CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (5,734)	$ 13,077	$ 6,557
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Translation loss	(2,664)	(1,597)	(22)
Minimum pension/postretirement liability adjustment	(292)	(4,052)	1,362
Comprehensive (loss) income	(8,690)	7,428	7,897
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(132)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to CECO Environmental Corp.	$ (8,558)	$ 7,428	$ 7,897