Equity Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$ 20,000	$ 17,936	$ 35,535	$ 32,019
Basic	$ 0.66	$ 0.60	$ 1.18	$ 1.08
Diluted	$ 0.64	$ 0.59	$ 1.15	$ 1.06
Basic	30,249	29,797	30,143	29,695
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	315	403	378	435
IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToWarrantsAndConversionOfDebtSecurities	864	0	479	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	31,428	30,200	31,000	30,130
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	84.96		84.96
Stock Options and Convertible Note Hedge [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	837	108	561	107
Warrant [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,266	3,368	3,368	3,368