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

The amount of expense provided in the period for legal costs incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation, including arbitration and mediation proceedings.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LegalFees
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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		12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 Common Stock [Member] Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]	Mar. 13, 2014 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Administrative Complaint By Former CFO [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Legal Settlement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Customer Dispute [Member]
Severance and Other Charges (Details) [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount		$ 0.4
Litigation Settlement Shares Issuable (in Shares)		75,000
Estimated Litigation Liability			0.6
Legal Fees				0.1
Equity, Fair Value Adjustment	0.1
Payments for Legal Settlements					$ 0.1