83,072	$87,362	$72,324
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-14,653	4,362	1,575
Defined benefit pension plan:
Actuarial (loss) gain on remeasurement	-11,884	10,380	-5,597
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension (income) expense	320	1,348	974
Defined benefit pension plan	-11,564	11,728	-4,623
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	-26,217	16,090	-3,048
Income tax (expense) benefit related to defined benefit pension plan	4,173	-4,265	1,699
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	-22,044	11,825	-1,349
Comprehensive income	61,028	99,187	70,975
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	-1,172	-4,330	-1,032
Comprehensive income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$59,856	$94,857	$69,943

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$83,072	$87,362	$72,324
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	43,176	40,389	32,196
Interest accretion of convertible notes discount	10,662	9,854	9,109
Financing costs amortization	1,392	1,306	1,530
Employee share-based compensation expense	9,420	9,989	7,461
Impairment of intangible assets	0	0	3,070
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	-1,606	-3,388	96
Deferred income tax benefit	-248	-1,607	-4,518
Reversal of contingent consideration liability	0	0	-4,620
Other non-cash operating activities	-170	4,514	6,165
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	43,079	-69,287	3,422
Inventory	-8,150	-12,679	-15,777
Unbilled contract revenues and other assets	-51,467	-10,875	-7,465
Accounts payable and other liabilities	11,660	-5,259	2,936
Deferred income taxes	-3,690	-793	663
Customer advances and billings in excess of contract revenue	-18,413	10,137	-18,951
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	118,717	59,663	87,641
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	-62,135	-72,585	-43,685
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,593	569	2,073
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-11,943	-2,965	-182,450
Other investing activities	0	0	-285
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	-72,485	-74,981	-224,347
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0	21,375
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	88,819	214,623	73,012
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	-87,162	-211,403	-77,770
Payments on long-term debt	-68,437	-3,750	-4,438
Payments for debt issuance costs	-1,321	0	-1,445
Payment of contingent consideration	-741	0	-1,300
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	763	5,335	3,519
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,859	6,673	8,972
Common stock repurchases	-3,367	-2,002	-4,484
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,206	-1,369	0
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities	-70,793	8,107	17,441
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-9,128	3,058	3,902
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-33,689	-4,153	-115,363
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	137,345	141,498	256,861
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$103,656	$137,345	$141,498

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011	$613,551,000	$296,000	$333,034,000	$274,716,000	$2,993,000	$2,512,000
Shares outstanding, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2011		29,613,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent					-1,352,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	72,324,000	0	0
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	71,295,000			71,295,000
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	1,029,000					1,029,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						3,000
Other comprehensive income	-1,349,000
Share-based compensation expense, equity-classified awards	7,461,000	0	7,461,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, shares		499,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, amount	3,520,000	5,000	3,515,000
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	8,972,000	0	8,972,000
Common stock repurchases, shares		-70,000
Common stock repurchases, amount	-4,485,000	-1,000	-4,484,000
Other	-211,000	0	28,000			-239,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	699,783,000	300,000	348,526,000	346,011,000	1,641,000	3,305,000
Shares outstanding, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012		30,042,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	11,681,000				11,681,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	87,362,000	0	0
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	83,176,000			83,176,000
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	4,186,000					4,186,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						144,000
Other comprehensive income	11,825,000
Share-based compensation expense, equity-classified awards	9,989,000	0	9,989,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, shares		367,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, amount	5,339,000	4,000	5,335,000
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	6,673,000	0	6,673,000
Common stock repurchases, shares		-30,000
Common stock repurchases, amount	-2,002,000	0	-2,002,000
Convertible notes conversion feature	-56,563,000		-56,563,000
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,369,000					-1,369,000
Acquisition of business, noncontrolling interest	969,000					969,000
Other	14,000	0	14,000	0	0	0
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	762,020,000	304,000	311,972,000	429,187,000	13,322,000	7,235,000
Shares outstanding, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	30,378,502	30,379,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-22,008,000				-22,008,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	83,072,000	0	0
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	81,864,000			81,864,000
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes	1,208,000					1,208,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						-36,000
Other comprehensive income	-22,044,000
Share-based compensation expense, equity-classified awards	9,420,000	0	9,420,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, shares		141,000
Common stock issued from share-based compensation plans, amount	763,000	1,000	762,000
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,859,000	0	1,859,000
Common stock repurchases, shares		-38,000
Common stock repurchases, amount	-3,367,000	0	-3,367,000
Convertible notes conversion feature	56,563,000		56,563,000
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,206,000					-1,206,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$887,080,000	$305,000	$377,209,000	$511,051,000	($8,686,000)	$7,201,000
Shares outstanding, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	30,482,252	30,482,000

Nature_of_Operations_and_Princ

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Operations:  Chart Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (herein referred to as the “Company,” “Chart” or “we”), is a leading diversified global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment for the industrial gas, energy, and biomedical industries. Chart’s equipment and engineered systems are primarily used for low-temperature and cryogenic applications utilizing our expertise in cryogenic systems and equipment, which operate at low temperatures sometimes approaching absolute zero (0 kelvin; -273° Centigrade; -459° Fahrenheit). The Company has domestic operations located across the United States, including principal executive offices located in Ohio, and an international presence in Asia, Australia and Europe.
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation
	Nature of Operations:  Chart Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (herein referred to as the “Company,” “Chart” or “we”), is a leading diversified global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment for the industrial gas, energy, and biomedical industries. Chart’s equipment and engineered systems are primarily used for low-temperature and cryogenic applications utilizing our expertise in cryogenic systems and equipment, which operate at low temperatures sometimes approaching absolute zero (0 kelvin; -273° Centigrade; -459° Fahrenheit). The Company has domestic operations located across the United States, including principal executive offices located in Ohio, and an international presence in Asia, Australia and Europe.
	Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Reclassifications:  Certain product sales information as reported in 2013 was reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation within Note 18.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates may also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The Company considers all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances:  The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, or substantial downgrading of credit scores), a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company believes will be collected. The Company also records allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical experience. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the Company’s estimates of the collectibility of amounts due could be changed by a material amount. When collection of a specific amount due is deemed remote, the account is written off against the allowance.
	Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company determines inventory valuation reserves based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific problem in the valuation of a certain item, a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the item to its net realizable value. The Company also recognizes reserves based on the actual usage in recent history and projected usage in the near-term.
	Property, Plant and Equipment:  Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas major improvements are capitalized. The cost of applicable assets is depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.
	Long-lived Assets: The Company monitors its property, plant and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis. If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs the required analysis and records impairment charges if applicable. In conducting its analysis, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the net book value, the long-lived assets are considered not to be impaired. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated based upon either discounted cash flow analyses or estimated salvage values. Cash flows are estimated using internal forecasts as well as assumptions related to discount rates. Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in the impairment of long-lived assets. The Company amortizes intangible assets that have finite lives over their estimated useful lives.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Goodwill is recognized as the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company does not amortize goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets, but reviews them for impairment annually as of October 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed.
	With respect to goodwill, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The reporting units are the same as our operating segments, which are also the reportable segments: Energy & Chemicals (“E&C”), Distribution & Storage (“D&S”), and BioMedical. Alternatively, the Company may also bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the goodwill test utilizing a two-step approach. Under the qualitative assessment, the Company first evaluates relevant events and circumstances, such as macroeconomic conditions and the Company’s overall financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company then evaluates how significant each of the identified factors could be to the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit and weighs these factors in totality in forming a conclusion whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test are not necessary. Otherwise, the Company would perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value, further analysis is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
	Similar to the qualitative goodwill impairment testing screen, the Company may first evaluate relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Alternatively, the Company also may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. If, in weighing all relevant events and circumstances in totality, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Company would determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment assessment by comparing the indefinite-lived asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units by using income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted equally to arrive at a fair value estimate for each reporting unit. With respect to the income approach, a model has been developed to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. This fair value model incorporates estimates of future cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of future growth rates and management’s judgment regarding the applicable rates to use to discount such cash flows. With respect to the market approach, a guideline company method is employed whereby pricing multiples are derived from companies with similar assets or businesses to estimate fair value of each reporting unit. Changes to these judgments and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units, which could result in a different assessment of the recoverability of goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived assets using the relief-from-royalty method within the income approach. Under this method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value.
	Convertible Debt: The Company determined that the embedded conversion feature within the Company’s 2.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “Convertible Notes”) was clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock and therefore exempt from separate accounting treatment. Convertible Notes exempt from derivative accounting are recognized by bifurcating the principal balance into a liability component and an equity component where the fair value of the liability component is estimated by calculating the present value of its cash flows discounted at an interest rate that the Company would have received for similar debt instruments that have no conversion rights (the “straight-debt rate”), and the equity component is the residual amount, net of tax, which creates a discount on the Convertible Notes. The Company recognizes non-cash interest accretion expense related to the carrying amount of the Convertible Notes which is accreted back to its principal amount over the expected life of the debt, which is also the stated life of the debt.
	Financial Instruments:  The fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term bank debt approximate their carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	To minimize credit risk from trade receivables, the Company reviews the financial condition of potential customers in relation to established credit requirements before sales credit is extended and monitors the financial condition of customers to help ensure timely collections and to minimize losses. Additionally, for certain domestic and foreign customers, particularly in the E&C segment, the Company requires advance payments, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and other such guarantees of payment. Certain customers also require the Company to issue letters of credit or performance bonds, particularly in instances where advance payments are involved, as a condition of placing the order.
	Derivative Financial Instruments:  The Company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage foreign currency risk that exists as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. Principal currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Czech koruna, the Australian dollar, the Norwegian krone, the Canadian dollar and the Chinese yuan. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify as hedges as defined by accounting guidance. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured at fair value and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or assets. Changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are not exchange traded instruments and, accordingly, the valuation is performed using Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 10. Gains or losses on settled or expired contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses.
	Product Warranties:  The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company estimates product warranty costs and accrues for these costs as products are sold with a charge to cost of sales. Factors considered in estimating warranty costs include historical and projected warranty claims, historical and projected cost-per-claim and knowledge of specific product issues that are outside of typical experience. Warranty accruals are evaluated and adjusted as necessary based on actual claims experience and changes in future claim and cost estimates.
	As a result of the BioMedical segment’s acquisition of AirSep Corporation (“AirSep”) in August 2012, the Company recorded a warranty reserve of $37,033 in purchase accounting, which included a significant estimate of claims associated with one of its product lines. This product line has experienced a significantly higher than normal level of failures of compressors and other components. To calculate the reserve associated with this product line, the Company isolated the warranty issues of the specific units which were being returned at significantly higher rates than normal. The entire population of these units was excluded from the typical warranty accrual process and the reserve was estimated by considering the identified population less units already returned, to estimate potential units that will be returned. These expected future claims were multiplied by the estimated cost to repair the unit in order to establish the warranty reserve associated with this product line. The Company has experienced and expects a significant number of claims as this product line runs through its warranty period. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve occurs as this product line progresses through its warranty period (expected completion in 2016). The Company has made various product improvements, revisions to the warranty claim process and a reduction in repair costs since the 2012 acquisition to mitigate the costs associated with this issue. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve has exceeded warranty expense since the acquisition.
	Revenue Recognition:  For the majority of the Company’s products, revenue is recognized when products are shipped, title has transferred and collection is reasonably assured. For these products, there is also persuasive evidence of an arrangement and the selling price to the buyer is fixed or determinable. For brazed aluminum heat exchangers, cold boxes, liquefied natural gas fueling stations, engineered tanks and commercial oxygen generation systems, the Company primarily uses the percentage of completion method of accounting. Earned revenue is based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion after giving effect to the most current estimates. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause significant variation in working capital needs. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known. Earned revenue reflects the original contract price adjusted for agreed upon claims and change orders, if any. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts in process, after consideration of estimated minimum recoveries from claims and change orders, are charged to operations as soon as such losses are known. Pre-contract costs relate primarily to salaries and benefits incurred to support the selling effort and are expensed as incurred. Change orders resulting in additional revenue and profit are recognized upon approval by the customer based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion. Certain contracts include incentive-fee arrangements. The incentive fees in such contracts can be based on a variety of factors, but the most common are the achievement of target completion dates, target costs, and/or other performance criteria. Incentive-fee revenue is not recognized until it is earned.
	The Company reports sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities.
	Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales includes all materials, direct and indirect labor, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, internal transfers and distribution and warehousing of inventory. In addition, shop supplies, facility maintenance costs, manufacturing engineering, project management and depreciation expense for assets used in the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income.
	Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses include selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative expenses not directly supporting the manufacturing process as well as depreciation and amortization expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A expenses include corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, corporate development, human resources, information technology, investor relations, legal, internal audit, risk management and share-based compensation expense.
	Shipping and Handling Costs:  Amounts billed to customers for shipping are classified as sales, and the related costs are classified as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income. Shipping revenue of $8,855, $12,213 and $10,111 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $15,913, $15,927, and $13,344 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in cost of sales.
	Advertising Costs:  The Company incurred advertising costs of $3,914, $4,515 and $4,828 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
	Research and Development Costs:  The Company incurred research and development costs of $15,588, $14,941 and $14,398 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
	Foreign Currency Translation:  The functional currency for the majority of the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for asset and liability accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Remeasurement from local to functional currencies is included in cost of goods sold or foreign currency loss (gain) on the consolidated statements of income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are charged to operations as incurred.
	Income Taxes:  The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and the consolidated tax return in accordance with the liability method. A valuation allowance is provided against net deferred tax assets when conditions indicate that it is more likely than not that the benefit related to such assets will not be realized.
	The Company utilizes a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position and determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not of being realized upon settlement.
	Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income.
	Share-based Compensation:  The Company measures share-based compensation expense for share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance units, and leveraged restricted share units based on the grant-date fair value. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The grant-date fair value calculation under the Black-Scholes pricing model requires the use of variables such as exercise term of the option, future volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and is generally recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The fair value of performance units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and pre-determined performance conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and is recognized on straight-line basis over the performance measurement period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. The Company reassesses the vesting probability of performance units each reporting period and adjusts share-based compensation expense based on the Company’s probability assessment. The fair value of leveraged restricted share units is based on market conditions and calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is recognized straight-line over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for all awards considers estimated forfeitures.
	During the year, the Company may repurchase shares of common stock from equity plan participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting or payment of equity awards. All such repurchased shares are subsequently retired during the period in which they occur.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standard: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendment requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The ASU allows either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the transition method and effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows and disclosures.
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Certain product sales information as reported in 2013 was reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation within Note 18.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation
	Nature of Operations:  Chart Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (herein referred to as the “Company,” “Chart” or “we”), is a leading diversified global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment for the industrial gas, energy, and biomedical industries. Chart’s equipment and engineered systems are primarily used for low-temperature and cryogenic applications utilizing our expertise in cryogenic systems and equipment, which operate at low temperatures sometimes approaching absolute zero (0 kelvin; -273° Centigrade; -459° Fahrenheit). The Company has domestic operations located across the United States, including principal executive offices located in Ohio, and an international presence in Asia, Australia and Europe.
	Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Reclassifications:  Certain product sales information as reported in 2013 was reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation within Note 18.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates may also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The Company considers all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances:  The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, or substantial downgrading of credit scores), a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company believes will be collected. The Company also records allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical experience. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the Company’s estimates of the collectibility of amounts due could be changed by a material amount. When collection of a specific amount due is deemed remote, the account is written off against the allowance.
	Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company determines inventory valuation reserves based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific problem in the valuation of a certain item, a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the item to its net realizable value. The Company also recognizes reserves based on the actual usage in recent history and projected usage in the near-term.
	Property, Plant and Equipment:  Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas major improvements are capitalized. The cost of applicable assets is depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.
	Long-lived Assets: The Company monitors its property, plant and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis. If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs the required analysis and records impairment charges if applicable. In conducting its analysis, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the net book value, the long-lived assets are considered not to be impaired. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated based upon either discounted cash flow analyses or estimated salvage values. Cash flows are estimated using internal forecasts as well as assumptions related to discount rates. Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in the impairment of long-lived assets. The Company amortizes intangible assets that have finite lives over their estimated useful lives.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Goodwill is recognized as the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company does not amortize goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets, but reviews them for impairment annually as of October 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed.
	With respect to goodwill, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The reporting units are the same as our operating segments, which are also the reportable segments: Energy & Chemicals (“E&C”), Distribution & Storage (“D&S”), and BioMedical. Alternatively, the Company may also bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the goodwill test utilizing a two-step approach. Under the qualitative assessment, the Company first evaluates relevant events and circumstances, such as macroeconomic conditions and the Company’s overall financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company then evaluates how significant each of the identified factors could be to the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit and weighs these factors in totality in forming a conclusion whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test are not necessary. Otherwise, the Company would perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value, further analysis is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
	Similar to the qualitative goodwill impairment testing screen, the Company may first evaluate relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Alternatively, the Company also may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. If, in weighing all relevant events and circumstances in totality, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Company would determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment assessment by comparing the indefinite-lived asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units by using income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted equally to arrive at a fair value estimate for each reporting unit. With respect to the income approach, a model has been developed to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. This fair value model incorporates estimates of future cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of future growth rates and management’s judgment regarding the applicable rates to use to discount such cash flows. With respect to the market approach, a guideline company method is employed whereby pricing multiples are derived from companies with similar assets or businesses to estimate fair value of each reporting unit. Changes to these judgments and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units, which could result in a different assessment of the recoverability of goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived assets using the relief-from-royalty method within the income approach. Under this method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value.
	Convertible Debt: The Company determined that the embedded conversion feature within the Company’s 2.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “Convertible Notes”) was clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock and therefore exempt from separate accounting treatment. Convertible Notes exempt from derivative accounting are recognized by bifurcating the principal balance into a liability component and an equity component where the fair value of the liability component is estimated by calculating the present value of its cash flows discounted at an interest rate that the Company would have received for similar debt instruments that have no conversion rights (the “straight-debt rate”), and the equity component is the residual amount, net of tax, which creates a discount on the Convertible Notes. The Company recognizes non-cash interest accretion expense related to the carrying amount of the Convertible Notes which is accreted back to its principal amount over the expected life of the debt, which is also the stated life of the debt.
	Financial Instruments:  The fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term bank debt approximate their carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	To minimize credit risk from trade receivables, the Company reviews the financial condition of potential customers in relation to established credit requirements before sales credit is extended and monitors the financial condition of customers to help ensure timely collections and to minimize losses. Additionally, for certain domestic and foreign customers, particularly in the E&C segment, the Company requires advance payments, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and other such guarantees of payment. Certain customers also require the Company to issue letters of credit or performance bonds, particularly in instances where advance payments are involved, as a condition of placing the order.
	Derivative Financial Instruments:  The Company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage foreign currency risk that exists as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. Principal currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Czech koruna, the Australian dollar, the Norwegian krone, the Canadian dollar and the Chinese yuan. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify as hedges as defined by accounting guidance. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured at fair value and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or assets. Changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are not exchange traded instruments and, accordingly, the valuation is performed using Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 10. Gains or losses on settled or expired contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses.
	Product Warranties:  The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company estimates product warranty costs and accrues for these costs as products are sold with a charge to cost of sales. Factors considered in estimating warranty costs include historical and projected warranty claims, historical and projected cost-per-claim and knowledge of specific product issues that are outside of typical experience. Warranty accruals are evaluated and adjusted as necessary based on actual claims experience and changes in future claim and cost estimates.
	As a result of the BioMedical segment’s acquisition of AirSep Corporation (“AirSep”) in August 2012, the Company recorded a warranty reserve of $37,033 in purchase accounting, which included a significant estimate of claims associated with one of its product lines. This product line has experienced a significantly higher than normal level of failures of compressors and other components. To calculate the reserve associated with this product line, the Company isolated the warranty issues of the specific units which were being returned at significantly higher rates than normal. The entire population of these units was excluded from the typical warranty accrual process and the reserve was estimated by considering the identified population less units already returned, to estimate potential units that will be returned. These expected future claims were multiplied by the estimated cost to repair the unit in order to establish the warranty reserve associated with this product line. The Company has experienced and expects a significant number of claims as this product line runs through its warranty period. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve occurs as this product line progresses through its warranty period (expected completion in 2016). The Company has made various product improvements, revisions to the warranty claim process and a reduction in repair costs since the 2012 acquisition to mitigate the costs associated with this issue. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve has exceeded warranty expense since the acquisition.
	Revenue Recognition:  For the majority of the Company’s products, revenue is recognized when products are shipped, title has transferred and collection is reasonably assured. For these products, there is also persuasive evidence of an arrangement and the selling price to the buyer is fixed or determinable. For brazed aluminum heat exchangers, cold boxes, liquefied natural gas fueling stations, engineered tanks and commercial oxygen generation systems, the Company primarily uses the percentage of completion method of accounting. Earned revenue is based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion after giving effect to the most current estimates. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause significant variation in working capital needs. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known. Earned revenue reflects the original contract price adjusted for agreed upon claims and change orders, if any. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts in process, after consideration of estimated minimum recoveries from claims and change orders, are charged to operations as soon as such losses are known. Pre-contract costs relate primarily to salaries and benefits incurred to support the selling effort and are expensed as incurred. Change orders resulting in additional revenue and profit are recognized upon approval by the customer based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion. Certain contracts include incentive-fee arrangements. The incentive fees in such contracts can be based on a variety of factors, but the most common are the achievement of target completion dates, target costs, and/or other performance criteria. Incentive-fee revenue is not recognized until it is earned.
	The Company reports sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities.
	Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales includes all materials, direct and indirect labor, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, internal transfers and distribution and warehousing of inventory. In addition, shop supplies, facility maintenance costs, manufacturing engineering, project management and depreciation expense for assets used in the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income.
	Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses include selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative expenses not directly supporting the manufacturing process as well as depreciation and amortization expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A expenses include corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, corporate development, human resources, information technology, investor relations, legal, internal audit, risk management and share-based compensation expense.
	Shipping and Handling Costs:  Amounts billed to customers for shipping are classified as sales, and the related costs are classified as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income. Shipping revenue of $8,855, $12,213 and $10,111 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $15,913, $15,927, and $13,344 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in cost of sales.
	Advertising Costs:  The Company incurred advertising costs of $3,914, $4,515 and $4,828 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
	Research and Development Costs:  The Company incurred research and development costs of $15,588, $14,941 and $14,398 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
	Foreign Currency Translation:  The functional currency for the majority of the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for asset and liability accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Remeasurement from local to functional currencies is included in cost of goods sold or foreign currency loss (gain) on the consolidated statements of income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are charged to operations as incurred.
	Income Taxes:  The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and the consolidated tax return in accordance with the liability method. A valuation allowance is provided against net deferred tax assets when conditions indicate that it is more likely than not that the benefit related to such assets will not be realized.
	The Company utilizes a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position and determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not of being realized upon settlement.
	Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income.
	Share-based Compensation:  The Company measures share-based compensation expense for share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance units, and leveraged restricted share units based on the grant-date fair value. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The grant-date fair value calculation under the Black-Scholes pricing model requires the use of variables such as exercise term of the option, future volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and is generally recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The fair value of performance units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and pre-determined performance conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and is recognized on straight-line basis over the performance measurement period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. The Company reassesses the vesting probability of performance units each reporting period and adjusts share-based compensation expense based on the Company’s probability assessment. The fair value of leveraged restricted share units is based on market conditions and calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is recognized straight-line over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for all awards considers estimated forfeitures.
	During the year, the Company may repurchase shares of common stock from equity plan participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting or payment of equity awards. All such repurchased shares are subsequently retired during the period in which they occur.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standard: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendment requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The ASU allows either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the transition method and effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows and disclosures.

Inventories_Notes

Inventories (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Inventories
	The following table summarizes the components of inventory:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	94,437	$	93,014
	Work in process	35,631		42,996
	Finished goods	85,657		76,994
	Total inventories, net	$	215,725	$	213,004
	The allowance for excess and obsolete inventory balance at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5,233 and $6,556, respectively.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment
	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant and equipment:
			December 31,
	Classification	Estimated Useful Life	2014			2013
	Land and buildings	20-35 years	$	161,986		$	139,962
	Machinery and equipment	3-12 years	165,379			124,023
	Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures	3-7 years	34,866			24,659
	Construction in process		23,626			37,249
	Total property, plant and equipment, gross		385,857			325,893
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(128,212		)	(101,688		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net		$	257,645		$	224,205
	Depreciation expense was $25,231, $21,159 and $17,404 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	As of October 1, 2014 (“annual assessment date”) and based on the Company’s qualitative impairment tests, the Company determined that that it was not more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying amount of any reporting unit and, therefore, the two-step goodwill impairment test was not necessary. Furthermore, as of the annual assessment date, and based on the Company’s qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset was less than its carrying amount and, therefore, no further action was necessary.
	Subsequent to the annual assessment date, the market value of the Company’s common stock declined from a closing share price of $52.55 on October 1, 2014 to a closing share price of $34.20 on December 31, 2014. Given the fourth quarter decline in the Company’s market capitalization, which we believe was largely driven by the dramatic decline in oil prices, and the resulting review of the financial performance of the reporting units, the Company determined that an interim impairment indicator existed for the BioMedical reporting unit. Both the D&S and E&C reporting units continue to perform as expected, and any resulting cash flow analysis would yield a fair value well in excess of the carrying amount. For the BioMedical reporting unit, the Company performed quantitative assessments for both goodwill and certain indefinite-lived assets as of December 31, 2014. Based on the results of the Step 1 analysis, the excess fair value over the carrying amount of the BioMedical reporting unit was between approximately 10% and 30% depending on discount rate assumptions, and as such, the Company determined the goodwill as of December 31, 2014 was not impaired. Furthermore, we determined that the selected indefinite-lived assets were not impaired as of December 31, 2014.
	Goodwill
	The following table represents the changes in goodwill:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	398,905		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(2,676		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293			308
	Ending balance	$	405,522		$	398,905
	Intangible Assets
	The following table displays the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for finite-lived intangible assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets (exclusive of goodwill)(1):
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross		Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Unpatented technology	$	35,933		$	(6,979	)	$	43,133	$	(11,776	)
	Patents	7,809			(6,213		)	7,904		(5,397		)
	Trademarks and trade names	8,981			(6,206		)	9,244		(4,525		)
	Non-compete agreements	421			(88		)	—		—
	Customer relations	157,533			(85,187		)	159,143		(73,460		)
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	210,677		$	(104,673	)	$	219,424	$	(95,158	)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trademarks and trade names	$	47,662					$	47,876
	_______________
	(1)	Amounts include the impact of foreign currency translation. Fully amortized amounts are written off.
	Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $17,945, $19,230 and $14,792 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company estimates amortization expense to be recognized during the next five years as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,
	2015	$	16,200
	2016	14,300
	2017	13,400
	2018	12,700
	2019	12,500
	The Company recorded an impairment loss of $3,070 during 2012 resulting in the elimination of in-process research & development (“IPR&D”) indefinite-lived intangible assets related to a prior BioMedical segment acquisition. Higher forecasted costs and project delays represented impairment indicators requiring the Company to re-evaluate the fair value of the IPR&D indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company conducted an impairment test based on the multi-period excess earnings valuation method which determines fair value based on the present value of the prospective net cash flow attributable to the intangible asset (Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy).  The Company determined that the fair value of the IPR&D indefinite-lived intangible assets was zero and impaired the intangible assets by a value equal to their carrying amount.

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements

Debt And Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt And Credit Arrangements	Debt and Credit Arrangements
	Summary of Outstanding Borrowings
	The following table shows the components of the Company’s borrowings:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible notes, due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.9%	$	204,099		$	193,437
	Term loan, average interest rate of 2.54%	—			68,438
	Foreign facilities	4,903			3,280
	Total debt	209,002			265,155
	Less: current maturities (1)	(4,903		)	(200,467		)
	Long-term debt	$	204,099		$	64,688
	_______________
	(1)	Current maturities included $193,437 current convertible notes at December 31, 2013.
	Convertible Notes
	The outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Convertible Notes is $250,000. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, and will mature on August 1, 2018. The effective interest rate at issuance was 7.9%.
	The Convertible Notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company and are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Convertible Notes are senior in right of payment to the Company’s future subordinated debt, equal in right of payment with the Company’s future senior subordinated debt and are subordinated in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under the Company’s existing credit agreement.
	In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into privately-negotiated convertible note hedge and capped call transactions with affiliates of certain of the underwriters (the “Option Counterparties”). The convertible note hedge and capped call transactions relate to, collectively, 3,622 shares, which represents the number of shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the Convertible Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes. These convertible note hedge and capped call transactions are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to the Company’s common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or reduce the Company’s exposure to potential cash or stock payments that may be required upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, except, in the case of the capped call transactions, to the extent that the market price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the cap price of the capped call transactions. The Company also entered into separate warrant transactions with the Option Counterparties initially relating to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the convertible note hedge transactions, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The warrant transactions will have a dilutive effect with respect to the Company’s common stock to the extent that the price per share of the Company common stock exceeds the strike price of the warrants unless the Company elects, subject to certain conditions, to settle the warrants in cash. These warrants were exercisable as of the issuance date of the Convertible Notes. The cap price of the capped call transactions and the strike price of the warrant transactions was initially $84.96 per share. Proceeds received from the issuance of the warrants totaled approximately $48,848 and were recorded as an addition to additional paid-in-capital. The net cost of the convertible note hedge and capped call transactions, taking into account the proceeds from the issuance of the warrants, was approximately $17,638.
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, contracts are initially classified as equity if (1) the contract requires physical settlement or net-share settlement, or (2) the contract gives the entity a choice of net-cash settlement in its own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company concluded that the settlement terms of the convertible note hedge, capped call and warrant transactions permit net-share settlement. As such, the convertible note hedge, capped call and warrant transactions were recorded in equity.
	Upon issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company bifurcated the $250,000 principal balance of the Convertible Notes into a liability component of $170,885, which was recorded as long-term debt, and an equity component of $79,115, which was initially recorded as additional paid-in-capital. The liability component was recognized at the present value of its associated cash flows using a 7.9% straight-debt rate which represented the Company’s interest rate for similar debt instruments at that time without a conversion feature and is being accreted to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of the liability component was $204,099 and $193,437, respectively, and the unamortized debt discount of the Convertible Notes was $45,901 and $56,563, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, interest expense for the Convertible Notes was $15,662, $14,854 and $14,109, respectively, which included $10,662, $9,854 and $9,109 of non-cash interest accretion expense related to the carrying amount of the Convertible Notes, respectively, and $5,000 of 2.0% cash interest in each year. In accordance with ASC 470-20, which requires issuers to separately account for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, the Company allocated debt issuance costs to the liability and equity components in proportion to their allocated value. Debt issuance costs were $7,277, with $2,303 recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in-capital. The remaining balance of $4,974 is being amortized over the term of the Convertible Notes. Total expense associated with the amortization of these debt issuance costs was $711 in each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Prior to May 1, 2018, the Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders thereof only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after September 30, 2011 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price (currently $69.03) for the Convertible Notes on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “Measurement Period”) in which, as determined following a request by a holder of Convertible Notes as provided in the bond indenture (the “Indenture”), the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of such Measurement Period was less than 97% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate for the Convertible Notes on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. On or after May 1, 2018, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of the Convertible Notes, holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, the Company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted. It is the Company’s intention to settle any excess conversion value in shares of the Company’s common stock.
	The conversion rate on the Convertible Notes will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder that converts its Convertible Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. The Company may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity. If the Company undergoes a fundamental change, subject to certain conditions, holders may require the Company to purchase the Convertible Notes in whole or in part for cash at a fundamental change purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. For purposes of calculating earnings per share, if the average market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the applicable conversion price during the periods reported, as was the case at December 31, 2013, shares contingently issuable under the Convertible Notes will have a dilutive effect with respect to the Company’s common stock.
	The Company reassesses the convertibility of the Convertible Notes and the related balance sheet classification on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2013, the notes were convertible, thus, the liability component of the Convertible Notes was classified as a current liability and the equity component was classified as temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2014, the notes were not convertible, thus, the liability component of the Convertible Notes was classified as long-term debt and the equity component was classified as permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheet. At January 1, 2015, the Convertible Notes were not convertible. There have been no conversions as of the date of this filing.
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
	On October 29, 2014, the Company amended and extended its five-year $375,000 senior secured credit facility (“Prior Credit Facility”) with a five-year $450,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (“SSRCF”) which matures on October 29, 2019. The SSRCF includes a $25,000 sub-limit for the issuance of swingline loans and a $100,000 sub-limit to be used for letters of credit. There is a foreign currency limit of $100,000 under the SSRCF which can be used for foreign currency denominated letters of credit and borrowings in a foreign currency, in each case in currencies agreed upon with the lenders. In addition, the facility permits borrowings up to $100,000 made by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Chart Industries Luxembourg S.à r.l. (“Chart Luxembourg”) and Chart Asia Investment Company Limited (“Chart Asia”). The SSRCF also includes an expansion option permitting the Company to add up to an aggregate $200,000 in term loans or revolving credit commitments from its lenders.
	Debt issuance costs associated with the SSRCF were $1,365 of which $1,321 are being amortized over the five-year term of the SSRCF in accordance with loan modification guidance. In addition, $1,392 in unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Prior Credit Facility are being amortized over the five year term of the SSRCF. For the year ended December 31, 2014, financing costs amortization associated with the SSRCF and Prior Credit Facility was $586, and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, financing costs amortization associated with the Prior Credit Facility was $595 and $587, respectively.
	Revolving loans under the SSRCF bear interest, at the applicable Borrower’s election, at either LIBOR or the greatest of (a) the JPMorgan prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1% or (c) the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined in the SSRCF) for a one month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) plus 1% (the “Adjusted Base Rate”), plus a margin that varies with the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.40% of the unused Revolver balance and a letter of credit participation fee equal to the daily aggregate letter of credit exposure at the rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Revolving Facility Borrowings (ranging from 1.5% to 2.75%, depending on the leverage ratio calculated at each fiscal quarter end). A fronting fee must be paid on each letter of credit that is issued equal to 0.125% per annum of the stated dollar amount of the letter of credit.
	Significant financial covenants for the SSRCF include a minimum liquidity requirement equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes outstanding six months prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes and when holders of the Convertible Notes have the option to require the Company to repurchase the Convertible Notes, a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25 and a minimum interest coverage to EBITDA ratio of 3.0. The required leverage ratio can be relaxed on up to two occasions, upon notification to the lenders, to 3.75 for up to four consecutive fiscal quarters, for acquisitions and plant expansions of $100,000 or greater. The SSRCF contains a number of other customary covenants, including but not limited to restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens or other encumbrances, sell assets, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make certain payments, investments, loans, advances or guarantees, make acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations and pay dividends or distributions. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
	At December 31, 2014, availability under the SSRCF was $415,959, which considers $34,041 in letters of credit issued. The obligations under the SSRCF are guaranteed by the Company and substantially all of its U.S. subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of the Company’s material non-U.S. subsidiaries (as defined by the SSRCF) that are owned by U.S. subsidiaries.
	Foreign Facilities – China
	Chart Cryogenic Engineering Systems (Changzhou) Company Limited (“CCESC”), Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd. (“Wuxi”) and Chart Biomedical (Chengdu) Co. Ltd. (“Chengdu”), wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, and Chart Cryogenic Distribution Equipment (Changzhou) Company Limited (“CCDEC”), a joint venture of the Company, maintain joint banking facilities (the “China Facilities”) which include a revolving line with 50.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $8,171) in borrowing capacity, a bonding/guarantee facility with up to 30.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $4,903) in borrowing capacity, and an overdraft facility with 10.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $1,634) in borrowing capacity. Any borrowings made by CCESC, CCDEC, Chengdu or Wuxi under the China Facilities are guaranteed by the Company. At December 31, 2014, there was 20.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $3,269) outstanding under the revolving line, bearing interest at 5.9% on a weighted-average basis.
	CCDEC maintains a credit facility with Bank of China whereby CCDEC may borrow up to 50.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $8,171) for working capital purposes, and 30.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $4,903) for non-financing bank guarantee purposes. This credit facility is effective until August 7, 2015. At December 31, 2014, there was 10.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $1,634) outstanding under this facility, bearing interest at 6.4%.
	CCESC maintains a credit facility with Bank of China whereby CCESC may borrow up to 100.0 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $16,343) for working capital purposes. This credit facility is effective until July 8, 2015. There were no borrowings under this facility as of December 31, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, CCESC and Wuxi had 7.5 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $1,220) and 1.8 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $286) in bank guarantees, respectively.
	Foreign Facilities – Europe
	Chart Ferox, a.s. (“Ferox”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, maintains two secured credit facilities with capacity of up to 175.0 million Czech koruna (equivalent to $7,661). Both of the facilities allow Ferox to request bank guarantees and letters of credit. Neither of the facilities allows revolving credit borrowings. Under both facilities, Ferox must pay letter of credit and guarantee fees equal to 0.70% per annum on the face amount of each guarantee or letter of credit. Ferox’s land, buildings and accounts receivable secure the credit facilities. As of December 31, 2014, there were bank guarantees of 71.4 million Czech koruna (equivalent to $3,126) supported by the Ferox credit facilities.
	Chart Luxembourg maintains an overdraft facility with $5,000 in borrowing capacity. There were no borrowings under the Chart Luxembourg facility as of December 31, 2014.
	Scheduled Annual Maturities
	The scheduled annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	4,903
	2018	250,000
	Total	$	254,903
	Cash paid for interest during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $6,838, $7,233 and $6,604, respectively.
	Fair Value Disclosures
	The fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately 95% of their par value as of December 31, 2014 and approximately 154% of their par value as of December 31, 2013. The Convertible Notes are actively quoted instruments and, accordingly, the fair value of the Convertible Notes was determined using Level 1 inputs as defined in Note 10.
	The term loan portion of the Company’s Prior Credit Facility (“Term Loan”) was transferred to the revolver under the SSRCF and subsequently paid off in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Term Loan was estimated based on the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted using market interest rates. Under this method, the fair value of the Term Loan approximated its carrying amount as of December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan was determined using Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 10.

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments
	Concentrations of Credit Risks:  The Company sells its products to gas producers, distributors and end-users across the industrial gas, hydrocarbon, chemical processing and medical industries in countries all over the world. Approximately 53%, 59% and 56% of sales were to foreign countries in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No single customer exceeded ten percent of consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Sales to the Company’s top ten customers accounted for 34%, 37% and 38% of consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s sales to particular customers fluctuate from period to period, but the large industrial gas producer and distributor customers of the Company tend to be a consistently large source of revenue for the Company.
	The Company is also subject to concentrations of credit risk with respect to its cash and cash equivalents and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. To minimize credit risk from these financial instruments, the Company enters into arrangements with major banks and other quality financial institutions and invests only in high-quality instruments. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations in this area.
	The changes in fair value with respect to the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts generated a net gain of $2,670 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and net losses of $2,940 and $780 for the years ended December 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Product_Warranties_Notes

Product Warranties (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties [Abstract]
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	Product Warranties
	The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company estimates its warranty reserve by considering historical and projected warranty claims, historical and projected cost-per-claim and knowledge of specific product issues that are outside its typical experience. The Company records warranty expense in cost of sales. Product warranty claims not expected to occur within one year are recorded in the long-term portion of the warranty reserve in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table represents changes in the Company’s consolidated warranty reserve:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	33,827		$	44,486		$	13,181
	Warranty expense	14,463			17,486			12,494
	Warranty usage	(24,044		)	(28,359		)	(18,222		)
	Acquired warranty reserves	—			214			37,033
	Ending balance	$	24,246		$	33,827		$	44,486
	Warranty expense for 2014 does not include the impact of the Company’s recovery of $5,003 during 2014 from an escrow settlement relating to excess warranty costs for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.

Business_Combinations_Notes

Business Combinations (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Combinations
	Wuxi Acquisition
	On May 27, 2014, Chart Asia finalized the acquisition of 100% of the equity of Wuxi Zhongbo Gas and Air Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., which changed its name to Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd., for an aggregate cash purchase price of 73.3 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $11,943), net of cash acquired. The fair value of the net assets acquired and goodwill at the date of acquisition was 15.6 million Chinese yuan and 57.7 million Chinese yuan, respectively. Wuxi, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, designs, manufactures and sells low-pressure brazed aluminum heat exchangers. In addition, cold box fabrication operations were relocated from Changzhou, China to the Wuxi facility. Wuxi’s results are included in the Company’s E&C segment as of the date of acquisition.
	Xinye Acquisition
	On June 8, 2013, Chart Asia acquired 80% of the shares of Nanjing Xinye Electric Engineering Co., Ltd. (“Xinye”) for an aggregate cash purchase price of 18.3 million Chinese yuan (equivalent to $2,965), net of cash acquired. The remaining 20% was retained by one of the original shareholders. The fair value of the net assets acquired and goodwill at the date of acquisition was 16.4 million Chinese yuan and 1.9 million Chinese yuan, respectively. Xinye, located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, designs, manufactures and sells control systems and dispensers for liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, and industrial gas applications. It also engages in the design and production of integrated circuit card systems and remote monitoring systems for natural gas mobile equipment. Xinye provides the Company localized dispensing and control technology and increases the Company’s penetration into the high growth natural gas markets in Asia. Xinye’s results are included in the Company’s D&S segment.
	AirSep Acquisition
	On August 30, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of AirSep Corporation for an aggregate cash purchase price of $182,450 (including approximately $2,800 in acquisition-related tax benefits acquired and $10,000 of debt which was retired upon completion of the acquisition). AirSep, located in Amherst, New York, designs, manufactures, sells and services stationary, transportable and portable oxygen concentrators and self-contained generators, standard generators, and packaged systems for industrial and medical oxygen generating systems. AirSep’s results are included in the Company’s BioMedical segment.
	The fair value of the net assets acquired and goodwill at the date of acquisition was $72,687 and $109,763, respectively. The allocation of the purchase price is based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and the related income tax impact of the acquisition adjustments. The acquisition was made and goodwill was established due to the benefits expected to be derived from the expansion of the oxygen concentrator business in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and the growth potential for the Company’s commercial oxygen generation systems business.
	The Company recorded a warranty reserve of $37,033 in purchase accounting, which included a significant estimate of claims associated with one of AirSep’s product lines as described further in the Significant Accounting Policies note. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve occurs as this product line progresses through its warranty period (expected completion in 2016) and as such has exceeded warranty expense since the acquisition.
	AirSep’s identifiable intangible assets mainly include customer relationships and technology and are also comprised of product names, trademarks and trade names.
	Incremental sales and operating income related to the AirSep acquisition were $71,043 and $3,195, respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2013, the latter of which included $2,638 in cost of goods sold to amortize the remaining portion of the write-up of inventory to fair value, $4,570 of intangible assets amortization expense and $2,726 in management retention expenses and severance costs.
	For the period August 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, AirSep added $40,317 to sales. For the same period, the acquisition of AirSep reduced operating income by $4,026 which included $3,270 recorded in cost of goods sold to amortize a portion of the write-up of inventory to fair value, $2,285 of intangible assets amortization expense and $1,111 in management retention expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized $1,164 of AirSep acquisition related costs which are included in the consolidated statements of income in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Pro-forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations is not material.
	Contingent Consideration
	The estimated fair value of total contingent consideration relating to a prior acquisition was valued using a discounted cash flow approach, which includes assumptions for the probabilities of achieving gross sales targets and the discount rate applied to the projected payments. The valuation is performed using Level 3 inputs as defined in Note 10. Changes in fair value of contingent consideration are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
	Potential payments may be paid between January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 based on the attainment of certain revenue targets. The remaining maximum potential payout related to total contingent consideration is $2,259.
	The changes in the Company’s contingent consideration liabilities are summarized below:
		Distribution & Storage			BioMedical			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	841		$	6,226		$	7,067
	Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	459			(4,236		)	(3,777		)
	Payment of contingent consideration	(1,300		)	—			(1,300		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	—			1,990			1,990
	Increase in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	—			299			299
	Balance at December 31, 2013	—			2,289			2,289
	Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	—			(474		)	(474		)
	Payment of contingent consideration	—			(741		)	(741		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,074		$	1,074

Fair_Value_Measurements_Notes

Fair Value Measurements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
	Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	49	$	49	$	—
	Contingent consideration liabilities	1,074		—		1,074
	Total financial liabilities	$	1,123	$	49	$	1,074
		December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	13	$	13	$	—
	Total financial assets	$	13	$	13	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	394	$	394	$	—
	Contingent consideration liabilities	2,289		—		2,289
	Total financial liabilities	$	2,683	$	394	$	2,289
	Refer to Note 7 for further information regarding foreign currency forward contracts and Note 9 for further information regarding contingent consideration liabilities.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	Beginning Balance	$	18,425		$	(5,103	)	$	13,322
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of taxes of $4,289	(14,617		)	(7,595		)	(22,212		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $116 (1)	—			204			204
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(14,617		)	(7,391		)	(22,008		)
	Ending Balance	$	3,808		$	(12,494	)	$	(8,686	)
		31-Dec-13
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes			Accumulated other comprehensive income
	Beginning Balance	$	14,207		$	(12,566	)	$	1,641
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of taxes of $3,769	4,218			6,611			10,829
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $496 (1)	—			852			852
	Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of taxes	4,218			7,463			11,681
	Ending Balance	$	18,425		$	(5,103	)	$	13,322
	_______________
	(1)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income were expensed and included in cost of sales ($124 and $530 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) and selling, general and administrative expenses ($196 and $818 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) in the consolidated statements of income.

Earnings_Per_Share_Notes

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Share
	The following table presents calculations of net income per share of common stock:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$	81,864		$	83,176		$	71,295
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic	$	2.69		$	2.75		$	2.39
	Diluted	$	2.67		$	2.6		$	2.36
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic	30,384			30,209			29,786
	Incremental shares issuable upon assumed conversion and exercise of share-based awards	282			411			408
	Incremental shares issuable due to dilutive effect of the Convertible Notes	—			974			—
	Incremental shares issuable due to dilutive effect of warrants	—			337			—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted	30,666			31,931			30,194
	Diluted earnings per share does not reflect the following potential common shares as the effect would be anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Share-based awards	48		1			109
	Convertible note hedge and capped call transactions (1)	—		948			—
	Warrants	3,368		—			3,368
	Total anti-dilutive securities	3,416		949			3,477
	_______________
	(1)	The convertible note hedge and capped call transactions offset any dilution upon actual conversion of the Convertible Notes up to a common stock price of $84.96. See Note 6 for further information.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income Before Income Taxes
	Income before income taxes consists of the following:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	87,505		$	67,355		$	79,812
	Foreign	31,659			51,303			23,294
	Income before income taxes	$	119,164		$	118,658		$	103,106
	Provision
	Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	22,608		$	19,421		$	28,076
	State and local	1,406			1,618			1,768
	Foreign	12,326			11,864			5,456
	Total current	36,340			32,903			35,300
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,135			21			(3,477		)
	State and local	180			(364		)	(684		)
	Foreign	(3,563		)	(1,264		)	(357		)
	Total deferred	(248		)	(1,607		)	(4,518		)
	Total provision	$	36,092		$	31,296		$	30,782
	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
	The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to income tax expense is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	41,708		$	41,530		$	36,087
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	841			757			711
	Foreign income, net of credit on foreign taxes	(245		)	501			48
	Effective tax rate differential of earnings outside of U.S.	(5,411		)	(8,257		)	(4,983		)
	Foreign investment tax credit	—			—			(406		)
	Research & experimentation credits	(1,150		)	(2,105		)	—
	Non-deductible items	1,947			865			2,885
	Change in uncertain tax positions	(52		)	(347		)	(394		)
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2,093		)	(2,237		)	(2,490		)
	Other items	547			589			(676		)
	Income tax expense	$	36,092		$	31,296		$	30,782
	Deferred Taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accruals and reserves	$	23,197		$	25,478
	Pensions	6,161			2,536
	Inventory	5,176			4,350
	Share-based compensation	7,235			6,107
	Tax credit carryforwards	553			—
	Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	1,154			594
	State net operating loss carryforward	1,331			1,610
	Other – net	3,230			844
	Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	48,037			41,519
	Valuation allowance	(1,982		)	(1,250		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	46,055		$	40,269
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	24,063		$	17,248
	Intangibles	47,771			53,314
	Convertible notes	2,118			2,623
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	73,952		$	73,185
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	27,897		$	32,916
	The net deferred tax liability is classified as follows:
	Deferred income taxes	$	(17,248	)	$	(14,675	)
	Other assets	(1,743		)	(125		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	46,888			47,716
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	27,897		$	32,916
Federal, State and Local Net Operating Loss Carryforwards: As a result of the Company’s acquisition of SeQual in 2010, the Company has $15,955 of state net operating losses.  California tax law will limit the use of these state net operating losses. The remaining state net operating losses expire between 2015 and 2031. In addition, the Company has state net operating losses in various other states which begin to expire in 2017. The gross deferred tax asset for the state net operating losses of $1,331 is partially offset by a valuation allowance of $1,068.
Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards: As of December 31, 2014, cumulative foreign operating losses of $4,237 generated by the Company were available to reduce future taxable income. Approximately $2,948 of these operating losses expire between 2019 and 2023. The remaining $1,289 can be carried forward indefinitely. The deferred tax asset for the foreign operating losses of $1,154 is partially offset by a valuation allowance of $459.
Other Tax Information
The Company has not provided for income taxes on approximately $203,420 of foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2014, since the earnings retained have been reinvested indefinitely by the subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the additional income taxes and applicable foreign withholding taxes that would be payable on the remittance of such undistributed earnings.
Cash paid for income taxes during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $31,208, $24,977 and $19,193, respectively.
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
The reconciliation of beginning to ending unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of the year	$	941		$	3,339		$	2,440
Additions for tax positions of prior years	358			299			1,921
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(329		)	(1,921		)	—
Reductions for settlements	—			—			(905		)
Lapse of statutes of limitation	(22		)	(776		)	(117		)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of the year	$	948		$	941		$	3,339
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $462 and $410, respectively, of income tax benefits which, if ultimately recognized, would impact the Company’s annual effective tax rate.
The Company had accrued approximately $94 and $93 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company accrued approximately $1 and $42 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, respectively in additional interest associated with uncertain tax positions. The Company recorded a net benefit of $8 for interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2013 due to the filing of an amended tax return which offset the accrual of interest expense related to existing uncertain tax positions.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2010.
Due to the potential resolution of the federal examination and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, it is reasonably possible the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 may decrease within the next twelve months by approximately $22.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Benefit Plan
	The Company has a defined benefit pension plan which is frozen, that covers certain U.S. hourly and salary employees. The defined benefit plan provides benefits based primarily on the participants’ years of service and compensation.
	The components of net periodic pension (income) expense are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Interest cost	$	2,360			$	2,112			$	2,206
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,105		)		(2,705		)		(2,648		)
	Amortization of net loss	320				1,348				974
	Total net periodic pension (income) expense	$	(425	)		$	755			$	532
	The changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	50,684			$	57,268
	Interest cost	2,360				2,112
	Benefits paid	(1,876		)		(1,813		)
	Actuarial losses (gains)	10,939				(6,883		)
	Projected benefit obligation at year end	$	62,107			$	50,684
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	42,965			$	37,941
	Actual return	2,160				6,202
	Employer contributions	1,938				635
	Benefits paid	(1,876		)		(1,813		)
	Fair value of plan assets at year end	$	45,187			$	42,965
	Funded status (Accrued pension liabilities)	$	(16,920	)		$	(7,719	)
	Unrecognized actuarial loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	19,814			$	8,250
	The estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $1,429.
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining pension plan information are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year end:
	Discount rate	3.75	%		4.75	%		3.75	%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.75	%		3.75	%		4.5	%
	Expected long-term weighted-average rate of return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.75	%
	The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled at year end. In estimating this rate, the Company looks to rates of return on high quality, fixed-income investments that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency and the expected timing of benefit payments under the plan.
	The expected return assumptions were developed using an averaging formula based upon the plans’ investment guidelines, mix of asset classes, historical returns of equities and bonds, and expected future returns. The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of short and long-term plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements and periodic asset/liability studies.
	The target allocations by asset category at December 31 are as follows:
	Target Allocations by Asset Category:	2014		2013
	Equity	55%		55%
	Debt	43%		43%
	Cash and cash equivalents	2%		2%
	Total	100%		100%
	The fair values of the plan assets by asset class at December 31 are as follows:
		Fair Value
		Total								Level 2					Level 3
	Plan Assets:	2014				2013				2014			2013		2014		2013
	Equity funds	$	29,435			$	26,668			$	29,435		$	26,668	$	—	$	—
	Fixed income funds	13,766				12,527				13,766			12,527		—		—
	Other investments	1,986				3,770				—			1,609		1,986		2,161
	Total	$	45,187			$	42,965			$	43,201		$	40,804	$	1,986	$	2,161
	The plan assets are primarily invested in pooled separate funds. The fair values of equity securities and fixed income securities held in pooled separate funds are based on net asset value of the units of the funds as determined by the fund manager. These funds are similar in nature to retail mutual funds, but are typically more efficient for institutional investors. The fair value of pooled funds is determined by the value of the underlying assets held by the fund and the units outstanding. The value of the pooled funds is not directly observable, but is based on observable inputs. As such, these plan assets are valued using Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 10. Certain plan assets in the other investments asset category are invested in a general investment account where the fair value is derived from the liquidation value based on an actuarial formula as defined under terms of the investment contract. These plan assets were valued using unobservable inputs and, accordingly, the valuation was performed using Level 3 inputs as defined in Note 10.
	The following table represents changes in the fair value of plan assets categorized as Level 3 from the preceding table:
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—
	Return on plan assets	30
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,925		)
	Transfers, net	4,056
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,161
	Return on plan assets	34
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,898		)
	Transfers, net	1,689
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,986
	The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding amounts required by law. Based upon current actuarial estimates, the Company does not expect to contribute to its defined benefit pension plan until 2017. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid by the plan in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the subsequent five years:
2015	$	2,100
2016	2,300
2017	2,400
2018	2,600
2019	2,800
In aggregate during five years thereafter	15,800
Multi-Employer Plan
The Company contributes to a multi-employer plan for certain collective bargaining U.S. employees. The risks of participating in this multi-employer plan are different from a single employer plan in the following aspects:
(a)	Assets contributed to the multi-employer by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
(b)	If a participating employer ceases contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be inherited by the remaining participating employers.
(c)	If the Company chooses to stop participating in the multi-employer plan, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
The Company has assessed and determined that the multi-employer plan to which it contributes is not significant to the Company's financial statements. The Company does not expect to incur a withdrawal liability or expect to significantly increase its contribution over the remainder of the current contract period which ends in February 2018. The Company made contributions to the bargaining unit supported multi-employer pension plan resulting in expense of $992, $908 and $760 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Defined Contribution Savings Plan
The Company has a defined contribution savings plan that covers most of its U.S. employees. Company contributions to the plan are based on employee contributions, and include a Company match and discretionary contributions. Expenses under the plan totaled $10,773, $9,814 and $8,011 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Voluntary Deferred Income Plan
The Company provides additional retirement plan benefits to certain members of management under the Amended and Restated Chart Industries, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Income Plan; this is an unfunded plan. The Company recorded $409, $276 and $507 of expense associated with this plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Sharebased_Compensation

Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments	Share-based Compensation
	Under the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Incentive Plan”) which became effective in October 2005, the Company could grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock awards and performance based stock awards to employees and directors. The Stock Incentive Plan had reserved 3,421 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance. As of December 31, 2014, 138 options were outstanding under the Stock Incentive Plan. The Company no longer grants awards under this plan.
	Under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan (“Omnibus Equity Plan”) which was originally approved by the shareholders in May 2009 and reapproved by shareholders in May 2012 as amended and restated, the Company may grant stock options, SARs, RSUs, restricted stock, performance shares, leveraged restricted shares, and common shares to employees and directors. The maximum number of shares available for grant is 3,350, which may be treasury shares or unissued shares. As of December 31, 2014, 414 stock options, 88 shares of restricted stock and RSUs, 51 performance units, and 59 leveraged restricted share units were outstanding under the Omnibus Equity Plan.
	The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $9,692, $9,989 and $7,461 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The Company also recognized related tax benefits of $1,859, $6,673 and $8,972 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, total share-based compensation of $8,340 is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.
	Stock Options
	The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options. The expected volatility was based on historical information. The simplified method as defined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 was used to determine the expected term. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant. Weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options and the assumptions used in estimating the fair values are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share	$	56.15			$	41.52			$	35.69
	Expected term (years)	6.25				6.25				6.25
	Risk-free interest rate	1		%		1		%		1.15		%
	Expected volatility	63.73		%		66.8		%		70.71		%
	Under the terms of the Omnibus Equity Plan, stock options generally have a 4 year graded vesting period, an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant, and a contractual term of 10 years. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-average				Aggregate Intrinsic Value				Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term
		of Shares			Exercise
					Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	510			$	35.54
	Granted	74			93.34
	Exercised	(23	)		33.84
	Forfeited	(9	)		59.53
	Outstanding at end of year	552			$	42.92			$	4,040			5.9 years
	Vested and expected to vest at end of year	547			$	42.61			$	4,040			5.9 years
	Exercisable at end of year	344			$	26.85			$	4,040			4.8 years
	As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years is $2,302.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $940, $21,199 and $18,310, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,163, $2,673 and $2,216, respectively.
	Restricted Stock and RSUs
	Restricted stock and RSUs generally vest ratably over a three-year period and are valued based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock and RSUs activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-Average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	97			$	61.48
	Granted	37			92.17
	Forfeited	(3	)		76.48
	Vested	(43	)		53.17
	Unvested at end of year	88			$	77.94
	As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and RSUs expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years is $2,528.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock and RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $92.17, $69.72 and $60.80, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock and RSUs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,930, $5,782 and $4,654, respectively.
	Performance Units
	Performance units are earned over a three-year period. Based on the attainment of pre-determined performance condition targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, performance units earned may be in the range of between 0% and 200%. The probability of performance units being earned is evaluated each reporting period, and the fair value of the performance units is adjusted accordingly. The following table summarizes the Company’s performance units activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-Average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	86			$	46.94
	Granted	16			93.34
	Vested	(51	)		36.45
	Unvested at end of year	51			$	72.57
	As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years is $1,095.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance units granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $93.34, $68.21 and $55.93, respectively. The total fair value of performance units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012 was $2,650 and $9,386, respectively. No performance units vested during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Leveraged Restricted Share Units
	Leveraged restricted share unit awards vest based on the attainment of pre-determined market condition targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors over a three-year performance period. Units earned may be in the range of between 50% and 150%. The Company valued the leverage restricted share unit awards based on market conditions using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. The following table summarizes the Company’s leveraged restricted share unit awards activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	40			$	74.36
	Granted	19			106.9
	Unvested at end of year	59			$	84.85
	As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to leveraged restricted share awards expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years is $2,415.
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of leveraged restricted share awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $106.90, $80.34, and $67.05 respectively.
	Directors’ Stock Grants
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted the non-employee directors stock awards covering 8, 4 and 5 shares of common stock, respectively, which had fair values of $588, $393 and $368, respectively. These stock awards were fully vested on the grant date. Likewise, the fair values were recognized immediately on the grant date.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure	Lease Commitments
	The Company incurred $11,375, $10,581, and $9,980 of rental expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses and lease concessions that require additional rental payments in the later years of the term. Rent expense for these types of leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. In addition, the Company has the right, but no obligation, to renew certain leases for various renewal terms.
	The following table summarizes the future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	10,900
	2016	7,500
	2017	6,900
	2018	5,100
	2019	4,200
	Thereafter	9,900
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	44,500

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	Contingencies
	Environmental
	The Company is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, waste water effluents, air emissions and handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as cleaning fluids. The Company is involved with environmental compliance, investigation, monitoring and remediation activities at certain of its owned and formerly owned manufacturing facilities and at one owned facility that is leased to a third party, and, except for these continuing remediation efforts, believes it is currently in substantial compliance with all known environmental regulations. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had undiscounted accrued environmental reserves of $3,587 and $3,871, respectively, recorded in other long-term liabilities. The Company accrues for certain environmental remediation-related activities for which commitments or remediation plans have been developed and for which costs can be reasonably estimated. These estimates are determined based upon currently available facts and circumstances regarding each facility. Actual costs incurred may vary from these estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved. Future expenditures relating to these environmental remediation efforts are expected to be made over the next 14 years as ongoing costs of remediation programs.
	Although the Company believes it has adequately provided for the cost of all known environmental conditions, the applicable regulatory agencies could insist upon different and more costly remediation than those the Company believes are adequate or required by existing law or third parties may seek to impose environmental liabilities on the Company. The Company believes that any additional liability in excess of amounts accrued which may result from the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, cash flows or results of operations.
	Legal Proceedings
	In November 2012, Chart Energy & Chemicals, Inc. (“CEC”), a subsidiary of the Company, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (the “Federal Court”) seeking a judgment that certain claims for damages alleged by Enogex Holdings LLC, Enogex Gathering & Processing, LLC and affiliated companies with respect to a December 2010 fire at the Enogex natural gas processing plant in Cox City, Oklahoma were barred based on multiple defenses, including Oklahoma’s statute of repose. This action was precipitated by the receipt of a letter from Enogex alleging that CEC was responsible for damages in excess of $75,000 with respect to the fire as a result of the alleged failure of CEC’s equipment that was a component of the unit involved in the fire. Subsequent to the filing of CEC’s declaratory judgment action, in December 2012, Enogex filed suit in the District Court of Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma (the “State Court”) against the Company, CEC and its predecessors, a former employee of a predecessor of CEC, as well as other entities and an individual not affiliated with the Company, formalizing the allegations and claims contained in the November demand letter. Each party filed one or more motions to dismiss the other’s lawsuit. Enogex’s motion to dismiss initially was denied by the Federal Court in February 2013, but Enogex moved for rehearing on its motion to dismiss, which the Federal Court granted on May 17, 2013 based on a lack of jurisdictional diversity. The Company’s and CEC’s motions to dismiss were denied by the State Court on April 10, 2013. Accordingly, litigation continues in the State Court, and Enogex has asserted damages of approximately $105,000, including investigation and repair costs and business interruption losses, some of which may be offset by Enogex’s saved costs and mitigation efforts. A trial is expected in late 2015 or early 2016. The Company continues to believe that the allegations against the Company, CEC and their affiliates lack merit. The Company believes that it, CEC and their affiliates have strong factual and legal defenses to Enogex’s claims and intends to vigorously assert such defenses. Accordingly, an accrual related to any damages that may result from the lawsuit has not been recorded because a potential loss is not currently probable. Furthermore, the Company believes that its existing product liability insurance is adequate for potential losses associated with these claims. While the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate result of these proceedings, the Company does not believe that the final outcome of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	The Company is occasionally subject to various legal actions related to performance under contracts, product liability, taxes, employment matters, environmental matters, intellectual property and other matters incidental to the normal course of its business. Based on the Company’s historical experience in litigating these actions, as well as the Company’s current assessment of the underlying merits of the actions and applicable insurance, if any, management believes that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, cash flows or results of operations. Future developments may, however, result in resolution of these legal claims in a way that could have a material adverse effect.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reporting Segments	Segment and Geographic Information
	The structure of the Company’s internal organization is divided into the following reportable segments, which are also the Company’s operating segments: E&C, D&S and BioMedical. The Company’s reportable segments are business units that are each managed separately because they manufacture, offer and distribute distinct products with different production processes and sales and marketing approaches. The E&C and D&S segments manufacture products used primarily in energy-related and industrial applications, such as the separation, liquefaction, distribution and storage of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. The BioMedical segment supplies cryogenic and other equipment used in the medical, biological research and animal breeding industries. Due to the nature of the products that each segment sells, intersegment sales are not material. Corporate includes operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, corporate development, human resources, information technology, investor relations, legal, internal audit, risk management and share-based compensation expenses that are not allocated to the reporting segments.
	The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on operating income or loss from continuing operations before interest expense, net, financing costs amortization, foreign currency loss (gain), income tax expense, net and noncontrolling interests, net of taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2.
	Segment Financial Information
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Energy &		Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals		Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	388,018	$	578,806		$	226,128		$	—		$	1,192,952
	Depreciation and amortization expense	9,649		16,749			13,842			2,936			43,176
	Operating income (loss) (1)	79,665		85,213			25,694			(52,415		)	138,157
	Total assets (2)	322,936		666,451			396,320			76,356			1,462,063
	Capital expenditures	24,834		29,583			3,484			4,234			62,135
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Energy &		Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals		Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	318,510	$	592,616		$	266,312		$	—		$	1,177,438
	Depreciation and amortization expense	8,564		15,237			14,618			1,970			40,389
	Operating income (loss)	59,671		93,560			33,039			(50,273		)	135,997
	Total assets (2)	277,760		676,484			431,763			75,623			1,461,630
	Capital expenditures	34,194		32,039			3,370			2,982			72,585
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Energy &		Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals		Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	323,676	$	475,576		$	214,900		$	—		$	1,014,152
	Depreciation and amortization expense	7,877		12,599			10,204			1,516			32,196
	Operating income (loss)	64,931		79,175			24,079			(46,372		)	121,813
	Total assets (2)	203,044		607,252			447,792			69,753			1,327,841
	Capital expenditures	9,519		30,048			2,717			1,401			43,685
	_______________
	(1)	The BioMedical segment’s operating income included recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.
	(2)	Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred income taxes.
	The following table represents the changes in goodwill by segment:
		Energy &		Distribution & Storage			BioMedical			Total
		Chemicals
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	83,215	$	158,789		$	156,937		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	—		957			(1,301		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	—		308			—			308
	Balance at December 31, 2013	83,215		160,054			155,636			398,905
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	130		(2,806		)	—			(2,676		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293		—			—			9,293
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	92,638	$	157,248		$	155,636		$	405,522
	Product Sales Information
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Energy & Chemicals
	Natural gas processing (including petrochemical) applications	$	208,706	$	175,397		$	236,912
	Liquefied natural gas applications	143,870		114,567			55,625
	Industrial gas applications	35,442		28,546			31,139
	Energy & Chemicals Total	388,018		318,510			323,676
	Distribution & Storage
	Bulk industrial gas applications	204,214		241,291			219,189
	Packaged gas industrial applications	164,966		158,293			149,156
	Liquefied natural gas applications	209,626		193,032			107,231
	Distribution & Storage Total	578,806		592,616			475,576
	BioMedical
	Respiratory therapy	141,273		175,233			143,878
	Life sciences	65,948		61,493			64,449
	Commercial oxygen generation	18,907		29,586			6,573
	BioMedical Total	226,128		266,312			214,900
	Total	$	1,192,952	$	1,177,438		$	1,014,152
	Geographic Information
	Net sales by geographic area are reported by the destination of sales. Net property, plant and equipment by geographic area are reported by country of domicile.
		Sales for the Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
United States	$	560,846	$	479,067		$	438,294
Foreign
China	188,047		231,143			149,010
Other foreign countries	444,059		467,228			426,848
Total Foreign	$	632,106	$	698,371		$	575,858
Total	$	1,192,952	$	1,177,438		$	1,014,152
	Property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31,
	2014		2013			2012
United States	$	163,425	$	146,610		$	98,425
Foreign
Czech Republic	22,511		23,623			21,559
China	57,580		38,569			34,158
Germany	13,495		14,618			14,402
Other foreign countries	634		785			1,232
Total Foreign	$	94,220	$	77,595		$	71,351
Total	$	257,645	$	224,205		$	169,776

Quarterly_Data_unaudited

Quarterly Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
	Selected quarterly data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Sales	$	266,240	$	306,810	$	293,841	$	326,061	$	1,192,952
	Gross profit	77,546		92,181		91,233		96,894		357,854
	Operating income (1)	22,146		34,044		40,355		41,612		138,157
	Net income	12,339		20,371		23,152		27,210		83,072
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	11,997		20,069		22,851		26,947		81,864
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—basic (2)	$	0.4	$	0.66	$	0.75	$	0.89	$	2.69
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—diluted (2)	$	0.38	$	0.65	$	0.74	$	0.88	$	2.67
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Sales (3)	$	273,648	$	298,266	$	301,757	$	303,767	$	1,177,438
	Gross profit	79,450		89,806		88,645		93,822		351,723
	Operating income	27,351		32,979		35,886		39,781		135,997
	Net income	16,108		20,603		24,847		25,804		87,362
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	15,535		20,000		24,445		23,196		83,176
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—basic	$	0.52	$	0.66	$	0.81	$	0.76	$	2.75
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—diluted	$	0.51	$	0.64	$	0.74	$	0.71	$	2.6
	_______________
	(1)	Includes recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income during the fourth quarter of 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.
	(2)	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. As such, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted earnings per share may not equal reported annual basic and diluted earnings per share.
	(3)	During the first and second quarters of 2013, AirSep added sales of $27,014 and $29,855, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, incremental sales related to AirSep were $14,174.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	CHART INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(Dollars in thousands)
				Additions
		Balance		Charged to		Charged			Deductions				Translations			Balance
		at		costs and		to other										at end
		beginning		expenses		accounts										of
		of period														period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	5,654	$	1,505	$	—	(1)	$	(633	)	(2)	$	(51	)	$	6,475
	Allowance for obsolete and excess inventory	6,556		4,087		—		(1)	(5,158		)	(3)	(252		)	5,233
	Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	1,250		1,089		—			(290		)	(4)	(67		)	1,982
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,080	$	2,447	$	199	(1)	$	(1,149	)	(2)	$	77		$	5,654
	Allowance for obsolete and excess inventory	4,078		2,010		675		(1)	(313		)	(3)	106			6,556
	Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	1,766		339		—			(879		)	(4)	24			1,250
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,360	$	3,067	$	930	(1)	$	(2,289	)	(2)	$	12		$	4,080
	Allowance for obsolete and excess inventory	3,191		2,507		1,085			(2,732		)	(3)	27			4,078
	Deferred tax assets valuation allowance	1,869		1,251		—			(1,362		)	(4)	8			1,766
	_______________
	(1)	Reserves at date of acquisition of subsidiary or subsidiaries.
	(2)	Reversal of amounts previously recorded as bad debt and uncollectible accounts written off.
	(3)	Inventory items written off against the allowance.
	(4)	Deductions to the deferred tax assets valuation allowance relate to decreased deferred tax assets and the release of the valuation allowance.

Nature_of_Operations_and_Princ1

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation Principals of Consolidation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates may also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The Company considers all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances	Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances:  The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, or substantial downgrading of credit scores), a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company believes will be collected. The Company also records allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical experience. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the Company’s estimates of the collectibility of amounts due could be changed by a material amount. When collection of a specific amount due is deemed remote, the account is written off against the allowance.
Inventories	Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company determines inventory valuation reserves based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific problem in the valuation of a certain item, a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the item to its net realizable value. The Company also recognizes reserves based on the actual usage in recent history and projected usage in the near-term.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment:  Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas major improvements are capitalized. The cost of applicable assets is depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Long-lived Assets: The Company monitors its property, plant and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis. If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs the required analysis and records impairment charges if applicable. In conducting its analysis, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the net book value, the long-lived assets are considered not to be impaired. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated based upon either discounted cash flow analyses or estimated salvage values. Cash flows are estimated using internal forecasts as well as assumptions related to discount rates. Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in the impairment of long-lived assets. The Company amortizes intangible assets that have finite lives over their estimated useful lives.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Goodwill is recognized as the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company does not amortize goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets, but reviews them for impairment annually as of October 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed.
	With respect to goodwill, the Company may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The reporting units are the same as our operating segments, which are also the reportable segments: Energy & Chemicals (“E&C”), Distribution & Storage (“D&S”), and BioMedical. Alternatively, the Company may also bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the goodwill test utilizing a two-step approach. Under the qualitative assessment, the Company first evaluates relevant events and circumstances, such as macroeconomic conditions and the Company’s overall financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company then evaluates how significant each of the identified factors could be to the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit and weighs these factors in totality in forming a conclusion whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test are not necessary. Otherwise, the Company would perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value, further analysis is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
	Similar to the qualitative goodwill impairment testing screen, the Company may first evaluate relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Alternatively, the Company also may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. If, in weighing all relevant events and circumstances in totality, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Company would determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment assessment by comparing the indefinite-lived asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units by using income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted equally to arrive at a fair value estimate for each reporting unit. With respect to the income approach, a model has been developed to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. This fair value model incorporates estimates of future cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of future growth rates and management’s judgment regarding the applicable rates to use to discount such cash flows. With respect to the market approach, a guideline company method is employed whereby pricing multiples are derived from companies with similar assets or businesses to estimate fair value of each reporting unit. Changes to these judgments and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units, which could result in a different assessment of the recoverability of goodwill. The Company estimates the fair value of its indefinite-lived assets using the relief-from-royalty method within the income approach. Under this method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value.
Convertible Debt [Policy Text Block]	Convertible Debt: The Company determined that the embedded conversion feature within the Company’s 2.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “Convertible Notes”) was clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock and therefore exempt from separate accounting treatment. Convertible Notes exempt from derivative accounting are recognized by bifurcating the principal balance into a liability component and an equity component where the fair value of the liability component is estimated by calculating the present value of its cash flows discounted at an interest rate that the Company would have received for similar debt instruments that have no conversion rights (the “straight-debt rate”), and the equity component is the residual amount, net of tax, which creates a discount on the Convertible Notes. The Company recognizes non-cash interest accretion expense related to the carrying amount of the Convertible Notes which is accreted back to its principal amount over the expected life of the debt, which is also the stated life of the debt.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Financial Instruments:  The fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term bank debt approximate their carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	To minimize credit risk from trade receivables, the Company reviews the financial condition of potential customers in relation to established credit requirements before sales credit is extended and monitors the financial condition of customers to help ensure timely collections and to minimize losses. Additionally, for certain domestic and foreign customers, particularly in the E&C segment, the Company requires advance payments, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and other such guarantees of payment. Certain customers also require the Company to issue letters of credit or performance bonds, particularly in instances where advance payments are involved, as a condition of placing the order.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments:  The Company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage foreign currency risk that exists as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. Principal currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Czech koruna, the Australian dollar, the Norwegian krone, the Canadian dollar and the Chinese yuan. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify as hedges as defined by accounting guidance. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured at fair value and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or assets. Changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are not exchange traded instruments and, accordingly, the valuation is performed using Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 10. Gains or losses on settled or expired contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses.
Product Warranties	The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company estimates product warranty costs and accrues for these costs as products are sold with a charge to cost of sales. Factors considered in estimating warranty costs include historical and projected warranty claims, historical and projected cost-per-claim and knowledge of specific product issues that are outside of typical experience. Warranty accruals are evaluated and adjusted as necessary based on actual claims experience and changes in future claim and cost estimates.
	As a result of the BioMedical segment’s acquisition of AirSep Corporation (“AirSep”) in August 2012, the Company recorded a warranty reserve of $37,033 in purchase accounting, which included a significant estimate of claims associated with one of its product lines. This product line has experienced a significantly higher than normal level of failures of compressors and other components. To calculate the reserve associated with this product line, the Company isolated the warranty issues of the specific units which were being returned at significantly higher rates than normal. The entire population of these units was excluded from the typical warranty accrual process and the reserve was estimated by considering the identified population less units already returned, to estimate potential units that will be returned. These expected future claims were multiplied by the estimated cost to repair the unit in order to establish the warranty reserve associated with this product line. The Company has experienced and expects a significant number of claims as this product line runs through its warranty period. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve occurs as this product line progresses through its warranty period (expected completion in 2016). The Company has made various product improvements, revisions to the warranty claim process and a reduction in repair costs since the 2012 acquisition to mitigate the costs associated with this issue. Usage of the acquired warranty reserve has exceeded warranty expense since the acquisition.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition:  For the majority of the Company’s products, revenue is recognized when products are shipped, title has transferred and collection is reasonably assured. For these products, there is also persuasive evidence of an arrangement and the selling price to the buyer is fixed or determinable. For brazed aluminum heat exchangers, cold boxes, liquefied natural gas fueling stations, engineered tanks and commercial oxygen generation systems, the Company primarily uses the percentage of completion method of accounting. Earned revenue is based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion after giving effect to the most current estimates. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause significant variation in working capital needs. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates during the progress of work is reflected in the period in which these changes become known. Earned revenue reflects the original contract price adjusted for agreed upon claims and change orders, if any. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts in process, after consideration of estimated minimum recoveries from claims and change orders, are charged to operations as soon as such losses are known. Pre-contract costs relate primarily to salaries and benefits incurred to support the selling effort and are expensed as incurred. Change orders resulting in additional revenue and profit are recognized upon approval by the customer based on the percentage of incurred costs to date compared to total estimated costs at completion. Certain contracts include incentive-fee arrangements. The incentive fees in such contracts can be based on a variety of factors, but the most common are the achievement of target completion dates, target costs, and/or other performance criteria. Incentive-fee revenue is not recognized until it is earned.
	The Company reports sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales includes all materials, direct and indirect labor, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, internal transfers and distribution and warehousing of inventory. In addition, shop supplies, facility maintenance costs, manufacturing engineering, project management and depreciation expense for assets used in the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs (SG&A)	Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses include selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative expenses not directly supporting the manufacturing process as well as depreciation and amortization expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A expenses include corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, corporate development, human resources, information technology, investor relations, legal, internal audit, risk management and share-based compensation expense.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs:  Amounts billed to customers for shipping are classified as sales, and the related costs are classified as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income. Shipping revenue of $8,855, $12,213 and $10,111 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $15,913, $15,927, and $13,344 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs:  The Company incurred advertising costs of $3,914, $4,515 and $4,828 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs:  The Company incurred research and development costs of $15,588, $14,941 and $14,398 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation:  The functional currency for the majority of the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for asset and liability accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Remeasurement from local to functional currencies is included in cost of goods sold or foreign currency loss (gain) on the consolidated statements of income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are charged to operations as incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:  The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and the consolidated tax return in accordance with the liability method. A valuation allowance is provided against net deferred tax assets when conditions indicate that it is more likely than not that the benefit related to such assets will not be realized.
	The Company utilizes a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position and determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not of being realized upon settlement.
	Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income.
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation:  The Company measures share-based compensation expense for share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance units, and leveraged restricted share units based on the grant-date fair value. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The grant-date fair value calculation under the Black-Scholes pricing model requires the use of variables such as exercise term of the option, future volatility, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and is generally recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The fair value of performance units is based on the Company’s market price on the date of grant and pre-determined performance conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and is recognized on straight-line basis over the performance measurement period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. The Company reassesses the vesting probability of performance units each reporting period and adjusts share-based compensation expense based on the Company’s probability assessment. The fair value of leveraged restricted share units is based on market conditions and calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and is recognized straight-line over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for all awards considers estimated forfeitures.
	During the year, the Company may repurchase shares of common stock from equity plan participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting or payment of equity awards. All such repurchased shares are subsequently retired during the period in which they occur.
New Accounting Pronouncement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendment requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The ASU allows either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the transition method and effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows and disclosures.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	The following table summarizes the components of inventory:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	94,437	$	93,014
	Work in process	35,631		42,996
	Finished goods	85,657		76,994
	Total inventories, net	$	215,725	$	213,004

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant and equipment:
			December 31,
	Classification	Estimated Useful Life	2014			2013
	Land and buildings	20-35 years	$	161,986		$	139,962
	Machinery and equipment	3-12 years	165,379			124,023
	Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures	3-7 years	34,866			24,659
	Construction in process		23,626			37,249
	Total property, plant and equipment, gross		385,857			325,893
	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(128,212		)	(101,688		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net		$	257,645		$	224,205

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following table represents the changes in goodwill:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	398,905		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(2,676		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293			308
	Ending balance	$	405,522		$	398,905
	The following table represents the changes in goodwill by segment:
		Energy &			Distribution & Storage			BioMedical			Total
		Chemicals
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	83,215		$	158,789		$	156,937		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	—			957			(1,301		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	—			308			—			308
	Balance at December 31, 2013	83,215			160,054			155,636			398,905
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	130			(2,806		)	—			(2,676		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293			—			—			9,293
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	92,638		$	157,248		$	155,636		$	405,522
Schedule Of Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The following table displays the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for finite-lived intangible assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets (exclusive of goodwill)(1):
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Amortization
		Amount						Amount
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Unpatented technology	$	35,933		$	(6,979	)	$	43,133		$	(11,776	)
	Patents	7,809			(6,213		)	7,904			(5,397		)
	Trademarks and trade names	8,981			(6,206		)	9,244			(4,525		)
	Non-compete agreements	421			(88		)	—			—
	Customer relations	157,533			(85,187		)	159,143			(73,460		)
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	210,677		$	(104,673	)	$	219,424		$	(95,158	)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trademarks and trade names	$	47,662					$	47,876
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The Company estimates amortization expense to be recognized during the next five years as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,
	2015	$	16,200
	2016	14,300
	2017	13,400
	2018	12,700
	2019	12,500
	The Company recorded an impairment loss of $3,070 during 2012 resulting in the elimination of in-process research & development (“IPR&D”) indefinite-lived intangible assets related to a prior BioMedical segment acquisition. Higher forecasted costs and project delays represented impairment indicators requiring the Company to re-evaluate the fair value of the IPR&D indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company conducted an impairment test based on the multi-period excess earnings valuation method which determines fair value based on the present value of the prospective net cash flow attributable to the intangible asset (Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy).  The Company determined that the fair value of the IPR&D indefinite-lived intangible assets was zero and impaired the intangible assets by a value equal to their carrying amount.

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_T

Debt And Credit Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following table shows the components of the Company’s borrowings:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Convertible notes, due August 2018, effective interest rate of 7.9%	$	204,099		$	193,437
	Term loan, average interest rate of 2.54%	—			68,438
	Foreign facilities	4,903			3,280
	Total debt	209,002			265,155
	Less: current maturities (1)	(4,903		)	(200,467		)
	Long-term debt	$	204,099		$	64,688
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The scheduled annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	4,903
	2018	250,000
	Total	$	254,903

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	The following table represents changes in the Company’s consolidated warranty reserve:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	33,827		$	44,486		$	13,181
	Warranty expense	14,463			17,486			12,494
	Warranty usage	(24,044		)	(28,359		)	(18,222		)
	Acquired warranty reserves	—			214			37,033
	Ending balance	$	24,246		$	33,827		$	44,486
	Warranty expense for 2014 does not include the impact of the Company’s recovery of $5,003 during 2014 from an escrow settlement relating to excess warranty costs for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	The changes in the Company’s contingent consideration liabilities are summarized below:
		Distribution & Storage			BioMedical			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	841		$	6,226		$	7,067
	Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	459			(4,236		)	(3,777		)
	Payment of contingent consideration	(1,300		)	—			(1,300		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	—			1,990			1,990
	Increase in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	—			299			299
	Balance at December 31, 2013	—			2,289			2,289
	Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	—			(474		)	(474		)
	Payment of contingent consideration	—			(741		)	(741		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—		$	1,074		$	1,074

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	49	$	49	$	—
	Contingent consideration liabilities	1,074		—		1,074
	Total financial liabilities	$	1,123	$	49	$	1,074
		December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 2		Level 3
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	13	$	13	$	—
	Total financial assets	$	13	$	13	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	394	$	394	$	—
	Contingent consideration liabilities	2,289		—		2,289
	Total financial liabilities	$	2,683	$	394	$	2,289

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014										Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
		December 31, 2014										31-Dec-13
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)				Foreign currency translation adjustments		Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes			Accumulated other comprehensive income
	Beginning Balance	$	18,425		$	(5,103	)	$	13,322		Beginning Balance	$	14,207	$	(12,566	)	$	1,641
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of taxes of $4,289	(14,617		)	(7,595		)	(22,212		)	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of taxes of $3,769	4,218		6,611			10,829
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $116 (1)	—			204			204
											Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $496 (1)	—		852			852
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(14,617		)	(7,391		)	(22,008		)
	Ending Balance	$	3,808		$	(12,494	)	$	(8,686	)	Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of taxes	4,218		7,463			11,681
											Ending Balance	$	18,425	$	(5,103	)	$	13,322

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table presents calculations of net income per share of common stock:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$	81,864		$	83,176		$	71,295
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share:
	Basic	$	2.69		$	2.75		$	2.39
	Diluted	$	2.67		$	2.6		$	2.36
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic	30,384			30,209			29,786
	Incremental shares issuable upon assumed conversion and exercise of share-based awards	282			411			408
	Incremental shares issuable due to dilutive effect of the Convertible Notes	—			974			—
	Incremental shares issuable due to dilutive effect of warrants	—			337			—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted	30,666			31,931			30,194
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Diluted earnings per share does not reflect the following potential common shares as the effect would be anti-dilutive:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Share-based awards	48		1			109
	Convertible note hedge and capped call transactions (1)	—		948			—
	Warrants	3,368		—			3,368
	Total anti-dilutive securities	3,416		949			3,477

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income before income taxes consists of the following:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	87,505		$	67,355		$	79,812
	Foreign	31,659			51,303			23,294
	Income before income taxes	$	119,164		$	118,658		$	103,106
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	22,608		$	19,421		$	28,076
	State and local	1,406			1,618			1,768
	Foreign	12,326			11,864			5,456
	Total current	36,340			32,903			35,300
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,135			21			(3,477		)
	State and local	180			(364		)	(684		)
	Foreign	(3,563		)	(1,264		)	(357		)
	Total deferred	(248		)	(1,607		)	(4,518		)
	Total provision	$	36,092		$	31,296		$	30,782
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to income tax expense is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	41,708		$	41,530		$	36,087
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	841			757			711
	Foreign income, net of credit on foreign taxes	(245		)	501			48
	Effective tax rate differential of earnings outside of U.S.	(5,411		)	(8,257		)	(4,983		)
	Foreign investment tax credit	—			—			(406		)
	Research & experimentation credits	(1,150		)	(2,105		)	—
	Non-deductible items	1,947			865			2,885
	Change in uncertain tax positions	(52		)	(347		)	(394		)
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2,093		)	(2,237		)	(2,490		)
	Other items	547			589			(676		)
	Income tax expense	$	36,092		$	31,296		$	30,782
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accruals and reserves	$	23,197		$	25,478
	Pensions	6,161			2,536
	Inventory	5,176			4,350
	Share-based compensation	7,235			6,107
	Tax credit carryforwards	553			—
	Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	1,154			594
	State net operating loss carryforward	1,331			1,610
	Other – net	3,230			844
	Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	48,037			41,519
	Valuation allowance	(1,982		)	(1,250		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	46,055		$	40,269
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	24,063		$	17,248
	Intangibles	47,771			53,314
	Convertible notes	2,118			2,623
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	73,952		$	73,185
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	27,897		$	32,916
	The net deferred tax liability is classified as follows:
	Deferred income taxes	$	(17,248	)	$	(14,675	)
	Other assets	(1,743		)	(125		)
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	46,888			47,716
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	27,897		$	32,916
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
	The reconciliation of beginning to ending unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of the year	$	941		$	3,339		$	2,440
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	358			299			1,921
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(329		)	(1,921		)	—
	Reductions for settlements	—			—			(905		)
	Lapse of statutes of limitation	(22		)	(776		)	(117		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of the year	$	948		$	941		$	3,339

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	The components of net periodic pension (income) expense are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Interest cost	$	2,360			$	2,112			$	2,206
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,105		)		(2,705		)		(2,648		)
	Amortization of net loss	320				1,348				974
	Total net periodic pension (income) expense	$	(425	)		$	755			$	532
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, Funded Status and Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheet	The changes in the projected benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	50,684			$	57,268
	Interest cost	2,360				2,112
	Benefits paid	(1,876		)		(1,813		)
	Actuarial losses (gains)	10,939				(6,883		)
	Projected benefit obligation at year end	$	62,107			$	50,684
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	42,965			$	37,941
	Actual return	2,160				6,202
	Employer contributions	1,938				635
	Benefits paid	(1,876		)		(1,813		)
	Fair value of plan assets at year end	$	45,187			$	42,965
	Funded status (Accrued pension liabilities)	$	(16,920	)		$	(7,719	)
	Unrecognized actuarial loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	$	19,814			$	8,250
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The actuarial assumptions used in determining pension plan information are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year end:
	Discount rate	3.75	%		4.75	%		3.75	%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate	4.75	%		3.75	%		4.5	%
	Expected long-term weighted-average rate of return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.75	%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The target allocations by asset category at December 31 are as follows:
	Target Allocations by Asset Category:	2014		2013
	Equity	55%		55%
	Debt	43%		43%
	Cash and cash equivalents	2%		2%
	Total	100%		100%
	The fair values of the plan assets by asset class at December 31 are as follows:
		Fair Value
		Total								Level 2					Level 3
	Plan Assets:	2014				2013				2014			2013		2014		2013
	Equity funds	$	29,435			$	26,668			$	29,435		$	26,668	$	—	$	—
	Fixed income funds	13,766				12,527				13,766			12,527		—		—
	Other investments	1,986				3,770				—			1,609		1,986		2,161
	Total	$	45,187			$	42,965			$	43,201		$	40,804	$	1,986	$	2,161
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—
	Return on plan assets	30
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,925		)
	Transfers, net	4,056
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,161
	Return on plan assets	34
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,898		)
	Transfers, net	1,689
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,986
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding amounts required by law. Based upon current actuarial estimates, the Company does not expect to contribute to its defined benefit pension plan until 2017. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid by the plan in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the subsequent five years:
	2015	$	2,100
	2016	2,300
	2017	2,400
	2018	2,600
	2019	2,800
	In aggregate during five years thereafter	15,800

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options and the assumptions used in estimating the fair values are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share	$	56.15			$	41.52			$	35.69
	Expected term (years)	6.25				6.25				6.25
	Risk-free interest rate	1		%		1		%		1.15		%
	Expected volatility	63.73		%		66.8		%		70.71		%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-average				Aggregate Intrinsic Value				Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term
		of Shares			Exercise
					Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	510			$	35.54
	Granted	74			93.34
	Exercised	(23	)		33.84
	Forfeited	(9	)		59.53
	Outstanding at end of year	552			$	42.92			$	4,040			5.9 years
	Vested and expected to vest at end of year	547			$	42.61			$	4,040			5.9 years
	Exercisable at end of year	344			$	26.85			$	4,040			4.8 years
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock and RSUs activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-Average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	97			$	61.48
	Granted	37			92.17
	Forfeited	(3	)		76.48
	Vested	(43	)		53.17
	Unvested at end of year	88			$	77.94
Performance units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s performance units activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-Average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	86			$	46.94
	Granted	16			93.34
	Vested	(51	)		36.45
	Unvested at end of year	51			$	72.57
Leveraged Restricted Share Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s leveraged restricted share unit awards activity:
		December 31, 2014
		Number			Weighted-average
		of Shares			Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at beginning of year	40			$	74.36
	Granted	19			106.9
	Unvested at end of year	59			$	84.85

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure	The following table summarizes the future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	10,900
	2016	7,500
	2017	6,900
	2018	5,100
	2019	4,200
	Thereafter	9,900
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	44,500

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Energy &			Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals			Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	388,018		$	578,806		$	226,128		$	—		$	1,192,952
	Depreciation and amortization expense	9,649			16,749			13,842			2,936			43,176
	Operating income (loss) (1)	79,665			85,213			25,694			(52,415		)	138,157
	Total assets (2)	322,936			666,451			396,320			76,356			1,462,063
	Capital expenditures	24,834			29,583			3,484			4,234			62,135
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Energy &			Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals			Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	318,510		$	592,616		$	266,312		$	—		$	1,177,438
	Depreciation and amortization expense	8,564			15,237			14,618			1,970			40,389
	Operating income (loss)	59,671			93,560			33,039			(50,273		)	135,997
	Total assets (2)	277,760			676,484			431,763			75,623			1,461,630
	Capital expenditures	34,194			32,039			3,370			2,982			72,585
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Energy &			Distribution &			BioMedical			Corporate			Total
		Chemicals			Storage
	Sales to external customers	$	323,676		$	475,576		$	214,900		$	—		$	1,014,152
	Depreciation and amortization expense	7,877			12,599			10,204			1,516			32,196
	Operating income (loss)	64,931			79,175			24,079			(46,372		)	121,813
	Total assets (2)	203,044			607,252			447,792			69,753			1,327,841
	Capital expenditures	9,519			30,048			2,717			1,401			43,685
	_______________
	(1)	The BioMedical segment’s operating income included recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.
	(2)	Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred income taxes.
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following table represents the changes in goodwill:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	398,905		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(2,676		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293			308
	Ending balance	$	405,522		$	398,905
	The following table represents the changes in goodwill by segment:
		Energy &			Distribution & Storage			BioMedical			Total
		Chemicals
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	83,215		$	158,789		$	156,937		$	398,941
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	—			957			(1,301		)	(344		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	—			308			—			308
	Balance at December 31, 2013	83,215			160,054			155,636			398,905
	Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	130			(2,806		)	—			(2,676		)
	Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293			—			—			9,293
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	92,638		$	157,248		$	155,636		$	405,522
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Energy & Chemicals
	Natural gas processing (including petrochemical) applications	$	208,706		$	175,397		$	236,912
	Liquefied natural gas applications	143,870			114,567			55,625
	Industrial gas applications	35,442			28,546			31,139
	Energy & Chemicals Total	388,018			318,510			323,676
	Distribution & Storage
	Bulk industrial gas applications	204,214			241,291			219,189
	Packaged gas industrial applications	164,966			158,293			149,156
	Liquefied natural gas applications	209,626			193,032			107,231
	Distribution & Storage Total	578,806			592,616			475,576
	BioMedical
	Respiratory therapy	141,273			175,233			143,878
	Life sciences	65,948			61,493			64,449
	Commercial oxygen generation	18,907			29,586			6,573
	BioMedical Total	226,128			266,312			214,900
	Total	$	1,192,952		$	1,177,438		$	1,014,152
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	Net sales by geographic area are reported by the destination of sales. Net property, plant and equipment by geographic area are reported by country of domicile.
		Sales for the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	560,846		$	479,067		$	438,294
	Foreign
	China	188,047			231,143			149,010
	Other foreign countries	444,059			467,228			426,848
	Total Foreign	$	632,106		$	698,371		$	575,858
	Total	$	1,192,952		$	1,177,438		$	1,014,152
		Property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	163,425		$	146,610		$	98,425
	Foreign
	Czech Republic	22,511			23,623			21,559
	China	57,580			38,569			34,158
	Germany	13,495			14,618			14,402
	Other foreign countries	634			785			1,232
	Total Foreign	$	94,220		$	77,595		$	71,351
	Total	$	257,645		$	224,205		$	169,776

Quarterly_Data_unaudited_Table

Quarterly Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Selected quarterly data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Sales	$	266,240	$	306,810	$	293,841	$	326,061	$	1,192,952
	Gross profit	77,546		92,181		91,233		96,894		357,854
	Operating income (1)	22,146		34,044		40,355		41,612		138,157
	Net income	12,339		20,371		23,152		27,210		83,072
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	11,997		20,069		22,851		26,947		81,864
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—basic (2)	$	0.4	$	0.66	$	0.75	$	0.89	$	2.69
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—diluted (2)	$	0.38	$	0.65	$	0.74	$	0.88	$	2.67
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Sales (3)	$	273,648	$	298,266	$	301,757	$	303,767	$	1,177,438
	Gross profit	79,450		89,806		88,645		93,822		351,723
	Operating income	27,351		32,979		35,886		39,781		135,997
	Net income	16,108		20,603		24,847		25,804		87,362
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	15,535		20,000		24,445		23,196		83,176
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—basic	$	0.52	$	0.66	$	0.81	$	0.76	$	2.75
	Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per share—diluted	$	0.51	$	0.64	$	0.74	$	0.71	$	2.6

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	$24,246	$33,827	$44,486	$37,033	$13,181
Shipping and Handling Revenue	-8,855	-12,213	-10,111
Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs	15,913	15,927	13,344
Advertising Expense	3,914	4,515	4,828
Research and Development Expense	$15,588	$14,941	$14,398

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross	$94,437	$93,014
Inventory, Work in Process, Gross	35,631	42,996
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	85,657	76,994
Inventories, net	215,725	213,004
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$5,233	$6,556

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$385,857	$325,893
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-128,212	-101,688
Property, plant and equipment, net	257,645	224,205	169,776
Depreciation	25,231	21,159	17,404
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	161,986	139,962
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	35 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	165,379	124,023
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	12 years
Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	34,866	24,659
Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$23,626	$37,249

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Share Price	$34.20		$52.55
Goodwill Beginning	$398,905	$398,941
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	-2,676	-344
Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293	308
Goodwill Ending	$405,522	$398,905
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	10.00%
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount	30.00%

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$210,677	$219,424
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-104,673	-95,158
Amortization expense	17,945	19,230	14,792
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	16,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	14,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	13,400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	12,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	12,500
Unpatented Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	35,933	43,133
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,979	-11,776
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,809	7,904
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,213	-5,397
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	8,981	9,244
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-6,206	-4,525
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	421	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-88	0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	157,533	159,143
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($85,187)	($73,460)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$3,070,000
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)		$47,662,000	$47,876,000

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_S

Debt And Credit Arrangements Summary of Outstanding Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	$4,903,000	$3,280,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	209,002,000	265,155,000
Current Maturities Of Long Term Debt Including Short Term Debt	4,903,000	200,467,000	[1]
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	204,099,000	64,688,000
Current convertible notes	0	193,437,000
Foreign Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt	4,903,000	3,280,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Convertible Notes, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	204,099,000	193,437,000
Current convertible notes		193,437,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	0
Secured Debt [Member] | Prior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$68,438,000
[1]	Current maturities included $193,437 current convertible notes at December 31, 2013.

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_C

Debt And Credit Arrangements Convertible Notes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$84.96
Current convertible notes	$0	$193,437,000
Interest accretion of convertible notes discount	10,662,000	9,854,000	9,109,000
Amortization of Financing Costs	1,392,000	1,306,000	1,530,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Convertible Notes, Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	7.90%
Number Of Shares Of Convertible Debt Hedged And Capped Call	3,622
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$84.96
Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants	48,848,000
Net Cost Of Convertible Note Hedge And All Capped Transactions	17,638,000
Convertible Debt, Noncurrent	204,099,000
Current convertible notes		193,437,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	45,901,000	56,563,000
Interest Expense, Debt	15,662,000	14,854,000	14,109,000
Interest accretion of convertible notes discount	10,662,000	9,854,000	9,109,000
Debt Issuance Cost	7,277,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger	130.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$69.03
Convertible Notes Principal Amount Denominator For Trading Price	1,000
Maximum Allowable Percentage Of The Product Of Last Reported Sale Price of Common Stock And Conversion Rate For Convertible Notes Payable	97.00%
Percent Of The Principal Amount Of The Convertible Notes Plus Accrued Interest To Be Purchased By The Company Subject Company Undergoing A Fundamental Change	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days	20 days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days	30
Maximum days after any five trading day period in which trading price was less than 97 percent of last reported sale price	5 days
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure, Narrative	The fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately 95% of their par value as of December 31, 2014 and approximately 154% of their par value as of DecemberB 31, 2013. The Convertible Notes are actively quoted instruments and, accordingly, the fair value of the Convertible Notes was determined using Level 1 inputs as defined in Note 10.
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Amortization of Financing Costs	711,000	711,000	711,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Convertible Notes, Due 2018 [Member] | Liability Component [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	170,885,000
Debt Issuance Cost	4,974,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Convertible Notes, Due 2018 [Member] | Equity Component [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	79,115,000
Debt Issuance Cost	$2,303,000

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_S1

Debt And Credit Arrangements Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of Financing Costs	$1,392,000	$1,306,000	$1,530,000
Prior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	1,392,000
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Cost	1,365,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	1,321,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Prior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	375,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		2.54%
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Fronting Fee Percentage Charged For Issuance Of Letters Of Credit	0.13%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Revolving loans under the SSRCF bear interest, at the applicable Borrowerbs election, at either LIBOR or the greatest of (a) the JPMorgan prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1% or (c) the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined in the SSRCF) for a one month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) plus 1% (the bAdjusted Base Rateb), plus a margin that varies with the Companybs leverage ratio.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	Significant financial covenants for the SSRCF include a minimum liquidity requirement equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes outstanding six months prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes and when holders of the Convertible Notes have the option to require the Company to repurchase the Convertible Notes, a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25 and a minimum interest coverage to EBITDA ratio of 3.0. The required leverage ratio can be relaxed on up to two occasions, upon notification to the lenders, to 3.75 for up to four consecutive fiscal quarters, for acquisitions and plant expansions of $100,000 or greater. The SSRCF contains a number of other customary covenants, including but not limited to restrictions on the Companybs ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens or other encumbrances, sell assets, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make certain payments, investments, loans, advances or guarantees, make acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations and pay dividends or distributions.
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure, Narrative	The term loan portion of the Companybs Prior Credit Facility (bTerm Loanb) was transferred to the revolver and subsequently paid off in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Term Loan was estimated based on the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted using market interest rates. Under this method, the fair value of the Term Loan approximated its carrying amount as of DecemberB 31, 2013.
Amortization of Financing Costs	586,000	595,000	587,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	450,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Swingline [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	25,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Letters of Credit [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Foreign Currency [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Foreign Borrower [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	415,959,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	34,041,000
Maximum Percentage Of Capital Stock Guaranteed By Company's Material Non-U.S. Subsidiaries For Obligations Under The Senior Credit Facility	65.00%
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Foreign Borrower [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Sub-limit - Expansion Option [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$200,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Line of Credit, Participation Fee Percentage	1.50%
Maximum [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.40%
Line of Credit, Participation Fee Percentage	2.75%

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_F

Debt And Credit Arrangements Foreign Facilities (Details)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

CCDEC Facility Maturing August 7, 2015 [Member]

CCDEC Facility Maturing August 7, 2015 [Member]

CCDEC Facility Maturing August 7, 2015 [Member]

CCDEC Facility Maturing August 7, 2015 [Member]

CCESC Facility Maturing July 8, 2015 [Member]

CCESC Facility Maturing July 8, 2015 [Member]

Chart Ferox Facilities [Member]

Chart Ferox Facilities [Member]

Chart Luxembourg Facility [Member]

Chart Cryogenic Engineering Systems Co., Ltd. [Member]

Chart Cryogenic Engineering Systems Co., Ltd. [Member]

Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd. [Member]

Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd. [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bonding Guarantee Facility [Member]

Bonding Guarantee Facility [Member]

Overdraft Facility [Member]

Overdraft Facility [Member]

Line of Credit - Working Capital [Member]

Line of Credit - Working Capital [Member]

Line of Credit - Non-financing Bank Guarantee [Member]

Line of Credit - Non-financing Bank Guarantee [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

China Facilities [Member]

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CZK

USD ($)

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

CNY

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$8,171,000

50,000,000

$4,903,000

30,000,000

$1,634,000

10,000,000

$8,171,000

50,000,000

$4,903,000

30,000,000

$16,343,000

100,000,000

$7,661,000

175,000,000

$5,000,000

Short-term debt

4,903,000

3,280,000

3,269,000

20,000,000

0

0

0

0

1,634,000

10,000,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

5.90%

5.90%

6.40%

6.40%

Bank Guarantees Supported By Credit Facilities

$3,126,000

71,400,000

$1,220,000

7,463,000

$286,000

1,750,000

Letter of Credit and Guarantee Fees Percentage

0.70%

0.70%

Debt_And_Credit_Arrangements_S2

Debt And Credit Arrangements Scheduled Annual Maturities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$4,903
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	250,000
Long Term Debt Maturities Total Repayments Due	254,903
Interest Paid	$6,838	$7,233	$6,604

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri1

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments Concentration of Credit Risks (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Benchmark Description	No single customer exceeded ten percent of consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	53.00%	59.00%	56.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	34.00%	37.00%	38.00%

Financial_Instruments_and_Deri2

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives	$2,670	($2,940)	($780)

Product_Warranties_Details

Product Warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2012
Product Warranties [Abstract]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual Beginning	$33,827	$44,486	$13,181	$37,033
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	14,463	17,486	12,494
Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments	-24,044	-28,359	-18,222
Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition	0	214	37,033
Standard Product Warranty Accrual ending	24,246	33,827	44,486	37,033
Escrow Settlement	$5,003

Business_Combinations_Wuxi_Acq

Business Combinations Wuxi Acquisition (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	27-May-14	27-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd. [Member]	Chart Energy & Chemicals Wuxi Co., Ltd. [Member]
				USD ($)	CNY
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				100.00%	100.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				$11,943	73,300
Business Acquisition, Fair Value Of Net Assets Acquired Excluding Goodwill					15,600
Goodwill	$405,522	$398,905	$398,941		57,700

Business_Combinations_Xinye_Ac

Business Combinations Xinye Acquisition (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 08, 2013	Jun. 08, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Nanjing Xinye [Member]	Nanjing Xinye [Member]
				USD ($)	CNY
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				80.00%	80.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				$2,965	18,300
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners				20.00%	20.00%
Business Acquisition, Fair Value Of Net Assets Acquired Excluding Goodwill					16,400
Goodwill	$405,522	$398,905	$398,941		1,900

Business_Combinations_AirSep_A

Business Combinations AirSep Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended			2 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 29, 2013	Aug. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$405,522,000					$398,905,000							$405,522,000	$398,905,000	$398,941,000		$398,941,000
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	24,246,000					33,827,000							24,246,000	33,827,000	44,486,000		44,486,000		37,033,000	13,181,000
Sales	326,061,000		293,841,000	306,810,000	266,240,000	303,767,000	301,757,000	[1]	298,266,000	[1]	273,648,000	[1]	1,192,952,000	1,177,438,000	1,014,152,000
Operating Income (Loss)	41,612,000	[2]	40,355,000	34,044,000	22,146,000	39,781,000	35,886,000		32,979,000		27,351,000		138,157,000	135,997,000	121,813,000
Amortization expense													17,945,000	19,230,000	14,792,000
AirSep [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired																			100.00%
Goodwill																			109,763,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net																			182,450,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Income Taxes Receivable																			2,800,000
Business Acquisition, Preacquisition Contingency, Amount of Settlement																			10,000,000
Business Acquisition, Fair Value Of Net Assets Acquired Excluding Goodwill																			72,687,000
Sales									29,855,000		27,014,000					14,174,000	40,317,000	71,043,000
Operating Income (Loss)																	4,026,000	3,195,000
Business Acquisition, Amortization of Stepped Up Inventory Basis																	3,270,000	2,638,000
Amortization expense																	2,285,000	4,570,000
Management Retention Expenses and Severance Costs																	1,111,000	2,726,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs																	$1,164,000
[1]	During the first and second quarters of 2013, AirSep added sales of $27,014 and $29,855, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, incremental sales related to AirSep were $14,174.
[2]	Includes recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income during the fourth quarter of 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.

Business_Combinations_Contigen

Business Combinations Contigent Consideration (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$1,074	$2,289	$1,990	$7,067
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Recorded in Income, Liability	-474	299	-3,777
Payment of Contingent Consideration	-741		-1,300
BioMedical [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	2,259
Distribution & Storage [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0	0	0	841
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Recorded in Income, Liability	0	0	459
Payment of Contingent Consideration	0		-1,300
BioMedical [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,074	2,289	1,990	6,226
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Recorded in Income, Liability	-474	299	-4,236
Payment of Contingent Consideration	($741)		$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts		$13
Total financial assets		13
Foreign currency forward contracts	49	394
Contingent consideration liabilities	1,074	2,289
Total financial liabilities	1,123	2,683
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts		13
Total financial assets		13
Foreign currency forward contracts	49	394
Contingent consideration liabilities	0	0
Total financial liabilities	49	394
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts		0
Total financial assets		0
Foreign currency forward contracts	0	0
Contingent consideration liabilities	1,074	2,289
Total financial liabilities	$1,074	$2,289

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$3,808		$18,425		$14,207
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	-12,494		-5,103		-12,566
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-8,686		13,322		1,641
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-7,595		6,611
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-22,212		10,829
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax	204	[1]	852	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-14,617		4,218
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-7,391		7,463
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-22,008		11,681
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	4,289		3,769
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	116		496
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	196		818
Cost of Sales [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	$124		$530
[1]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income were expensed and included in cost of sales ($124 and $530 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) and selling, general and administrative expenses ($196 and $818 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) in the consolidated statements of income.

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$26,947	$22,851	$20,069	$11,997	$23,196	$24,445	$20,000	$15,535	$81,864		$83,176		$71,295
Basic	$0.89	$0.75	$0.66	$0.40	$0.76	$0.81	$0.66	$0.52	$2.69	[1]	$2.75		$2.39
Diluted	$0.88	$0.74	$0.65	$0.38	$0.71	$0.74	$0.64	$0.51	$2.67	[1]	$2.60		$2.36
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									30,384		30,209		29,786
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements									282		411		408
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities									0		974		0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants									0		337		0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									30,666		31,931		30,194
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									3,416		949		3,477
Stock Incentive Plans [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									48		1		109
Convertible note hedge and capped call transactions [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									0	[2]	948	[2]	0	[2]
Warrant [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									3,368		0		3,368
[1]	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. As such, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted earnings per share may not equal reported annual basic and diluted earnings per share.
[2]	The convertible note hedge and capped call transactions offset any dilution upon actual conversion of the Convertible Notes up to a common stock price of $84.96. See Note 6 for further information.

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,416		949		3,477
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$84.96
Stock Incentive Plans [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	48		1		109
Convertible note hedge and capped call transactions [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	[1]	948	[1]	0	[1]
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,368		0		3,368
[1]	The convertible note hedge and capped call transactions offset any dilution upon actual conversion of the Convertible Notes up to a common stock price of $84.96. See Note 6 for further information.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income before taxes
United States	$87,505	$67,355	$79,812
Foreign	31,659	51,303	23,294
Income before income taxes	119,164	118,658	103,106
Current:
Federal	22,608	19,421	28,076
State	1,406	1,618	1,768
Foreign	12,326	11,864	5,456
Current income tax expense (benefit)	36,340	32,903	35,300
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	3,135	21	-3,477
State and local	180	-364	-684
Foreign	-3,563	-1,264	-357
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-248	-1,607	-4,518
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	36,092	31,296	30,782
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	41,708	41,530	36,087
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	841	757	711
Foreign income, net of credit on foreign taxes	-245	501	48
Effective tax rate differential of earnings outside of U.S.	-5,411	-8,257	-4,983
Foreign investment tax credit	0	0	-406
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount	-1,150	-2,105	0
Non-deductible items	1,947	865	2,885
Change in uncertain tax positions	-52	-347	-394
Domestic production activities deduction	-2,093	-2,237	-2,490
Other items	547	589	-676
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves	23,197	25,478
Pensions	6,161	2,536
Inventory	5,176	4,350
Stock options	7,235	6,107
Tax credit carryforwards	553	0
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	1,154	594
State net operating loss carryforward	1,331	1,610
Other - net	3,230	844
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	48,037	41,519
Valuation allowance	-1,982	-1,250
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	46,055	40,269
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	24,063	17,248
Intangibles	47,771	53,314
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Convertible Notes	2,118	2,623
Total deferred tax liabilities	73,952	73,185
Net deferred tax liabilities	27,897	32,916
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	-17,248	-14,675
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	-1,743	-125
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	46,888	47,716
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Beginning Balance	941	3,339	2,440
Additions for tax positions of prior years	358	299	1,921
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-329	-1,921	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	0	0	-905
Lapse of statutes of limitation	-22	-776	-117
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Ending Balance	948	941	3,339
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	203,420
Income Taxes Paid	31,208	24,977	19,193
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	462	410
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	94	93
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense (Benefit)	1	-8	42
Possible future decreases in unrecognized tax benefits	$22

Income_Taxes_Operating_Loss_Ca

Income Taxes Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State net operating losses usable after limitations from Internal Revenue Code 382	$15,955
State net operating loss carryforward	1,331	1,610
Valuation allowance	1,982	1,250
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	1,154	594
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	1,068
Foreign Country [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	459
Foreign operating losses available to carryforward	4,237
Foreign operating losses expiring between 2014 and 2016	2,948
Foreign operating losses to be carried forward indefinitely	$1,289

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Employe

Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans - Various (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of net periodic pension expense:
Interest cost	$2,360	$2,112	$2,206
Expected return on plan assets	-3,105	-2,705	-2,648
Amortization of net loss	320	1,348	974
Total net periodic pension (income) expense	-425	755	532
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	50,684	57,268
Interest cost	2,360	2,112	2,206
Benefits paid	-1,876	-1,813
Actuarial losses (gains)	10,939	-6,883
Projected benefit obligation at year end	62,107	50,684	57,268
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	42,965	37,941
Actual return	2,160	6,202
Employer contributions	1,938	635
Benefits paid	-1,876	-1,813
Fair value of plan assets at year end	45,187	42,965	37,941
Funded status (Accrued pension liabilities)	-16,920	-7,719
Unrecognized actuarial loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	19,814	8,250
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	1,429
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year end:
Discount rate	3.75%	4.75%	3.75%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.75%	3.75%	4.50%
Expected long-term weighted-average rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.25%	7.75%
Expected future benefit payments
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	2,100
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	2,300
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	2,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	2,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	2,800
In aggregate during five years thereafter	15,800
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	992	908	760
Defined contribution expense	10,773	9,814	8,011
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$409	$276	$507

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined

Employee Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plan - Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	100%	100%
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$45,187	$42,965	$37,941
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	2,161	0
Return on plan assets	34	30
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	-1,898	-1,925
Transfers, net	1,689	4,056
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	1,986	2,161
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	43,201	40,804
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,986	2,161
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	55%	55%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	43%	43%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage	2%	2%
Equity Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	29,435	26,668
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	29,435	26,668
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,766	12,527
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	13,766	12,527
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Other Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,986	3,770
Other Investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	1,609
Other Investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$1,986	$2,161

Sharebased_Compensation_Overal

Share-based Compensation Overall (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Expense	$9,692	$9,989	$7,461
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,859	6,673	8,972
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	8,340
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 296 days
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	552	510
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,302
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 92 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested, shares	88	97
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,528
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 215 days
Performance units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested, shares	51	86
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,095
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 4 days
Leveraged Restricted Share Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested, shares	59	40
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,415
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 197 days
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	3,421
Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	138
Omnibus Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	3,350
Omnibus Equity Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	414
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	$1,859	$6,673	$8,972

Sharebased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-based Compensation Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 296 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$8,340
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share	$56.15	$41.52	$35.69
Expected term (years)	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Risk-free interest rate	1.00%	1.00%	1.15%
Expected volatility	63.73%	66.80%	70.71%
Award vesting period	4 years
Contractual Term	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period, shares	510
Outstanding at beginning of period, price	$35.54
Granted, shares	74
Granted, price	$93.34
Exercised	-23
Exercised, price	$33.84
Expired or forfeited, shares	-9
Expired or forfeited, price	$59.53
Outstanding at end of period, shares	552	510
Outstanding at end of period, price	$42.92	$35.54
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	4,040
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 340 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	547
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$42.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	4,040
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 332 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	344
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	4,040
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 285 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 92 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,302
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	940	21,199	18,310
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$3,163	$2,673	$2,216

Sharebased_Compensation_Restri

Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 296 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$8,340
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Nonvested, shares	88	97
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$77.94	$61.48
Granted, shares	37
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$92.17	$69.72	$60.80
Vested, shares	-43
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$53.17
Forfeited, shares	-3
Forfeitured, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$76.48
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 215 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,528
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$3,930	$5,782	$4,654

Sharebased_Compensation_Perfor

Share-based Compensation Performance Units (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 296 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$8,340
Performance units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Nonvested, shares	51	86
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$72.57	$46.94
Granted, shares	16
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$93.34	$68.21	$55.93
Vested, shares	-51	0
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$36.45
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 4 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,095
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$2,650		$9,386
Performance units [Member] | 2012 Performance units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	0.00%
Performance units [Member] | 2012 Performance units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	200.00%
Performance units [Member] | 2013 Performance units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	0.00%
Performance units [Member] | 2013 Performance units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	200.00%
Performance units [Member] | 2014 Performance units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	0.00%
Performance units [Member] | 2014 Performance units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Performance Share Units Earned Out Of Performance Share Units Granted	200.00%

Sharebased_Compensation_Levera

Share-based Compensation Leveraged Restricted Share Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 296 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$8,340
Leveraged Restricted Share Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Nonvested, shares	59	40
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$84.85	$74.36
Granted, shares	19
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$106.90	$80.34	$67.05
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 197 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$2,415
Leveraged Restricted Share Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Leveraged Restricted Share Units Earned Out Of Leveraged Restricted Share Units Granted	50.00%
Leveraged Restricted Share Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent of Leveraged Restricted Share Units Earned Out Of Leveraged Restricted Share Units Granted	150.00%

Sharebased_Compensation_Direct

Share-based Compensation Directors' Stock Grants (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonemployee directors stock awards, Quantity of Securities Issued	8	4	5
Nonemployee directors stock awards, Amount recognized in equity	$588	$393	$368

Lease_Commitments_Details

Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense under operating leases	$11,375	$10,581	$9,980
Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	10,900
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	7,500
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	6,900
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	5,100
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	4,200
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	9,900
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$44,500

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued environmental	$3,587	$3,871
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Significant Assumptions	The Company accrues for certain environmental remediation-related activities for which commitments or remediation plans have been developed and for which costs can be reasonably estimated. These estimates are determined based upon currently available facts and circumstances regarding each facility. Actual costs incurred may vary from these estimates due to the inherent uncertainties involved. Future expenditures relating to these environmental remediation efforts are expected to be made over the next 14 years as ongoing costs of remediation programs.
Enogex Federal Court Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	75,000
Enogex State Court Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$105,000

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											$1,192,952		$1,177,438		$1,014,152
Depreciation and amortization expense											43,176		40,389		32,196
Operating income (loss)	41,612	[1]	40,355	34,044	22,146	39,781		35,886	32,979	27,351	138,157		135,997		121,813
Total assets (2)	1,462,063	[2]				1,461,630	[2]				1,462,063	[2]	1,461,630	[2]	1,327,841	[2]
Capital expenditures											62,135		72,585		43,685
Escrow Settlement											5,003
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	257,645					224,205					257,645		224,205		169,776
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											560,846		479,067		438,294
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	163,425					146,610					163,425		146,610		98,425
CZECH REPUBLIC
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	22,511					23,623					22,511		23,623		21,559
China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											188,047		231,143		149,010
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	57,580					38,569					57,580		38,569		34,158
Germany [Member]
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	13,495					14,618					13,495		14,618		14,402
Other Non-U.S. Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											444,059		467,228		426,848
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	634					785					634		785		1,232
Non-U.S. Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											632,106		698,371		575,858
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net	94,220					77,595					94,220		77,595		71,351
Energy & Chemicals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											388,018		318,510		323,676
Depreciation and amortization expense											9,649		8,564		7,877
Operating income (loss)											79,665		59,671		64,931
Total assets (2)	322,936	[2]				277,760	[2]				322,936	[2]	277,760	[2]	203,044	[2]
Capital expenditures											24,834		34,194		9,519
Energy & Chemicals [Member] | Natural gas processing (including petrochemical) applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											208,706		175,397		236,912
Energy & Chemicals [Member] | Liquefied natural gas applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											143,870		114,567		55,625
Energy & Chemicals [Member] | Industrial gas applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											35,442		28,546		31,139
Distribution & Storage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											578,806		592,616		475,576
Depreciation and amortization expense											16,749		15,237		12,599
Operating income (loss)											85,213		93,560		79,175
Total assets (2)	666,451	[2]				676,484	[2]				666,451	[2]	676,484	[2]	607,252	[2]
Capital expenditures											29,583		32,039		30,048
Distribution & Storage [Member] | Liquefied natural gas applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											209,626		193,032		107,231
Distribution & Storage [Member] | Bulk industrial gas applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											204,214		241,291		219,189
Distribution & Storage [Member] | Packaged gas industrial applications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											164,966		158,293		149,156
BioMedical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											226,128		266,312		214,900
Depreciation and amortization expense											13,842		14,618		10,204
Operating income (loss)											25,694	[3]	33,039		24,079
Total assets (2)	396,320	[2]				431,763	[2]				396,320	[2]	431,763	[2]	447,792	[2]
Capital expenditures											3,484		3,370		2,717
BioMedical [Member] | Respiratory therapy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											141,273		175,233		143,878
BioMedical [Member] | Life sciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											65,948		61,493		64,449
BioMedical [Member] | Commercial oxygen generation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											18,907		29,586		6,573
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales to external customers											0		0		0
Depreciation and amortization expense											2,936		1,970		1,516
Operating income (loss)											-52,415		-50,273		-46,372
Total assets (2)	76,356	[2]				75,623	[2]				76,356	[2]	75,623	[2]	69,753	[2]
Capital expenditures											$4,234		$2,982		$1,401
[1]	Includes recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income during the fourth quarter of 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.
[2]	Corporate assets consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and deferred income taxes.
[3]	The BioMedical segmentbs operating income included recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa3

Segment and Geographic Information Goodwill by Segment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$405,522	$398,905	$398,941
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	-2,676	-344
Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293	308
Energy & Chemicals [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	92,638	83,215	83,215
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	130	0
Goodwill acquired during the year	9,293	0
Distribution & Storage [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	157,248	160,054	158,789
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	-2,806	957
Goodwill acquired during the year	0	308
BioMedical [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	155,636	155,636	156,937
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	0	-1,301
Goodwill acquired during the year	$0	$0

Quarterly_Data_unaudited_Detai

Quarterly Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended				2 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Sales	$326,061,000		$293,841,000	$306,810,000	$266,240,000	$303,767,000	$301,757,000	[1]	$298,266,000	[1]	$273,648,000	[1]	$1,192,952,000		$1,177,438,000	$1,014,152,000
Gross profit	96,894,000		91,233,000	92,181,000	77,546,000	93,822,000	88,645,000		89,806,000		79,450,000		357,854,000		351,723,000	305,163,000
Operating Income (Loss)	41,612,000	[2]	40,355,000	34,044,000	22,146,000	39,781,000	35,886,000		32,979,000		27,351,000		138,157,000		135,997,000	121,813,000
Net income	27,210,000		23,152,000	20,371,000	12,339,000	25,804,000	24,847,000		20,603,000		16,108,000		83,072,000		87,362,000	72,324,000
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	26,947,000		22,851,000	20,069,000	11,997,000	23,196,000	24,445,000		20,000,000		15,535,000		81,864,000		83,176,000	71,295,000
Basic	$0.89		$0.75	$0.66	$0.40	$0.76	$0.81		$0.66		$0.52		$2.69	[3]	$2.75	$2.39
Diluted	$0.88		$0.74	$0.65	$0.38	$0.71	$0.74		$0.64		$0.51		$2.67	[3]	$2.60	$2.36
Escrow Settlement													-5,003,000
AirSep [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Sales									29,855,000		27,014,000						14,174,000	40,317,000	71,043,000
Operating Income (Loss)																		$4,026,000	$3,195,000
[1]	During the first and second quarters of 2013, AirSep added sales of $27,014 and $29,855, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, incremental sales related to AirSep were $14,174.
[2]	Includes recovery of $5,003 increasing operating income during the fourth quarter of 2014 from an escrow settlement for alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to warranty costs (which are in excess of the settlement amount) for certain product lines acquired from AirSep in 2012.
[3]	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. As such, the sum of quarterly basic and diluted earnings per share may not equal reported annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	$5,654		$4,080		$2,360
Additions - Charged to costs and expenses	1,505		2,447		3,067
Additions - Charged to other accounts	0	[1]	199	[1]	930
Deductions	-633	[2]	-1,149	[2]	-2,289	[2]
Translations	51		-77		-12
Balance at end of period	6,475		5,654		4,080
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	6,556		4,078		3,191
Additions - Charged to costs and expenses	4,087		2,010		2,507
Additions - Charged to other accounts	0		675	[1]	1,085	[1]
Deductions	-5,158	[3]	-313	[3]	-2,732	[3]
Translations	252		-106		27
Balance at end of period	5,233		6,556		4,078
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	1,250		1,766		1,869
Additions - Charged to costs and expenses	1,089		339		1,251
Additions - Charged to other accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	-290	[4]	-879	[4]	-1,362
Translations	67		-24		-8
Balance at end of period	$1,982		$1,250		$1,766
[1]	Reserves at date of acquisition of subsidiary or subsidiaries.
[2]	Reversal of amounts previously recorded as bad debt and uncollectible accounts written off.
[3]	Inventory items written off against the allowance.
[4]	Deductions to the deferred tax assets valuation allowance relate to decreased deferred tax assets and the release of the valuation allowance.