Share issuance for litigation settlement.

No definition available.

Name:	cdti_LitigationSettlementSharesIssuable
Namespace Prefix:	cdti_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	cdti_SeveranceandOtherChargesDetailsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	cdti_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of addition (reduction) to the amount at which an instrument classified in shareholders' equity could be incurred (settled) in a current transaction between willing parties.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityFairValueAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of cash paid for the settlement of litigation or for other legal issues during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 25

-Subparagraph (g)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3536-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Severance and Other Charges (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Mar. 13, 2014 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]
Severance and Other Charges (Details) [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount			$ 0.4
Litigation Settlement Shares Issuable (in Shares)			75,000
Estimated Litigation Liability				0.7	0.6
Equity, Fair Value Adjustment		0.2
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 0.1