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											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 69,064	[1]	$ 64,103	$ 75,267	$ 54,832	[2]	$ 77,381	[3]	$ 73,583	$ 67,121	$ 59,478	$ 263,266	$ 277,563	$ 172,962
Basic												49,591,239	51,669,378	52,295,833
Effect of stock-based compensation awards												225,092	384,360	431,979
Diluted												49,816,331	52,053,738	52,727,812
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.41	[1]	$ 1.31	$ 1.52	$ 1.08	[2]	$ 1.53	[3]	$ 1.43	$ 1.28	$ 1.14	$ 5.31	$ 5.37	$ 3.31
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.40	[1]	$ 1.30	$ 1.51	$ 1.08	[2]	$ 1.52	[3]	$ 1.42	$ 1.27	$ 1.13	$ 5.28	$ 5.33	$ 3.28

[1] Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 reflect restructuring charges of $2.9 million ($2.1 million after income taxes) and due diligence and other costs incurred in connection with exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value totaling $2.6 million ($1.9 million after income taxes).

[2] Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 reflect restructuring charges of $14.4 million ($10.3 million after income taxes).

[3] Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 reflect corporate relocation and acquisition due diligence costs totaling $0.6 million ($0.4 million after income taxes) and a net foreign currency gain of $3.4 million related to the financing of the Robuschi acquisition.