Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. (in dollars)	$ 17,936	$ 10,591	$ 32,019	$ 18,121
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share – basic	$ 0.60	$ 0.36	$ 1.08	$ 0.63
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share – diluted	$ 0.59	$ 0.35	$ 1.06	$ 0.61
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	29,797	29,202	29,695	28,986
Incremental shares issuable upon assumed conversion and exercise of stock options	403	764	435	837
Total shares – diluted	30,200	29,966	30,130	29,823
Stock Options [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Anti-dilutive stock options exluded from total shares-diluted (in shares)	108	142	107	71