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 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.