Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Gardner Denver
Net income attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 54,832	$ 59,478
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency adjustments, net	29,260	31,242
Unrecognized gain on cash flow hedges, net	46	250
Pension and other postretirement prior service cost and gain or loss, net	(350)	(740)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	28,956	30,752
Comprehensive income attributable to Gardner Denver	83,788	90,230
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	283	421
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	59	192
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	59	192
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	342	613
Total Comprehensive Income	$ 84,130	$ 90,843