Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] 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] Condensed Financial Information 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] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Elimination Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents 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 Lease Obligation Long-term liabilities - other Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-progress Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product Or Service Product and Service [Axis] Products And Services Product and Service [Domain] Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build Remanufacturing Overhaul And Build [Member] Remanufacturing overhaul and build. 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. Other All Other [Member] All other. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized loss on derivative contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax (benefit) expense related to components of other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Components of Other Income (Expense) Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Corporate Activities and Elimination Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Freight Segment Freight Segment [Member] Freight Segment Transit Segment Transit Segment [Member] Transit segment. Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense and other, net Interest Expense And Other Net Amount of interest expense and other revenue and expenses that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Leases [Abstract] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments 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] General Electric Company General Electric Company [Member] General Electric Company [Member] GE Transportation GE Transportation [Member] GE Transportation [Member] Annax Annax GmbH [Member] Annax GmbH [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [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] Trade Names Trade Names [Member] 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] Backlog Order or Production Backlog [Member] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Change in estimated fair values for assets acquired Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Asset Revenues Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Operating income Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase price, net of cash acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash payment for business acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 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 Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] As Reported (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Pro forma (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Warranties Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Operating lease expense Operating Lease, Cost Amortization of leased assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Short-term and variable lease expense Short-term And Variable Lease, Cost Short-term Lease, Variable Lease, Cost Sublease income Sublease Income Total Lease, Cost Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Backlog, intellectual property, patents, non-compete and other intangibles Backlog, Intellectual Property, Patents And Other [Member] Backlog, Intellectual Property, 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 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, after Allowance for Credit Loss Acquisitions Contract with Customer, Asset, Increase (Decrease) for Contract Acquired in Business Combination 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 Acquisitions Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease) for Contract Acquired in Business Combination 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 Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Beginning Balance Cash dividends Dividends, Cash Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax (in shares) Stock Granted Exercised And Cancelled For Various Equity Instruments Stock awards granted, exercised and cancelled for the following forms of stock compensation 1) Stock Options 2) Restricted Stock Awards and 3) Incentive Stock Awards. Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Acquisitions (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Other owner changes Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending Balance (in shares) Ending Balance Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] 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] 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] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gross notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative asset fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Liabilities at fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Total Derivative, Fair Value, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Positive Train Control Patents Positive Train Control Patents [Member] Positive Train Control Patents [Member] End of Train Patents End of Train Patents [Member] End of Train Patents [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, Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Denver Transit Installation of Constant Wireless Crossings [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Damages alleged Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition 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 Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule Of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Concentration Risk By Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Outside United States Revenue Benchmark [Member] Concentration Risk By Type Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Non-US Non-US [Member] Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Number of countries where product is found (more than) Number Of Countries Where Product Found Number of countries where product found. Number of countries company operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Percent of revenue from customers outside the U.S. (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Changes in Product Warranty Reserve Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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] Alternative Rate Alternative Rate [Member] Alternative rate. 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] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Floating Rate Notes, due 2021 Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member] Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member] 4.15% Senior Notes, due 2024 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] 4.70% Senior Notes, due 2028 Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 [Member] 3.45% Senior Notes, due 2026 3.45 Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] 3.45 Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] 4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023 4.375 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Three [Member] 4.375 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Three [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 and Senior Notes Senior Notes Due 2028 And Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Due 2028 and Senior Notes [Member] 2018 Refinancing Credit Agreement Two Thousand and Eighteen Refinancing Agreement [Member] Two Thousand and Eighteen Refinancing Agreement [Member] 2016 Refinancing Credit Agreement Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Refinancing Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [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] Federal Funds Effective Rate Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type Derivative Contract [Domain] Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreement Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Debt issuance price (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Deferred financing cost Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Stated interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Increase in interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) Revolving credit facility, amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Uncommitted accordion feature Line of Credit Uncommitted Accordion Feature Line of Credit Uncommitted Accordion Feature Letters of credit subject to financial covenant restrictions Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Interest Coverage 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 Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Maximum Leverage Ratio permitted Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Restrictive covenants, leverage ratio 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 Interest rate on notional value (as a percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Credit facility loan term, years Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Commitment fee Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage 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 Acquisitions Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Warranty expense Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued 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 Lease Expense, Term and Discount Rate Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Maturity of Finance Lease Liabilities Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Other Borrowings Other Debt Obligations [Member] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Total Debt and Lease Obligation Less: current portion Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Long-term portion Unamortized discount and debt issuance cost Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate Weighted-average Discount Rate [Abstract] Weighted-average Discount Rate [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Remaining 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Present value discount Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Finance Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Remaining 2019 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less: Present value discount Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Total Total Payments Due [Abstract] Total Payments Due [Abstract] Remaining 2019 Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Two Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating And Finance, Lease, Liability, Total, Payments, Due Year Three Lessee, Operating And Finance, Lease, Liability, Total, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Four Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Five Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due After Year Five Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Total Payments, Due After Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Payments Due Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Payments Due Less: Present value discount Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value lease liabilities Operating And Finance Lease, Liability Operating And Finance Lease, Liability Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding 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 Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] 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 Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] 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] International Foreign Plan [Member] U.S. UNITED STATES Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan Pension 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, current year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Current Fiscal Year 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] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] 4.375% Senior Notes 4.75 Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty Three [Member] 4.75 percent senior notes due two thousand twenty three. 3.45% Senior Notes Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Floating Rate Notes 2021 4.15% Senior Notes 4.150 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Four [Member] 4.150 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Four [Member] 4.7% Senior Notes 4.70 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] 4.70 Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Debt instrument Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Income Statement [Abstract] Goods Product [Member] Services Service [Member] Net sales: Revenues [Abstract] Total net sales Cost of sales: Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract] Total cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] 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 Other income and expenses: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders 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 Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) 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 Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] Total operating expenses Equity earnings (loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Net of Tax Income tax benefit (expense) Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions Income Tax Examination, Interest 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 Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Discount rate Lessee, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Lessee, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Guarantor Subsidiaries Financial Information Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 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 Numerator Earnings Per Share Numerator Activity [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Numerator Activity [Abstract] Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percentage allocated to common shareholders (as a percent) Percentage Of Net Income Allocated To Common Shareholders Percentage allocated to common shareholders. Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Shareholders The amount of undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for the periods presented. Add: dividends declared - common shares Dividends Declared Common Shares Dividends declared common shares. Dividends declared - preferred shares Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Numerator for basic earnings per common share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Dividends declared - preferred shares Numerator for diluted earnings per common share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Denominator Earnings Per Share Denominator Activity [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Denominator Activity [Abstract] Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Assumed conversion of preferred shares (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock 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. 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] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Foreign Currency Contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] 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 Stock Option Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, 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] Foreign currency (loss) gain 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 expense (income) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income, net 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] 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 Noncurrent contract assets Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Noncurrent contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Provisions for loss contracts Provision for Loss on Contracts Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Interest expense, net Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [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 Award Type [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) Remainder of 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Remaining performance obligations, amount Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Remaining performance obligation percentage expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Performance obligation period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Below market intangible amortization Amortization Of Intangible Liability Amortization Of Intangible Liability Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued liabilities and customer deposits Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities And Customer Deposits Increase decrease in accrued liabilities and customer deposits. Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Payments of debt Repayment of Long-term Debt, Long-term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Including Option Exercised Payment of income tax withholding on share-based compensation Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities Cash dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of changes in currency exchange rates Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents (Decrease) increase 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 and cash equivalents end of period Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible assets disclosure. Patents Intellectual Property [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 Trade names, useful life Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Intangible assets, amortization expense 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 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Scenario Forecast Forecast [Member] 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 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount 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 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 Property, plant & equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets 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 Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other 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 Net assets acquired Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Unbilled accounts receivable Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, 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 Accrued postretirement and pension benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,220 and no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized: 223,431,716 and 132,349,534 shares issued and 188,183,106 and 96,614,966 outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost, 35,248,610 and 35,734,588 shares, at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 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 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] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 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 (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term rate of return (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Other intangible assets Total liabilities assumed Schedule of Change in Carrying Amount of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Wabtec Wabtec [Member] Wabtec [Member] Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders [Member] Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders [Member] GET Brazil GET Brazil [Member] GET Brazil [Member] GE and Pre-Merger Holders GE and Pre-Merger Holders [Member] GE and Pre-Merger Holders [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] SpinCo Common Stock SpinCo Common Stock [Member] SpinCo Common Stock [Member] SpinCo Class A Preferred Stock SpinCo Class A Preferred Stock [Member] SpinCo Class A Preferred Stock [Member] SpinCo Class B Preferred Stock SpinCo Class B Preferred Stock [Member] SpinCo Class B Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Shares issuable (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Percentage of outstanding shares transferred Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Business combination, consideration transferred Percentage of common shares outstanding Business Combination, Percentage of Common Shares, Outstanding Business Combination, Percentage of Common Shares, Outstanding Total future consideration Closing share price (in USD per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Noncontrolling interest acquired Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Options 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 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 Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] 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] Other income (expense), net Long-Term Debt Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]