Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	$ 18,516	$ 17,540	$ 50,535	$ 35,661
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share – basic	$ 0.62	$ 0.60	$ 1.70	$ 1.23
Net income attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share – diluted	$ 0.61	$ 0.59	$ 1.68	$ 1.19
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	29,839	29,288	29,743	29,088
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	391	678	412	783
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	13	0	13	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	30,243	29,966	30,168	29,871
Stock Options [Member]
Calculations of net income per share of common stock
Anti-dilutive stock options exluded from total shares-diluted (in shares)	116	148	110	97