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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 16, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000943452
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Trading Symbol	WAB
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		96,090,518
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 7.8

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 233,401	$ 398,484
Accounts receivable	800,619	667,596
Unbilled accounts receivable	366,168	274,912
Inventories	742,634	658,510
Deposits in escrow	0	744,748
Other assets	122,291	123,381
Total current assets	2,265,113	2,867,631
Property, plant and equipment	1,026,046	912,230
Accumulated depreciation	(452,074)	(393,854)
Property, plant and equipment, net	573,972	518,376
Other Assets
Goodwill	2,460,103	2,078,765
Other intangibles, net	1,204,432	1,053,860
Other noncurrent assets	76,360	62,386
Total other assets	3,740,895	3,195,011
Total Assets	6,579,980	6,581,018
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	552,525	530,211
Customer deposits	369,716	256,591
Accrued compensation	164,210	145,324
Accrued warranty	137,542	123,190
Current portion of long-term debt	47,225	129,809
Other accrued liabilities	302,112	261,514
Total current liabilities	1,573,330	1,446,639
Long-term debt	1,823,303	1,762,967
Accrued postretirement and pension benefits	103,734	110,597
Deferred income taxes	175,902	245,680
Accrued warranty	15,521	15,802
Other long-term liabilities	59,658	22,508
Total liabilities	3,751,448	3,604,193
Commitment and Contingencies (Note 19)
Equity
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	0	0
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	1,323	1,323
Additional paid-in capital	906,616	869,951
Treasury stock, at cost, 36,315,182 and 36,924,102 shares, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	(827,379)	(838,950)
Retained earnings	2,773,300	2,553,258
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(44,992)	(379,605)
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	2,808,868	2,205,977
Noncontrolling interest	19,664	770,848
Total equity	2,828,532	2,976,825
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 6,579,980	$ 6,581,018

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	132,349,534	132,349,534
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	96,034,352	95,425,432
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	36,315,182	36,924,102

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Cost of sales	(2,816,443)	(2,006,949)	(2,260,182)
Gross profit	1,065,313	924,239	1,047,816
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(511,898)	(371,805)	(347,373)
Engineering expenses	(95,166)	(71,375)	(71,213)
Amortization expense	(36,516)	(22,698)	(21,663)
Total operating expenses	(643,580)	(465,878)	(440,249)
Income from operations	421,733	458,361	607,567
Other income and expenses
Interest expense, net	(68,704)	(42,561)	(16,888)
Other (expense) income, net	(966)	(2,963)	(5,311)
Income from operations before income taxes	352,063	412,837	585,368
Income tax expense	(89,773)	(99,433)	(186,740)
Net income	262,290	313,404	398,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(29)	(8,517)	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 262,261	$ 304,887	$ 398,628
Basic
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 2.74	$ 3.37	$ 4.14
Diluted
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 2.72	$ 3.34	$ 4.10
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	95,453	90,359	96,074
Diluted (in shares)	96,125	91,141	97,006

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 262,261	$ 304,887	$ 398,628
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	326,096	(93,684)	(132,899)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	9,799	305	(1,202)
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	2,845	(12,021)	26,689
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before tax	338,740	(105,400)	(107,412)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,127)	2,514	(9,821)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	334,613	(102,886)	(117,233)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 596,874	$ 202,001	$ 281,395

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 262,290	$ 313,404	$ 398,628
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	103,248	69,795	64,734
Stock-based compensation expense	21,287	20,813	26,019
Deferred income taxes	(67,423)	(10,228)	4,981
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	1,907	232	587
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable	(68,676)	19,728	21,500
Inventories	(8,955)	45,340	20,147
Accounts payable	(91,722)	(18,932)	(76,650)
Accrued income taxes	47,644	(11,759)	21,740
Accrued liabilities and customer deposits	(18,891)	(11,338)	(14,837)
Other assets and liabilities	8,102	33,475	(16,005)
Net cash provided by operating activities	188,811	450,530	450,844
Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(89,466)	(50,216)	(49,428)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	1,291	363	1,784
Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired	(921,537)	(183,113)	(129,550)
Deposit in escrow	733,983	(542,099)	(202,942)
Net cash used for investing activities	(275,729)	(775,065)	(380,136)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt	1,216,740	1,875,000	787,400
Payments of debt	(1,269,537)	(1,102,748)	(612,680)
Stock re-purchase	0	(212,176)	(387,787)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans	4,428	1,983	3,097
Payment of income tax withholding on share-based compensation	(6,844)	(6,658)	(14,565)
Cash dividends ($0.44, $0.36, and $0.28 per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015)	(42,218)	(32,430)	(26,963)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(97,431)	522,971	(251,498)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	19,266	(26,143)	(18,868)
(Decrease) increase in cash	(165,083)	172,293	(199,658)
Cash, beginning of year	398,484	226,191	425,849
Cash, end of year	$ 233,401	$ 398,484	$ 226,191

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.36	$ 0.28

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,808,974	$ 1,323	$ 448,531	$ (392,262)	$ 1,909,136	$ (159,486)	$ 1,732
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		132,349,534		36,075,139
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends ($ 0.28 in 2015, $0.36 in 2016 and $0.44 in 2017)	(26,963)				(26,963)
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax	2,007		(2,918)	$ 4,925
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax, shares (in shares)				450,738
Stock based compensation	23,713		23,713
Net income	398,628				398,628
Translation adjustment	(132,899)					(132,899)
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, net of tax ($14 in 2015, $45 in 2016 and $$1,763 in 2017)	(66)					(66)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax ($444 in 2015, $230 in 2016, and $1,079 in 2017)	(678)					(678)
Change in pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax ($10,279 in 2015, $2,790 in 2016, and $1,300 in 2017)	16,410					16,410
Stock repurchase, shares (in shares)				(4,889,027)
Stock repurchase, value	(387,787)			$ (387,787)
Balance end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,701,339	$ 1,323	469,326	$ (775,124)	2,280,801	(276,719)	1,732
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		132,349,534		40,513,428
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends ($ 0.28 in 2015, $0.36 in 2016 and $0.44 in 2017)	(32,430)				(32,430)
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax	(3,452)		(8,490)	$ 5,038
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax, shares (in shares)				328,245
Stock based compensation	17,748		17,748
Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest	760,599						760,599
Net income	313,404				304,887		8,517
Translation adjustment	(93,684)					(93,684)
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, net of tax ($14 in 2015, $45 in 2016 and $$1,763 in 2017)	(324)					(324)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax ($444 in 2015, $230 in 2016, and $1,079 in 2017)	354					354
Change in pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax ($10,279 in 2015, $2,790 in 2016, and $1,300 in 2017)	(9,232)					(9,232)
Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition	534,679		391,367	$ 143,312
Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition (in shares)				6,307,489
Stock repurchase, shares (in shares)				(3,046,408)
Stock repurchase, value	(212,176)			$ (212,176)
Balance end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	2,976,825	$ 1,323	869,951	$ (838,950)	2,553,258	(379,605)	770,848
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		132,349,534		36,924,102
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends ($ 0.28 in 2015, $0.36 in 2016 and $0.44 in 2017)	(42,218)				(42,218)
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax	(2,416)		(7,361)	$ 4,945
Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax, shares (in shares)				608,920
Stock based compensation	16,650		16,650	$ 0
Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest	(742,282)		8,931				(751,213)
Net income	262,290				262,261		29
Translation adjustment	326,095					326,095
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, net of tax ($14 in 2015, $45 in 2016 and $$1,763 in 2017)	2,282					2,282
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax ($444 in 2015, $230 in 2016, and $1,079 in 2017)	4,689					4,689
Change in pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax ($10,279 in 2015, $2,790 in 2016, and $1,300 in 2017)	1,546					1,546
Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition	25,071		18,445	6,626
Balance end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 2,828,532	$ 1,323	$ 906,616	$ (827,379)	$ 2,773,301	$ (44,993)	$ 19,664
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		132,349,534		36,315,182

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.36	$ 0.28
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts, tax	$ 1,763	$ 45	$ 14
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, tax	1,079	230	444
Change in pension and post retirement benefit plans, tax	$ 1,300	$ 2,790	$ 10,279

BUSINESS	12 Months Ended
BUSINESS	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BUSINESS	BUSINESS Wabtec is one of the world’s largest providers of value-added, technology-based equipment, systems and services for the global passenger transit and freight rail industries. Our highly engineered products, which are intended to enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce maintenance costs for customers, can be found on most locomotives, freight cars, passenger transit cars and buses around the world. Our products enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce maintenance costs for customers, and many of our core products and services are essential in the safe and efficient operation of freight rail and passenger transit vehicles. Wabtec is a global company with operations in 31 countries and our products can be found in more than 100 countries throughout the world. In 2017, about 66% of the Company’s revenues came from customers outside the U.S.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries that it controls. For consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company's ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests. These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Sales between subsidiaries are billed at prices consistent with sales to third parties and are eliminated in consolidation. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in our receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available evidence. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $12.3 million and $7.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory costs include material, labor and overhead. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment additions are stated at cost. Expenditures for renewals and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The Company computes book depreciation principally on the straight-line method. Accelerated depreciation methods are utilized for income tax purposes. Leasing Arrangements The Company conducts a portion of its operations from leased facilities and finances certain equipment purchases through lease agreements. In those cases in which the lease term approximates the useful life of the leased asset or the lease meets certain other prerequisites, the leasing arrangement is classified as a capital lease. The remaining arrangements are treated as operating leases. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Other intangibles (with definite lives) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level and at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test during the fourth quarter after the annual forecasting process is completed, and also tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Periodically, Management of the Company assesses whether or not an indicator of impairment is present that would necessitate an impairment analysis be performed. For 2017, the Company opted to proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test for all reporting units with goodwill. In the first step of the quantitative assessment, our assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill and other intangible assets, are assigned to the identified reporting units to determine the carrying value of the reporting units. The income approach and the market approach are weighted at 50% and 50%, respectively, in arriving at fair value. The discounted cash flow model requires several assumptions including future sales growth, EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margins and capital expenditures for the reporting units. The discounted cash flow model also requires the use of a discount rate and a terminal revenue growth rate (the revenue growth rate for the period beyond the years forecasted by the reporting units), as well as projections of future operating margins. The market approach requires several assumptions including EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiples for comparable companies that operate in the same markets as the Company’s reporting units. The estimated fair value of all reporting units was substantially in excess of its respective carrying value, which resulted in a conclusion that no impairment existed. Additionally, the Company proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test for some trade names with indefinite lives. The fair value of all trade names subject to the quantitative impairment test exceeded its respective carrying value, resulting in a conclusion that no impairment existed. For trade names not subject to the quantitative testing, the Company opted to perform a qualitative trade name impairment assessment and determined from the qualitative assessment that it was not more likely than not that the estimated fair values of the trade names were less than their carrying values; therefore, no further analysis was required. In assessing the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a trade name is less than its carrying amount, we assess relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying amount of the trade name. The identification of relevant events and circumstances and how these may impact a trade name’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments and assumptions. The judgment and assumptions include the identification of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, Wabtec specific events, share price trends and making the assessment on whether each relevant factor will impact the impairment test positively or negatively and the magnitude of any such impact. Warranty Costs Warranty costs are accrued based on Management’s estimates of repair or upgrade costs per unit and historical experience. Warranty expense was $50.4 million, $28.9 million and $35.4 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accrued warranty was $153.1 million and $139.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws. The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and foreign income taxes. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value amortized ratably over the requisite service period following the date of grant. Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company has entered into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Foreign currency forward contracts are agreements with a counterparty to exchange two distinct currencies at a set exchange rate for delivery on a set date at some point in the future. There is no exchange of funds until the delivery date. At the delivery date, the Company can either take delivery of the currency or settle on a net basis. For further information regarding the foreign currency forward contracts, see Footnote 17. To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150 million. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded a current liability of $1.2 million and a corresponding offset in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $0.7 million, net of tax, related to these agreements. For further information regarding the interest rate swap agreement, see Footnote 17. Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except for the Company’s Mexican operations whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date while income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions, and the translation of financial statements are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements based upon the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions and balances of a long-term investment nature are accumulated and carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are charged or credited to earnings. Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other (expense) income, net were $6.6 million, $4.0 million and $4.7 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Noncontrolling Interests In accordance with ASC 810, the Company has classified noncontrolling interests as equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was not material for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015. Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was not material. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition,” The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred; 3) an established sales price has been set with the customer; 4) collection of the sale revenue from the customer is reasonably assured; and 5) no contingencies exist. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer assumes the risk and rewards of ownership. The Company estimates and records provisions for quantity rebates and sales returns and allowances as an offset to revenue in the same period the related revenue is recognized, based upon its experience. These items are included as a reduction in deriving net sales. In general, the Company recognizes revenues on long-term contracts based on the percentage of completion method of accounting. The units-of-delivery method or other input-based or output-based measures, as appropriate, are used to measure the progress toward completion of individual contracts. Contract revenues and cost estimates are reviewed and revised quarterly at a minimum and adjustments are reflected in the accounting period as such amounts are determined. Provisions are made currently for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts. Unbilled accounts receivables were $366.2 million and $274.9 million, customer deposits were $369.7 million and $256.6 million, and provisions for loss contracts were $94.0 million and $60.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Certain pre-production costs relating to long-term production and supply contracts have been deferred and will be recognized over the life of the contracts. Deferred pre-production costs were $20.2 million and $29.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Significant Customers and Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company’s trade receivables are from rail and transit industry original equipment manufacturers, Class I railroads, railroad carriers and commercial companies that utilize rail cars in their operations, such as utility and chemical companies. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2017, 2016 or 2015. Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling are classified as a component of net revenues. All costs associated with shipping and handling are classified as a component of cost of sales. Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred costs of approximately $95.2 million, $71.4 million, and $71.2 million, respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic and diluted earnings per common share is computed in accordance with ASC 260 “Earnings Per Share.” Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method included in ASC 260-10-55. (See Note 11 “Earnings Per Share” included herein) Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified, where necessary, to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements below. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates. On an ongoing basis, Management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-02 "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". The amendments in this update address certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"). Current guidance requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The amount of the reclassification would include the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of TCJA related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the TCJA related to items remaining in AOCI are recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost". The amendments in this update require the service cost component of net benefit costs to be reported in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside income from operations. This update also allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance in 2018 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". The amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform a goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value up to the carrying amount of the goodwill. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of adopting this guidance could result in a change in the overall conclusion as to whether or not a reporting units' goodwill is impaired and the amount of an impairment charge recognized in the event a reporting units' carrying value exceeds its fair value. All of the Company's reporting units had fair values that were greater than the carrying value as of the Company's last quantitative goodwill impairment test, which was performed as of October 1, 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash". The amendments in this update require a statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance in 2018 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 814)" which requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. For leases with terms less than 12 months, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a right of use asset and lease liability. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-9, “Revenue from Contract with Customers.” The ASU will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP and will require entities to recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The new standard also requires significantly expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of an entity’s nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Board voted to propose that the standard would take effect for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and that early adoption would be allowed as of the original effective date. The impact to results is not anticipated to be material because the analysis of the Company's current long-term contracts under the new revenue recognition standard supports the recognition of revenue over time under the cost-to-cost method for substantially all of our long-term contracts, which is consistent with our current revenue recognition model. The Company plans to adopt this accounting standard update using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying this update recognized in the first reporting period of 2018. The Company has evaluated new disclosure requirements and is implementing appropriate changes to its business processes and controls to support disclosure under the new guidance. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The ASU simplifies several aspects for the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The ASU became effective for public companies during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In accordance with this update, the Company began recognizing all excess tax deficiencies and tax benefits from share-based payment awards as a benefit or expense to income tax in the income statement. This update has been adopted prospectively in accordance with the ASU and the impact of adoption on the income statement was not material. Additionally, in accordance with this update, the Company began classifying excess income tax benefits from exercise of stock options as an operating activity on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Company elected to adopt this amendment retrospectively and the impact of the adoption on operating and financing cash flows was not material.

ACQUISITIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

Faiveley Transport

On November 30, 2016, the Company acquired majority ownership of Faiveley Transport S.A. (“Faiveley Transport”)

under the terms of a Share Purchase Agreement (“Share Purchase Agreement”). Faiveley Transport is a leading global provider

of value-added, integrated systems and services for the railway industry with annual sales of about $1.2 billion and more than

5,700 employees in 24 countries. Faiveley Transport supplies railway manufacturers, operators and maintenance providers with

a range of value-added, technology-based systems and services in Energy & Comfort (air conditioning, power collectors and

converters, and passenger information), Access & Mobility (passenger access systems and platform doors), and Brakes and

Safety (braking systems and couplers). The transaction was structured as a step acquisition as follows:

•

On November 30, 2016, the Company acquired majority ownership of Faiveley Transport, after completing the purchase of the Faiveley family’s ownership interest under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, which directed the Company to pay €100 per share of Faiveley Transport, payable between 25% and 45% in cash at the election of those shareholders and the remainder payable in Wabtec stock. The Faiveley family’s ownership interest acquired by the Company represented approximately 51% of outstanding share capital and approximately 49% of the outstanding voting shares of Faiveley Transport. Upon completion of the share purchase under the Share Purchase Agreement, Wabtec commenced a tender offer for the remaining publicly traded Faiveley Transport shares. The public shareholders had the option to elect to receive €100 per share in cash or 1.1538 shares of Wabtec common stock per share of Faiveley Transport. The common stock portion of the consideration was subject to a cap on issuance of Wabtec common shares that was equivalent to the rates of cash and stock elected by the 51% owners.

•

On February 3, 2017, the initial cash tender offer was closed, which resulted in the Company acquiring approximately 27% of additional outstanding share capital and voting rights of Faiveley Transport for approximately $411.8 million in cash and $25.2 million in Wabtec stock. After the initial cash tender offer, the Company owned approximately 78% of outstanding share capital and 76% of voting rights.

•

On March 6, 2017, the final cash tender offer was closed, which resulted in the Company acquiring approximately 21% of additional outstanding share capital and 22% of additional outstanding voting rights of Faiveley Transport for approximately $303.2 million in cash and $0.3 million in Wabtec stock. After the final cash tender offer, the Company owned approximately 99% of the share capital and 98% of the voting rights of Faiveley Transport.


•	On March 21, 2017, a mandatory squeeze-out procedure was finalized, which resulted in the Company acquiring the Faiveley Transport shares not tendered in the offers for approximately $17.5 million in cash. This resulted in the Company owning 100% of the share capital and voting rights of Faiveley Transport.

As of November 30, 2016, the date the Company acquired 51% of the share capital and 49% of the voting interest in Faiveley Transport, Faiveley Transport was consolidated under the variable interest entity model as the Company concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of Faiveley Transport as it then possessed the power to direct the activities of Faiveley Transport that most significantly impact its economic performance and it then possessed the obligation and right to absorb losses and benefits from Faiveley Transport.

The purchase price paid for 100% ownership of Faiveley Transport was $1,507 million. The $744.7 million included as deposits in escrow on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 was cash designated for use as consideration for the tender offers.

The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined using the income, cost and market approaches. The fair value measurements were primarily based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and are considered Level 3. The December 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet includes the assets and liabilities of Faiveley Transport, which have been measured at fair value. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was preliminarily determined using the market price of Faiveley Transport’s publicly traded common stock multiplied by the number of publicly traded common shares outstanding at the acquisition date and is considered Level 1. The acquisition of the noncontrolling interest during the three months ended March 31, 2017 resulted in a $8.9 million increase to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet which represents the difference in consideration paid to acquire the noncontrolling interest and the carrying value of noncontrolling interest at acquisition.

The following table summarizes the final fair values of the Faiveley Transport assets acquired and liabilities assumed.



In thousands
Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents	$	178,318
Accounts receivable	439,631
Inventories	205,649
Other current assets	70,930
Property, plant, and equipment	148,746
Goodwill	1,262,350
Trade names	346,328
Customer Relationships	233,529
Patents	1,201
Other noncurrent assets	184,564
Total assets acquired	3,071,246
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities	819,493
Debt	409,899
Other noncurrent liabilities	335,039
Total liabilities assumed	1,564,431
Net assets acquired	$	1,506,815

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the estimated fair values for customer relationships and current liabilities were adjusted by $21.8 million and $65.3 million, respectively, for changes to initial estimates based on information that existed at the date of acquisition. Additionally, the estimated fair values for accounts receivable and current liabilities were adjusted by $2.8 million and $36.2 million, respectively, to correct errors in the preliminary estimated fair values of the Faiveley Transport assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Other noncurrent assets were adjusted by $30.0 million to record the deferred tax impact of these adjustments. As a result of these adjustments and other immaterial adjustments related to changes to initial estimates based on information that existed at the date of acquisition, goodwill increased by $74.1 million. Accounts receivable and current liabilities were adjusted by $64.3 million to correct an error in the preliminary estimated fair values of Faiveley Transport assets and liabilities assumed related to a factoring arrangement with recourse.

Substantially all of the accounts receivable acquired are expected to be collectible. Included in current liabilities is $25.9 million of accrued compensation for acquired share-based stock plans that are obligated to be settled in cash. Contingent liabilities assumed as part of the transaction were not material. These contingent liabilities are related to environmental, legal and tax matters. Contingent liabilities are recorded at fair value in purchase accounting, aside from those pertaining to uncertainty in income taxes which are an exception to the fair value basis of accounting.

Goodwill was calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired, and represents the future economic benefits, including synergies and assembled workforce, that we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. Purchased goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill allocated to the Freight segment is $72.0 million and the goodwill allocated to the Transit segment is $1,190.4 million.

Other Acquisitions

The Company made the following acquisitions operating as a business unit or component of a business unit in the Freight Segment:


•	On December 4, 2017, the Company acquired Melett Limited ("Melett"), a leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality turbochargers and replacement parts to the turbocharger aftermarket, for a purchase price of approximately $74.0 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $22.5 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.


•	On April 5, 2017, the Company acquired Thermal Transfer Corporation ("TTC"), a leading provider of heat

transfer solutions for industrial applications, for a purchase price of approximately $32.5 million, net of cash

acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $16.3 million, all of which will be deductible for tax purposes.


•	On March 13, 2017, the Company acquired Aero Transportation Products ("ATP"), a manufacturer of engineered covering systems for hopper freight cars, for a purchase price of approximately $65.3 million, net of cash

acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $29.0 million, all of which will be deductible for tax purposes.


•	On December 14, 2016, the Company acquired Workhorse Rail LLC ("Workhorse"), a supplier of engineered freight car components, mainly for the aftermarket for a purchase price of approximately $43.8 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in goodwill of $22.3 million, 38% of which will be deductible for tax purposes.

•

On November 17, 2016, the Company acquired the assets of Precision Turbo & Engine ("Precision Turbo"), a designer and manufacturer of high-performance, aftermarket turbochargers, wastegates, and heat exchangers for the automotive performance market for a purchase price of approximately $13.9 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in goodwill of $4.2 million, all of which will be deductible for tax purposes.


•	On May 5, 2016, the Company acquired the assets of Unitrac Railroad Materials ("Unitrac"), a leading designer and manufacturer of railroad products and track work services for a purchase price of approximately $14.8 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in goodwill of $2.4 million, all of which will be deductible for tax purposes.

For the Melett, TTC, and ATP acquisitions, the following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisitions. For the Workhorse, Precision Turbo, and Unitrac acquisitions, the following table summarizes the final fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.



	Melett			TTC			ATP			Workhorse			Precision Turbo			Unitrac
	December 4, 2017			April 5, 2017			March 13, 2017			December 14, 2016			November 17, 2016			May 5, 2016
In thousands	December 4, 2017			April 5, 2017			March 13, 2017			December 14, 2016			November 17, 2016			May 5, 2016
Current assets	$	21,068		$	3,746		$	11,666		$	9,137		$	4,145		$	11,476
Property, plant & equipment	5,917			5,909			5,354			—			1,317			1,768
Goodwill	22,501			16,309			29,034			22,273			4,248			2,442
Other intangible assets	39,259			12,300			25,000			21,500			5,200			1,230
Total assets acquired	88,745			38,264			71,054			52,910			14,910			16,916
Total liabilities assumed	(14,789		)	(5,753		)	(5,800		)	(9,083		)	(1,057		)	(2,145		)
Net assets acquired	$	73,956		$	32,511		$	65,254		$	43,827		$	13,853		$	14,771

The Company made the following acquisitions operating as a business unit or component of a business unit in the Transit Segment:


•	On October 2, 2017, the Company acquired AM General Contractor ("AM General"), a manufacturer of safety systems, mainly for transit rail cars for a purchase price of approximately $10.4 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $12.9 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.


•	On August 1, 2016, the Company acquired Gerken Group S.A. ("Gerken"), a manufacturer of specialty carbon and graphite products for rail and other industrial applications, for a purchase price of approximately $62.8 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in goodwill of $17.5 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.

For the AM General acquisition, the following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. For the Gerken acquisition, the following table summarizes the final fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition.



	AM General			Gerken
	October 2, 2017			August 1, 2016
In thousands	October 2, 2017			August 1, 2016
Current assets	$	6,611		$	32,706
Property, plant & equipment	4,140			7,667
Goodwill	12,943			17,470
Other intangible assets	12,097			30,560
Other assets	—			1,706
Total assets acquired	35,791			90,109
Total liabilities assumed	(25,375		)	(27,262		)
Net assets acquired	$	10,416		$	62,847

The acquisitions listed above include escrow deposits of $44.4 million, which may be released to the Company for indemnity and other claims in accordance with the purchase and escrow agreements.

The total goodwill and other intangible assets for acquisitions listed in the tables above was $2,117.8 million, of which $1,389.6 million and $728.2 million was related to goodwill and other intangible assets, respectively. Of the allocation of $728.2 million of acquired intangible assets, $380.9 million was assigned to trade names, $336.9 million was assigned to customer relationships, and $5.0 million was assigned to intellectual property. The trade names are considered to have an indefinite useful life while the intellectual property and customer relationships’ useful life is 20 years.

The Company also made smaller acquisitions not listed above which are individually and collectively immaterial.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents income statement results as if the acquisitions listed above had occurred January 1, 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Net sales	$	3,946,244	$	4,212,617
Gross profit	1,095,101		1,275,835
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	271,783		349,852
Diluted earnings per share
As Reported	$	2.72	$	3.34
Pro forma	$	2.82	$	3.83

The historical consolidated financial information of the Company and the acquisitions detailed above have been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the transactions, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. Pro forma data may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES



	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016		2015
In thousands
Interest paid during the year	$	75,317		$	30,211	$	19,372
Income taxes paid during the year, net of amount refunded	$	89,379		$	121,563	$	147,958
Business acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	452,209			3,118,420		156,020
Liabilities assumed	207,788			1,453,382		20,789
Non-controlling interest (acquired) assumed	(738,024		)	760,343		—
Stock and cash paid	982,445			904,695		135,231
Less: Cash acquired	35,408			186,903		5,681
Stock used for acquisition	25,500			534,679		—
Net cash paid	$	921,537		$	183,113	$	129,550

INVENTORIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

The components of inventory, net of reserves, were:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Raw materials	$	378,481	$	331,465
Work-in-progress	167,390		145,462
Finished goods	196,763		181,583
Total inventories	$	742,634	$	658,510

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

The major classes of depreciable assets are as follows:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Machinery and equipment	$	728,257		$	645,354
Buildings and improvements	259,561			225,307
Land and improvements	38,228			41,569
Property, plant and equipment	1,026,046			912,230
Less: accumulated depreciation	(452,074		)	(393,854		)
Total	$	573,972		$	518,376

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:



	Years
Land improvements	10 to 20
Building and improvements	20 to 40
Machinery and equipment	3 to 15

Depreciation expense was $66.7 million, $47.1 million, and $43.1 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

INTANGIBLES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Other intangibles with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are reviewed annually during the fourth quarter for impairment (See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included herein). Goodwill and indefinite live intangible assets were not impaired at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:



	Freight		Transit
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	550,902	$	1,527,863	$	2,078,765
Additions	152,096		34,391		186,487
Foreign currency impact	15,960		178,891		194,851
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	718,958	$	1,741,145	$	2,460,103

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s trade names had a net carrying amount of $603.4 million and $510.5 million, respectively, and the Company believes these intangibles have indefinite lives. Intangible assets of the Company, other than goodwill and trade names, consist of the following:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Patents, non-compete and other intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization of $43,021 and $40,638	$	17,554	$	15,360
Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization
of $126,824 and $87,334	583,459		528,068
Total	$	601,013	$	543,428

The remaining weighted average useful lives of patents, customer relationships and intellectual property were 10 years, 17 years and 15 years respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $36.5 million, $22.7 million, and $21.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):



2018	$	38,059
2019	36,076
2020	34,050
2021	33,777
2022	33,489

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

LONG-TERM DEBT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,345 and $2,526	$	747,655	$	747,474
4.375% Senior Notes due 2023, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $1,433 and $1,690	248,567		248,310
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,451 and $3,850	853,124		796,150
Schuldschein Loan	11,998		98,671
Other Borrowings	6,860		1,153
Capital Leases	2,324		1,018
Total	1,870,528		1,892,776
Less - current portion	47,225		129,809
Long-term portion	$	1,823,303	$	1,762,967

Wabtec's acquisition of the controlling stake of Faiveley Transport triggered the early repayment of a syndicated loan and the mandatory offer to investors to repay the US and Schuldschein private placements. Both the syndicated loan and US private placements were repaid in full in December 2016.

3.45% Senior Notes Due November 2026

In October 2016, the Company issued $750.0 million of Senior Notes due in 2026 (the “2016 Notes”). The 2016 Notes were issued at 99.965% of face value. Interest on the 2016 Notes accrues at a rate of 3.45% per annum and is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The proceeds were used to finance the cash portion of the Faiveley Transport acquisition, refinance Faiveley Transport’s indebtedness, and for general corporate purposes. The principal balance is due in full at maturity. The Company incurred $2.7 million of deferred financing costs related to the issuance of the 2016 Notes.

The 2016 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior debt and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The indenture under which the 2016 Notes were issued contains covenants and restrictions which limit among other things, the following: the incurrence of indebtedness, payment of dividends and certain distributions, sale of assets, change in control, mergers and consolidations and the incurrence of liens.

The Company is in compliance with the restrictions and covenants in the indenture under which the 2016 Notes were issued and expects that these restrictions and covenants will not be any type of limiting factor in executing our operating activities.

4.375% Senior Notes Due August 2023

In August 2013, the Company issued $250.0 million of Senior Notes due in 2023 (the “2013 Notes”). The 2013 Notes were issued at 99.879% of face value. Interest on the 2013 Notes accrues at a rate of 4.375% per annum and is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The proceeds were used to repay debt outstanding under the Company’s existing credit agreement, and for general corporate purposes. The principal balance is due in full at maturity. The Company incurred $2.6 million of deferred financing costs related to the issuance of the 2013 Notes.

The 2013 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior debt and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The indenture under which the 2013 Notes were issued contains covenants and restrictions which limit among other things, the following: the incurrence of indebtedness, payment of dividends and certain distributions, sale of assets, change in control, mergers and consolidations and the incurrence of liens.

The Company is in compliance with the restrictions and covenants in the indenture under which the 2013 Notes were issued and expects that these restrictions and covenants will not be any type of limiting factor in executing our operating activities.

2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement

On June 22, 2016, the Company amended its existing revolving credit facility with a consortium of commercial banks. This “2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement” provides the Company with a $1.2 billion, 5 year revolving credit facility and a $400.0 million delayed draw term loan (the “Term Loan”). The Company incurred approximately $3.3 million of deferred financing cost related to the 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement. The facility expires on June 22, 2021. The 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement borrowings bear variable interest rates indexed as described below. At December 31, 2017, the Company had available bank borrowing capacity, net of $35.4 million of letters of credit, of approximately $679.0 million, subject to certain financial covenant restrictions.

The Term Loan was drawn on November 25, 2016. The Company incurred a 10 basis point commitment fee from June 22, 2016 until the initial draw on November 25, 2016.

Under the 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement, the Company may elect a Base Rate of interest for U.S. Dollar denominated loans or, for certain currencies, an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) of interest, or other rates appropriate for such currencies (in any case, “the Alternate Rate”). The Base Rate adjusts on a daily basis and is the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% per annum, the PNC, N.A. prime rate or the Daily LIBOR Rate plus 100 basis points, plus a margin that ranges from 0 to 75 basis points. The Alternate Rate is based on the quoted rates specific to the applicable currency, plus a margin that ranges from 75 to 175 basis points. Both the Base Rate and Alternate Rate margins are dependent on the Company’s consolidated total indebtedness to EBITDA ratios. The initial Base Rate margin is 0 basis points and the Alternate Rate margin is 175 basis points.

At December 31, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s variable rate debt was 2.92%. On January 12, 2012, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150.0 million. The effective date of the interest rate swap agreement is July 31, 2013, and the termination date was November 7, 2016. The impact of the interest rate swap agreement converted a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt from a variable rate to a fixed-rate borrowing. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement the interest rate on the notional value was fixed at 1.415% plus the Alternate Rate margin. On June 5, 2014, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150.0 million. The effective date of the interest rate swap agreement is November 7, 2016, and the termination date is December 19, 2018. The impact of the interest rate swap agreement converts a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt from a variable rate to a fixed-rate borrowing. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement the interest rate on the notional value will be fixed at 2.56% plus the Alternate Rate margin. As for these agreements, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties. However, since only the cash interest payments are exchanged, exposure is significantly less than the notional amount. The counterparties are large financial institutions with excellent credit ratings and history of performance. The Company currently believes the risk of nonperformance is negligible.

The 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement limits the Company’s ability to declare or pay cash dividends and prohibits the Company from declaring or making other distributions, subject to certain exceptions. The 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement contains various other covenants and restrictions including the following limitations: incurrence of additional indebtedness; mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions; additional liens; sale and leasebacks; permissible investments, loans and advances; certain debt payments; and imposes a minimum interest expense coverage ratio of 3.0 and a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio of 3.25. The Company is in compliance with the restrictions and covenants of the 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement and does not expect that these measurements will limit the Company in executing our operating activities.

Schuldschein Loan, Due 2016

In conjunction with the acquisition of Faiveley Transport, Wabtec acquired $137.2 million of a Schuldshein private placement loan which was originally issued by Faiveley Transport on March 5, 2014 in Germany, in which approximately 20 international investors participated. This loan is denominated in euros. Subsequent to the acquisition of Faiveley Transport, the Company repaid $125.3 million of the outstanding Schuldschein loan. The remaining balance of $12.0 million as of December 31, 2017 matures on March 5, 2024 and bears a fixed rate of 4.00%.

Debt and Capital Leases



Scheduled principal repayments of debt and capital lease balances as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

2018	$	47,225
2019	330,901
2020	559
2021	483,379
2022	208
Future years	1,008,256
Total	$	1,870,528

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover certain U.S., Canadian, German, and United Kingdom employees and which provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service of the employee. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the plans.

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans summarized by U.S. and international components.

Obligations and Funded Status



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	$	(45,512	)	$	(46,120	)	$	(319,551	)	$	(195,311	)
Opening balance sheet adjustment	—			—			(5,321		)	—
Service cost	(344		)	(337		)	(2,740		)	(1,379		)
Interest cost	(1,422		)	(1,475		)	(7,310		)	(5,774		)
Employee contributions	—			—			(880		)	(195		)
Plan curtailments and amendments	—			—			4,153			2,061
Benefits paid	3,079			3,893			12,906			9,427
Acquisition	—			—			—			(114,242		)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(14		)	(1,473		)	(3,009		)	(33,330		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			(31,265		)	19,192
Obligation at end of year	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(353,017	)	$	(319,551	)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	35,802		$	37,640		$	241,283		$	168,069
Opening balance sheet adjustment	—			—			2,058			—
Actual return on plan assets	4,223			2,055			19,102			20,066
Employer contributions	486			—			13,479			6,933
Employee contributions	—			—			880			195
Benefits paid	(3,079		)	(3,893		)	(12,905		)	(9,427		)
Acquisition	—			—			—			70,519
Settlements							(4,523		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			22,228			(15,072		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	37,432		$	35,802		$	281,602		$	241,283
Funded status
Fair value of plan assets	$	37,432		$	35,802		$	281,602		$	241,283
Benefit obligations	(44,213		)	(45,512		)	(353,017		)	(319,551		)
Funded status	$	(6,781	)	$	(9,710	)	$	(71,415	)	$	(78,268	)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Noncurrent assets	$	—		$	—		$	10,577		$	7,130
Current liabilities	—			—			(2,158		)	(2,042		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(6,781		)	(9,710		)	(79,834		)	(83,356		)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,781	)	$	(9,710	)	$	(71,415	)	$	(78,268	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost	(6		)	(8		)	(32		)	(56		)
Net actuarial loss	(20,418		)	(23,884		)	(54,043		)	(56,411		)
Net amount recognized	$	(20,424	)	$	(23,892	)	$	(54,075	)	$	(56,467	)

The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for the U.S. pension plans was $43.3 million and $44.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for the international pension plans was $344.3 million and $312.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of Plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(282,077	)	$	(255,682	)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(43,340		)	(44,530		)	(274,557		)	(249,729		)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432			35,802			200,218			170,367
Information for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(283,106	)	$	(256,530	)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432			35,802			201,115			171,133

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs



	U.S.									International
In thousands	2017			2016			2015			2017			2016			2015
Service cost	$	344		$	337		$	381		$	2,740		$	1,379		$	2,015
Interest cost	1,422			1,475			1,914			7,310			5,774			7,091
Expected return on plan assets	(1,731		)	(2,076		)	(2,168		)	(12,412		)	(9,971		)	(9,591		)
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	3			3			3			27			61			212
Amortization of net loss	989			914			1,062			2,846			1,818			2,379
Settlement and curtailment losses recognized	—			—			—			768			218			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,027		$	653		$	1,192		$	1,279		$	(721	)	$	2,106

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2017 are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	$	2,477	$	3,683
Effect of exchange rates	—		(4,945		)
Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation	—		768
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	3		27
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss	989		2,846
Total recognized in other comprehensive gain	$	3,469	$	2,379
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive gain	$	2,442	$	1,100

The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed.



	U.S.						International
	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.56	%	3.95	%	4.21	%	2.40	%	2.51	%	3.56	%
Expected return on plan assets	4.95	%	5.70	%	5.70	%	5.02	%	6.07	%	5.81	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00	%	3.00	%	3.00	%	2.54	%	2.54	%	3.10	%

The discount rate is based on settling the pension obligation with high grade, high yield corporate bonds, and the rate of compensation increase is based on actual experience. The expected return on plan assets is based on historical performance as well as expected future rates of return on plan assets considering the current investment portfolio mix and the long-term investment strategy.

As of December 31, 2017, the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2018.



In thousands	U.S.		International
Prior service cost	3		22
Net actuarial loss	970		2,193
	$	973	$	2,215

Pension Plan Assets

The Company has established formal investment policies for the assets associated with our pension plans. Objectives include maximizing long-term return at acceptable risk levels and diversifying among asset classes. Asset allocation targets are based on periodic asset liability study results which help determine the appropriate investment strategies. The investment policies permit variances from the targets within certain parameters. The plan assets consist primarily of equity security funds, debt security funds, and temporary cash and cash equivalent investments. The assets held in these funds are generally actively managed and are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date. (See Note 18 “Fair Value Measurement” included herein). Plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	U.S.				International
In thousands	2017		2016		2017		2016
Pension Plan Assets
Equity security funds	$	18,122	$	17,446	$	100,453	$	92,201
Debt security funds and other	18,304		17,038		178,730		145,003
Cash and cash equivalents	1,006		1,318		2,419		4,079
Fair value of plan assets	$	37,432	$	35,802	$	281,602	$	241,283

The U.S. plan has a target asset allocation of 55% equity securities and 45% debt securities. The International plan has a target asset allocation of 30% equity securities, 40% debt securities and 30% in other investments. Investment policies are determined by the respective Plan’s Pension Committee and set forth in its Investment Policy. Rebalancing of the asset allocation occurs on a quarterly basis.

The following tables summarize our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (See Note 18):



	December 31, 2017
In thousands	NAV		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
US:
Equity	$	—	$	18,122	$	—	$	—	$	18,122
Debt Securities	—		4,273		14,031		—		18,304
Cash and cash equivalents	—		1,006		—		—		1,006
International:
Equity	$	4,586	$	38,647	$	95,641	$	—	$	138,874
Debt Securities	—		—		111,204		—		111,204
Insurance Contracts	—		—		15,893		13,123		29,016
Cash and cash equivalents	—		2,507		—		—		2,507
Total	$	4,586	$	64,555	$	236,769	$	13,123	$	319,033



	December 31, 2016
In thousands	NAV		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
US:
Equity	$	—	$	17,446	$	—	$	—	$	17,446
Debt Securities	—		4,766		12,272		—		17,038
Cash and cash equivalents	—		1,318		—		—		1,318
International:
Equity	$	3,589	$	38,053	$	78,694	$	—	$	120,336
Debt Securities	—		—		90,508		—		90,508
Insurance Contracts	—		—		13,037		12,996		26,033
Cash and cash equivalents	—		4,406		—		—		4,406
Total	$	3,589	$	65,989	$	194,511	$	12,996	$	277,085

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets:



In thousands	Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Net purchases, issuances, and settlements	56
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	(5		)
Business acquisition	12,949
Other	(4		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	12,996
Net purchases, issuances, and settlements	778
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	375
Opening balance sheet adjustment	(1,308		)
Other	282
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	13,123

Cash Flows

The Company’s funding methods are based on governmental requirements and differ from those methods used to recognize pension expense. The Company expects to contribute $7.3 million and $0.0 million to the international and U.S. plans, respectively, during 2018.

Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Year ended December 31,
2018	$	3,250	$	12,401
2019	3,301		12,403
2020	3,325		13,156
2021	3,160		13,799
2022	3,125		14,538
2023 through 2027	14,276		77,817

Postretirement Benefit Plans

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company has provided certain unfunded postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for a portion of North American employees. The Company is not obligated to pay health care and life insurance benefits to individuals who had retired prior to 1990.

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all postretirement plans. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s post retirement benefit plans summarized by U.S. and international components.

Obligations and Funded Status



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	$	(11,876	)	$	(12,959	)	$	(3,425	)	$	(3,290	)
Service cost	(5		)	(4		)	(28		)	(29		)
Interest cost	(350		)	(389		)	(98		)	(99		)
Plan amendments	—			6			—			—
Benefits paid	970			720			199			133
Acquisition	—			(143		)	—			—
Actuarial gain (loss)	(84		)	893			(131		)	(42		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			(237		)	(98		)
Obligation at end of year	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,425	)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	970			720			199			133
Benefits paid	(970		)	(720		)	(199		)	(133		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status
Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Benefit obligations	(11,345		)	(11,876		)	(3,720		)	(3,425		)
Funded status	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,425	)
	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1,046	)	$	(1,084	)	$	(208	)	$	(185	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(10,299		)	(10,792		)	(3,512		)	(3,160		)
Net amount recognized	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,345	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
consist of:
Prior service credit	19,616			21,134			9			15
Net actuarial (loss) gain	(18,882		)	(20,023		)	154			292
Net amount recognized	$	734		$	1,111		$	163		$	307

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	U.S.									International
In thousands	2017			2016			2015			2017			2016			2015
Service cost	$	5		$	4		$	9		$	28		$	29		$	38
Interest cost	350			389			1,233			98			99			128
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	(1,519		)	(1,709		)	(2,295		)	(7		)	(7		)	(7		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	1,225			1,287			1,356			(23		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	61		$	(29	)	$	303		$	96		$	92		$	129

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2017 are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.			International
Net loss arising during the year	(84		)	(131		)
Effect of exchange rates	—			16
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	(1,519		)	(7		)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	1,225			(23		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(378	)	$	(145	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(317	)	$	(53	)

The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The discount rate is based on settling the pension obligation with high grade, high yield corporate bonds.



	U.S.						International
	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.43	%	3.76	%	3.95	%	3.21	%	3.46	%	3.80	%

As of December 31, 2017, the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2018.



In thousands	U.S.			International
Prior service credit	(1,519		)	(7		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,216			(8		)
	$	(303	)	$	(15	)

The assumed health care cost trend rate for the U.S. plans grades from an initial rate of 6.30% to an ultimate rate of 4.50% by 2027 and for international plans from 6.23% to 4.50% by 2027. A 1.0% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate will increase the service and interest cost components of the expense recognized for the U.S. and international post-retirement plans by less than $0.1 million for 2017, and increase the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. A 1.0% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate will decrease the service and interest cost components of the expense recognized for the U.S. and international post-retirement plans by less than $0.1 million for 2017, and decrease the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Cash Flows

Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Year ended December 31,
2018	$	1,046	$	208
2019	1,024		220
2020	986		225
2021	950		245
2022	908		251
2023 through 2027	3,956		1,352

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company also participates in certain defined contribution plans and multiemployer pension plans. Costs recognized under these plans are summarized as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans	$	1,522	$	2,054	$	2,584
401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans	23,209		23,062		21,399
Total	$	24,731	$	25,116	$	23,983

The 401(k) savings plan is a participant directed defined contribution plan that holds shares of the Company’s stock as one of the investment options. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the plan held on behalf of its participants about 495,274 shares with a market value of $40.3 million, and 551,482 shares with a market value of $45.8 million, respectively.

Additionally, the Company has stock option based benefit and other plans further described in Note 12.

The Company contributes to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under collective bargaining agreements that cover certain of its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in such plans are different from the risks of single-employer plans. Assets contributed to a multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer ceases to contribute to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. If the Company ceases to have an obligation to contribute to the multi-employer plan in which it had been a contributing employer, it may be required to pay to the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan and on the history of the Company’s participation in the plan prior to the cessation of its obligation to contribute. The amount that an employer that has ceased to have an obligation to contribute to a multi-employer plan is required to pay to the plan is referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company’s participation in multi-employer plans for the year ended December 31, 2017 is outlined in the table below. For plans that are not individually significant to the Company, the total amount of contributions is presented in the aggregate.



			Pension Protection Act Zone Status (b)		FIP/	Contributions by the Company												Expiration Dates of
					RP Status Pending/												Surcharge Imposed	Collective Bargaining
Pension Fund	EIN/PN (a)		2016	2015	Implemented (c)	2017			2016				2015				(d)	Agreements
Idaho Operating Engineers-	EIN #	91-6075538	Green	Green	No	$	1,020	(1)	$	1,306	(1	)	$	1,820	(1	)	No	6/30/2018
Employers Pension Trust Fund	Plan#	001
Automobile Mechanics' Local No 701 Union and	EIN #	36-6042061	Yellow	Red	Yes (2)	$	501	(3)	$	748			$	764			No (4)	6/1/2018
Industry Pension Plan	Plan #	001
					Total Contributions	$	1,521		$	2,054			$	2,584


(1)	The Company’s contribution represents more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan.


(2)	The Pension Fund’s board adopted a Funding Improvement Plan on October 21, 2015, continuing the existing plan which increased the weekly pension fund contribution rates by $75 with corresponding decreases to the weekly welfare fund contribution rates until December 31, 2017.


(3)	The number of employees covered by this fund decreased due to the closure of the Bensenville, Illinois facility, which affected the period-to-period comparability of 2016 and 2017 contributions.


(4)	Critical status triggered a 5% surcharge on employer contributions effective June 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, this surcharge increases to 10%. The surcharge ended on October 21, 2015 when the rehabilitation plan commenced.


(a)	The “EIN / PN” column provides the Employer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number assigned to a plan by the Internal Revenue Service.

(b)

The most recent Pension Protection Act Zone Status available for 2017 and 2016 is for plan years that ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The zone status is based on information provided to the Company and other participating employers by each plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. A plan in the “red” zone has been determined to be in “critical status”, based on criteria established under the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and is generally less than 65% funded. A plan in the “yellow” zone has been determined to be in “endangered status”, based on criteria established under the Code, and is generally less than 80% funded. A plan in the “green” zone has been determined to be neither in “critical status” nor in “endangered status”, and is generally at least 80% funded.


(c)	The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a Funding Improvement Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “yellow” zone, or a Rehabilitation Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “red” zone, is pending or has been implemented as of the end of the plan year that ended in 2017.


(d)	The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether the Company’s contribution rate for 2017 included an amount in addition the contribution rate specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as imposed by a plan in “critical status”, in accordance with the requirements of the Code.

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

The Company is responsible for filing consolidated U.S., foreign and combined, unitary or separate state income tax returns. The Company is responsible for paying the taxes relating to such returns, including any subsequent adjustments resulting from the redetermination of such tax liabilities by the applicable taxing authorities.

On December 23, 2017, the French government enacted the Finance Act for 2018 and it was published in the Official Bulletin on December 31, 2017. The Finance act reduced the French corporate tax rate from 28% in 2020 to 25%, enacting an additional 1.5% reduction in each year 2021 and 2022.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affect fiscal 2017, including, but not limited to requiring a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that is payable over eight years (the "Transition Tax"). The Tax Act also establishes new tax laws that will affect 2018 and later years, including, but not limited to, a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, repeals the Domestic Manufacturing Deduction, a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, new provisions designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"), tax certain deductible base erosion payments called base erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), and new interest expense limitation provisions.

In relation to the initial analysis of the impact of the all tax law changes, the Company has recorded a net tax expense of $4.3 million. This includes a provisional expense for the U.S. tax reform bill of $55.0 million, as well as a net benefit for the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities of $50.7 million.

The Company has not completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act. Where the Company has been able to make reasonable estimates of the effects for which its analysis is not yet complete, the Company has recorded provisional amounts in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. Where the Company has not yet been able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of certain elements, the Company has not recorded any amounts related to those elements and has continued accounting for them in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of the tax laws in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Act.

The Company's accounting for the following impacted areas of the Tax Act is incomplete. However, the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of certain effects and, therefore, has recorded provisional amounts as follows:

Revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. In addition, the Tax Act makes certain changes to the depreciation rules and implements new limits on the deductibility of certain executive compensation. The Company has evaluated these changes and has recorded a provisional benefit to net deferred taxes of $24.6 million. The Company is still completing its calculation of the impact of these changes on its deferred tax balances.

Transition Tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings: The Transition Tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits ("E&P") of the Company's foreign subsidiaries. To determine the amount of the Transition Tax, the Company must determine, among other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of its foreign subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. The Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and has recorded a provisional Transition Tax expense of $51.8 million. The Company is continuing to gather additional information to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax to complete its calculation of E&P as well as the final determination of non-U.S. income taxes paid.

The Company's accounting for the following elements of the Tax Act is incomplete, and it has not yet been able to make reasonable estimates of the effects of these items. Therefore, no provisional amounts were recorded.

Global intangible low taxed income ("GILTI"): The Tax Act creates a new requirement that certain income (i.e., GILTI) earned by foreign subsidiaries must be included currently in the gross income of the U.S. shareholder. Due to the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, the Company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election to either treat taxes due on future inclusions in U.S. taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred or to factor such amounts into the Company's measurement of its deferred taxes. The Company has not yet completed its analysis of the GILTI tax rules and is not yet able to reasonably estimate the effect of this provision of the Tax Act or make an accounting policy election for the ASC 740 treatment of the GILTI tax. Therefore, the Company has not recorded any amounts related to potential GILTI tax in its financial statements and has not yet made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI.

Indefinite reinvestment assertion: Beginning in 2018, the Tax Act provides a 100% deduction for dividends received from 10-percent owned foreign corporations by U.S. corporate shareholders, subject to a one-year holding period. Although dividend income is now exempt from U.S. federal tax in the hands of the U.S. corporate shareholders, companies must still apply the guidance of ASC 740 to account for the tax consequences of outside basis differences and other tax impacts of their investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. While the Company has accrued the Transition Tax on the deemed repatriated earnings that were previously indefinitely reinvested, the Company was unable to determine a reasonable estimate of the remaining tax liability, if any, under the Tax Act for its remaining outside basis differences or evaluate how the Tax Act will affect the Company's existing accounting position to indefinitely reinvest unremitted foreign earnings. Therefore, the Company has not included a provisional amount for this item in its financial statements for fiscal 2017. The Company will record amounts as needed for this item beginning in the first reporting period during the measurement period in which the Company obtains necessary information and is able to analyze and prepare a reasonable estimate.

The components of the income from operations before provision for income taxes for the Company’s domestic and foreign operations for the years ended December 31 are provided below:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Domestic	$	140,325	$	276,218	$	461,394
Foreign	211,738		136,619		123,974
Income from operations before income taxes	$	352,063	$	412,837	$	585,368

The consolidated provision for income taxes included in the Statement of Income consisted of the following:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Current taxes
Federal	$	86,157		$	72,317		$	141,245
State	3,644			9,953			16,072
Foreign	67,395			27,391			24,442
	157,196			109,661			181,759
Deferred taxes
Federal	(22,863		)	11,013			9,606
State	(1,024		)	1,953			770
Foreign	(43,536		)	(23,194		)	(5,395		)
	(67,423		)	(10,228		)	4,981
Total provision	$	89,773		$	99,433		$	186,740

A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on operations for the years ended December 31 is provided below:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes	0.4	%	2.1	%	2.0	%
Tax reserves	—	%	(0.2	)%	(0.4	)%
Foreign	(8.3	)%	(4.3	)%	(2.1	)%
Research and development credit	(0.8	)%	(1.0	)%	(0.4	)%
Manufacturing deduction	(1.1	)%	(1.8	)%	(2.3	)%
France tax rate change	(6.5	)%	(6.5	)%	—	%
U.S. tax rate change	(7.9	)%	—	%	—	%
U.S. tax reform provision	15.6	%	—	%	—	%
Transaction costs related to acquisitions	—	%	1.5	%	—	%
Other, net	(0.9	)%	(0.7	)%	0.1	%
Effective rate	25.5	%	24.1	%	31.9	%

The 6.5% decrease in the effective tax rate due to the France tax rate change was the result of adopted tax legislation that reduces the corporate income tax rate in France from 28.0% to 25.0% over the period 2021 to 2022. The 7.9% decrease in the effective tax rate due to the U.S. tax rate change was the result of adopted tax legislation that reduces the corporate income tax rate in the U.S. from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018. The 15.6% increase in the effective tax rate due to the U.S. tax reform previously discussed. Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for financial and income tax reporting purposes. These deferred income taxes will be recognized as future tax benefits or costs when the temporary differences reverse.

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and reserves	$	10,961		$	26,117
Warranty reserve	20,211			24,131
Deferred compensation/employee benefits	18,353			25,755
Pension and postretirement obligations	21,637			25,595
Inventory	19,620			22,579
Net operating loss carry forwards	65,671			59,416
Tax credit carry forwards	1,921			621
Other	13,053			2,317
Gross deferred income tax assets	171,427			186,531
Valuation allowance	25,683			21,418
Total deferred income tax assets	145,744			165,113
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant & equipment	37,015			47,321
Intangibles	288,141			359,312
Total deferred income tax liabilities	325,156			406,633
Net deferred income tax liability	$	(179,412	)	$	(241,520	)

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2017, the valuation allowance for certain foreign carryforwards was $25.7 million primarily in Brazil, China, United Kingdom, and South Africa.

Net operating loss carry-forwards in the amount of $65.7 million expire in various periods from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2037.

As of December 31, 2017, the liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $6.9 million, of which $4.4 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective income tax rate. As of December 31, 2016, the liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $8.4 million, of which $4.2 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits follows:



In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	8,423		$	10,557		$	12,596
Gross increases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	2,466			6			—
Gross increases - current period unrecognized tax benefits	—			—			1,682
Gross decreases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	—			—			—
Gross decreases - audit settlement during year	(3,979		)	—			(3,027		)
Gross decreases - expiration of audit statute of limitations	—			(2,140		)	(694		)
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	6,910		$	8,423		$	10,557

The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2017, the total interest and penalties accrued was approximately $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the total interest and penalties accrued was approximately $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to examination by various U.S. and foreign taxing authorities for years before 2012. At this time, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $5.2 million may change within the next 12 months due to the expiration of statutory review periods and current examinations.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The computation of earnings per share from operations is as follows:



	For the Year Ended December 31,
In thousands, except per share data	2017			2016			2015
Numerator
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - net income attributable
to Wabtec shareholders	$	262,261		$	304,887		$	398,628
Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock	(42,218		)	(32,430		)	(26,963		)
Undistributed earnings	220,043			272,457			371,665
Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)	99.7		%	99.7		%	99.7		%
	219,383			271,640			370,550
Add: dividends declared - common shares	42,092			32,333			26,875
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	261,475		$	303,973		$	397,425
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares	95,453			90,359			96,074
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans	672			782			932
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversion	96,125			91,141			97,006
Net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders
Basic	$	2.74		$	3.37		$	4.14
Diluted	$	2.72		$	3.34		$	4.10

(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	95,453			90,359			96,074
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted
stock expected to vest	95,740			90,627			96,388
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	99.7		%	99.7		%	99.7		%

Options to purchase approximately 24,000, 20,000, and 13,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings because their impact would have been antidilutive.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

As of December 31, 2017, the Company maintains employee stock-based compensation plans for stock options, restricted stock, and incentive stock units as governed by the 2011 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated (the “2011 Plan”) and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2000 Plan”). The 2011 Plan has a term through May 10, 2027 and as of December 31, 2017 the number of shares available for future grants under the 2011 Plan was 3,192,453 shares, which includes remaining shares to grant under the 2000 Plan. The amendment and restatement of the 2011 Plan was approved by stockholders of Wabtec on May 10, 2017. The Company also maintains a 1995 Non-Employee Directors’ Fee and Stock Option Plan as amended and restated (“the Directors Plan”). The amendment and restatement of the Directors Plan was approved by stockholders of Wabtec on May 10, 2017. The Directors Plan, as amended, authorizes a total of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be issued. Under the Directors Plan options issued become exercisable over a three-year vesting period and expire ten years from the date of grant and restricted stock issued under the plan vests one year from the date of grant. As compensation for directors’ fees for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company issued a total of 16,500, 16,972 and 11,256 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors. The total number of shares issued under the plan as of December 31, 2017 was 881,192 shares.

Stock-based compensation expense for all of the plans was $21.3 million, $20.8 million and $26.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recognized associated tax benefits related to the stock-based compensation plans of $8.9 million, $14.9 million and $15.3 million for the respective periods. Included in the stock-based compensation expense for 2017 above is $1.7 million of expense related to stock options, $7.0 million related to non-vested restricted stock, $4.6 million related to restricted stock units, $6.5 million related to incentive stock units and $1.5 million related to units issued for Directors’ fees. At December 31, 2017, unamortized compensation expense related to those stock options, non-vested restricted shares and incentive stock units expected to vest totaled $24.6 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

Stock Options Stock options are granted to eligible employees and directors at the fair market value, which is the average of the high and low Wabtec stock price on the date of grant. Under the 2011 Plan and the 2000 Plan, options become exercisable over a four year vesting period and expire 10 years from the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and Directors Plan for the years ended December 31:



	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,147,558		$	28.33	5.5	$	67,205
Granted	84,675		87.35			1,375
Exercised	(124,156	)	26.70			(5,516		)
Canceled	(10,754	)	65.22			(64		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	1,097,323		$	32.70	4.8	$	42,154
Granted	94,115		61.39			2,035
Exercised	(83,790	)	25.58			(4,813		)
Canceled	(8,825	)	71.47			(102		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	1,098,823		$	35.39	4.3	$	52,332
Granted	65,522		86.91			—
Exercised	(166,838	)	21.37			(10,020		)
Canceled	(13,995	)	76.89			(64		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	983,512		$	40.62	4.0	$	40,137
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	802,609		$	32.52	3.3	$	36,848

Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 were as follows:



	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	Number of Options Currently	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Currently
Range of exercise prices	Outstanding	Outstanding		Life	Exercisable	Exercisable
Under $15.00	180,000	$	14.50	1.1	180,000	$	14.50
15.00 - 23.00	193,701	18.77		1.3	193,701	18.77
23.00 - 30.00	136,924	28.75		2.8	136,924	28.75
30.00 - 38.00	94,496	35.24		4.1	94,496	35.24
Over 38.00	378,391	69.86		7.0	197,488	63.72
	983,512	$	40.62		802,609	$	32.52

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Dividend yield	0.23		%	0.26		%	0.14		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.2		%	1.5		%	1.8		%
Stock price volatility	23.4		%	26.9		%	27.3		%
Expected life (years)	5.0			5.0			5.0
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year	$	20.69		$	14.96		$	24.41

The dividend yield is based on the Company’s dividend rate and the current market price of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Expected life in years is determined from historical stock option exercise data. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the 7 years U.S. Treasury bond rates for the expected life of the option.

Restricted Stock and Incentive Stock Beginning in 2006 the Company adopted a restricted stock program. As provided for under the 2011 and 2000 Plans, eligible employees are granted restricted stock that generally vests over four years from the date of grant. Under the Directors Plan, restricted stock units vest one year from the date of grant.

In addition, the Company has issued incentive stock units to eligible employees that vest upon attainment of certain cumulative three-year performance goals. Based on the Company’s performance for each three year period then ended, the incentive stock units can vest and be awarded ranging from 0% to 200% of the initial incentive stock units granted. The incentive stock units included in the table below represent the number of shares that are expected to vest based on the Company’s estimate for meeting those established performance targets. As of December 31, 2017, the Company estimates that it will achieve 84%, 77% and 91% for the incentive stock units expected to vest based on performance for the three year periods ending December 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, and has recorded incentive compensation expense accordingly. If our estimate of the number of these stock units expected to vest changes in a future accounting period, cumulative compensation expense could increase or decrease and will be recognized in the current period for the elapsed portion of the vesting period and would change future expense for the remaining vesting period.

Compensation expense for the non-vested restricted stock and incentive stock units is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and recognized over the applicable vesting period.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity and related information for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan, and Directors Plan, and incentive stock units activity and related information for the 2011 Plan and the 2000 Plan with related information for the years ended December 31:



	Restricted Stock and Units		Incentive Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	438,543		791,608		$	47.97
Granted	113,945		126,050		87.90
Vested	(182,776	)	(433,932	)	37.76
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		65,666		57.57
Canceled	(12,827	)	(7,754	)	67.05
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	356,885		541,638		$	65.89
Granted	212,600		167,850		66.03
Vested	(159,975	)	(236,591	)	51.80
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		(38,164	)	74.42
Canceled	(13,215	)	(9,983	)	71.84
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	396,295		424,750		$	72.18
Granted	153,516		157,025		86.66
Vested	(137,088	)	(153,271	)	70.34
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		(87,592	)	73.69
Canceled	(13,723	)	(13,579	)	76.61
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	399,000		327,333		$	78.76

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$	5,063		$	(321,033	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax of $1,338 and $1,540	4,015			(2,957		)
Unrealized loss on pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $19,532 and $20,832	(54,070		)	(55,615		)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(44,992	)	$	(379,605	)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the year-ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	Foreign currency			Derivative			Pension and post retirement
In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(321,033	)	$	(2,957	)	$	(55,615	)	$	(379,605	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	326,096			6,712			(1,017		)	331,791
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income	—			260			2,562			2,822
Net current period other comprehensive income	326,096			6,972			1,545			334,613
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	5,063		$	4,015		$	(54,070	)	$	(44,992	)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year-ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the Condensed Consolidated
In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Income
Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	$	(1,496	)	Cost of sales
Amortization of net loss (gain)	5,037			Cost of sales
	3,541			Income from Operations
	(979		)	Income tax expense
	$	2,562		Net income
Derivative contracts
Realized loss on derivative contracts	400			Interest expense, net
	(140		)	Income tax expense
	$	260		Net income

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the year-ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	Foreign currency			Derivative			Pension and post retirement
In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(227,349	)	$	(2,987	)	$	(46,383	)	$	(276,719	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(93,684		)	(1,286		)	(10,874		)	(105,844		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income	—			1,316			1,642			2,958
Net current period other comprehensive income	(93,684		)	30			(9,232		)	(102,886		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(321,033	)	$	(2,957	)	$	(55,615	)	$	(379,605	)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year-ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the Condensed Consolidated
In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Income
Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	$	(1,652	)	Cost of sales
Amortization of net loss (gain)	3,989			Cost of sales
	2,337			Income from Operations
	(695		)	Income tax expense
	$	1,642		Net income
Derivative contracts
Realized loss on derivative contracts	1,873			Interest expense, net
	(557		)	Income tax expense
	$	1,316		Net income

OPERATING LEASES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

OPERATING LEASES

The Company leases office and manufacturing facilities under operating leases with terms ranging from one to 15 years, excluding renewal options.

Total net rental expense charged to operations in 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $34.6 million, $27.2 million and $20.2 million, respectively. The amounts above are shown net of sublease rentals which were immaterial for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:



	Real
In thousands	Estate		Equipment		Total
2018	$	28,957	$	2,690	$	31,647
2019	25,857		1,925		27,782
2020	24,266		976		25,242
2021	19,561		512		20,073
2022	16,350		271		16,621
2023 and after	66,017		24		66,041

WARRANTIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

WARRANTIES

The following table reconciles the changes in the Company’s product warranty reserve as follows:



In thousands	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	138,992		$	92,064
Warranty expense	50,385			28,947
Acquisitions	806			59,685
Warranty claim payments	(48,548		)	(38,772		)
Foreign currency impact	11,428			(2,932		)
Balance at end of year	$	153,063		$	138,992

PREFERRED STOCK	12 Months Ended
PREFERRED STOCK	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Preferred Stock Additional Information [Abstract]
PREFERRED STOCK	PREFERRED STOCK The Company’s authorized capital stock includes 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such class or series, including dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, without any further vote or action by the Company’s shareholders. The rights and preferences of the preferred stock would be superior to those of the common stock. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was no preferred stock issued or outstanding.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING

Foreign Currency Hedging The Company uses forward contracts to mitigate its foreign currency exchange rate exposure due to forecasted sales of finished goods and future settlement of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted transactions and specific cash flows associated with foreign currency denominated financial assets and liabilities that meet the criteria for hedge accounting are designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of gains and losses is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and is recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings, in the same line item as the underlying hedged item. The contracts are scheduled to mature within two years. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the amount reclassified into income was $0.4 million.

Other Activities The Company enters into certain derivative contracts in accordance with its risk management strategy that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting but which have the impact of largely mitigating foreign currency exposure. These foreign exchange contracts are accounted for on a full mark to market basis through earnings, with gains and losses recorded as a component of other expense, net. The net unrealized gain related to these contracts was $2.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The notional amount and fair value of foreign exchange contracts that did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting at December 31, 2017 was not material. These contracts are scheduled to mature within one year.

The following table summarizes the gross notional amounts and fair values of the designated and non-designated hedged discussed in the above sections:



In millions	Designated		Non-Designated		Total
Gross notional amount	$	805.1	$	379.7	$	1,184.8

Fair Value:
Other current assets	3.5		2.1		5.6
Other current liabilities	—		—		—
Total	$	3.5	$	2.1	$	5.6

Interest Rate Hedging The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate exposures. The Company is exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to existing floating rate debt. Primary exposure includes the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR). Derivatives used to hedge risk associated with changes in the fair value of certain variable-rate debt are primarily designated as fair value hedges. Consequently, changes in the fair value of these derivatives, along with changes in the fair value of debt obligations are recognized in current period earnings. See long-term debt footnote fair value measurement footnote for further information on current interest rate swaps.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded a current liability of $1.2 million and an accumulated other comprehensive loss of $0.7 million, net of tax, related to these agreements.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and explains the related disclosure requirements. ASC 820 indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability and defines fair value based upon an exit price model.

Valuation Hierarchy. ASC 820 establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017, which are included in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance sheet:



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Total Carrying Value at December 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
In thousands	2017		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate swap agreements	1,163		—		1,163		—
Total	$	1,163	$	—	$	1,163	$	—

The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016, which are included in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance sheet:



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
	Total Carrying Value at December 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
In thousands	2016		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate swap agreements	3,888		—		3,888		—
Total	$	3,888	$	—	$	3,888	$	—

To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt, the Company entered into interest rate swaps which effectively converted a portion of the debt from variable to fixed-rate borrowings during the term of the swap contracts. For certain derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as interest rate swaps, valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

As a result of our global operating activities the Company is exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, the Company minimizes these risks through entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or over-the counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within level 2.

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and are considered Level 1 on the fair value valuation hierarchy. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximated the carrying value at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets consist primarily of equity security funds, debt security funds and temporary cash and cash equivalent investments. These investments are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, and money markets. Trusts are valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) as determined by their custodian. NAV represents the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates. The 2013 and 2016 Notes are considered Level 2 based on the fair value valuation hierarchy.

The estimated fair values and related carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carry		Fair		Carry		Fair
In thousands	Value		Value		Value		Value
Interest rate swap agreements	$	1,163	$	1,163	$	3,888	$	3,888
4.375% Senior Notes	248,567		262,033		248,310		260,265
3.45% Senior Notes	747,655		741,113		747,474		719,273

The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements and the 2013 and 2016 Notes were based on dealer quotes and represent the estimated amount the Company would pay to the counterparty to terminate the agreement.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations governing discharges to air and water, the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous or solid waste materials and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. The Company believes its operations currently comply in all material respects with all of the various environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business; however, there can be no assurance that environmental requirements will not change in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to comply with such requirements. Under terms of the purchase agreement and related documents for the 1990 Acquisition, American Standard, Inc., now known as Trane (“Trane”), has indemnified the Company for certain items including, among other things, certain environmental claims the Company asserted prior to 2000. If Trane was unable to honor or meet these indemnifications, the Company would be responsible for such items. In the opinion of Management, Trane currently has the ability to meet its indemnification obligations. Claims have been filed against the Company and certain of its affiliates in various jurisdictions across the United States by persons alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Most of these claims have been made against our wholly owned subsidiary, Railroad Friction Products Corporation (“RFPC”), and are based on a product sold by RFPC prior to the time that the Company acquired any interest in RFPC. Most of these claims, including all of the RFPC claims, are submitted to insurance carriers for defense and indemnity or to non-affiliated companies that retain the liabilities for the asbestos-containing products at issue. We cannot, however, assure that all these claims will be fully covered by insurance or that the indemnitors or insurers will remain financially viable. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to these claims, as is the case with other pending litigation, cannot be estimated. It is management’s belief that the potential range of loss for asbestos-related bodily injury cases is not reasonably determinable at present due to a variety of factors, including: (1) the asbestos case settlement history of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, RFPC; (2) the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation in general; and (3) the uncertainty of asbestos litigation in particular. Despite this uncertainty, and although the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for any given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related lawsuits, Management believes that the final resolution of the Company’s asbestos-related cases will not be material to the Company’s overall financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In general, this belief is based upon: (1) Wabtec’s and RFPC’s history of settlements and dismissals of asbestos-related cases to date; (2) the inability of many plaintiffs to establish any exposure or causal relationship to RFPC’s product; and (3) the inability of many plaintiffs to demonstrate any identifiable injury or compensable loss. More specifically, as to RFPC, management’s belief that any losses due to asbestos-related cases would not be material is also based on the fact that RFPC owns insurance which provides coverage for asbestos-related bodily injury claims. To date, RFPC’s insurers have provided RFPC with defense and indemnity in these actions. The overall number of new claims being filed against RFPC has dropped significantly in recent years; however, these new claims, and all previously filed claims, may take a significant period of time to resolve. As to Wabtec and its divisions, Management’s belief that asbestos-related cases will not have a material impact is also based on its position that it has no legal liability for asbestos-related bodily injury claims, and that the former owners of Wabtec’s assets retained asbestos liabilities for the products at issue. To date, Wabtec has been able to successfully defend itself on this basis, including two arbitration decisions and a judicial opinion, all of which confirmed Wabtec’s position that it did not assume any asbestos liabilities from the former owners of certain Wabtec assets. Although Wabtec has incurred defense and administrative costs in connection with asbestos bodily injury actions, these costs have not been material, and the Company has no information that would suggest these costs would become material in the foreseeable future. On April 21, 2016, Siemens Industry, Inc. filed a lawsuit against the Company in federal district court in Delaware alleging that the Company has infringed seven patents owned by Siemens, all of which relate to Positive Train Control technology. On November 2, 2016, Siemens amended its complaint to add six additional patents they also claim are infringed by the Company’s Positive Train Control Products. The Company has filed Answers, and asserted counterclaims, in response to Siemens’ complaints. The case is still in the preliminary stages, but the Company has begun filing for Inter-Parties Review proceedings before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office seeking to invalidate the Siemens patents. Wabtec believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending itself. Xorail, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Xorail”), has received notices from Denver Transit Constructors (“Denver Transit”) alleging breach of contract related to the operating of constant warning wireless crossings, and late delivery of the Train Management & Dispatch System (“TMDS”) for the Denver Eagle P3 Project, which is owned by the Denver Regional Transit District ("RTD"). No damages have been asserted for the alleged late delivery of the TMDS, and Xorail is in the final stages of successfully implementing a recovery plan concerning the TMDS issues. With regard to the wireless crossings, as of September 8, 2017, Denver Transit alleged that total damages were $36.8 million through July 31, 2017, and are continuing to accumulate. The crossings have not been certified for use without flaggers, which Denver Transit alleges is due to Xorail's failure to achieve constant warning times satisfactory to the Federal Railway Administration ("FRA") and the Public Utility Commission ("PUC"). No claims have been filed by Denver Transit with regard to either issue. Xorail has denied Denver Transit’s assertions regarding the wireless crossings, and Denver Transit has also notified RTD that Denver Transit considers the new certification requirements imposed by FRA and/or PUC as a change in law, for which neither Denver Transit nor its subcontractors are liable. Xorail has worked with Denver Transit to modify its system to meet the FRA’s and PUC's previously undefined, and evolving, certification requirements. On September 28, 2017, the FRA granted a 5 year approval of the modified wireless crossing system as currently implemented; however, the PUC has not granted approval of the modified system and therefore the crossings are still not certified for use without flaggers. Denver Transit and RTD are continuing to seek approval from PUC. The Company does not believe that it has any liability with respect to the wireless crossing issue. From time to time the Company is involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of business. As of the date hereof, the Company is involved in no litigation that the Company believes will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Wabtec has two reportable segments—the Freight Segment and the Transit Segment. The key factors used to identify these reportable segments are the organization and alignment of the Company’s internal operations, the nature of the products and services, and customer type. The business segments are:

Freight Segment primarily manufactures and services components for new and existing freight cars and locomotives, builds new switcher locomotives, rebuilds freight locomotives, supplies railway electronics, positive train control equipment, signal design and engineering services, and provides related heat exchange and cooling systems. Customers include large, publicly traded railroads, leasing companies, manufacturers of original equipment such as locomotives and freight cars, and utilities.

Transit Segment primarily manufactures and services components for new and existing passenger transit vehicles, typically regional trains, high speed trains, subway cars, light-rail vehicles and buses, builds new commuter locomotives, refurbishes subway cars, provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and doors for buses and subways. Customers include public transit authorities and municipalities, leasing companies, and manufacturers of subway cars and buses around the world.

The Company evaluates its business segments’ operating results based on income from operations. Intersegment sales are accounted for at prices that are generally established by reference to similar transactions with unaffiliated customers. Corporate activities include general corporate expenses, elimination of intersegment transactions, interest income and expense and other unallocated charges. Since certain administrative and other operating expenses and other items have not been allocated to business segments, the results in the following tables are not necessarily a measure computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may not be comparable to other companies.



Segment financial information for 2017 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	1,396,588	$	2,485,168	$	—		$	3,881,756
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	37,630		21,548		(59,178		)	—
Total sales	$	1,434,218	$	2,506,716	$	(59,178	)	$	3,881,756
Income (loss) from operations	$	264,603	$	188,546	$	(31,416	)	$	421,733
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(69,670		)	(69,670		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	264,603	$	188,546	$	(101,086	)	$	352,063
Depreciation and amortization	$	43,721	$	57,441	$	2,086		$	103,248
Capital expenditures	33,921		50,762		4,783			89,466
Segment assets	3,504,289		7,562,122		(4,486,431		)	6,579,980

Segment financial information for 2016 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	1,543,098	$	1,388,090	$	—		$	2,931,188
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	39,519		9,393		(48,912		)	$	—
Total sales	$	1,582,617	$	1,397,483	$	(48,912	)	$	2,931,188
Income (loss) from operations	$	344,455	$	171,446	$	(57,540	)	$	458,361
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(45,524		)	(45,524		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	344,455	$	171,446	$	(103,064	)	$	412,837
Depreciation and amortization	$	36,519	$	31,545	$	1,731		$	69,795
Capital expenditures	22,726		20,987		6,503			50,216
Segment assets	2,949,668		6,720,302		(3,088,952		)	6,581,018



Segment financial information for 2015 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	2,054,715	$	1,235,283	$	—		$	3,307,998
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	35,372		10,895		(46,267		)	—
Total sales	$	2,090,087	$	1,264,178	$	(46,267	)	$	3,307,998
Income (loss) from operations	$	482,640	$	150,988	$	(26,061	)	$	607,567
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(22,199		)	(22,199		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	482,640	$	150,988	$	(48,260	)	$	585,368
Depreciation and amortization	$	36,834	$	26,196	$	1,704		$	64,734
Capital expenditures	24,715		22,996		1,717			49,428
Segment assets	2,708,724		2,202,614		(1,681,825		)	3,229,513

The following geographic area data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, includes net sales based on product shipment destination and long-lived assets, which consist of plant, property and equipment, net of depreciation, resident in their respective countries:



	Net Sales						Long-Lived Assets
In thousands	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
United States	$	1,323,781	$	1,362,255	$	1,754,924	$	211,608	$	205,895	$	171,362
United Kingdom	356,493		322,563		368,505		57,668		54,215		63,694
Canada	279,013		206,258		204,674		5,822		5,156		4,876
France	237,454		66,287		45,565		57,849		33,636		7,194
Germany	208,817		98,364		92,422		71,709		57,902		31,642
China	178,137		106,357		100,586		36,388		42,672		12,256
Mexico	160,029		183,583		190,034		9,117		8,766		8,839
Italy	142,037		45,771		38,164		30,329		27,253		15,170
India	137,837		24,161		12,345		12,519		1,271		1,946
Australia	136,127		82,099		86,809		10,483		8,039		8,424
Brazil	69,378		51,493		84,595		13,184		13,227		9,318
Other international	652,653		381,997		329,375		57,296		60,344		18,472
Total	$	3,881,756	$	2,931,188	$	3,307,998	$	573,972	$	518,376	$	353,193

Export sales from the Company’s United States operations were $448.0 million, $470.5 million and $508.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Sales by product are as follows:



In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Specialty Products & Electronics	$	1,350,727	$	1,374,580	$	1,733,881
Brake Products	749,959		588,081		627,552
Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build	522,275		559,284		606,624
Transit Products	1,112,340		276,124		189,581
Other	146,455		133,119		150,360
Total sales	$	3,881,756	$	2,931,188	$	3,307,998

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The obligations under the Company's 2016 Notes, 2013 Notes and Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by all U.S. subsidiaries as guarantors. Each guarantor is 100% owned by the parent company. In accordance with positions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following shows separate financial information with respect to the parent, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The principal elimination entries eliminate investment in subsidiaries and certain intercompany balances and transactions.

Balance Sheet for December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	933	$	4,802		$	227,666		$	—		$	233,401
Receivables, net	77,046		237,360			852,381			—			1,166,787
Inventories	120,937		137,972			483,725			—			742,634
Current assets - other	1,142		4,507			116,642			—			122,291
Total current assets	200,058		384,641			1,680,414			—			2,265,113
Property, plant and equipment	52,532		136,382			385,058			—			573,972
Goodwill	25,274		546,527			1,888,302			—			2,460,103
Investment in subsidiaries	6,517,205		2,570,391			—			(9,087,596		)	—
Other intangibles, net	30,575		251,347			922,510			—			1,204,432
Other long term assets	17,414		295			58,651			—			76,360
Total assets	$	6,843,058	$	3,889,583		$	4,934,935		$	(9,087,596	)	$	6,579,980
Current liabilities	$	196,827	217,176			$	1,159,327		—			$	1,573,330
Inter-company	2,121,546		(2,026,634		)	(94,912		)	—			—
Long-term debt	1,661,771		14			161,518			—			1,823,303
Long-term liabilities - other	54,046		67,824			232,945			—			354,815
Total liabilities	4,034,190		(1,741,620		)	1,458,878			—			3,751,448
Shareholders' equity	2,808,868		5,632,665			3,454,931			(9,087,596		)	2,808,868
Non-controlling interest	—		(1,462		)	21,126			—			19,664
Total shareholders' equity	$	2,808,868	$	5,631,203		$	3,476,057		$	(9,087,596	)	$	2,828,532
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	6,843,058	$	3,889,583		$	4,934,935		$	(9,087,596	)	$	6,579,980

Balance Sheet for December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors		Elimination			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,522	$	9,496		$	386,466	$	—		$	398,484
Receivables, net	79,041		202,779			660,688		—			942,508
Inventories	120,042		128,076			410,392		—			658,510
Current assets - other	52,576		(17,844		)	833,397		—			868,129
Total current assets	254,181		322,507			2,290,943		—			2,867,631
Property, plant and equipment	49,031		126,661			342,684		—			518,376
Goodwill	25,275		477,472			1,576,018		—			2,078,765
Investment in subsidiaries	5,388,613		1,325,150			—		(6,713,763		)	—
Other intangibles, net	31,897		204,512			817,451		—			1,053,860
Other long term assets	9,592		(1,914		)	54,708		—			62,386
Total assets	$	5,758,589	$	2,454,388		$	5,081,804	$	(6,713,763	)	$	6,581,018
Current liabilities	$	194,983	196,956			$	1,054,700	—			$	1,446,639
Inter-company	1,562,399		(1,848,777		)	286,378		—			—
Long-term debt	1,761,933		58			976		—			1,762,967
Long-term liabilities - other	33,298		74,977			286,312		—			394,587
Total liabilities	3,552,613		(1,576,786		)	1,628,366		—			3,604,193
Shareholders' equity	2,205,976		4,032,250			2,681,514		(6,713,763		)	2,205,977
Non-controlling interest	—		(1,076		)	771,924		—			770,848
Total shareholders' equity	$	2,205,976	$	4,031,174		$	3,453,438	$	(6,713,763	)	$	2,976,825
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	5,758,589	$	2,454,388		$	5,081,804	$	(6,713,763	)	$	6,581,018

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	577,397		$	1,067,954		$	2,378,817		$	(142,412	)	$	3,881,756
Cost of sales	(440,911		)	(675,546		)	(1,808,370		)	108,384			(2,816,443		)
Gross profit (loss)	136,486			392,408			570,447			(34,028		)	1,065,313
Total operating expenses	(113,872		)	(123,423		)	(406,285		)	—			(643,580		)
Income (loss) from operations	22,614			268,985			164,162			(34,028		)	421,733
Interest (expense) income, net	(72,233		)	8,843			(5,314		)	—			(68,704		)
Other income (expense), net	5,103			289			(6,358		)	—			(966		)
Equity earnings (loss)	416,068			131,620			—			(547,688		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	371,552			409,737			152,490			(581,716		)	352,063
Income tax expense	(109,294		)	32,393			(12,872		)	—			(89,773		)
Net income (loss)	262,258			442,130			139,618			(581,716		)	262,290
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			386			(415		)	—			(29		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	262,258		$	442,516		$	139,203		$	(581,716	)	$	262,261

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	263,907		$	442,516		$	472,167		$	(581,716	)	$	596,874

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	641,809		$	1,112,001		$	1,322,937		$	(145,559	)	$	2,931,188
Cost of sales	(473,700		)	(708,062		)	(928,608		)	103,421			(2,006,949		)
Gross profit (loss)	168,109			403,939			394,329			(42,138		)	924,239
Total operating expenses	(141,940		)	(122,617		)	(201,321		)	—			(465,878		)
(Loss) income from operations	26,169			281,322			193,008			(42,138		)	458,361
Interest (expense) income, net	(34,975		)	7,012			(14,598		)	—			(42,561		)
Other income (expense), net	20,509			(2,284		)	(21,188		)	—			(2,963		)
Equity earnings (loss)	322,650			131,234			—			(453,884		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	334,353			417,284			157,222			(496,022		)	412,837
Income tax expense	(29,466		)	(57,667		)	(12,300		)	—			(99,433		)
Net income (loss)	304,887			359,617			144,922			(496,022		)	313,404
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(8,517		)	—			(8,517		)
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	304,887		$	359,617		$	136,405		$	(496,022	)	$	304,887

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	305,180		$	359,617		$	33,226		$	(496,022	)	$	202,001

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2015:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	743,262		$	1,436,935		$	1,300,577		$	(172,776	)	$	3,307,998
Cost of sales	(531,269		)	(843,104		)	(976,798		)	90,989			(2,260,182		)
Gross (loss) profit	211,993			593,831			323,779			(81,787		)	1,047,816
Total operating expenses	(142,953		)	(131,251		)	(166,045		)	—			(440,249		)
(Loss) income from operations	69,040			462,580			157,734			(81,787		)	607,567
Interest (expense) income, net	(23,129		)	5,914			327			—			(16,888		)
Other income (expense), net	23,193			(9,140		)	(19,364		)	—			(5,311		)
Equity earnings (loss)	506,903			112,286			—			(619,189		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	576,007			571,640			138,697			(700,976		)	585,368
Income tax expense	(177,379		)	8,989			(18,350		)	—			(186,740		)
Net income (loss)	398,628			580,629			120,347			(700,976		)	398,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	398,628		$	580,629		$	120,347		$	(700,976	)	$	398,628

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	409,734		$	580,629		$	(7,992	)	$	(700,976	)	$	281,395

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(49,231	)	$	249,204		$	22,866		$	(34,028	)	$	188,811
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,156		)	(120,661		)	(143,912		)	—			(275,729		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	58,798			(133,237		)	(57,020		)	34,028			(97,431		)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			19,266			—			19,266
Increase (decrease) in cash	(1,589		)	(4,694		)	(158,800		)	—			(165,083		)
Cash, beginning of year	2,522			9,496			386,466			—			398,484
Cash, end of year	$	933		$	4,802		$	227,666		$	—		$	233,401

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(44,611	)	$	332,822		$	204,457		$	(42,138	)	$	450,530
Net cash used in investing activities	(829,783		)	(14,725		)	69,443			—			(775,065		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	876,916			(321,758		)	(74,325		)	42,138			522,971
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			(26,143		)	—			(26,143		)
(Decrease) increase in cash	2,522			(3,661		)	173,432			—			172,293
Cash, beginning of year	—			13,157			213,034			—			226,191
Cash, end of year	$	2,522		$	9,496		$	386,466		$	—		$	398,484

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2015:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(90,374	)	$	487,516		$	135,489		$	(81,787	)	$	450,844
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,862		)	(109,326		)	(262,948		)	—			(380,136		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(48,570		)	(378,330		)	93,615			81,787			(251,498		)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			(18,868		)	—			(18,868		)
Increase in cash	(146,806		)	(140		)	(52,712		)	—			(199,658		)
Cash, beginning of year	146,806			13,297			265,746			—			425,849
Cash, end of year	$	—		$	13,157		$	213,034		$	—		$	226,191

- Definition

The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document.

+ References + Details

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET

The components of other (expense) income, net are as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Foreign currency loss	$	(6,618	)	$	(4,001	)	$	(4,659	)
Equity income	2,579			409			—
Other miscellaneous income (expense)	3,073			629			(652		)
Total other (expense) income, net	$	(966	)	$	(2,963	)	$	(5,311	)

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)



	First		Second		Third		Fourth
In thousands, except per share data	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (1)
2017
Net sales	$	916,034	$	932,253	$	957,931	$	1,075,538
Gross profit	269,707		273,963		253,203		268,440
Income from operations	114,858		113,701		102,011		91,163
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	73,889		72,025		67,399		48,948
Basic earnings from operations per common share	$	0.77	$	0.75	$	0.70	$	0.51
Diluted earnings from operations per common share	$	0.77	$	0.75	$	0.70	$	0.51
2016
Net sales	$	772,031	$	723,601	$	675,574	$	759,982
Gross profit	255,180		237,389		212,481		219,189
Income from operations	142,181		133,284		120,096		62,800
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	94,163		90,485		82,428		46,328
Basic earnings from operations per common share	$	1.03	$	1.00	$	0.92	$	0.42
Diluted earnings from operations per common share	$	1.02	$	1.00	$	0.91	$	0.42

(1) Results from the fourth quarter of 2017 include project adjustments related to prior periods which decreased income from operations by approximately $14.8 million. The effect of these project adjustments was not material.

The Company operates on a four-four-five week accounting quarter, and the quarters end on or about March 31, June 30 and September 30. The fiscal year ends on December 31.

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

SCHEDULE II

WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For each of the three years ended December 31



In thousands	Balance at beginning of period		Charged/ (credited) to expense		Charged/ (credited) to other accounts (1)			Deductions from reserves (2)		Balance at end of period
2017
Warranty and overhaul reserves	$	138,992	$	50,385	$	12,234		$	48,548	$	153,063
Allowance for doubtful accounts	7,340		2,632		4,979			2,609		12,342
Valuation allowance-taxes	21,418		6,760		—			10,024		18,154
2016
Warranty and overhaul reserves	$	92,064	$	28,947	$	56,753		$	38,772	$	138,992
Allowance for doubtful accounts	5,614		3,635		—			1,909		7,340
Valuation allowance-taxes	12,623		3,405		5,390			—		21,418
2015
Warranty and overhaul reserves	$	87,849	$	35,418	$	(1,762	)	$	29,441	$	92,064
Allowance for doubtful accounts	6,270		2,026		—			2,682		5,614
Valuation allowance-taxes	1,818		7,024		3,781			—		12,623


(1)	Reserves of acquired/(sold) companies; valuation allowances for state and foreign deferred tax assets; impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.


(2)	Actual disbursements and/or charges.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries that it controls. For consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company's ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests. These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Sales between subsidiaries are billed at prices consistent with sales to third parties and are eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents	Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in our receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available evidence.
Inventories	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory costs include material, labor and overhead.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment additions are stated at cost. Expenditures for renewals and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The Company computes book depreciation principally on the straight-line method. Accelerated depreciation methods are utilized for income tax purposes.
Leasing Arrangements	The Company conducts a portion of its operations from leased facilities and finances certain equipment purchases through lease agreements. In those cases in which the lease term approximates the useful life of the leased asset or the lease meets certain other prerequisites, the leasing arrangement is classified as a capital lease. The remaining arrangements are treated as operating leases.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Other intangibles (with definite lives) are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level and at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test during the fourth quarter after the annual forecasting process is completed, and also tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Periodically, Management of the Company assesses whether or not an indicator of impairment is present that would necessitate an impairment analysis be performed. For 2017, the Company opted to proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test for all reporting units with goodwill. In the first step of the quantitative assessment, our assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill and other intangible assets, are assigned to the identified reporting units to determine the carrying value of the reporting units. The income approach and the market approach are weighted at 50% and 50%, respectively, in arriving at fair value. The discounted cash flow model requires several assumptions including future sales growth, EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margins and capital expenditures for the reporting units. The discounted cash flow model also requires the use of a discount rate and a terminal revenue growth rate (the revenue growth rate for the period beyond the years forecasted by the reporting units), as well as projections of future operating margins. The market approach requires several assumptions including EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiples for comparable companies that operate in the same markets as the Company’s reporting units. The estimated fair value of all reporting units was substantially in excess of its respective carrying value, which resulted in a conclusion that no impairment existed. Additionally, the Company proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test for some trade names with indefinite lives. The fair value of all trade names subject to the quantitative impairment test exceeded its respective carrying value, resulting in a conclusion that no impairment existed. For trade names not subject to the quantitative testing, the Company opted to perform a qualitative trade name impairment assessment and determined from the qualitative assessment that it was not more likely than not that the estimated fair values of the trade names were less than their carrying values; therefore, no further analysis was required. In assessing the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a trade name is less than its carrying amount, we assess relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value and the carrying amount of the trade name. The identification of relevant events and circumstances and how these may impact a trade name’s fair value or carrying amount involve significant judgments and assumptions. The judgment and assumptions include the identification of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, Wabtec specific events, share price trends and making the assessment on whether each relevant factor will impact the impairment test positively or negatively and the magnitude of any such impact.
Warranty Costs	Warranty costs are accrued based on Management’s estimates of repair or upgrade costs per unit and historical experience.
Income Taxes	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws. The provision for income taxes includes federal, state and foreign income taxes.
Stock-Based Compensation	The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value amortized ratably over the requisite service period following the date of grant.
Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities	The Company has entered into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Foreign currency forward contracts are agreements with a counterparty to exchange two distinct currencies at a set exchange rate for delivery on a set date at some point in the future. There is no exchange of funds until the delivery date.
Foreign Currency Translation	Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except for the Company’s Mexican operations whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date while income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions, and the translation of financial statements are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements based upon the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions and balances of a long-term investment nature are accumulated and carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are charged or credited to earnings.
Noncontrolling Interests	In accordance with ASC 810, the Company has classified noncontrolling interests as equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition,” The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 2) delivery has occurred; 3) an established sales price has been set with the customer; 4) collection of the sale revenue from the customer is reasonably assured; and 5) no contingencies exist. Delivery is considered to have occurred when the customer assumes the risk and rewards of ownership. The Company estimates and records provisions for quantity rebates and sales returns and allowances as an offset to revenue in the same period the related revenue is recognized, based upon its experience. These items are included as a reduction in deriving net sales. In general, the Company recognizes revenues on long-term contracts based on the percentage of completion method of accounting. The units-of-delivery method or other input-based or output-based measures, as appropriate, are used to measure the progress toward completion of individual contracts. Contract revenues and cost estimates are reviewed and revised quarterly at a minimum and adjustments are reflected in the accounting period as such amounts are determined. Provisions are made currently for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts.
Significant Customers and Concentrations of Credit Risk	The Company’s trade receivables are from rail and transit industry original equipment manufacturers, Class I railroads, railroad carriers and commercial companies that utilize rail cars in their operations, such as utility and chemical companies. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2017, 2016 or 2015.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling are classified as a component of net revenues. All costs associated with shipping and handling are classified as a component of cost of sales.
Research and Development	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Earnings Per Share	Basic and diluted earnings per common share is computed in accordance with ASC 260 “Earnings Per Share.” Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method included in ASC 260-10-55. (See Note 11 “Earnings Per Share” included herein)
Reclassifications	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified, where necessary, to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements below.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates. On an ongoing basis, Management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost". The amendments in this update require the service cost component of net benefit costs to be reported in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside income from operations. This update also allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance in 2018 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". The amendments in this update eliminate the requirement to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform a goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value up to the carrying amount of the goodwill. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of adopting this guidance could result in a change in the overall conclusion as to whether or not a reporting units' goodwill is impaired and the amount of an impairment charge recognized in the event a reporting units' carrying value exceeds its fair value. All of the Company's reporting units had fair values that were greater than the carrying value as of the Company's last quantitative goodwill impairment test, which was performed as of October 1, 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash". The amendments in this update require a statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance in 2018 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 814)" which requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. For leases with terms less than 12 months, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a right of use asset and lease liability. The ASU is effective for public companies in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-9, “Revenue from Contract with Customers.” The ASU will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP and will require entities to recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The new standard also requires significantly expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of an entity’s nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Board voted to propose that the standard would take effect for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and that early adoption would be allowed as of the original effective date. The impact to results is not anticipated to be material because the analysis of the Company's current long-term contracts under the new revenue recognition standard supports the recognition of revenue over time under the cost-to-cost method for substantially all of our long-term contracts, which is consistent with our current revenue recognition model. The Company plans to adopt this accounting standard update using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying this update recognized in the first reporting period of 2018. The Company has evaluated new disclosure requirements and is implementing appropriate changes to its business processes and controls to support disclosure under the new guidance. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The ASU simplifies several aspects for the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The ASU became effective for public companies during interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In accordance with this update, the Company began recognizing all excess tax deficiencies and tax benefits from share-based payment awards as a benefit or expense to income tax in the income statement. This update has been adopted prospectively in accordance with the ASU and the impact of adoption on the income statement was not material. Additionally, in accordance with this update, the Company began classifying excess income tax benefits from exercise of stock options as an operating activity on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Company elected to adopt this amendment retrospectively and the impact of the adoption on operating and financing cash flows was not material.

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

For the Workhorse, Precision Turbo, and Unitrac acquisitions, the following table summarizes the final fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.



	Melett			TTC			ATP			Workhorse			Precision Turbo			Unitrac
	December 4, 2017			April 5, 2017			March 13, 2017			December 14, 2016			November 17, 2016			May 5, 2016
In thousands	December 4, 2017			April 5, 2017			March 13, 2017			December 14, 2016			November 17, 2016			May 5, 2016
Current assets	$	21,068		$	3,746		$	11,666		$	9,137		$	4,145		$	11,476
Property, plant & equipment	5,917			5,909			5,354			—			1,317			1,768
Goodwill	22,501			16,309			29,034			22,273			4,248			2,442
Other intangible assets	39,259			12,300			25,000			21,500			5,200			1,230
Total assets acquired	88,745			38,264			71,054			52,910			14,910			16,916
Total liabilities assumed	(14,789		)	(5,753		)	(5,800		)	(9,083		)	(1,057		)	(2,145		)
Net assets acquired	$	73,956		$	32,511		$	65,254		$	43,827		$	13,853		$	14,771

For the Gerken acquisition, the following table summarizes the final fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition.



	AM General			Gerken
	October 2, 2017			August 1, 2016
In thousands	October 2, 2017			August 1, 2016
Current assets	$	6,611		$	32,706
Property, plant & equipment	4,140			7,667
Goodwill	12,943			17,470
Other intangible assets	12,097			30,560
Other assets	—			1,706
Total assets acquired	35,791			90,109
Total liabilities assumed	(25,375		)	(27,262		)
Net assets acquired	$	10,416		$	62,847

The following table summarizes the final fair values of the Faiveley Transport assets acquired and liabilities assumed.



In thousands
Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents	$	178,318
Accounts receivable	439,631
Inventories	205,649
Other current assets	70,930
Property, plant, and equipment	148,746
Goodwill	1,262,350
Trade names	346,328
Customer Relationships	233,529
Patents	1,201
Other noncurrent assets	184,564
Total assets acquired	3,071,246
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities	819,493
Debt	409,899
Other noncurrent liabilities	335,039
Total liabilities assumed	1,564,431
Net assets acquired	$	1,506,815

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents income statement results as if the acquisitions listed above had occurred January 1, 2016:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Net sales	$	3,946,244	$	4,212,617
Gross profit	1,095,101		1,275,835
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	271,783		349,852
Diluted earnings per share
As Reported	$	2.72	$	3.34
Pro forma	$	2.82	$	3.83

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures



	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016		2015
In thousands
Interest paid during the year	$	75,317		$	30,211	$	19,372
Income taxes paid during the year, net of amount refunded	$	89,379		$	121,563	$	147,958
Business acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	452,209			3,118,420		156,020
Liabilities assumed	207,788			1,453,382		20,789
Non-controlling interest (acquired) assumed	(738,024		)	760,343		—
Stock and cash paid	982,445			904,695		135,231
Less: Cash acquired	35,408			186,903		5,681
Stock used for acquisition	25,500			534,679		—
Net cash paid	$	921,537		$	183,113	$	129,550

INVENTORIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves

The components of inventory, net of reserves, were:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Raw materials	$	378,481	$	331,465
Work-in-progress	167,390		145,462
Finished goods	196,763		181,583
Total inventories	$	742,634	$	658,510

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Major Classes of Depreciable Assets

The major classes of depreciable assets are as follows:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Machinery and equipment	$	728,257		$	645,354
Buildings and improvements	259,561			225,307
Land and improvements	38,228			41,569
Property, plant and equipment	1,026,046			912,230
Less: accumulated depreciation	(452,074		)	(393,854		)
Total	$	573,972		$	518,376

Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:



	Years
Land improvements	10 to 20
Building and improvements	20 to 40
Machinery and equipment	3 to 15

INTANGIBLES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:



	Freight		Transit
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	550,902	$	1,527,863	$	2,078,765
Additions	152,096		34,391		186,487
Foreign currency impact	15,960		178,891		194,851
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	718,958	$	1,741,145	$	2,460,103

Intangible Assets of the Company, Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks

Intangible assets of the Company, other than goodwill and trade names, consist of the following:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
Patents, non-compete and other intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization of $43,021 and $40,638	$	17,554	$	15,360
Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization
of $126,824 and $87,334	583,459		528,068
Total	$	601,013	$	543,428

Estimated Amortization Expense Five Succeeding Years

Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):



2018	$	38,059
2019	36,076
2020	34,050
2021	33,777
2022	33,489

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016
3.45% Senior Notes due 2026, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,345 and $2,526	$	747,655	$	747,474
4.375% Senior Notes due 2023, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $1,433 and $1,690	248,567		248,310
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,451 and $3,850	853,124		796,150
Schuldschein Loan	11,998		98,671
Other Borrowings	6,860		1,153
Capital Leases	2,324		1,018
Total	1,870,528		1,892,776
Less - current portion	47,225		129,809
Long-term portion	$	1,823,303	$	1,762,967

Principal Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease



Scheduled principal repayments of debt and capital lease balances as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

2018	$	47,225
2019	330,901
2020	559
2021	483,379
2022	208
Future years	1,008,256
Total	$	1,870,528

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159872&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of U.S. and International Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations and with Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of Plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(282,077	)	$	(255,682	)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(43,340		)	(44,530		)	(274,557		)	(249,729		)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432			35,802			200,218			170,367
Information for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(283,106	)	$	(256,530	)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432			35,802			201,115			171,133

Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category

Plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:



	U.S.				International
In thousands	2017		2016		2017		2016
Pension Plan Assets
Equity security funds	$	18,122	$	17,446	$	100,453	$	92,201
Debt security funds and other	18,304		17,038		178,730		145,003
Cash and cash equivalents	1,006		1,318		2,419		4,079
Fair value of plan assets	$	37,432	$	35,802	$	281,602	$	241,283

Schedule of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value

The following tables summarize our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level (See Note 18):



	December 31, 2017
In thousands	NAV		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
US:
Equity	$	—	$	18,122	$	—	$	—	$	18,122
Debt Securities	—		4,273		14,031		—		18,304
Cash and cash equivalents	—		1,006		—		—		1,006
International:
Equity	$	4,586	$	38,647	$	95,641	$	—	$	138,874
Debt Securities	—		—		111,204		—		111,204
Insurance Contracts	—		—		15,893		13,123		29,016
Cash and cash equivalents	—		2,507		—		—		2,507
Total	$	4,586	$	64,555	$	236,769	$	13,123	$	319,033



	December 31, 2016
In thousands	NAV		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
US:
Equity	$	—	$	17,446	$	—	$	—	$	17,446
Debt Securities	—		4,766		12,272		—		17,038
Cash and cash equivalents	—		1,318		—		—		1,318
International:
Equity	$	3,589	$	38,053	$	78,694	$	—	$	120,336
Debt Securities	—		—		90,508		—		90,508
Insurance Contracts	—		—		13,037		12,996		26,033
Cash and cash equivalents	—		4,406		—		—		4,406
Total	$	3,589	$	65,989	$	194,511	$	12,996	$	277,085

Schedule of Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets:



In thousands	Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Net purchases, issuances, and settlements	56
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	(5		)
Business acquisition	12,949
Other	(4		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	12,996
Net purchases, issuances, and settlements	778
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	375
Opening balance sheet adjustment	(1,308		)
Other	282
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	13,123

Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plans

Costs recognized under these plans are summarized as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans	$	1,522	$	2,054	$	2,584
401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans	23,209		23,062		21,399
Total	$	24,731	$	25,116	$	23,983

Contributions in Multiemployer Pension Plans



			Pension Protection Act Zone Status (b)		FIP/	Contributions by the Company												Expiration Dates of
					RP Status Pending/												Surcharge Imposed	Collective Bargaining
Pension Fund	EIN/PN (a)		2016	2015	Implemented (c)	2017			2016				2015				(d)	Agreements
Idaho Operating Engineers-	EIN #	91-6075538	Green	Green	No	$	1,020	(1)	$	1,306	(1	)	$	1,820	(1	)	No	6/30/2018
Employers Pension Trust Fund	Plan#	001
Automobile Mechanics' Local No 701 Union and	EIN #	36-6042061	Yellow	Red	Yes (2)	$	501	(3)	$	748			$	764			No (4)	6/1/2018
Industry Pension Plan	Plan #	001
					Total Contributions	$	1,521		$	2,054			$	2,584


(1)	The Company’s contribution represents more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan.


(2)	The Pension Fund’s board adopted a Funding Improvement Plan on October 21, 2015, continuing the existing plan which increased the weekly pension fund contribution rates by $75 with corresponding decreases to the weekly welfare fund contribution rates until December 31, 2017.


(3)	The number of employees covered by this fund decreased due to the closure of the Bensenville, Illinois facility, which affected the period-to-period comparability of 2016 and 2017 contributions.


(4)	Critical status triggered a 5% surcharge on employer contributions effective June 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, this surcharge increases to 10%. The surcharge ended on October 21, 2015 when the rehabilitation plan commenced.


(a)	The “EIN / PN” column provides the Employer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number assigned to a plan by the Internal Revenue Service.

(b)


(c)	The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates whether a Funding Improvement Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “yellow” zone, or a Rehabilitation Plan, as required under the Code to be adopted by plans in the “red” zone, is pending or has been implemented as of the end of the plan year that ended in 2017.


(d)	The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether the Company’s contribution rate for 2017 included an amount in addition the contribution rate specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as imposed by a plan in “critical status”, in accordance with the requirements of the Code.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Obligations and Funded Status

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans summarized by U.S. and international components.

Obligations and Funded Status



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	$	(45,512	)	$	(46,120	)	$	(319,551	)	$	(195,311	)
Opening balance sheet adjustment	—			—			(5,321		)	—
Service cost	(344		)	(337		)	(2,740		)	(1,379		)
Interest cost	(1,422		)	(1,475		)	(7,310		)	(5,774		)
Employee contributions	—			—			(880		)	(195		)
Plan curtailments and amendments	—			—			4,153			2,061
Benefits paid	3,079			3,893			12,906			9,427
Acquisition	—			—			—			(114,242		)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(14		)	(1,473		)	(3,009		)	(33,330		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			(31,265		)	19,192
Obligation at end of year	$	(44,213	)	$	(45,512	)	$	(353,017	)	$	(319,551	)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	35,802		$	37,640		$	241,283		$	168,069
Opening balance sheet adjustment	—			—			2,058			—
Actual return on plan assets	4,223			2,055			19,102			20,066
Employer contributions	486			—			13,479			6,933
Employee contributions	—			—			880			195
Benefits paid	(3,079		)	(3,893		)	(12,905		)	(9,427		)
Acquisition	—			—			—			70,519
Settlements							(4,523		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			22,228			(15,072		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	37,432		$	35,802		$	281,602		$	241,283
Funded status
Fair value of plan assets	$	37,432		$	35,802		$	281,602		$	241,283
Benefit obligations	(44,213		)	(45,512		)	(353,017		)	(319,551		)
Funded status	$	(6,781	)	$	(9,710	)	$	(71,415	)	$	(78,268	)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Noncurrent assets	$	—		$	—		$	10,577		$	7,130
Current liabilities	—			—			(2,158		)	(2,042		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(6,781		)	(9,710		)	(79,834		)	(83,356		)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,781	)	$	(9,710	)	$	(71,415	)	$	(78,268	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost	(6		)	(8		)	(32		)	(56		)
Net actuarial loss	(20,418		)	(23,884		)	(54,043		)	(56,411		)
Net amount recognized	$	(20,424	)	$	(23,892	)	$	(54,075	)	$	(56,467	)

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs



	U.S.									International
In thousands	2017			2016			2015			2017			2016			2015
Service cost	$	344		$	337		$	381		$	2,740		$	1,379		$	2,015
Interest cost	1,422			1,475			1,914			7,310			5,774			7,091
Expected return on plan assets	(1,731		)	(2,076		)	(2,168		)	(12,412		)	(9,971		)	(9,591		)
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	3			3			3			27			61			212
Amortization of net loss	989			914			1,062			2,846			1,818			2,379
Settlement and curtailment losses recognized	—			—			—			768			218			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,027		$	653		$	1,192		$	1,279		$	(721	)	$	2,106

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2017 are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	$	2,477	$	3,683
Effect of exchange rates	—		(4,945		)
Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation	—		768
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	3		27
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss	989		2,846
Total recognized in other comprehensive gain	$	3,469	$	2,379
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive gain	$	2,442	$	1,100

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Develop Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation

The weighted average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed.



	U.S.						International
	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.56	%	3.95	%	4.21	%	2.40	%	2.51	%	3.56	%
Expected return on plan assets	4.95	%	5.70	%	5.70	%	5.02	%	6.07	%	5.81	%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00	%	3.00	%	3.00	%	2.54	%	2.54	%	3.10	%

Amounts Included in Other Comprehensive Loss That are Expected to be Recognized as Components of Periodic Benefit Costs

As of December 31, 2017, the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2018.



In thousands	U.S.		International
Prior service cost	3		22
Net actuarial loss	970		2,193
	$	973	$	2,215

Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid to Plan Participants

Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Year ended December 31,
2018	$	3,250	$	12,401
2019	3,301		12,403
2020	3,325		13,156
2021	3,160		13,799
2022	3,125		14,538
2023 through 2027	14,276		77,817

Other Postretirement Benefits Plans

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Obligations and Funded Status

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s post retirement benefit plans summarized by U.S. and international components.

Obligations and Funded Status



	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	$	(11,876	)	$	(12,959	)	$	(3,425	)	$	(3,290	)
Service cost	(5		)	(4		)	(28		)	(29		)
Interest cost	(350		)	(389		)	(98		)	(99		)
Plan amendments	—			6			—			—
Benefits paid	970			720			199			133
Acquisition	—			(143		)	—			—
Actuarial gain (loss)	(84		)	893			(131		)	(42		)
Effect of currency rate changes	—			—			(237		)	(98		)
Obligation at end of year	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,425	)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	970			720			199			133
Benefits paid	(970		)	(720		)	(199		)	(133		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status
Fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Benefit obligations	(11,345		)	(11,876		)	(3,720		)	(3,425		)
Funded status	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,425	)
	U.S.						International
In thousands	2017			2016			2017			2016
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1,046	)	$	(1,084	)	$	(208	)	$	(185	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(10,299		)	(10,792		)	(3,512		)	(3,160		)
Net amount recognized	$	(11,345	)	$	(11,876	)	$	(3,720	)	$	(3,345	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
consist of:
Prior service credit	19,616			21,134			9			15
Net actuarial (loss) gain	(18,882		)	(20,023		)	154			292
Net amount recognized	$	734		$	1,111		$	163		$	307

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	U.S.									International
In thousands	2017			2016			2015			2017			2016			2015
Service cost	$	5		$	4		$	9		$	28		$	29		$	38
Interest cost	350			389			1,233			98			99			128
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	(1,519		)	(1,709		)	(2,295		)	(7		)	(7		)	(7		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	1,225			1,287			1,356			(23		)	(29		)	(30		)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	61		$	(29	)	$	303		$	96		$	92		$	129

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income during 2017 are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.			International
Net loss arising during the year	(84		)	(131		)
Effect of exchange rates	—			16
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	(1,519		)	(7		)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	1,225			(23		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(378	)	$	(145	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(317	)	$	(53	)

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Develop Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation



	U.S.						International
	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
Discount rate	3.43	%	3.76	%	3.95	%	3.21	%	3.46	%	3.80	%

Amounts Included in Other Comprehensive Loss That are Expected to be Recognized as Components of Periodic Benefit Costs

As of December 31, 2017, the following table represents the amounts included in other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of periodic benefit costs in 2018.



In thousands	U.S.			International
Prior service credit	(1,519		)	(7		)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,216			(8		)
	$	(303	)	$	(15	)

Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid to Plan Participants

Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants are as follows:



In thousands	U.S.		International
Year ended December 31,
2018	$	1,046	$	208
2019	1,024		220
2020	986		225
2021	950		245
2022	908		251
2023 through 2027	3,956		1,352

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Income from Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

The components of the income from operations before provision for income taxes for the Company’s domestic and foreign operations for the years ended December 31 are provided below:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Domestic	$	140,325	$	276,218	$	461,394
Foreign	211,738		136,619		123,974
Income from operations before income taxes	$	352,063	$	412,837	$	585,368

Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes

The consolidated provision for income taxes included in the Statement of Income consisted of the following:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Current taxes
Federal	$	86,157		$	72,317		$	141,245
State	3,644			9,953			16,072
Foreign	67,395			27,391			24,442
	157,196			109,661			181,759
Deferred taxes
Federal	(22,863		)	11,013			9,606
State	(1,024		)	1,953			770
Foreign	(43,536		)	(23,194		)	(5,395		)
	(67,423		)	(10,228		)	4,981
Total provision	$	89,773		$	99,433		$	186,740

Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate

A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on operations for the years ended December 31 is provided below:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017		2016		2015
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes	0.4	%	2.1	%	2.0	%
Tax reserves	—	%	(0.2	)%	(0.4	)%
Foreign	(8.3	)%	(4.3	)%	(2.1	)%
Research and development credit	(0.8	)%	(1.0	)%	(0.4	)%
Manufacturing deduction	(1.1	)%	(1.8	)%	(2.3	)%
France tax rate change	(6.5	)%	(6.5	)%	—	%
U.S. tax rate change	(7.9	)%	—	%	—	%
U.S. tax reform provision	15.6	%	—	%	—	%
Transaction costs related to acquisitions	—	%	1.5	%	—	%
Other, net	(0.9	)%	(0.7	)%	0.1	%
Effective rate	25.5	%	24.1	%	31.9	%

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and reserves	$	10,961		$	26,117
Warranty reserve	20,211			24,131
Deferred compensation/employee benefits	18,353			25,755
Pension and postretirement obligations	21,637			25,595
Inventory	19,620			22,579
Net operating loss carry forwards	65,671			59,416
Tax credit carry forwards	1,921			621
Other	13,053			2,317
Gross deferred income tax assets	171,427			186,531
Valuation allowance	25,683			21,418
Total deferred income tax assets	145,744			165,113
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant & equipment	37,015			47,321
Intangibles	288,141			359,312
Total deferred income tax liabilities	325,156			406,633
Net deferred income tax liability	$	(179,412	)	$	(241,520	)

Liability for Income Taxes Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits follows:



In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	8,423		$	10,557		$	12,596
Gross increases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	2,466			6			—
Gross increases - current period unrecognized tax benefits	—			—			1,682
Gross decreases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	—			—			—
Gross decreases - audit settlement during year	(3,979		)	—			(3,027		)
Gross decreases - expiration of audit statute of limitations	—			(2,140		)	(694		)
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	6,910		$	8,423		$	10,557

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share from operations is as follows:



	For the Year Ended December 31,
In thousands, except per share data	2017			2016			2015
Numerator
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - net income attributable
to Wabtec shareholders	$	262,261		$	304,887		$	398,628
Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock	(42,218		)	(32,430		)	(26,963		)
Undistributed earnings	220,043			272,457			371,665
Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)	99.7		%	99.7		%	99.7		%
	219,383			271,640			370,550
Add: dividends declared - common shares	42,092			32,333			26,875
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	261,475		$	303,973		$	397,425
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares	95,453			90,359			96,074
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans	672			782			932
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversion	96,125			91,141			97,006
Net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders
Basic	$	2.74		$	3.37		$	4.14
Diluted	$	2.72		$	3.34		$	4.10

(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	95,453			90,359			96,074
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted
stock expected to vest	95,740			90,627			96,388
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	99.7		%	99.7		%	99.7		%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and Directors Plan for the years ended December 31:



	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic value (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,147,558		$	28.33	5.5	$	67,205
Granted	84,675		87.35			1,375
Exercised	(124,156	)	26.70			(5,516		)
Canceled	(10,754	)	65.22			(64		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	1,097,323		$	32.70	4.8	$	42,154
Granted	94,115		61.39			2,035
Exercised	(83,790	)	25.58			(4,813		)
Canceled	(8,825	)	71.47			(102		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	1,098,823		$	35.39	4.3	$	52,332
Granted	65,522		86.91			—
Exercised	(166,838	)	21.37			(10,020		)
Canceled	(13,995	)	76.89			(64		)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	983,512		$	40.62	4.0	$	40,137
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	802,609		$	32.52	3.3	$	36,848

Stock Options Outstanding

Options outstanding at December 31, 2017 were as follows:



	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual	Number of Options Currently	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Currently
Range of exercise prices	Outstanding	Outstanding		Life	Exercisable	Exercisable
Under $15.00	180,000	$	14.50	1.1	180,000	$	14.50
15.00 - 23.00	193,701	18.77		1.3	193,701	18.77
23.00 - 30.00	136,924	28.75		2.8	136,924	28.75
30.00 - 38.00	94,496	35.24		4.1	94,496	35.24
Over 38.00	378,391	69.86		7.0	197,488	63.72
	983,512	$	40.62		802,609	$	32.52

Schedule of Share-Based Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted-Average Assumptions

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:



	For the year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Dividend yield	0.23		%	0.26		%	0.14		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.2		%	1.5		%	1.8		%
Stock price volatility	23.4		%	26.9		%	27.3		%
Expected life (years)	5.0			5.0			5.0
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year	$	20.69		$	14.96		$	24.41

Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity



	Restricted Stock and Units		Incentive Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	438,543		791,608		$	47.97
Granted	113,945		126,050		87.90
Vested	(182,776	)	(433,932	)	37.76
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		65,666		57.57
Canceled	(12,827	)	(7,754	)	67.05
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	356,885		541,638		$	65.89
Granted	212,600		167,850		66.03
Vested	(159,975	)	(236,591	)	51.80
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		(38,164	)	74.42
Canceled	(13,215	)	(9,983	)	71.84
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	396,295		424,750		$	72.18
Granted	153,516		157,025		86.66
Vested	(137,088	)	(153,271	)	70.34
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	—		(87,592	)	73.69
Canceled	(13,723	)	(13,579	)	76.61
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	399,000		327,333		$	78.76

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were:



	December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$	5,063		$	(321,033	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax of $1,338 and $1,540	4,015			(2,957		)
Unrealized loss on pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $19,532 and $20,832	(54,070		)	(55,615		)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(44,992	)	$	(379,605	)

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the year-ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	Foreign currency			Derivative			Pension and post retirement
In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(227,349	)	$	(2,987	)	$	(46,383	)	$	(276,719	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(93,684		)	(1,286		)	(10,874		)	(105,844		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income	—			1,316			1,642			2,958
Net current period other comprehensive income	(93,684		)	30			(9,232		)	(102,886		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(321,033	)	$	(2,957	)	$	(55,615	)	$	(379,605	)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the year-ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	Foreign currency			Derivative			Pension and post retirement
In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(321,033	)	$	(2,957	)	$	(55,615	)	$	(379,605	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	326,096			6,712			(1,017		)	331,791
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income	—			260			2,562			2,822
Net current period other comprehensive income	326,096			6,972			1,545			334,613
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	5,063		$	4,015		$	(54,070	)	$	(44,992	)

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year-ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the Condensed Consolidated
In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Income
Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	$	(1,652	)	Cost of sales
Amortization of net loss (gain)	3,989			Cost of sales
	2,337			Income from Operations
	(695		)	Income tax expense
	$	1,642		Net income
Derivative contracts
Realized loss on derivative contracts	1,873			Interest expense, net
	(557		)	Income tax expense
	$	1,316		Net income

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year-ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:



	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the Condensed Consolidated
In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Income
Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	$	(1,496	)	Cost of sales
Amortization of net loss (gain)	5,037			Cost of sales
	3,541			Income from Operations
	(979		)	Income tax expense
	$	2,562		Net income
Derivative contracts
Realized loss on derivative contracts	400			Interest expense, net
	(140		)	Income tax expense
	$	260		Net income

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases

Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:



	Real
In thousands	Estate		Equipment		Total
2018	$	28,957	$	2,690	$	31,647
2019	25,857		1,925		27,782
2020	24,266		976		25,242
2021	19,561		512		20,073
2022	16,350		271		16,621
2023 and after	66,017		24		66,041

WARRANTIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

Changes in Product Warranty Reserve

The following table reconciles the changes in the Company’s product warranty reserve as follows:



In thousands	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	138,992		$	92,064
Warranty expense	50,385			28,947
Acquisitions	806			59,685
Warranty claim payments	(48,548		)	(38,772		)
Foreign currency impact	11,428			(2,932		)
Balance at end of year	$	153,063		$	138,992

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value

The following table summarizes the gross notional amounts and fair values of the designated and non-designated hedged discussed in the above sections:



In millions	Designated		Non-Designated		Total
Gross notional amount	$	805.1	$	379.7	$	1,184.8

Fair Value:
Other current assets	3.5		2.1		5.6
Other current liabilities	—		—		—
Total	$	3.5	$	2.1	$	5.6

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using
	Total Carrying Value at December 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
In thousands	2017		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate swap agreements	1,163		—		1,163		—
Total	$	1,163	$	—	$	1,163	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
	Total Carrying Value at December 31,		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
In thousands	2016		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate swap agreements	3,888		—		3,888		—
Total	$	3,888	$	—	$	3,888	$	—

Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values and related carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carry		Fair		Carry		Fair
In thousands	Value		Value		Value		Value
Interest rate swap agreements	$	1,163	$	1,163	$	3,888	$	3,888
4.375% Senior Notes	248,567		262,033		248,310		260,265
3.45% Senior Notes	747,655		741,113		747,474		719,273

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Financial Information



Segment financial information for 2017 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	1,396,588	$	2,485,168	$	—		$	3,881,756
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	37,630		21,548		(59,178		)	—
Total sales	$	1,434,218	$	2,506,716	$	(59,178	)	$	3,881,756
Income (loss) from operations	$	264,603	$	188,546	$	(31,416	)	$	421,733
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(69,670		)	(69,670		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	264,603	$	188,546	$	(101,086	)	$	352,063
Depreciation and amortization	$	43,721	$	57,441	$	2,086		$	103,248
Capital expenditures	33,921		50,762		4,783			89,466
Segment assets	3,504,289		7,562,122		(4,486,431		)	6,579,980

Segment financial information for 2016 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	1,543,098	$	1,388,090	$	—		$	2,931,188
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	39,519		9,393		(48,912		)	$	—
Total sales	$	1,582,617	$	1,397,483	$	(48,912	)	$	2,931,188
Income (loss) from operations	$	344,455	$	171,446	$	(57,540	)	$	458,361
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(45,524		)	(45,524		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	344,455	$	171,446	$	(103,064	)	$	412,837
Depreciation and amortization	$	36,519	$	31,545	$	1,731		$	69,795
Capital expenditures	22,726		20,987		6,503			50,216
Segment assets	2,949,668		6,720,302		(3,088,952		)	6,581,018



Segment financial information for 2015 is as follows:
					Corporate
	Freight		Transit		Activities and
In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
Sales to external customers	$	2,054,715	$	1,235,283	$	—		$	3,307,998
Intersegment sales/(elimination)	35,372		10,895		(46,267		)	—
Total sales	$	2,090,087	$	1,264,178	$	(46,267	)	$	3,307,998
Income (loss) from operations	$	482,640	$	150,988	$	(26,061	)	$	607,567
Interest expense and other, net	—		—		(22,199		)	(22,199		)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	482,640	$	150,988	$	(48,260	)	$	585,368
Depreciation and amortization	$	36,834	$	26,196	$	1,704		$	64,734
Capital expenditures	24,715		22,996		1,717			49,428
Segment assets	2,708,724		2,202,614		(1,681,825		)	3,229,513

Geographic Area Data



	Net Sales						Long-Lived Assets
In thousands	2017		2016		2015		2017		2016		2015
United States	$	1,323,781	$	1,362,255	$	1,754,924	$	211,608	$	205,895	$	171,362
United Kingdom	356,493		322,563		368,505		57,668		54,215		63,694
Canada	279,013		206,258		204,674		5,822		5,156		4,876
France	237,454		66,287		45,565		57,849		33,636		7,194
Germany	208,817		98,364		92,422		71,709		57,902		31,642
China	178,137		106,357		100,586		36,388		42,672		12,256
Mexico	160,029		183,583		190,034		9,117		8,766		8,839
Italy	142,037		45,771		38,164		30,329		27,253		15,170
India	137,837		24,161		12,345		12,519		1,271		1,946
Australia	136,127		82,099		86,809		10,483		8,039		8,424
Brazil	69,378		51,493		84,595		13,184		13,227		9,318
Other international	652,653		381,997		329,375		57,296		60,344		18,472
Total	$	3,881,756	$	2,931,188	$	3,307,998	$	573,972	$	518,376	$	353,193

Sales by Product

Sales by product are as follows:



In thousands	2017		2016		2015
Specialty Products & Electronics	$	1,350,727	$	1,374,580	$	1,733,881
Brake Products	749,959		588,081		627,552
Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build	522,275		559,284		606,624
Transit Products	1,112,340		276,124		189,581
Other	146,455		133,119		150,360
Total sales	$	3,881,756	$	2,931,188	$	3,307,998

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet for December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	933	$	4,802		$	227,666		$	—		$	233,401
Receivables, net	77,046		237,360			852,381			—			1,166,787
Inventories	120,937		137,972			483,725			—			742,634
Current assets - other	1,142		4,507			116,642			—			122,291
Total current assets	200,058		384,641			1,680,414			—			2,265,113
Property, plant and equipment	52,532		136,382			385,058			—			573,972
Goodwill	25,274		546,527			1,888,302			—			2,460,103
Investment in subsidiaries	6,517,205		2,570,391			—			(9,087,596		)	—
Other intangibles, net	30,575		251,347			922,510			—			1,204,432
Other long term assets	17,414		295			58,651			—			76,360
Total assets	$	6,843,058	$	3,889,583		$	4,934,935		$	(9,087,596	)	$	6,579,980
Current liabilities	$	196,827	217,176			$	1,159,327		—			$	1,573,330
Inter-company	2,121,546		(2,026,634		)	(94,912		)	—			—
Long-term debt	1,661,771		14			161,518			—			1,823,303
Long-term liabilities - other	54,046		67,824			232,945			—			354,815
Total liabilities	4,034,190		(1,741,620		)	1,458,878			—			3,751,448
Shareholders' equity	2,808,868		5,632,665			3,454,931			(9,087,596		)	2,808,868
Non-controlling interest	—		(1,462		)	21,126			—			19,664
Total shareholders' equity	$	2,808,868	$	5,631,203		$	3,476,057		$	(9,087,596	)	$	2,828,532
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	6,843,058	$	3,889,583		$	4,934,935		$	(9,087,596	)	$	6,579,980

Balance Sheet for December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent		Guarantors			Non-Guarantors		Elimination			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,522	$	9,496		$	386,466	$	—		$	398,484
Receivables, net	79,041		202,779			660,688		—			942,508
Inventories	120,042		128,076			410,392		—			658,510
Current assets - other	52,576		(17,844		)	833,397		—			868,129
Total current assets	254,181		322,507			2,290,943		—			2,867,631
Property, plant and equipment	49,031		126,661			342,684		—			518,376
Goodwill	25,275		477,472			1,576,018		—			2,078,765
Investment in subsidiaries	5,388,613		1,325,150			—		(6,713,763		)	—
Other intangibles, net	31,897		204,512			817,451		—			1,053,860
Other long term assets	9,592		(1,914		)	54,708		—			62,386
Total assets	$	5,758,589	$	2,454,388		$	5,081,804	$	(6,713,763	)	$	6,581,018
Current liabilities	$	194,983	196,956			$	1,054,700	—			$	1,446,639
Inter-company	1,562,399		(1,848,777		)	286,378		—			—
Long-term debt	1,761,933		58			976		—			1,762,967
Long-term liabilities - other	33,298		74,977			286,312		—			394,587
Total liabilities	3,552,613		(1,576,786		)	1,628,366		—			3,604,193
Shareholders' equity	2,205,976		4,032,250			2,681,514		(6,713,763		)	2,205,977
Non-controlling interest	—		(1,076		)	771,924		—			770,848
Total shareholders' equity	$	2,205,976	$	4,031,174		$	3,453,438	$	(6,713,763	)	$	2,976,825
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	5,758,589	$	2,454,388		$	5,081,804	$	(6,713,763	)	$	6,581,018

Condensed Income Statement

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	577,397		$	1,067,954		$	2,378,817		$	(142,412	)	$	3,881,756
Cost of sales	(440,911		)	(675,546		)	(1,808,370		)	108,384			(2,816,443		)
Gross profit (loss)	136,486			392,408			570,447			(34,028		)	1,065,313
Total operating expenses	(113,872		)	(123,423		)	(406,285		)	—			(643,580		)
Income (loss) from operations	22,614			268,985			164,162			(34,028		)	421,733
Interest (expense) income, net	(72,233		)	8,843			(5,314		)	—			(68,704		)
Other income (expense), net	5,103			289			(6,358		)	—			(966		)
Equity earnings (loss)	416,068			131,620			—			(547,688		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	371,552			409,737			152,490			(581,716		)	352,063
Income tax expense	(109,294		)	32,393			(12,872		)	—			(89,773		)
Net income (loss)	262,258			442,130			139,618			(581,716		)	262,290
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			386			(415		)	—			(29		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	262,258		$	442,516		$	139,203		$	(581,716	)	$	262,261

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	263,907		$	442,516		$	472,167		$	(581,716	)	$	596,874

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	641,809		$	1,112,001		$	1,322,937		$	(145,559	)	$	2,931,188
Cost of sales	(473,700		)	(708,062		)	(928,608		)	103,421			(2,006,949		)
Gross profit (loss)	168,109			403,939			394,329			(42,138		)	924,239
Total operating expenses	(141,940		)	(122,617		)	(201,321		)	—			(465,878		)
(Loss) income from operations	26,169			281,322			193,008			(42,138		)	458,361
Interest (expense) income, net	(34,975		)	7,012			(14,598		)	—			(42,561		)
Other income (expense), net	20,509			(2,284		)	(21,188		)	—			(2,963		)
Equity earnings (loss)	322,650			131,234			—			(453,884		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	334,353			417,284			157,222			(496,022		)	412,837
Income tax expense	(29,466		)	(57,667		)	(12,300		)	—			(99,433		)
Net income (loss)	304,887			359,617			144,922			(496,022		)	313,404
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(8,517		)	—			(8,517		)
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	304,887		$	359,617		$	136,405		$	(496,022	)	$	304,887

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	305,180		$	359,617		$	33,226		$	(496,022	)	$	202,001

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2015:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net Sales	$	743,262		$	1,436,935		$	1,300,577		$	(172,776	)	$	3,307,998
Cost of sales	(531,269		)	(843,104		)	(976,798		)	90,989			(2,260,182		)
Gross (loss) profit	211,993			593,831			323,779			(81,787		)	1,047,816
Total operating expenses	(142,953		)	(131,251		)	(166,045		)	—			(440,249		)
(Loss) income from operations	69,040			462,580			157,734			(81,787		)	607,567
Interest (expense) income, net	(23,129		)	5,914			327			—			(16,888		)
Other income (expense), net	23,193			(9,140		)	(19,364		)	—			(5,311		)
Equity earnings (loss)	506,903			112,286			—			(619,189		)	—
Pretax income (loss)	576,007			571,640			138,697			(700,976		)	585,368
Income tax expense	(177,379		)	8,989			(18,350		)	—			(186,740		)
Net income (loss)	398,628			580,629			120,347			(700,976		)	398,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	398,628		$	580,629		$	120,347		$	(700,976	)	$	398,628

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$	409,734		$	580,629		$	(7,992	)	$	(700,976	)	$	281,395

Condensed Cash Flow Statement

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2017:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(49,231	)	$	249,204		$	22,866		$	(34,028	)	$	188,811
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,156		)	(120,661		)	(143,912		)	—			(275,729		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	58,798			(133,237		)	(57,020		)	34,028			(97,431		)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			19,266			—			19,266
Increase (decrease) in cash	(1,589		)	(4,694		)	(158,800		)	—			(165,083		)
Cash, beginning of year	2,522			9,496			386,466			—			398,484
Cash, end of year	$	933		$	4,802		$	227,666		$	—		$	233,401

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(44,611	)	$	332,822		$	204,457		$	(42,138	)	$	450,530
Net cash used in investing activities	(829,783		)	(14,725		)	69,443			—			(775,065		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	876,916			(321,758		)	(74,325		)	42,138			522,971
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			(26,143		)	—			(26,143		)
(Decrease) increase in cash	2,522			(3,661		)	173,432			—			172,293
Cash, beginning of year	—			13,157			213,034			—			226,191
Cash, end of year	$	2,522		$	9,496		$	386,466		$	—		$	398,484

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2015:



In thousands	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination			Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(90,374	)	$	487,516		$	135,489		$	(81,787	)	$	450,844
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,862		)	(109,326		)	(262,948		)	—			(380,136		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(48,570		)	(378,330		)	93,615			81,787			(251,498		)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	—			—			(18,868		)	—			(18,868		)
Increase in cash	(146,806		)	(140		)	(52,712		)	—			(199,658		)
Cash, beginning of year	146,806			13,297			265,746			—			425,849
Cash, end of year	$	—		$	13,157		$	213,034		$	—		$	226,191

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Components of Other (Expense) Income

The components of other (expense) income, net are as follows:



	For the year ended December 31,
In thousands	2017			2016			2015
Foreign currency loss	$	(6,618	)	$	(4,001	)	$	(4,659	)
Equity income	2,579			409			—
Other miscellaneous income (expense)	3,073			629			(652		)
Total other (expense) income, net	$	(966	)	$	(2,963	)	$	(5,311	)

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data



	First		Second		Third		Fourth
In thousands, except per share data	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter (1)
2017
Net sales	$	916,034	$	932,253	$	957,931	$	1,075,538
Gross profit	269,707		273,963		253,203		268,440
Income from operations	114,858		113,701		102,011		91,163
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	73,889		72,025		67,399		48,948
Basic earnings from operations per common share	$	0.77	$	0.75	$	0.70	$	0.51
Diluted earnings from operations per common share	$	0.77	$	0.75	$	0.70	$	0.51
2016
Net sales	$	772,031	$	723,601	$	675,574	$	759,982
Gross profit	255,180		237,389		212,481		219,189
Income from operations	142,181		133,284		120,096		62,800
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	94,163		90,485		82,428		46,328
Basic earnings from operations per common share	$	1.03	$	1.00	$	0.92	$	0.42
Diluted earnings from operations per common share	$	1.02	$	1.00	$	0.91	$	0.42

BUSINESS - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
BUSINESS - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017 country
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of countries where product found (more than)	100
Number of countries company operates	31
Sales Revenue, Net \| Geographic Concentration Risk \| Non-US
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenues from customers outside the U.S. (as a percent)	66.00%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 05, 2014	Jan. 12, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 12,300,000	$ 7,300,000
Product warranty expense	50,400,000	28,900,000	$ 35,400,000
Accrued product warranty	153,063,000	138,992,000	92,064,000
Interest rate swap, accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,015,000)	2,957,000
Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other (expense) income, net	6,618,000	4,001,000	4,659,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	29,000	8,517,000	0
Unbilled accounts receivable	366,168,000	274,912,000
Customer deposits	369,716,000	256,591,000
Provisions for loss contracts	94,000,000	60,500,000
Deferred pre-production costs	20,200,000	29,400,000
Research and development costs	95,166,000	71,375,000	$ 71,213,000
Interest rate swap agreements
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount	150,000,000			$ 150,000,000.0	$ 150,000,000.0
Interest rate swap agreement, current liability	$ 1,163,000	$ 3,888,000

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 06, 2017 USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($) employee country	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 04, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 05, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 14, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 € / shares	Nov. 17, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2016 USD ($)	May 05, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payment for acquisition						$ 982,445	$ 904,695	$ 135,231
Stock used for acquisition						25,500	534,679	0
Cash acquired from acquisition						35,408	186,903	$ 5,681
Deposit in escrow						0	744,748
Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest							760,599
Goodwill						2,460,103	2,078,765
Freight Segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						718,958	550,902
Transit Segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						1,741,145	1,527,863
Faiveley
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Annual sales of Faiveley				$ 1,200,000
Number of employees (more than) \| employee				5,700
Number of countries Faiveley operates in \| country				24
Purchase price per share (in euros per share) \| € / shares															€ 100
Percentage of share capital acquired (as a percent)				51.00%
Percentage of voting interests in Faiveley (as a percent)		22.00%	27.00%	49.00%
Number of common shares issued for conversion of one acquiree common share				1.1538
Percentage of additional share capital outstanding (as a percent)		21.00%	27.00%
Cash payment for acquisition	$ 17,500	$ 303,200	$ 411,800
Stock used for acquisition		$ 300	$ 25,200
Percentage of share capital owned (as a percent)	100.00%	99.00%	78.00%
Total purchase price (as a percent)	100.00%	98.00%	76.00%	100.00%
Business combination, consideration transferred				$ 1,507,000
Deposit in escrow							$ 744,700
Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest					$ 8,900
Adjustment for change in value of current liabilities						65,300
Adjustment for changes in receivables				439,631
Adjustment for changes in liabilities				819,493
Adjustment to other noncurrent assets						30,000
Goodwill adjustment						74,100
Accrued compensation assumed within other liabilities				25,900
Goodwill				1,262,350
Faiveley \| Fair Value of Receivables \| Restatement Adjustment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment for changes in receivables						2,800
Faiveley \| Fair Value of Current Liabilities \| Restatement Adjustment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment for changes in liabilities						36,200
Faiveley \| Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed \| Restatement Adjustment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment for changes in receivables						64,300
Adjustment for changes in liabilities						64,300
Faiveley \| Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment for change in value of customer relationships						21,800
Faiveley \| Freight Segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				72,000
Faiveley \| Transit Segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 1,190,400
Faiveley \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash (as a percent)				25.00%
Faiveley \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash (as a percent)				45.00%
Melett
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill									$ 22,501
Purchase price									73,956
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes									0
Acquired intangible assets									$ 39,259
TTC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill											$ 16,309
Purchase price											32,511
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes											16,300
Acquired intangible assets											$ 12,300
ATP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill													$ 29,034
Purchase price													65,254
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes												$ 31,900
Acquired intangible assets													$ 25,000
Workhorse
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill														$ 22,273
Purchase price														43,827
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes														$ 9,200
Goodwill deductible for taxes (as a percent)														38.00%
Acquired intangible assets														$ 21,500
Precision Turbo
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill																$ 4,248
Purchase price																13,853
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes																4,200
Acquired intangible assets																$ 5,200
Unitrac
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill																		$ 2,442
Purchase price																		14,771
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes																		2,400
Acquired intangible assets																		$ 1,230
AM General
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill										$ 12,943
Purchase price										10,416
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes										0
Acquired intangible assets										$ 12,097
Gerken
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill																	$ 17,470
Purchase price																	62,847
Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes																	0
Acquired intangible assets																	$ 30,560
Acquisitions other than Faiveley
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Deposit in escrow						44,400
Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						1,389,600
Goodwill and other intangible assets						2,117,800
Acquired intangible assets						728,200
Recent Acquisitions \| Trade Names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets						380,900
Recent Acquisitions \| Intellectual Property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets						$ 5,000
Average useful life, years						20 years
Recent Acquisitions \| Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets						$ 336,900
Average useful life, years						20 years

ACQUISITIONS - Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Values of Faiveley Transport Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016
Assets acquired
Goodwill	$ 2,460,103	$ 2,078,765
Faiveley
Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 178,318
Accounts receivable			439,631
Inventories			205,649
Other current assets			70,930
Property, plant & equipment			148,746
Goodwill			1,262,350
Other noncurrent assets			184,564
Total assets acquired			3,071,246
Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities			819,493
Debt			409,899
Other noncurrent liabilities			335,039
Total liabilities assumed			1,564,431
Net assets acquired			1,506,815
Faiveley \| Trade Names
Assets acquired
Acquired intangible assets			346,328
Faiveley \| Customer Relationships
Assets acquired
Acquired intangible assets			233,529
Faiveley \| Patents
Assets acquired
Acquired intangible assets			$ 1,201

ACQUISITIONS - Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 04, 2017	Oct. 02, 2017	Apr. 05, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 14, 2016	Nov. 17, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016	May 05, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,460,103					$ 2,078,765
Melett
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		$ 21,068
Property, plant & equipment		5,917
Goodwill		22,501
Other intangible assets		39,259
Total assets acquired		88,745
Total liabilities assumed		(14,789)
Net assets acquired		$ 73,956
TTC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets				$ 3,746
Property, plant & equipment				5,909
Goodwill				16,309
Other intangible assets				12,300
Total assets acquired				38,264
Total liabilities assumed				(5,753)
Net assets acquired				$ 32,511
ATP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets					$ 11,666
Property, plant & equipment					5,354
Goodwill					29,034
Other intangible assets					25,000
Total assets acquired					71,054
Total liabilities assumed					(5,800)
Net assets acquired					$ 65,254
Workhorse
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets							$ 9,137
Property, plant & equipment							0
Goodwill							22,273
Other intangible assets							21,500
Total assets acquired							52,910
Total liabilities assumed							(9,083)
Net assets acquired							$ 43,827
Precision Turbo
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets								$ 4,145
Property, plant & equipment								1,317
Goodwill								4,248
Other intangible assets								5,200
Total assets acquired								14,910
Total liabilities assumed								(1,057)
Net assets acquired								$ 13,853
Unitrac
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets										$ 11,476
Property, plant & equipment										1,768
Goodwill										2,442
Other intangible assets										1,230
Total assets acquired										16,916
Total liabilities assumed										(2,145)
Net assets acquired										$ 14,771
AM General
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets			$ 6,611
Property, plant & equipment			4,140
Goodwill			12,943
Other intangible assets			12,097
Other assets			0
Total assets acquired			35,791
Total liabilities assumed			(25,375)
Net assets acquired			$ 10,416
Gerken
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets									$ 32,706
Property, plant & equipment									7,667
Goodwill									17,470
Other intangible assets									30,560
Other assets									1,706
Total assets acquired									90,109
Total liabilities assumed									(27,262)
Net assets acquired									$ 62,847

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales									$ 3,946,244	$ 4,212,617
Gross profit									1,095,101	1,275,835
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									$ 271,783	$ 349,852
Diluted earnings per share
As Reported (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.75	$ 0.77	$ 0.42	$ 0.91	$ 1.00	$ 1.02	$ 2.72	$ 3.34	$ 4.10
Pro forma (in dollars per share)									$ 2.82	$ 3.83

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES - Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid during the year	$ 75,317	$ 30,211	$ 19,372
Income taxes paid during the year, net of amount refunded	89,379	121,563	147,958
Fair value of assets acquired	452,209	3,118,420	156,020
Liabilities assumed	207,788	1,453,382	20,789
Non-controlling interest (acquired) assumed	(738,024)	760,343	0
Stock and cash paid	982,445	904,695	135,231
Less: Cash acquired	35,408	186,903	5,681
Stock used for acquisition	25,500	534,679	0
Net cash paid	$ 921,537	$ 183,113	$ 129,550

INVENTORIES - Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 378,481	$ 331,465
Work-in-progress	167,390	145,462
Finished goods	196,763	181,583
Total inventories	$ 742,634	$ 658,510

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT - Major Classes of Depreciable Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Machinery and equipment	$ 728,257	$ 645,354
Buildings and improvements	259,561	225,307
Land and improvements	38,228	41,569
Property, plant and equipment	1,026,046	912,230
Accumulated depreciation	(452,074)	(393,854)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 573,972	$ 518,376	$ 353,193

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT - Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Land improvements \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	10 years
Land improvements \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	20 years
Building and improvements \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	20 years
Building and improvements \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	40 years
Machinery and equipment \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	3 years
Machinery and equipment \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives in years	15 years

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 66.7	$ 47.1	$ 43.1

INTANGIBLES - Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	$ 2,078,765
Additions	186,487
Foreign currency impact	194,851
Balance end of period	2,460,103
Freight Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	550,902
Additions	152,096
Foreign currency impact	15,960
Balance end of period	718,958
Transit Segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	1,527,863
Additions	34,391
Foreign currency impact	178,891
Balance end of period	$ 1,741,145

INTANGIBLES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INTANGIBLES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Trade names	$ 603,400	$ 510,500
Intangible assets, amortization expense	$ 36,516	$ 22,698	$ 21,663
Patents
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	10 years
Customer Relationships
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	17 years
Intellectual Property
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	15 years

INTANGIBLES - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$ 601,013	$ 543,428
Patents And Other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	17,554	15,360
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	43,021	40,638
Customer Relationships
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	583,459	528,068
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 126,824	$ 87,334

INTANGIBLES - Estimated Amortization Expense Five Succeeding Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 38,059
2019	36,076
2020	34,050
2021	33,777
2022	$ 33,489

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital Leases	$ 2,324	$ 1,018
Total	1,870,528	1,892,776
Less - current portion	47,225	129,809
Long-term portion	1,823,303	1,762,967
Other Debt Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	6,860	1,153
Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	853,124	796,150
Unamortized debt issuance cost	2,451	3,850
Senior Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 747,655	747,474
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.45%
Senior Notes Due 2026 \| Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 747,655	747,474
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.45%		3.45%
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 2,345	2,526
4.375% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 248,567	248,310
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.375%
4.375% Senior Notes \| Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 248,567	248,310
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.375%			4.375%
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 1,433	1,690
Schuldschein Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 11,998	$ 98,671

LONG-TERM DEBT - Narrative (Detail)			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
LONG-TERM DEBT - Narrative (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) investor	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 05, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2012 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)				2.92%
Faiveley
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities assumed						$ 1,564,431,000
Interest rate swap agreements
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount				$ 150,000,000			$ 150,000,000.0	$ 150,000,000.0
Interest rate on notional value (as a percent)							2.56%	1.415%
Senior Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				3.45%
Long-term debt				$ 747,655,000	$ 747,474,000
4.375% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				4.375%
Long-term debt				$ 248,567,000	248,310,000
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing cost		$ 3,300,000
Minimum interest expense coverage ratio				3.0
Maximum debt to cash flow ratio				3.25
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				0.50%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				1.00%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				0.00%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Base Rate \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				0.00%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Base Rate \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				0.75%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Alternative Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				1.75%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Alternative Rate \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				0.75%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Alternative Rate \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate				1.75%
Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit				$ 35,400,000
Schuldschein Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 11,998,000	98,671,000
Schuldschein Loan \| Faiveley
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				4.00%
Liabilities assumed				$ 137,200,000
Number of investors \| investor				20
Repayments of debt				$ 125,300,000
Long-term debt				$ 12,000,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 750,000,000.0
Debt issuance face value (as a percent)	99.965%
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.45%			3.45%
Deferred financing cost	$ 2,700,000
Long-term debt				$ 747,655,000	747,474,000
Senior Notes \| 4.375% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount			$ 250,000,000.0
Debt issuance face value (as a percent)			99.879%
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.375%	4.375%
Deferred financing cost			$ 2,600,000
Long-term debt				$ 248,567,000	248,310,000
Line of Credit \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				853,124,000	$ 796,150,000
Line of Credit \| Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount		$ 1,200,000,000.0
Credit facility loan term, years		5 years
Line of credit facility, amount currently available				$ 679,000,000
Line of Credit \| Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement \| Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount		$ 400,000,000
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.10%

LONG-TERM DEBT - Principal Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 47,225
2019	330,901
2020	559
2021	483,379
2022	208
Future years	1,008,256
Total	$ 1,870,528	$ 1,892,776

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Obligations and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Noncurrent liabilities				$ (103,734)	$ (110,597)
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	$ (45,512)	$ (46,120)
Opening balance sheet adjustment	0	0
Service cost	(344)	(337)	$ (381)
Interest cost	(1,422)	(1,475)	(1,914)
Employee contributions	0	0
Plan curtailments and amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	3,079	3,893
Acquisition	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss)	(14)	(1,473)
Effect of currency rate changes	0	0
Obligation at end of year	(44,213)	(45,512)	(46,120)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	35,802	37,640
Opening balance sheet adjustment	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	4,223	2,055
Employer contributions	486	0
Employee contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(3,079)	(3,893)
Acquisition	0	0
Effect of currency rate changes	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	37,432	35,802	37,640
Benefit obligations	(45,512)	(46,120)	(46,120)	(44,213)	(45,512)
Funded status				(6,781)	(9,710)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Noncurrent assets				0	0
Current liabilities				0	0
Noncurrent liabilities				(6,781)	(9,710)
Net amount recognized				(6,781)	(9,710)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost				(6)	(8)
Net actuarial (loss) gain				(20,418)	(23,884)
Net amount recognized				(20,424)	(23,892)
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	(11,876)	(12,959)
Service cost	(5)	(4)	(9)
Interest cost	(350)	(389)	(1,233)
Plan amendments	0	6
Benefits paid	970	720
Acquisition	0	(143)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(84)	893
Effect of currency rate changes	0	0
Obligation at end of year	(11,345)	(11,876)	(12,959)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	970	720
Benefits paid	(970)	(720)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Benefit obligations	(11,876)	(12,959)	(12,959)	(11,345)	(11,876)
Funded status				(11,345)	(11,876)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Current liabilities				(1,046)	(1,084)
Noncurrent liabilities				(10,299)	(10,792)
Net amount recognized				(11,345)	(11,876)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost				19,616	21,134
Net actuarial (loss) gain				(18,882)	(20,023)
Net amount recognized				734	1,111
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	(319,551)	(195,311)
Opening balance sheet adjustment	(5,321)	0
Service cost	(2,740)	(1,379)	(2,015)
Interest cost	(7,310)	(5,774)	(7,091)
Employee contributions	(880)	(195)
Plan curtailments and amendments	4,153	2,061
Benefits paid	12,906	9,427
Acquisition	0	(114,242)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(3,009)	(33,330)
Effect of currency rate changes	(31,265)	19,192
Obligation at end of year	(353,017)	(319,551)	(195,311)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	241,283	168,069
Opening balance sheet adjustment	2,058	0
Actual return on plan assets	19,102	20,066
Employer contributions	13,479	6,933
Employee contributions	880	195
Benefits paid	(12,905)	(9,427)
Acquisition	0	70,519
Settlements	(4,523)
Effect of currency rate changes	22,228	(15,072)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	281,602	241,283	168,069
Benefit obligations	(319,551)	(195,311)	(195,311)	(353,017)	(319,551)
Funded status				(71,415)	(78,268)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Noncurrent assets				10,577	7,130
Current liabilities				(2,158)	(2,042)
Noncurrent liabilities				(79,834)	(83,356)
Net amount recognized				(71,415)	(78,268)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost				(32)	(56)
Net actuarial (loss) gain				(54,043)	(56,411)
Net amount recognized				(54,075)	(56,467)
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation
Obligation at beginning of year	(3,425)	(3,290)
Service cost	(28)	(29)	(38)
Interest cost	(98)	(99)	(128)
Plan amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	199	133
Acquisition	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss)	(131)	(42)
Effect of currency rate changes	(237)	(98)
Obligation at end of year	(3,720)	(3,425)	(3,290)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	199	133
Benefits paid	(199)	(133)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Benefit obligations	$ (3,425)	$ (3,290)	$ (3,290)	(3,720)	(3,425)
Funded status				(3,720)	(3,425)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:
Current liabilities				(208)	(185)
Noncurrent liabilities				(3,512)	(3,160)
Net amount recognized				(3,720)	(3,345)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:
Prior service cost				9	15
Net actuarial (loss) gain				154	292
Net amount recognized				$ 163	$ 307

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Number of shares held on behalf of participants (in shares)	495,274	551,482
Market value of the shares held on behalf of participants	$ 40.3	$ 45.8
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	43.3	44.5
Contribution to the plan	$ 0.0
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| Equity security funds
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	55.00%
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| Debt security funds and other
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	45.00%
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Assumed health care cost trend rate, initial rate (as a percent)	6.30%
Assumed health care cost trend rate, ultimate rate (as a percent)	4.50%
Effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost components (less than)	$ 0.1
Effect of 1% point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	0.1
Effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost components (less than)	0.1
Effect of 1% point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	0.1
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	344.3	$ 312.2
Contribution to the plan	$ 7.3
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| Equity security funds
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	30.00%
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| Debt security funds and other
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	40.00%
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| Other Investments
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	30.00%
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Assumed health care cost trend rate, initial rate (as a percent)	6.23%
Assumed health care cost trend rate, ultimate rate (as a percent)	4.50%
Effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost components (less than)	$ 0.1
Effect of 1% point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	0.3
Effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost components (less than)	0.1
Effect of 1% point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ 0.3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - U.S. and International Pension Plans With Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ (44,213)	$ (45,512)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(43,340)	(44,530)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432	35,802
Projected benefit obligation	(44,213)	(45,512)
Fair value of plan assets	37,432	35,802
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	(282,077)	(255,682)
Accumulated benefit obligation	(274,557)	(249,729)
Fair value of plan assets	200,218	170,367
Projected benefit obligation	(283,106)	(256,530)
Fair value of plan assets	$ 201,115	$ 171,133

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 344	$ 337	$ 381
Interest cost	1,422	1,475	1,914
Expected return on plan assets	(1,731)	(2,076)	(2,168)
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	3	3	3
Amortization of net loss	989	914	1,062
Settlement and curtailment losses recognized	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1,027	653	1,192
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	5	4	9
Interest cost	350	389	1,233
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	(1,519)	(1,709)	(2,295)
Amortization of net loss	1,225	1,287	1,356
Net periodic benefit cost	61	(29)	303
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,740	1,379	2,015
Interest cost	7,310	5,774	7,091
Expected return on plan assets	(12,412)	(9,971)	(9,591)
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	27	61	212
Amortization of net loss	2,846	1,818	2,379
Settlement and curtailment losses recognized	768	218	0
Net periodic benefit cost	1,279	(721)	2,106
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	28	29	38
Interest cost	98	99	128
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	(7)	(7)	(7)
Amortization of net loss	(23)	(29)	(30)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 96	$ 92	$ 129

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	$ (84)
Effect of exchange rates	0
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	(1,519)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	1,225
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(378)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	(317)
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	2,477
Effect of exchange rates	0
Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation	0
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	3
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	989
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	3,469
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	2,442
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	(131)
Effect of exchange rates	16
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	(7)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	(23)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	(145)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	(53)
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	3,683
Effect of exchange rates	(4,945)
Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation	768
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost	27
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain)	2,846
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	2,379
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1,100

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Develop Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.56%	3.95%	4.21%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.95%	5.70%	5.70%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.43%	3.76%	3.95%
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.40%	2.51%	3.56%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	5.02%	6.07%	5.81%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	2.54%	2.54%	3.10%
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.21%	3.46%	3.80%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Amounts Included in Other Comprehensive Loss That are Expected to be Recognized as Components of Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost	$ 3
Net actuarial loss	970
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income	973
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost	(1,519)
Net actuarial loss	1,216
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income	(303)
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost	22
Net actuarial loss	2,193
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income	2,215
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Prior service cost	(7)
Net actuarial loss	(8)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (15)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 37,432	$ 35,802	$ 37,640
United States \| Equity security funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,122	17,446
United States \| Debt security funds and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,304	17,038
United States \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,006	1,318
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	281,602	241,283	$ 168,069
Foreign Plan \| Equity security funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	100,453	92,201
Foreign Plan \| Debt security funds and other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	178,730	145,003
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,419	$ 4,079

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Schedule of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States \| Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value of plan assets	18,122	17,446
United States \| Equity \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,122	17,446
United States \| Equity \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
United States \| Equity \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
United States \| Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	18,304	17,038
United States \| Debt Securities \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,273	4,766
United States \| Debt Securities \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,031	12,272
United States \| Debt Securities \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
United States \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	1,006	1,318
United States \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,006	1,318
United States \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
United States \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	4,586	3,589
Fair value of plan assets	319,033	277,085
Foreign Plan \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	64,555	65,989
Foreign Plan \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	236,769	194,511
Foreign Plan \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,123	12,996
Foreign Plan \| Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	4,586	3,589
Fair value of plan assets	138,874	120,336
Foreign Plan \| Equity \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	38,647	38,053
Foreign Plan \| Equity \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	95,641	78,694
Foreign Plan \| Equity \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	111,204	90,508
Foreign Plan \| Debt Securities \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Debt Securities \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	111,204	90,508
Foreign Plan \| Debt Securities \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	2,507	4,406
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,507	4,406
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Insurance Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
NAV	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	29,016	26,033
Foreign Plan \| Insurance Contracts \| Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Foreign Plan \| Insurance Contracts \| Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,893	13,037
Foreign Plan \| Insurance Contracts \| Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 13,123	$ 12,996

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Schedule of Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 12,996	$ 0
Net purchases, issuances, and settlements	778	56
Actual return on plan assets	375	(5)
Business acquisition		12,949
Opening balance sheet adjustment	(1,308)
Other	282	(4)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 13,123	$ 12,996

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid to Plan Participants (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
United States \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	$ 3,250
2019	3,301
2020	3,325
2021	3,160
2022	3,125
2023 through 2027	14,276
United States \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	1,046
2019	1,024
2020	986
2021	950
2022	908
2023 through 2027	3,956
Foreign Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	12,401
2019	12,403
2020	13,156
2021	13,799
2022	14,538
2023 through 2027	77,817
Foreign Plan \| Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	208
2019	220
2020	225
2021	245
2022	251
2023 through 2027	$ 1,352

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans	$ 1,522	$ 2,054	$ 2,584
401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans	23,209	23,062	21,399
Total	$ 24,731	$ 25,116	$ 23,983

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Contributions in Multiemployer Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 21, 2015	Jan. 01, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by the Company				$ 1,521,000	$ 2,054,000	$ 2,584,000
Contribution to the plan (as a percent)				5.00%
Increasing in weekly pension fund contribution rates	$ 75
Surcharge imposed (as a percent)			5.00%
Defined Contribution Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Surcharge imposed (as a percent)		10.00%
Idaho Operating Engineers Employers Pension Trust Fund
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
EIN				916075538
Plan Number				001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status					Green	Green
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented				No
Contributions by the Company				$ 1,020,000	$ 1,306,000	$ 1,820,000
Surcharge Imposed				No
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements				Jun. 30, 2018
Automobile Mechanics Local Number Seven Hundred And One Union and Industry Pension Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
EIN				366042061
Plan Number				001
Pension Protection Act Zone Status					Yellow	Red
FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented				Implemented
Contributions by the Company				$ 501,000	$ 748,000	$ 764,000
Surcharge Imposed				Yes
Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements				Jun. 01, 2018

INCOME TAXES - Components of Income from Operations before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 140,325	$ 276,218	$ 461,394
Foreign	211,738	136,619	123,974
Income from operations before income taxes	$ 352,063	$ 412,837	$ 585,368

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net tax expense recorded	$ 4,300
Provisional expense for U.S. tax reform bill	55,000
Net benefit for revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities	50,700
Provisional benefit for net deferred taxes	24,600
Transition tax expense	$ 51,800
France tax rate change (as a percent)	6.50%	6.50%	(0.00%)
U.S. tax rate change	7.90%	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
U.S. tax reform provision	15.60%	0.00%	0.00%
Transaction costs related to acquisitions	0.00%	1.50%	0.00%
Valuation allowance for foreign carryforwards	$ 25,700
Net operating loss carryforwards	65,700
Unrecognized tax benefits	6,910	$ 8,423	$ 10,557	$ 12,596
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate	4,400	4,200
Accrued interest	700	800
Accrued penalties	100	$ 300
Unrecognized tax benefits subject to change within the next 12 months	$ 5,200

INCOME TAXES - Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current taxes
Federal	$ 86,157	$ 72,317	$ 141,245
State	3,644	9,953	16,072
Foreign	67,395	27,391	24,442
Current taxes	157,196	109,661	181,759
Deferred taxes
Federal	(22,863)	11,013	9,606
State	(1,024)	1,953	770
Foreign	(43,536)	(23,194)	(5,395)
Deferred taxes	(67,423)	(10,228)	4,981
Total provision	$ 89,773	$ 99,433	$ 186,740

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes	0.40%	2.10%	2.00%
Tax reserves	0.00%	(0.20%)	(0.40%)
Foreign	(8.30%)	(4.30%)	(2.10%)
Research and development credit	(0.80%)	(1.00%)	(0.40%)
Manufacturing deduction	(1.10%)	(1.80%)	(2.30%)
France tax rate change	(6.50%)	(6.50%)	0.00%
U.S. tax rate change	(7.90%)	0.00%	0.00%
U.S. tax reform provision	15.60%	0.00%	0.00%
Transaction costs related to acquisitions	0.00%	1.50%	0.00%
Other, net	(0.90%)	(0.70%)	0.10%
Effective rate	25.50%	24.10%	31.90%

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and reserves	$ 10,961	$ 26,117
Warranty reserve	20,211	24,131
Deferred compensation/employee benefits	18,353	25,755
Pension and postretirement obligations	21,637	25,595
Inventory	19,620	22,579
Net operating loss carry forwards	65,671	59,416
Tax credit carry forwards	1,921	621
Other	13,053	2,317
Gross deferred income tax assets	171,427	186,531
Valuation allowance	25,683	21,418
Total deferred income tax assets	145,744	165,113
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant & equipment	37,015	47,321
Intangibles	288,141	359,312
Total deferred income tax liabilities	325,156	406,633
Total deferred income tax liabilities	$ (179,412)	$ (241,520)

INCOME TAXES - Liability for Income Taxes Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 8,423	$ 10,557	$ 12,596
Gross increases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	2,466	6	0
Gross increases - current period unrecognized tax benefits	0	0	1,682
Gross decreases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods	0	0	0
Gross decreases - audit settlement during year	(3,979)	0	(3,027)
Gross decreases - expiration of audit statute of limitations	0	(2,140)	(694)
Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 6,910	$ 8,423	$ 10,557

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 48,948	$ 67,399	$ 72,025	$ 73,889	$ 46,328	$ 82,428	$ 90,485	$ 94,163	$ 262,261	$ 304,887	$ 398,628
Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock									(42,218)	(32,430)	(26,963)
Undistributed earnings									$ 220,043	$ 272,457	$ 371,665
Percentage allocated to common shareholders (as a percent)									99.70%	99.70%	99.70%
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders									$ 219,383	$ 271,640	$ 370,550
Add: dividends declared - common shares									42,092	32,333	26,875
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share									$ 261,475	$ 303,973	$ 397,425
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares (in shares)									95,453	90,359	96,074
Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans (in shares)									672	782	932
Denominator for diluted earnings per common shares - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion (in shares)									96,125	91,141	97,006
Net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.75	$ 0.77	$ 0.42	$ 0.92	$ 1.00	$ 1.03	$ 2.74	$ 3.37	$ 4.14
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.75	$ 0.77	$ 0.42	$ 0.91	$ 1.00	$ 1.02	$ 2.72	$ 3.34	$ 4.10
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non rested restricted stock expected to vest (in shares)									95,740	90,627	96,388

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share	24	20	13

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 21.3	$ 20.8	$ 26.0
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation plans			8.9	$ 14.9	$ 15.3
Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested			$ 24.6
Recognized weighted average period, years			1 year 2 months
Risk-free interest rate, year			7 years
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 1.7
Non-Vested Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense			7.0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 4.6
Incentive Stock Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			3 years
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 6.5
Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted			84.00%
Incentive Stock Awards \| Scenario Forecast
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted	91.00%	77.00%
Incentive Stock Awards \| Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted			0.00%
Incentive Stock Awards \| Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted			200.00%
Directors Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued			881,192
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 1.5
Directors Plan \| Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan term, years			10 years
Shares authorized for grants			1,000,000
Award vesting period			3 years
Directors Plan \| Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			1 year
Shares issued			16,500	16,972	11,256
Directors Plan \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			1 year
Plan 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant			3,192,453
Plan 2011 \| Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan term, years			10 years
Award vesting period			4 years
Plan 2011 \| Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			4 years
Plan 2000 \| Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan term, years			10 years
Award vesting period			4 years
Plan 2000 \| Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			4 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Options
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,098,823	1,097,323	1,147,558
Granted (in shares)	65,522	94,115	84,675
Exercised (in shares)	(166,838)	(83,790)	(124,156)
Canceled (in shares)	(13,995)	(8,825)	(10,754)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	983,512	1,098,823	1,097,323	1,147,558
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	802,609
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 35.39	$ 32.70	$ 28.33
Granted (in dollars per share)	86.91	61.39	87.35
Exercised (in dollars per share)	21.37	25.58	26.70
Canceled (in dollars per share)	76.89	71.47	65.22
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	40.62	$ 35.39	$ 32.70	$ 28.33
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 32.52
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life, outstanding	4 years	4 years 3 months	4 years 9 months	5 years 6 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable shares at December 31, 2017	3 years 3 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	$ 52,332	$ 42,154	$ 67,205
Granted	0	2,035	1,375
Exercised	(10,020)	(4,813)	(5,516)
Canceled	(64)	(102)	(64)
Outstanding, end of period	40,137	$ 52,332	$ 42,154	$ 67,205
Exercisable at December 31, 2017	$ 36,848

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Stock Options Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 $ / shares shares
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	983,512
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 40.62
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	802,609
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 32.52
Under $15.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	180,000
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 14.50
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 1 month
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	180,000
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 14.50
15.00 - 23.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	193,701
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 18.77
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 3 months
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	193,701
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 18.77
23.00 - 30.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	136,924
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.75
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 9 months
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	136,924
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.75
30.00 - 38.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	94,496
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 35.24
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	4 years 1 month
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	94,496
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 35.24
Over 38.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	378,391
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 69.86
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	7 years
Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) \| shares	197,488
Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 63.72

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.23%	0.26%	0.14%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.20%	1.50%	1.80%
Stock price volatility (as a percent)	23.40%	26.90%	27.30%
Expected life (years)	5 years	5 years	5 years
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars per share)	$ 20.69	$ 14.96	$ 24.41

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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)	$ 72.18	$ 65.89	$ 47.97
Granted (in dollars per share)	86.66	66.03	87.90
Vested (in dollars per share)	70.34	51.80	37.76
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in dollars per share)	73.69	74.42	57.57
Canceled (in dollars per share)	76.61	71.84	67.05
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 78.76	$ 72.18	$ 65.89
Restricted Stock and Units
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)	396,295	356,885.000	438,543
Granted (in shares)	153,516	212,600	113,945
Vested (in shares)	(137,088)	(159,975)	(182,776)
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in shares)	0	0	0
Canceled (in shares)	(13,723)	(13,215)	(12,827)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	399,000	396,295	356,885.000
Incentive Stock Awards
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)	424,750	541,638	791,608
Granted (in shares)	157,025	167,850	126,050
Vested (in shares)	(153,271)	(236,591)	(433,932)
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in shares)	(87,592)	(38,164)	65,666
Canceled (in shares)	(13,579)	(9,983)	(7,754)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	327,333	424,750	541,638

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ 5,063	$ (321,033)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net of tax of $1,338 and $1,540	4,015	(2,957)
Unrealized loss on pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax of $19,532 and $20,832	(54,070)	(55,615)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(44,992)	(379,605)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap contracts, tax	1,338	1,540
Pension benefit plans and post retirement benefit plans, tax	$ 19,532	$ 20,832

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	$ 2,976,825	$ 1,701,339
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	331,791	(105,844)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,822	2,958
Net current period other comprehensive income	334,613	(102,886)
Balance end of period	2,828,532	2,976,825
Foreign Currency Translation
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	(321,033)	(227,349)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	326,096	(93,684)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income	326,096	(93,684)
Balance end of period	5,063	(321,033)
Derivative Contracts
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	(2,957)	(2,987)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	6,712	(1,286)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	260	1,316
Net current period other comprehensive income	6,972	30
Balance end of period	4,015	(2,957)
Pension and post retirement benefits plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	(55,615)	(46,383)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(1,017)	(10,874)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,562	1,642
Net current period other comprehensive income	1,545	(9,232)
Balance end of period	(54,070)	(55,615)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of period	(379,605)	(276,719)
Balance end of period	$ (44,992)	$ (379,605)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of sales									$ 2,816,443	$ 2,006,949	$ 2,260,182
Income from Operations									352,063	412,837	585,368
Interest expense, net									(68,704)	(42,561)	(16,888)
Income tax expense									(89,773)	(99,433)	(186,740)
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 48,948	$ 67,399	$ 72,025	$ 73,889	$ 46,328	$ 82,428	$ 90,485	$ 94,163	262,261	304,887	$ 398,628
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of sales									(1,496)	(1,652)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Amortization of net loss (gain)
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of sales									5,037	3,989
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Income from Operations									3,541	2,337
Income tax expense									(979)	(695)
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									2,562	1,642
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Derivative Contracts
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Interest expense, net									400	1,873
Income tax expense									(140)	(557)
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									$ 260	$ 1,316

OPERATING LEASES - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Net rental expense	$ 34.6	$ 27.2	$ 20.2
Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases term, in years	1 year
Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases term, in years	15 years

OPERATING LEASES - Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items]
2018	$ 31,647
2019	27,782
2020	25,242
2021	20,073
2022	16,621
2023 and after	66,041
Real Estate
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items]
2018	28,957
2019	25,857
2020	24,266
2021	19,561
2022	16,350
2023 and after	66,017
Equipment
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items]
2018	2,690
2019	1,925
2020	976
2021	512
2022	271
2023 and after	$ 24

WARRANTIES - Changes in Product Warranty Reserve (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 138,992	$ 92,064
Warranty expense	50,385	28,947
Acquisitions	806	59,685
Warranty claim payments	(48,548)	(38,772)
Foreign currency impact	11,428	(2,932)
Balance at end of year	$ 153,063	$ 138,992

PREFERRED STOCK - Narrative (Detail) - shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Preferred Stock Additional Information [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income loss	$ (4,015)	$ 2,957
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swap agreement, current liability	$ 1,163	$ 3,888
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative term (in years)	1 year
Net gain	$ 2,100
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative term (in years)	2 years
Amount reclassified into income	$ 400
Fair Value Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swap agreement, current liability	1,200
Accumulated other comprehensive income loss	$ 700

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING - Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross notional amount	$ 1,184.8
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	5.6
Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	5.6
Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0.0
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross notional amount	805.1
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	3.5
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	3.5
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0.0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Gross notional amount	379.7
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	2.1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset fair value	2.1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	$ 0.0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate swap agreements
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative, carrying value	$ 1,163	$ 3,888
Liabilities at fair value	1,163	3,888
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative, carrying value	1,163	3,888
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	1,163	3,888
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Interest rate swap agreements
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative, carrying value	1,163	3,888
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Level 1
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	1,163	3,888
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
4.375% Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Note, carrying value	$ 248,567	$ 248,310
Note, fair value	$ 262,033	260,265
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.375%
3.45% Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Note, carrying value	$ 747,655	747,474
Note, fair value	$ 741,113	719,273
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.45%
Interest rate swap agreements
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative, carrying value	$ 1,163	3,888
Derivative, fair value	$ 1,163	$ 3,888

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)				12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 08, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 02, 2016 patent	Apr. 21, 2016 patent	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) claim
Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Pending litigation cases				0
Siemens Industry, Inc. \| Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Patents allegedly infringed \| patent		6	7
Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System \| Threatened Litigation \| Subsidiaries
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Alleged damages \| $				$ 0
Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings \| Threatened Litigation \| Subsidiaries
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Alleged damages \| $	$ 36,800,000
Denver Transit \| Threatened Litigation \| Subsidiaries
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Claims filed				0
Asbestos Related Cases \| Settled Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Arbitration decisions				2

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segment \| segment	2
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Export sales \| $	$ 448.0	$ 470.5	$ 508.4

SEGMENT INFROMATION - Segment Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 1,075,538	$ 957,931	$ 932,253	$ 916,034	$ 759,982	$ 675,574	$ 723,601	$ 772,031	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Income (loss) from operations	91,163	$ 102,011	$ 113,701	$ 114,858	62,800	$ 120,096	$ 133,284	$ 142,181	421,733	458,361	607,567
Interest expense and other, net									(69,670)	(45,524)	(22,199)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes									352,063	412,837	585,368
Depreciation and amortization									103,248	69,795	64,734
Capital expenditures									89,466	50,216	49,428
Segment assets	6,579,980				6,581,018				6,579,980	6,581,018	3,229,513
Freight Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									1,396,588	1,543,098	2,054,715
Transit Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									2,485,168	1,388,090	1,235,283
Operating Segments \| Freight Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									1,434,218	1,582,617	2,090,087
Income (loss) from operations									264,603	344,455	482,640
Interest expense and other, net									0	0	0
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes									264,603	344,455	482,640
Depreciation and amortization									43,721	36,519	36,834
Capital expenditures									33,921	22,726	24,715
Segment assets	3,504,289				2,949,668				3,504,289	2,949,668	2,708,724
Operating Segments \| Transit Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									2,506,716	1,397,483	1,264,178
Income (loss) from operations									188,546	171,446	150,988
Interest expense and other, net									0	0	0
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes									188,546	171,446	150,988
Depreciation and amortization									57,441	31,545	26,196
Capital expenditures									50,762	20,987	22,996
Segment assets	7,562,122				6,720,302				7,562,122	6,720,302	2,202,614
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									(59,178)	(48,912)	(46,267)
Intersegment Eliminations \| Freight Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									37,630	39,519	35,372
Intersegment Eliminations \| Transit Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									21,548	9,393	10,895
Corporate Activities and Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total sales									(59,178)	(48,912)	(46,267)
Income (loss) from operations									(31,416)	(57,540)	(26,061)
Interest expense and other, net									(69,670)	(45,524)	(22,199)
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes									(101,086)	(103,064)	(48,260)
Depreciation and amortization									2,086	1,731	1,704
Capital expenditures									4,783	6,503	1,717
Segment assets	$ (4,486,431)				$ (3,088,952)				$ (4,486,431)	$ (3,088,952)	$ (1,681,825)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Geographic Area Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,075,538	$ 957,931	$ 932,253	$ 916,034	$ 759,982	$ 675,574	$ 723,601	$ 772,031	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Long-Lived Assets	573,972				518,376				573,972	518,376	353,193
United States
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									1,323,781	1,362,255	1,754,924
Long-Lived Assets	211,608				205,895				211,608	205,895	171,362
United Kingdom
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									356,493	322,563	368,505
Long-Lived Assets	57,668				54,215				57,668	54,215	63,694
Canada
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									279,013	206,258	204,674
Long-Lived Assets	5,822				5,156				5,822	5,156	4,876
France
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									237,454	66,287	45,565
Long-Lived Assets	57,849				33,636				57,849	33,636	7,194
Germany
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									208,817	98,364	92,422
Long-Lived Assets	71,709				57,902				71,709	57,902	31,642
China
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									178,137	106,357	100,586
Long-Lived Assets	36,388				42,672				36,388	42,672	12,256
Mexico
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									160,029	183,583	190,034
Long-Lived Assets	9,117				8,766				9,117	8,766	8,839
Italy
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									142,037	45,771	38,164
Long-Lived Assets	30,329				27,253				30,329	27,253	15,170
India
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									137,837	24,161	12,345
Long-Lived Assets	12,519				1,271				12,519	1,271	1,946
Australia
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									136,127	82,099	86,809
Long-Lived Assets	10,483				8,039				10,483	8,039	8,424
Brazil
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									69,378	51,493	84,595
Long-Lived Assets	13,184				13,227				13,184	13,227	9,318
Other international
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									652,653	381,997	329,375
Long-Lived Assets	$ 57,296				$ 60,344				$ 57,296	$ 60,344	$ 18,472

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Sales by Product (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 1,075,538	$ 957,931	$ 932,253	$ 916,034	$ 759,982	$ 675,574	$ 723,601	$ 772,031	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Specialty Products & Electronics
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales									1,350,727	1,374,580	1,733,881
Brake Products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales									749,959	588,081	627,552
Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales									522,275	559,284	606,624
Transit Products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales									1,112,340	276,124	189,581
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total sales									$ 146,455	$ 133,119	$ 150,360

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 233,401	$ 398,484	$ 226,191	$ 425,849
Receivables, net	1,166,787	942,508
Inventories	742,634	658,510
Current assets - other	122,291	868,129
Total current assets	2,265,113	2,867,631
Property, plant and equipment	573,972	518,376	353,193
Goodwill	2,460,103	2,078,765
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other intangibles, net	1,204,432	1,053,860
Other noncurrent assets	76,360	62,386
Total Assets	6,579,980	6,581,018	3,229,513
Current liabilities	1,573,330	1,446,639
Inter-company	0	0
Long-term debt	1,823,303	1,762,967
Long-term liabilities - other	354,815	394,587
Total liabilities	3,751,448	3,604,193
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	2,808,868	2,205,977
Noncontrolling interest	19,664	770,848
Total equity	2,828,532	2,976,825	1,701,339	1,808,974
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,579,980	6,581,018
Elimination
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Current assets - other	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant and equipment	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(9,087,596)	(6,713,763)
Other intangibles, net	0	0
Other noncurrent assets	0	0
Total Assets	(9,087,596)	(6,713,763)
Current liabilities	0	0
Inter-company	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Long-term liabilities - other	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	(9,087,596)	(6,713,763)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	(9,087,596)	(6,713,763)
Total Liabilities and Equity	(9,087,596)	(6,713,763)
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	933	2,522	0	146,806
Receivables, net	77,046	79,041
Inventories	120,937	120,042
Current assets - other	1,142	52,576
Total current assets	200,058	254,181
Property, plant and equipment	52,532	49,031
Goodwill	25,274	25,275
Investment in subsidiaries	6,517,205	5,388,613
Other intangibles, net	30,575	31,897
Other noncurrent assets	17,414	9,592
Total Assets	6,843,058	5,758,589
Current liabilities	196,827	194,983
Inter-company	2,121,546	1,562,399
Long-term debt	1,661,771	1,761,933
Long-term liabilities - other	54,046	33,298
Total liabilities	4,034,190	3,552,613
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	2,808,868	2,205,976
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	2,808,868	2,205,976
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,843,058	5,758,589
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	4,802	9,496	13,157	13,297
Receivables, net	237,360	202,779
Inventories	137,972	128,076
Current assets - other	4,507	(17,844)
Total current assets	384,641	322,507
Property, plant and equipment	136,382	126,661
Goodwill	546,527	477,472
Investment in subsidiaries	2,570,391	1,325,150
Other intangibles, net	251,347	204,512
Other noncurrent assets	295	(1,914)
Total Assets	3,889,583	2,454,388
Current liabilities	217,176	196,956
Inter-company	(2,026,634)	(1,848,777)
Long-term debt	14	58
Long-term liabilities - other	67,824	74,977
Total liabilities	(1,741,620)	(1,576,786)
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	5,632,665	4,032,250
Noncontrolling interest	(1,462)	(1,076)
Total equity	5,631,203	4,031,174
Total Liabilities and Equity	3,889,583	2,454,388
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	227,666	386,466	$ 213,034	$ 265,746
Receivables, net	852,381	660,688
Inventories	483,725	410,392
Current assets - other	116,642	833,397
Total current assets	1,680,414	2,290,943
Property, plant and equipment	385,058	342,684
Goodwill	1,888,302	1,576,018
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other intangibles, net	922,510	817,451
Other noncurrent assets	58,651	54,708
Total Assets	4,934,935	5,081,804
Current liabilities	1,159,327	1,054,700
Inter-company	(94,912)	286,378
Long-term debt	161,518	976
Long-term liabilities - other	232,945	286,312
Total liabilities	1,458,878	1,628,366
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	3,454,931	2,681,514
Noncontrolling interest	21,126	771,924
Total equity	3,476,057	3,453,438
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 4,934,935	$ 5,081,804

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Condensed Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,075,538	$ 957,931	$ 932,253	$ 916,034	$ 759,982	$ 675,574	$ 723,601	$ 772,031	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Cost of sales									(2,816,443)	(2,006,949)	(2,260,182)
Gross profit	268,440	253,203	273,963	269,707	219,189	212,481	237,389	255,180	1,065,313	924,239	1,047,816
Total operating expenses									(643,580)	(465,878)	(440,249)
Income from operations	91,163	102,011	113,701	114,858	62,800	120,096	133,284	142,181	421,733	458,361	607,567
Interest expense, net									(68,704)	(42,561)	(16,888)
Other (expense) income, net									(966)	(2,963)	(5,311)
Equity earnings (loss)									0	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									352,063	412,837	585,368
Income tax expense									(89,773)	(99,433)	(186,740)
Net income									262,290	313,404	398,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(29)	(8,517)	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 48,948	$ 67,399	$ 72,025	$ 73,889	$ 46,328	$ 82,428	$ 90,485	$ 94,163	262,261	304,887	398,628
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									596,874	202,001	281,395
Elimination
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(142,412)	(145,559)	(172,776)
Cost of sales									108,384	103,421	90,989
Gross profit									(34,028)	(42,138)	(81,787)
Total operating expenses									0	0	0
Income from operations									(34,028)	(42,138)	(81,787)
Interest expense, net									0	0	0
Other (expense) income, net									0	0	0
Equity earnings (loss)									(547,688)	(453,884)	(619,189)
Income from operations before income taxes									(581,716)	(496,022)	(700,976)
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Net income									(581,716)	(496,022)	(700,976)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									(581,716)	(496,022)	(700,976)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									(581,716)	(496,022)	(700,976)
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									577,397	641,809	743,262
Cost of sales									(440,911)	(473,700)	(531,269)
Gross profit									136,486	168,109	211,993
Total operating expenses									(113,872)	(141,940)	(142,953)
Income from operations									22,614	26,169	69,040
Interest expense, net									(72,233)	(34,975)	(23,129)
Other (expense) income, net									5,103	20,509	23,193
Equity earnings (loss)									416,068	322,650	506,903
Income from operations before income taxes									371,552	334,353	576,007
Income tax expense									(109,294)	(29,466)	(177,379)
Net income									262,258	304,887	398,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									262,258	304,887	398,628
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									263,907	305,180	409,734
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,067,954	1,112,001	1,436,935
Cost of sales									(675,546)	(708,062)	(843,104)
Gross profit									392,408	403,939	593,831
Total operating expenses									(123,423)	(122,617)	(131,251)
Income from operations									268,985	281,322	462,580
Interest expense, net									8,843	7,012	5,914
Other (expense) income, net									289	(2,284)	(9,140)
Equity earnings (loss)									131,620	131,234	112,286
Income from operations before income taxes									409,737	417,284	571,640
Income tax expense									32,393	(57,667)	8,989
Net income									442,130	359,617	580,629
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									386	0	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									442,516	359,617	580,629
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									442,516	359,617	580,629
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									2,378,817	1,322,937	1,300,577
Cost of sales									(1,808,370)	(928,608)	(976,798)
Gross profit									570,447	394,329	323,779
Total operating expenses									(406,285)	(201,321)	(166,045)
Income from operations									164,162	193,008	157,734
Interest expense, net									(5,314)	(14,598)	327
Other (expense) income, net									(6,358)	(21,188)	(19,364)
Equity earnings (loss)									0	0	0
Income from operations before income taxes									152,490	157,222	138,697
Income tax expense									(12,872)	(12,300)	(18,350)
Net income									139,618	144,922	120,347
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									(415)	(8,517)	0
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									139,203	136,405	120,347
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders									$ 472,167	$ 33,226	$ (7,992)

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION - Condensed Cash Flow Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$ 188,811	$ 450,530	$ 450,844
Net cash used in investing activities	(275,729)	(775,065)	(380,136)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(97,431)	522,971	(251,498)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	19,266	(26,143)	(18,868)
(Decrease) increase in cash	(165,083)	172,293	(199,658)
Cash, beginning of year	398,484	226,191	425,849
Cash, end of year	233,401	398,484	226,191
Elimination
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(34,028)	(42,138)	(81,787)
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	34,028	42,138	81,787
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash	0	0	0
Cash, beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash, end of year	0	0	0
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(49,231)	(44,611)	(90,374)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,156)	(829,783)	(7,862)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	58,798	876,916	(48,570)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash	(1,589)	2,522	(146,806)
Cash, beginning of year	2,522	0	146,806
Cash, end of year	933	2,522	0
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	249,204	332,822	487,516
Net cash used in investing activities	(120,661)	(14,725)	(109,326)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(133,237)	(321,758)	(378,330)
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	0	0	0
(Decrease) increase in cash	(4,694)	(3,661)	(140)
Cash, beginning of year	9,496	13,157	13,297
Cash, end of year	4,802	9,496	13,157
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	22,866	204,457	135,489
Net cash used in investing activities	(143,912)	69,443	(262,948)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(57,020)	(74,325)	93,615
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	19,266	(26,143)	(18,868)
(Decrease) increase in cash	(158,800)	173,432	(52,712)
Cash, beginning of year	386,466	213,034	265,746
Cash, end of year	$ 227,666	$ 386,466	$ 213,034

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET - Components of Other (Expense) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign currency loss	$ (6,618)	$ (4,001)	$ (4,659)
Equity income	2,579	409	0
Other miscellaneous income (expense)	3,073	629	(652)
Total other (expense) income, net	$ (966)	$ (2,963)	$ (5,311)

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,075,538	$ 957,931	$ 932,253	$ 916,034	$ 759,982	$ 675,574	$ 723,601	$ 772,031	$ 3,881,756	$ 2,931,188	$ 3,307,998
Gross profit	268,440	253,203	273,963	269,707	219,189	212,481	237,389	255,180	1,065,313	924,239	1,047,816
Income from operations	91,163	102,011	113,701	114,858	62,800	120,096	133,284	142,181	421,733	458,361	607,567
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 48,948	$ 67,399	$ 72,025	$ 73,889	$ 46,328	$ 82,428	$ 90,485	$ 94,163	$ 262,261	$ 304,887	$ 398,628
Basic earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.75	$ 0.77	$ 0.42	$ 0.92	$ 1.00	$ 1.03	$ 2.74	$ 3.37	$ 4.14
Diluted earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.75	$ 0.77	$ 0.42	$ 0.91	$ 1.00	$ 1.02	$ 2.72	$ 3.34	$ 4.10
Restatement Adjustment
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Income from operations	$ (14,800)

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Warranty and overhaul reserves
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 138,992	$ 92,064	$ 87,849
Charged/ (credited) to expense	50,385	28,947	35,418
Charged/(credited) to other accounts	12,234	56,753	(1,762)
Deductions from reserves	48,548	38,772	29,441
Balance at end of period	153,063	138,992	92,064
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	7,340	5,614	6,270
Charged/ (credited) to expense	2,632	3,635	2,026
Charged/(credited) to other accounts	4,979	0	0
Deductions from reserves	2,609	1,909	2,682
Balance at end of period	12,342	7,340	5,614
Valuation allowance-taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	21,418	12,623	1,818
Charged/ (credited) to expense	6,760	3,405	7,024
Charged/(credited) to other accounts	0	5,390	3,781
Deductions from reserves	10,024	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 18,154	$ 21,418	$ 12,623