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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Gardner Denver	$ 64,103	$ 73,583	$ 194,202	$ 200,182
Basic	49,038	51,601	49,752	52,028
Effect of stock-based compensation awards	193	367	237	400
Diluted	49,231	51,968	49,989	52,428
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.31	$ 1.43	$ 3.90	$ 3.85
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.30	$ 1.42	$ 3.88	$ 3.82
Antidilutive equity-based awards outstanding	331	142	324	116