Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Financial Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Sales by Product Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Changes in Product Warranty Reserve Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 4.375% Senior Notes Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] Four point three seven five percent senior notes due two thousand twenty three. 3.45% Senior Notes Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Floating Rate Senior Notes Floating Rate Senior Notes [Member] Floating Rate Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes due 2024 Senior Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes due 2028 Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swap agreements Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carry value Derivative Liability, Current Carry value Long-term Debt Fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair value Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Stated interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Engineering expenses Research and Development Expense Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income and expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Contract Assets Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Contract with Customer, Asset, Net Recognized in current year Contract With Customer, Asset, New Contract Additions Contract With Customer, Asset, New Contract Additions Reclassified to accounts receivable Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Foreign currency impact Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Contract With Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Balance at end of period Contract Liabilities Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Contract with Customer, Liability Recognized in current year Contract With Customer, Liability, New Contract Additions Contract With Customer, Liability, New Contract Additions Amounts in beginning balance reclassified to revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Current year amounts reclassified to revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized from Current Year Additions Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized from Current Year Additions Foreign currency impact Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Balance at end of period Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible assets disclosure. Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Patents Patents [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Other Intangibles Other Intangible Assets [Member] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible assets disclosure. Trade names Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Intangible assets, amortization expense Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Parent Company [Member] Guarantors Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Elimination Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Current assets - other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Inter-company Intercompany Loans Intercompany Loans Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term liabilities - other Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Annax Annax GmbH [Member] Annax GmbH [Member] Melett Melett Limited [Member] Melett Limited [Member] AM General AM General Contract [Member] AM General Contract [Member] TTC Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] ATP Aero Transportation Products [Member] Aero Transportation Products [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Property, plant & equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Cost of sales Total operating expenses Interest (expense) income, net Equity earnings (loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Income tax expense Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Senior Notes Due 2026 4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023 Schuldschein Loan Schuldschein Loan [Member] Schuldschein Loan [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Other Borrowings Other Debt Obligations [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Capital Leases Capital Lease Obligations Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less - current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term portion Unamortized discount and debt issuance cost Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule Of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Concentration Risk By Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Outside United States Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk By Type Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Number of countries company operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of countries where product is found (more than) Number Of Countries Where Product Found Number of countries where product found. Percent of revenue from customers outside the U.S. (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Patents And Other Patents And Other [Member] Patents and other. Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Values of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed at the Date of the Acquisition Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Freight Segment Freight Segment [Member] Freight Segment Transit Segment Transit Segment [Member] Transit segment. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Additions Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency impact Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign currency translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative contracts Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and post retirement benefit plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Ending balance Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock Option Activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Share-Based Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted-Average Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity Schedule of Incentive Stock Awards Activity and Restricted Stock Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Incentive Stock Awards Activity and Restricted Stock Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock and Units Restricted Stock And Units [Member] Restricted stock and units. Incentive Stock Units Performance Shares [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Expected To Vest Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested number expected to vest. Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Net Performance Adjustment Weighted Average Net Performance Adjustment Fair Value Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options net performance adjustment weighted average net performance adjustment fair value. Canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Warranty expense Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Acquisitions Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Warranty claim payments Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Foreign currency impact/other Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at end of period Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Alternative Rate Alternative Rate [Member] Alternative rate. 2018 Refinancing Agreement Two Thousand Eighteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Eighteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Swing Line Sub Facility Swing Line Sub Facility [Member] Swing Line Sub Facility [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR/CDOR LIBOR/CDOR [Member] LIBOR/CDOR [Member] Federal Funds Effective Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreement Faiveley Transport Faiveley Transport [Member] Faiveley transport. Debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument term Debt Instrument, Term Debt issuance price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Deferred financing cost Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Interest rate adjustment (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Credit Rating, Interest Rate Adjustment, Percent Debt Instrument, Credit Rating, Interest Rate Adjustment, Percent Revolving credit facility, amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Uncommitted accordion feature, maximum Line of Credit, Uncommitted Accordion Feature Line of Credit, Uncommitted Accordion Feature Credit facility loan term, years Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Line of credit amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Line of credit facility, amount currently available Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Unrestricted cash Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Ticking fee Line of Credit Facility Ticking Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility Ticking Fee Percentage Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate EBITDA to interest expense ratio Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, EBITDA to Interest Expense Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, EBITDA to Interest Expense Ratio, Minimum Leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Cash consideration transfer maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Leverage ratio, three quarters following acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Leverage ratio quarter four and five following acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio Fourth and Fifth Quarter Following Acquisition, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio Fourth and Fifth Quarter Following Acquisition, Maximum Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Interest rate on notional value (as a percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Acquired loans Number of investors Number of Investors Number of Investors Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Interest rate swap agreement, current liability Liabilities at fair value Proposed Merger With GE Transportation Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Remainder of 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Gross profit Business Acquisition Pro Forma Gross Profit The proforma gross profit for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Diluted earnings per share As Reported (in dollars per share) Pro forma (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Change in Carrying Amount of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment sales/(elimination) Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Corporate Activities and Elimination Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total sales Income (loss) from operations Interest expense and other, net Interest Expense And Other Net Amount of interest expense and other revenue and expenses that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-progress Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Trade Names Trade Names [Member] Assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Intangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Non-Designated Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Foreign Currency Contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative term (in years) Derivative, Term of Contract Derivative instruments amounts reclassified into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] GE and Pre-Merger Holders General Electric and Pre-Merger Holders [Member] General Electric and Pre-Merger Holders [Member] General Electric Company General Electric Company [Member] General Electric Company [Member] GE Transportation GE Transportation [Member] GE Transportation [Member] Cash payment for acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Outstanding shares transferred (as a percent) Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Outstanding shares retained (as a percent) Business Combination, Percentage of Voting Interests Retained Business Combination, Percentage of Voting Interests Retained Period for reverting shares Business Combination, Share Reversion Period Business Combination, Share Reversion Period Closing sale price (in dollars per share) Share Price Equity issued in acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Cash to be received Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Delayed draw term loan Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Foreign Plan Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Expected plan contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Foreign currency translation (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Acquisitions other than Faiveley Acquisitions Other Than Faiveley [Member] Acquisitions Other Than Faiveley [Member] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Fair Value of Receivables Fair Value of Receivables [Member] Fair Value of Receivables [Member] Fair Value of Current Liabilities Fair Value of Current Liabilities [Member] Fair Value of Current Liabilities [Member] Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Member] Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Member] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Annual sales of Faiveley Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Number of employees (more than) Business Combination Number Of Employees Business combination number of employees. Number of countries Faiveley operates in Business Combination Number Of Countries Business combination number of countries. Purchase price per share (in euros per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash (as a percent) Percentage Of Business Acquisition Consideration Payable In Cash Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash. Outstanding share capital acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Percentage of voting interests in Faiveley (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Share conversion ratio Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Additional share capital acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Cash payment for acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Cumulative share capital acquired (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Cumulative voting rights acquired (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Escrow deposits Escrow Deposit Acquisition of noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Adjustment to customer relationships acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Adjustment to current liabilities acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Adjustment to other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets Accrued share based compensation acquired in acquisition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Compensation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Compensation Purchase price, net of cash acquired Goodwill tax deduction Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Options Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Ending balance (in shares) Exercisable at period end (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending balance (in dollars per share) Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Nonvested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Nonvested, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Granted Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of granted options for the period presented. Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Canceled Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Ending balance Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Acquisitions Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Components of Other Income (Expense) Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Siemens Industry, Inc. Siemens Industry, Inc. [Member] Siemens Industry, Inc. [Member] Denver Transit, Delivery of Train Management System Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System [Member] Denver Transit Delivery of Train Management System [Member] Denver Transit, Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Employee Competition Litigation Employee Competition Litigation [Member] Employee Competition Litigation [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Patents allegedly infringed Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Damages alleged Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Initial analysis of tax law changes recorded net tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Provisional expense for Transition Tax Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provisional benefit to net deferred taxes Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Provisional transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Reduction in liability for certain tax provisions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Favorable tax impact Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Amount of Favorable Impact to Effective Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Amount of Favorable Impact to Effective Rate Liability for uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Reduction in accrued interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction in Interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction in Interest Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions Income Tax Examination, Interest Accrued Accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions Income Tax Examination, Penalties Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits subject to change within the next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue From Contract With Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue From Contract With Customer [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Numerator Earnings Per Share Numerator Activity [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Numerator Activity [Abstract] Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock Dividends, Cash Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percentage allocated to common shareholders (as a percent) Percentage Of Net Income Allocated To Common Shareholders Percentage allocated to common shareholders. Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Shareholders The amount of undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for the periods presented. Add: dividends declared - common shares Dividends Declared Common Shares Dividends declared common shares. Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share Numerator For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share. Denominator Earnings Per Share Denominator Activity [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Denominator Activity [Abstract] Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion (in shares) Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders per common share Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted stock expected to vest (in shares) Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding And Non Vested Restricted Stock Expected To Vest Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non vested restricted stock expected to vest. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Stock price volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Foreign currency (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Expected return on pension assets/amortization Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Interest Cost And Service Cost Component Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Interest Cost And Service Cost Component Other miscellaneous income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense), net Warranties Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of changes in currency exchange rates Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (decrease) in cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets of the Company, Other Than Goodwill and Trade Names Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets Other Current Assets [Member] Other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Gross notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative asset fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liabilities at fair value Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] 2011 Plan Plan Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Plan two thousand eleven. Directors Plan Non-Employee Directors’ Fee and Stock Option Plan [Member] Non-Employee Directors’ Fee and Stock Option Plan [Member] 2000 Plan Plan Two Thousand [Member] Plan two thousand. Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares Number of shares available for grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Award vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Plan term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Transferred at Point in Time Transferred at Point in Time [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Revenue derived from performance obligations satisfied when control passes to customer (as a percent) Revenue, Percent of Revenue Derived from Performance Obligations, Transfer of Control Revenue, Percent of Revenue Derived from Performance Obligations, Transfer of Control Provisions for loss contracts Provision for Loss on Contracts Deferred pre-production costs Capitalized Contract Cost, Net Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Selling, general and administrative expenses Interest expense, net Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Net amortization/deferrals Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term rate of return Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash, Current Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled accounts receivable Unbilled Receivables, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other noncurrent assets Total other assets Other Assets Non Current Including Goodwill And Intangible Assets Net Other Non-Current Assets that includes Goodwill, Other Intangibles net, and Other noncurrent assets. Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Customer deposits Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Current Current portion of long-term debt Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Reserve for postretirement and pension benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 16) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized: 132,349,534 shares issued and 96,606,946 and 96,034,352 outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost, 35,742,588 and 36,315,182 shares, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Product Or Service Products and Services [Axis] Products And Services Products and Services [Domain] Specialty Products & Electronics Specialty Products and Electronics [Member] Specialty Products and Electronics [Member] Transit Products Transit Products [Member] Transit products. Brake Products Brake Products [Member] Brake products. Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build Remanufacturing Overhaul And Build [Member] Remanufacturing overhaul and build. Other All Other [Member] All other. Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued liabilities and customer deposits Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities And Customer Deposits Increase decrease in accrued liabilities and customer deposits. Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used for investing activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Payments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Payment of income tax withholding on share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Cash dividends ($0.36 and $0.20 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of net loss Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Net income