Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land improvements Land Improvements [Member] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives in years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets of the Company, Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Amortization Expense Five Succeeding Years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Net tax expense recorded Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Provisional expense for U.S. tax reform bill Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net benefit for revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provisional benefit for net deferred taxes Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Transition tax expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense France tax rate change (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, France Income Tax Rate Differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, France Income Tax Rate Differential U.S. tax rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent U.S. tax reform provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Transaction costs related to acquisitions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisition of Business, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisition of Business, Percent Valuation allowance for foreign carryforwards Valuation Allowance For Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards Valuation allowance on foreign carry forwards. Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued interest Income Tax Examination, Interest Accrued Accrued penalties Income Tax Examination, Penalties Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits subject to change within the next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule Of Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Canada CANADA France FRANCE Germany GERMANY China CHINA Mexico MEXICO Italy ITALY India INDIA Australia AUSTRALIA Brazil BRAZIL Other international Other International [Member] Other international Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Long-Lived Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest rate swap agreements Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative term (in years) Derivative, Term of Contract Amount reclassified into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Net gain Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Interest rate swap agreement, current liability Derivative Liability, Current Accumulated other comprehensive income loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Disclosure Preferred Stock Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure preferred stock additional information. Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] United States Foreign Plan Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Net gain (loss) arising during the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Effect of exchange rates Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Effect Of Exchange Rates The effect of exchange rates on other comprehensive income related to defined benefit plans. Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Asset (Obligation) Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Amortization Or Settlement Recognition Of Net Loss Gain Amortization or settlement recognized as part of other comprehensive income for defined benefit Plans. Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Business Combinations [Abstract] ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure stock based compensation additional information. Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] Directors Plan Directors Plan [Member] Directors plan. Plan 2011 Plan Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Plan two thousand eleven. Plan 2000 Plan Two Thousand [Member] Plan two thousand. Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Non-Vested Restricted Stock Non Vested Restricted Stock [Member] Non vested restricted stock. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Incentive Stock Awards Performance Shares [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Plan term, years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares authorized for grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Shares issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation plans Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Recognized weighted average period, years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Risk-free interest rate, year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Expected Life Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions risk free interest rate expected life. Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Stock price volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Freight Segment Freight Segment [Member] Freight Segment Transit Segment Transit Segment [Member] Transit segment. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance beginning of period Goodwill Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency impact Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance end of period Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled accounts receivable Unbilled Receivables, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Deposits in escrow Escrow Deposit Other assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Goodwill Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Non Current Including Goodwill And Intangible Assets Net Other Non-Current Assets that includes Goodwill, Other Intangibles net, and Other noncurrent assets. Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Customer deposits Customer Deposits, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Accrued postretirement and pension benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitment and Contingencies (Note 19) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized: 132,349,534 shares issued and 96,034,352 and 95,425,432 outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost, 36,315,182 and 36,924,102 shares, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Deferred income tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Accrued expenses and reserves Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves And Accruals Accrued Expenses And Reserves Accrued expenses and reserves component of deferred income tax asset. Warranty reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves Deferred compensation/employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Pension and postretirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Pension And Postretirement Benefits Pension and post-retirement obligation component of Deferred income tax asset. Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Net operating loss carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Tax credit carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Other Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Gross deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred income tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property, plant & equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Parent Company [Member] Guarantors Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Elimination Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other (expense) income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Equity earnings (loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Equity [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax of $1,338 and $1,540 Unrealized loss on pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $19,532 and $20,832 Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Unrealized loss on interest rate swap contracts, tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Unrealized Gain Loss On Interest Rate Swap Contracts Tax Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap contracts, tax included in accumulated other comprehensive income loss. Pension benefit plans and post retirement benefit plans, tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Tax Pension benefit plans and post retirement benefit plans, tax included in accumulated other comprehensive income loss. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance beginning of period Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Cash dividends ($ 0.28 in 2015, $0.36 in 2016 and $0.44 in 2017) Dividends, Cash Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax, shares (in shares) Stock Granted Exercised And Cancelled For Various Equity Instruments Stock awards granted, exercised and cancelled for the following forms of stock compensation 1) Stock Options 2) Restricted Stock Awards and 3) Incentive Stock Awards. Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Net income Translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, net of tax ($14 in 2015, $45 in 2016 and $$1,763 in 2017) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax ($444 in 2015, $230 in 2016, and $1,079 in 2017) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax ($10,279 in 2015, $2,790 in 2016, and $1,300 in 2017) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Stock repurchase, shares (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchase, value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Balance end of period Ending Balance (in shares) Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity security funds Equity Securities [Member] Debt security funds and other Debt Securities [Member] Other Investments Other Investments [Member] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [ Line Items ] Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Target asset allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Contribution to the plan Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year Assumed health care cost trend rate, initial rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate The trend rate for health care cost associated with the defined benefits plan. Assumed health care cost trend rate, ultimate rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost components (less than) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of 1% point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost components (less than) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of 1% point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Number of shares held on behalf of participants (in shares) Defined Contribution Plan, Number Of Shares Held On Behalf Of Participants Defined Contribution Plan, Number of shares held on behalf of participants. Market value of the shares held on behalf of participants Defined Contribution Plan, Market Value Of Shares Held On Behalf Of Participants Defined Contribution Plan, Market value of the shares held on behalf of participants Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Melett Melett Limited [Member] Melett Limited [Member] TTC Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] ATP Aero Transportation Products [Member] Aero Transportation Products [Member] Workhorse Workhorse [Member] Workhorse [Member] Precision Turbo Precision Turbo [Member] Precision Turbo [Member] Unitrac Unitrac [Member] Unitrac [Member] AM General AM General Contractor [Member] AM General Contractor [Member] Gerken Gerken [Member] Gerken [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Property, plant & equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 4.375% Senior Notes Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] Four point three seven five percent senior notes due two thousand twenty three. 3.45% Senior Notes Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Derivative, carrying value Note, carrying value Long-term Debt Derivative, fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Note, fair value Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Stated interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Gross notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative asset fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liabilities at fair value Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative, Fair Value, Net Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Net purchases, issuances, and settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Business acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase for Acquisitions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase for Acquisitions Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Balance Sheet Adjustment Other Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) Other Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Other Fair value of plan assets at end of year Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Gross profit Income from operations Basic earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-progress Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Foreign currency loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other miscellaneous income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income, net STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Fair value of plan assets Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Activities and Elimination Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total sales Income (loss) from operations Interest expense and other, net Interest Expense And Other Net Amount of interest expense and other revenue and expenses that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Income (loss) from operations before income taxes Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Segment assets Interest paid during the year Interest Paid Income taxes paid during the year, net of amount refunded Income Taxes Paid, Net Fair value of assets acquired Fair Value of Assets Acquired Liabilities assumed Liabilities Assumed Non-controlling interest (acquired) assumed Noncontrolling Interest Assumed Noncontrolling Interest Assumed Stock and cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Less: Cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Stock used for acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Net cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Senior Notes Due 2026 Schuldschein Loan Schuldschein Loan [Member] Schuldschein Loan [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Other Debt Obligations Other Debt Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Capital Leases Capital Lease Obligations Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less - current portion Long-term portion Unamortized debt issuance cost Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Stock Option Activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Options Outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-Based Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted-Average Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity Schedule Of Restricted Stock Activity And Incentive Stock Awards Activity Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock activity and incentive stock awards activity. 2018 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Future years Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans Multiemployer Plan, Cost Multiemployer Plan, Cost 401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Total Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans And Multiemployer Pension Plans Cost recognized for 401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plan Disclosure Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Disclosure components of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Derivative Contracts Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Pension and post retirement benefits plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net current period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Segment Financial Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Geographic Area Data Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Sales by Product Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Faiveley Faiveley Transport [Member] Faiveley transport. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Patents Patents [Member] Assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Acquired intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other noncurrent assets Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued liabilities and customer deposits Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities And Customer Deposits Increase decrease in accrued liabilities and customer deposits. Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchase of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired Deposit in escrow Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Payments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Stock re-purchase Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Payment of income tax withholding on share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Cash dividends ($0.44, $0.36, and $0.28 per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015) Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of changes in currency exchange rates Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents (Decrease) increase in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash, beginning of year Cash, end of year Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] United States Domestic Plan [Member] Equity Debt Securities Cash and cash equivalents Insurance Contracts Insurance Contracts [Member] Insurance Contracts [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] NAV Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value of Plan Assets Change in projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Balance Sheet Adjustment Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Employee contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Plan curtailments and amendments Defined Benefit Plan Curtailments And Amendments Defined benefit plan curtailments and amendments. Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination Actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Effect of currency rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Obligation at end of year Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Balance Sheet Adjustment Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Employee contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Business Combination Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Effect of currency rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefit obligations Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Noncurrent assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Noncurrent liabilities Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net actuarial (loss) gain Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive gain (loss) before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Current taxes Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred taxes Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred taxes Total provision Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percentage allocated to common shareholders (as a percent) Percentage Of Net Income Allocated To Common Shareholders Percentage allocated to common shareholders. Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Shareholders The amount of undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for the periods presented. Add: dividends declared - common shares Dividends Declared Common Shares Dividends declared common shares. Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share Numerator For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share. Denominator Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted earnings per common shares - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders, basic (in dollars per share) Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non rested restricted stock expected to vest (in shares) Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding And Non Vested Restricted Stock Expected To Vest Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non vested restricted stock expected to vest. Income Statement [Abstract] Cost of sales Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Engineering expenses Research and Development Expense Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Total operating expenses Other income and expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Income tax expense Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Earnings Per Common Share Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Asbestos Related Cases Asbestos Related Cases [Member] Asbestos Related Cases [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Siemens Industry, Inc. Siemens Industry, Inc. [Member] Siemens Industry, Inc. [Member] Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System [Member] Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System [Member] Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Denver Transit Denver Transit [Member] Denver Transit [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Arbitration decisions Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number Patents allegedly infringed Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Alleged damages Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Claims filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Pending litigation cases Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] LONG-TERM DEBT Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Restricted Stock and Units Restricted Stock And Units [Member] Restricted stock and units. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Expected To Vest Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested number expected to vest. Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Net Performance Adjustment Weighted Average Net Performance Adjustment Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options net performance adjustment weighted average net performance adjustment fair value. Canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Number of reportable segment Number of Reportable Segments Export sales Export Sales Goods or services sold to a foreign country. Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of net loss (gain) Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative Contracts Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Cost of sales Income from Operations Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of significant accounting policies. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of significant accounting policies. Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Product warranty expense Product Warranty Expense Accrued product warranty Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Interest rate swap, accumulated other comprehensive loss Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other (expense) income, net Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Provisions for loss contracts Provision for Loss on Contracts Deferred pre-production costs Deferred Set-up Costs, Noncurrent Research and development costs SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year Gross increases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross increases - current period unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Gross decreases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross decreases - audit settlement during year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Gross decreases - expiration of audit statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at end of year Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Patents And Other Patents And Other [Member] Patents and other. Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Depreciation expense Depreciation Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current Current assets - other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Property, plant and equipment Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Current liabilities Inter-company Intercompany Loans Intercompany Loans Long-term liabilities - other Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Change in pension and post retirement benefit plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Gross profit Business Acquisition Pro Forma Gross Profit The proforma gross profit for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Diluted earnings per share As Reported (in dollars per share) Pro forma (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets And Prior Service Cost Credit Define benefit plan amortization of initial net obligation and prior service (credit) cost. Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement and curtailment losses recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Disclosure Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Disclosure stock option activity. Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Exercisable at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable shares at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Granted Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of granted options for the period presented. Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Canceled Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Outstanding, end of period Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Table] Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Table] Future minimum payments under non cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more. Real Estate Land and Building [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items] Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Line Items] Future minimum payments under non cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more. 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2023 and after Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule Of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Non-US Non-US [Member] Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Number of countries where product found (more than) Number Of Countries Where Product Found Number of countries where product found. Number of countries company operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Revenues from customers outside the U.S. (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Under $15.00 Exercise Price Range One [Member] Exercise Price Range One. 15.00 - 23.00 Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range Two. 23.00 - 30.00 Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price Range Three. 30.00 - 38.00 Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price Range Four. Over 38.00 Exercise Price Range Five [Member] Exercise Price Range Five. Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Number of options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements Property, plant and equipment Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] INTANGIBLES Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Major Classes of Depreciable Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property Plant And Equipment Table [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property Plant And Equipment Table PREFERRED STOCK Preferred Stock [Text Block] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Idaho Operating Engineers Employers Pension Trust Fund Idaho Operating Engineers Employers Pension Trust Fund [Member] Idaho operating engineers employers pension trust fund. Automobile Mechanics Local Number Seven Hundred And One Union and Industry Pension Plan Automobile Mechanics Local Number Seven Hundred And One Union And Industry Pension Plan [Member] Automobile mechanics local number seven hundred and one union and industry pension plan. Defined Contribution Plan Defined Contribution Plan [Member] Defined contribution plan. Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] EIN Entity Tax Identification Number Plan Number Multiemployer Plan Number Pension Protection Act Zone Status Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented Multiemployer Plans, Funding Improvement Plan and Rehabilitation Plan Contributions by the Company Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer Surcharge Imposed Multiemployer Plans, Surcharge Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date Contribution to the plan (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan Percentage Of Contribution Defined contribution plan percentage of contribution. Increasing in weekly pension fund contribution rates Defined Contribution Plans Increase Decrease In Contribution Rate Defined contribution plans increase decrease in contribution rate. Surcharge imposed (as a percent) Multiemployer Plans Surcharge Imposed Multiemployer plans, surcharge imposed. Schedule Of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases term, in years Lease Expiration Lease expiration. Net rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2023 through 2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter OPERATING LEASES Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Liabilities at fair value Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Warranty expense Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Acquisitions Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Warranty claim payments Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Foreign currency impact Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at end of year Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Alternative Rate Alternative Rate [Member] Alternative rate. Debt instrument face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt issuance face value (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Deferred financing cost Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Revolving credit facility, amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility loan term, years Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Long-term line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Line of credit facility, amount currently available Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Interest rate on notional value (as a percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Minimum interest expense coverage ratio Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio Maximum debt to cash flow ratio Maximum Debt To Cash Flow Ratio Maximum Debt To Cash Flow Ratio Liabilities assumed Number of investors Number of Investors Number of Investors Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Changes in Product Warranty Reserve Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leasing Arrangements Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Costs Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests Policy [Policy Text Block] Non controlling interests policy. Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Significant Customers and Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Components of Income from Operations before Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Liability for Income Taxes Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible assets disclosure. Intellectual Property Intellectual Property [Member] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible assets disclosure. Trade names Indefinite-Lived Trade Names Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Intangible assets, amortization expense 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five BUSINESS Nature of Operations [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Principal Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] WARRANTIES Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Warranty and overhaul reserves Warranty And Overhaul Reserves [Member] Warranty and overhaul reserves. Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation allowance-taxes Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged/ (credited) to expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Charged/(credited) to other accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts Deductions from reserves Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at end of period U.S. federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Tax reserves Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Reserves Effective income tax rate reconciliation tax reserves. Foreign Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Research and development credit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent Manufacturing deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent France tax rate change U.S. tax rate change Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Acquisitions other than Faiveley Acquisitions other than Faiveley [Member] Acquisitions other than Faiveley [Member] Recent Acquisitions Recent Acquisitions [Member] Recent Acquisitions [Member] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Fair Value of Receivables Fair Value of Receivables [Member] Fair Value of Receivables [Member] Fair Value of Current Liabilities Fair Value of Current Liabilities [Member] Fair Value of Current Liabilities [Member] Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Member] Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Member] Annual sales of Faiveley Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Number of employees (more than) Business Combination Number Of Employees Business combination number of employees. Number of countries Faiveley operates in Business Combination Number Of Countries Business combination number of countries. Purchase price per share (in euros per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash (as a percent) Percentage Of Business Acquisition Consideration Payable In Cash Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash. Percentage of share capital acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Percentage of voting interests in Faiveley (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of common shares issued for conversion of one acquiree common share Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Percentage of additional share capital outstanding (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Cash payment for acquisition Percentage of share capital owned (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Total purchase price (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash acquired from acquisition Deposit in escrow Adjustment for change in value of customer relationships Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Adjustment for change in value of current liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Adjustment for changes in receivables Adjustment for changes in liabilities Adjustment to other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets Goodwill adjustment Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Accrued compensation assumed within other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Compensation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Compensation Purchase price Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Goodwill deductible for taxes (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Expected Tax Deductible Percent Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Expected Tax Deductible Percent Goodwill and other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets Average useful life, years Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Products and Services Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services Products and Services [Domain] Specialty Products & Electronics Electronics And Other Freight Related Products [Member] Electronics and other freight related products. Brake Products Brake Products [Member] Brake products. Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build Remanufacturing Overhaul And Build [Member] Remanufacturing overhaul and build. Transit Products Transit Products [Member] Transit products. Other All Other [Member] All other. Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Obligations and Funded Status Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of U.S. and International Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations and with Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Develop Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Amounts Included in Other Comprehensive Loss That are Expected to be Recognized as Components of Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid to Plan Participants Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plans Schedule Of Defined Contribution Plans And Multiemployer Pension Plans Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of defined contribution plans and multiemployer pension plans. Contributions in Multiemployer Pension Plans Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] Components of Other (Expense) Income Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]