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
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 45,683	$ 54,832
Basic	49,161	50,638
Effect of stock-based compensation awards	196	299
Diluted	49,357	50,937
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.93	$ 1.08
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.93	$ 1.08

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

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-Glossary Net Income

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

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+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

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-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

+ Details