Equity Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$ 24,445	$ 18,516	$ 59,980	$ 50,535
Basic	$ 0.81	$ 0.62	$ 1.99	$ 1.70
Diluted	$ 0.74	$ 0.61	$ 1.90	$ 1.68
Basic	30,275	29,839	30,181	29,743
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	354	391	352	412
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities	1,399	13	866	13
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants	823	0	215	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	32,851	30,243	31,614	30,168
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	84.96		84.96
Stock Incentive Plans [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	103	6	97
Convertible note hedge and capped call transactions [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,336	13	850	13
Warrant [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	3,368	0	3,368