Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule Of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 73,583	$ 46,575	$ 200,182	$ 115,867
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,737)	61,439	(6,397)	(16,294)
Comprehensive income attributable to Gardner Denver	17,846	108,014	193,785	99,573
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	694	273	1,690	1,158
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(392)	347	(4)	(462)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	302	620	1,686	696
Total comprehensive income	$ 18,148	$ 108,634	$ 195,471	$ 100,269