Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
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, Europe and South America.
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, Europe and South America. 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 reclassifications have been made to the 2014 consolidated balance sheet and the Goodwill and Intangible Assets note (Note 6) to conform to the 2015 presentation. Also, certain product sales information as reported in 2013 was reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation within Note 19. 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. When collection of a specific amount due is deemed not probable, 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, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and 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 from discounted future net cash flows (for assets held and used) or net realizable value (for assets held for sale). 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. See Note 3, Asset Impairments, for more information relating to finite-lived intangible asset impairment losses recorded during 2015. 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 in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed. Goodwill is analyzed on a reporting unit basis. The reporting units are the same as the operating and reportable segments: E&C, D&S and BioMedical. In 2015, the Company utilized the quantitative goodwill impairment test which consists of two steps to determine potential impairment. In the first step (“Step 1”), management estimates the fair value of the reporting units by using income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted 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 discount rates to use to discount such estimates of 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. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, then goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the second step (“Step 2”) of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, to recognize. In Step 2, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to the assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and if the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first evaluates 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. 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, management determines the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets by performing a quantitative impairment assessment comparing the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. The Company may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. Management estimates the fair value of indefinite-lived assets using the income approach. This may include the relief from royalty method or use of a model similar to the one described above related to goodwill which estimates the future cash flows attributed to the indefinite-lived intangible asset and then discounting these cash flows back to a present value. Under the relief from royalty method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value. The fair value from either approach is compared to the carrying value and an impairment is recorded if the fair value is determined to be less than the carrying value. See Note 3, Asset Impairments, and Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for more information relating to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the asset impairment charges recorded during 2015. 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 11. 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. 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 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 operations. 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 operations. Shipping revenue of $11,592, $8,855 and $12,213 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $15,245, $15,913, and $15,927 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in cost of sales. Advertising Costs: The Company incurred advertising costs of $5,074, $3,914 and $4,515 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Research and Development Costs: The Company incurred research and development costs of $15,842, $15,588 and $14,941 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. 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 (loss) income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) 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. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. 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. Defined Benefit Pension Plan: The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan which is frozen, which covers certain U.S. employees. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. The change in the funded status of the plan is recognized in the year in which the change occurs through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding amounts required by law. Management has chosen policies according to accounting guidance that allow the use of a calculated value of plan assets, which generally reduces the volatility of expense (income) from changes in pension liability discount rates and the performance of the pension plans’ assets. Recent Accounting Standards: In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The FASB issued the update to require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The ASU requires a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The amendments address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Except for certain early application guidance provided in the ASU, early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” The amendments require an entity to classify deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively as of December 31, 2015 as reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s results of operations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” The amendments require an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The amendments require an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using the last-in, first-out cost method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest–Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The amendments require an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of debt issuance costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which states that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The new guidance will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments require 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of the new standard by one year. As a result, the standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The ASU allows full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the transition method and effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 consolidated balance sheet and the Goodwill and Intangible Assets note (Note 6) to conform to the 2015 presentation. Also, certain product sales information as reported in 2013 was reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation within Note 19.

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. When collection of a specific amount due is deemed not probable, 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, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and 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 from discounted future net cash flows (for assets held and used) or net realizable value (for assets held for sale). 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.

See Note 3, Asset Impairments, for more information relating to finite-lived intangible asset impairment losses recorded during 2015.

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 in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed.

Goodwill is analyzed on a reporting unit basis. The reporting units are the same as the operating and reportable segments: E&C, D&S and BioMedical. In 2015, the Company utilized the quantitative goodwill impairment test which consists of two steps to determine potential impairment. In the first step (“Step 1”), management estimates the fair value of the reporting units by using income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted 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 discount rates to use to discount such estimates of 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. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, then goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the second step (“Step 2”) of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, to recognize.

In Step 2, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to the assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and if the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first evaluates 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. 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, management determines the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets by performing a quantitative impairment assessment comparing the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. The Company may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. Management estimates the fair value of indefinite-lived assets using the income approach. This may include the relief from royalty method or use of a model similar to the one described above related to goodwill which estimates the future cash flows attributed to the indefinite-lived intangible asset and then discounting these cash flows back to a present value. Under the relief from royalty method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value. The fair value from either approach is compared to the carrying value and an impairment is recorded if the fair value is determined to be less than the carrying value.

See Note 3, Asset Impairments, and Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for more information relating to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the asset impairment charges recorded during 2015.

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 11. 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.

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 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 operations.

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 operations. Shipping revenue of $11,592, $8,855 and $12,213 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $15,245, $15,913, and $15,927 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in cost of sales.

Advertising Costs: The Company incurred advertising costs of $5,074, $3,914 and $4,515 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

Research and Development Costs: The Company incurred research and development costs of $15,842, $15,588 and $14,941 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.

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 (loss) income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) 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. Significant judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

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.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan: The Company sponsors a defined benefit plan which is frozen, which covers certain U.S. employees. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. The change in the funded status of the plan is recognized in the year in which the change occurs through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding amounts required by law. Management has chosen policies according to accounting guidance that allow the use of a calculated value of plan assets, which generally reduces the volatility of expense (income) from changes in pension liability discount rates and the performance of the pension plans’ assets.

Recent Accounting Standards: In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The FASB issued the update to require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The ASU requires a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The amendments address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Except for certain early application guidance provided in the ASU, early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” The amendments require an entity to classify deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively as of December 31, 2015 as reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s results of operations.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” The amendments require an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” The amendments require an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using the last-in, first-out cost method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest–Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The amendments require an entity to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of debt issuance costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which states that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The new guidance will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments require 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of the new standard by one year. As a result, the standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The ASU allows full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the transition method and effect that the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.