Schedule of Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (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
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 75,267	$ 67,121	$ 130,099	$ 126,599
Basic	49,582	52,285	50,110	52,246
Effect of stock-based compensation awards	226	399	262	416
Diluted	49,808	52,684	50,372	52,662
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.52	$ 1.28	$ 2.60	$ 2.42
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.51	$ 1.27	$ 2.58	$ 2.40
Antidilutive equity-based awards outstanding	425	147	327	105