| Cover Cover | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CHART INDUSTRIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11442 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 34-1712937 |
| Entity Address, Street Name | 3055 Torrington Drive |
| Entity Address, City | Ball Ground |
| Entity Address, State | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30107 |
| City Area Code | 770 |
| Local Phone Number | 721-8800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, par value $0.01 |
| Trading Symbol(s) | GTLS |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000892553 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
