Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 5,826	$ (4,825)	$ 12,918	$ (2,523)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Interest rate swap	201		(422)
Foreign currency translation	(73)	(1,575)	(1,526)	(2,104)
Comprehensive income (loss)	5,954	(6,400)	10,970	(4,627)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	22		(36)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CECO Environmental Corp.	$ 5,976	$ (6,400)	$ 10,934	$ (4,627)