Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation Principals of Consolidation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chart Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation Principals of Consolidation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chart Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.