Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Gardner Denver
Net income attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 263,266	$ 277,563	$ 172,962
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	20,341	(31,249)	(65,291)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net	185	434	(683)
Foreign currency (loss) gain on investment in foreign subsidiaries	4,850	(1,783)	40,414
Pension and other postretirement prior service cost and gain or loss, net	(5,486)	(11,541)	4,471
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	19,890	(44,139)	(21,089)
Comprehensive income attributable to Gardner Denver	283,156	233,424	151,873
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,227	1,979	1,992
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	70	314	(324)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	70	314	(324)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,297	2,293	1,668
Total Comprehensive Income	$ 284,453	$ 235,717	$ 153,541