Basis of Preparation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation: The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates where the Company’s ownership is between 20 percent and 50 percent, or where the Company does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operations or financial policy, are accounted for under the equity method.
Use of Estimates	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 amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales include 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.
Selling, general and administrative costs	Selling, general and administrative costs (“SG&A”): SG&A includes selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative costs not directly supporting the manufacturing process as well as depreciation expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A includes corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, human resources, information technology, legal, internal audit, risk management and stock-based compensation expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 balances include money market investments, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper.
Short-Term Investments	Short-Term Investments: From time to time, the Company invests in short-term, highly liquid, variable rate instruments, which have stated maturities of greater than three months but less than six months. These short-term investments are recorded at cost which approximates fair value. The Company has determined that its investment securities are available and intended for use in current operations and, accordingly, classifies investment securities as current assets. There were no short term investments at June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Revenue Recognition	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 and engineered tanks, the Company 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. 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. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause a significant variation in working capital requirements. The Company reports sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities.
Product Warranties	Product Warranties: The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company calculates its warranty reserve by considering historical warranty experience and specifically identified warranty issues. The Company records warranty expense in cost of sales.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: The Company does not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but reviews them at least annually for impairment, and on an interim basis if necessary, using a measurement date of October 1st. The Company amortizes intangible assets that have finite lives over their useful lives. With respect to goodwill, the Company assesses 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, Distribution & Storage, and BioMedical. 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, further goodwill impairment test is not necessary. Otherwise, the Company would perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. As of October 1, 2011, and based on the Company's qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying amount of each reporting unit and, therefore, the two-step goodwill impairment test was not necessary. With respect to other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company determines the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, compares the fair value to its carrying amount and records an impairment loss if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The Company uses the relief from royalty method to develop fair value estimates for trade names and trademarks. This method focuses on the level of royalty payments that the user of an intangible asset would be willing to pay for the use of the asset if it were not owned by the user. This method has been consistently applied between years.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation: The Company records stock-based compensation according to current accounting guidance which requires all share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, to be measured at fair value on the date of grant. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company granted 104 stock options, 31 shares of restricted stock and stock unit awards, 15 performance stock units, and 18 leveraged restricted stock units. Non-employee directors received 3 stock awards with a fair value of $180. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, participants in the Company's stock option plans exercised options to purchase 190 shares of the Company's common stock. The stock options vest ratably over a four year period. Restricted stock and stock unit awards vest ratably over a three year period, and performance stock units and leveraged restricted stock units vest at the end of three years based on the achievement of certain performance and market conditions.
Convertible Debt	Convertible Debt: The Company determines if the embedded conversion feature within the Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Convertible Notes”) is clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock and therefore exempt from separate accounting treatment under ASC 815, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Convertible Notes exempt from derivative accounting are recognized according to ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” 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 subsequently 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.

Basis of Preparation (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Principles of Consolidation: The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates where the Company’s ownership is between 20 percent and 50 percent, or where the Company does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operations or financial policy, are accounted for under the equity method.

Use of Estimates

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 amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales include 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.

Selling, general and administrative costs

Selling, general and administrative costs (“SG&A”): SG&A includes selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative costs not directly supporting the manufacturing process as well as depreciation expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A includes corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, human resources, information technology, legal, internal audit, risk management and stock-based compensation expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 balances include money market investments, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper.

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Investments: From time to time, the Company invests in short-term, highly liquid, variable rate instruments, which have stated maturities of greater than three months but less than six months. These short-term investments are recorded at cost which approximates fair value. The Company has determined that its investment securities are available and intended for use in current operations and, accordingly, classifies investment securities as current assets. There were no short term investments at June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Revenue Recognition

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 and engineered tanks, the Company 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. 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. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause a significant variation in working capital requirements. The Company reports sales net of tax assessed by qualifying governmental authorities.

Product Warranties

Product Warranties: The Company provides product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of its products. The Company calculates its warranty reserve by considering historical warranty experience and specifically identified warranty issues. The Company records warranty expense in cost of sales.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: The Company does not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but reviews them at least annually for impairment, and on an interim basis if necessary, using a measurement date of October 1st. The Company amortizes intangible assets that have finite lives over their useful lives.

With respect to goodwill, the Company assesses 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, Distribution & Storage, and BioMedical. 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, further goodwill impairment test is not necessary. Otherwise, the Company would perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. As of October 1, 2011, and based on the Company's qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying amount of each reporting unit and, therefore, the two-step goodwill impairment test was not necessary.

With respect to other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company determines the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, compares the fair value to its carrying amount and records an impairment loss if the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The Company uses the relief from royalty method to develop fair value estimates for trade names and trademarks. This method focuses on the level of royalty payments that the user of an intangible asset would be willing to pay for the use of the asset if it were not owned by the user. This method has been consistently applied between years.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation: The Company records stock-based compensation according to current accounting guidance which requires all share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, to be measured at fair value on the date of grant.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company granted 104 stock options, 31 shares of restricted stock and stock unit awards, 15 performance stock units, and 18 leveraged restricted stock units. Non-employee directors received 3 stock awards with a fair value of $180. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, participants in the Company's stock option plans exercised options to purchase 190 shares of the Company's common stock.

The stock options vest ratably over a four year period. Restricted stock and stock unit awards vest ratably over a three year period, and performance stock units and leveraged restricted stock units vest at the end of three years based on the achievement of certain performance and market conditions.

Convertible Debt

Convertible Debt: The Company determines if the embedded conversion feature within the Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Convertible Notes”) is clearly and closely related to the Company’s common stock and therefore exempt from separate accounting treatment under ASC 815, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Convertible Notes exempt from derivative accounting are recognized according to ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” 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 subsequently 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.