Disclosure Preferred Stock Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure preferred stock additional information. Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for doubtful accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Valuation allowance-taxes SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Charged/ (credited) to expense SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Charged/(credited) to other accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account Deductions from reserves SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Balance at end of period Equity [Abstract] Disclosure Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Disclosure components of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Foreign currency translation Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivative contracts Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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] Balance beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net current period other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance end of period Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [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 Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of net loss (gain) Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Plans 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, net Other Operating Income (Expense), Net Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Financial Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Geographic Area Data Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Sales by Product Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Disclosure stock option activity. Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Exercisable at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life, Exercisable shares at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Granted Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of granted options for the period presented. Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Canceled Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Canceled, Intrinsic Value Outstanding, end of period Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash dividends, per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Debt Disclosure [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Future years Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Patents And Other Patents And Other [Member] Patents and other. Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] 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 Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segment Number of Reportable Segments Export sales Export Sales Goods or services sold to a foreign country. Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Foreign Plan Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Discount rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Schedule Of Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] United States United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Germany GERMANY Canada CANADA France FRANCE Mexico MEXICO Italy ITALY India INDIA Australia AUSTRALIA China CHINA Brazil BRAZIL Other international Other International [Member] Other international Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Long-Lived Assets PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] OTHER INCOME, NET Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] WARRANTIES Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Schedule of Cash Flow Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [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, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 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 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 noncurrent 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 Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity 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 Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Transition Obligations Assets And Prior Service Cost Credit Define benefit plan amortization of initial net obligation and prior service (credit) cost. Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlement and curtailment losses recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Under $35.00 Exercise Price Range One [Member] Exercise Price Range One. 35.00 - 50.00 Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range Two. 50.00 - 65.00 Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price Range Three. 65.00 - 80.00 Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price Range Four. Over 80.00 Exercise Price Range Five [Member] Exercise Price Range Five. Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Exercise price, high range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Exercise price, low range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number of options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Number of options currently exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted average exercise price of options currently exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Leases [Abstract] OPERATING LEASES Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Change in projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Balance Sheet Adjustment Service cost Interest cost Employee contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Plan settlements and amendments Defined Benefit Plan Curtailments And Amendments Defined benefit plan curtailments and amendments. Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination Actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Effect of currency rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Obligation at end of year Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Balance Sheet Adjustment Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Employee contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Effect of currency rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Fair value of plan assets at end of year Fair value of plan assets Benefit obligations Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Noncurrent assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Noncurrent liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net actuarial (loss) gain Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Net purchases, issuances, and settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchase, Sale, and Settlement Opening balance sheet adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Balance Sheet Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Balance Sheet Adjustment Transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3 Effect of currency rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) Stock Option Activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Options Outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-Based Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted-Average Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity Schedule Of Restricted Stock Activity And Incentive Stock Awards Activity Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock activity and incentive stock awards activity. 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] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative term (in years) Derivative, Term of Contract Net gain Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 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 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 Dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Stock price volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Income Statement [Abstract] 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] Other income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders Earnings Per Common Share Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders (in dollars per share) 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 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 December 31, 2018 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 December 31, 2018 Schedule Of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating leases term, in years Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Net rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of significant accounting policies. 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] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast Scenario, Forecast [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 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Restatement Adjustment Restatement Adjustment [Member] Interest rate swap agreements Interest Rate Swap [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of significant accounting policies. Revenue derived from performance obligations Revenue, Percent of Revenue Derived from Performance Obligations, Transfer of Control Revenue, Percent of Revenue Derived from Performance Obligations, Transfer of Control Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Product warranty expense Product Warranty Expense Accrued product warranty Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other (expense) income, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Provisions for loss contracts Provision for Loss on Contracts Remaining performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Deferred pre-production costs Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Research and development costs Estimated lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Estimated right-of-use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Selling, general and administrative expense Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] INVENTORIES Inventory 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 Warranty expense Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Acquisitions Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Warranty claim payments Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Foreign currency impact Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at end of year Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [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 agreements Derivative Liability Liabilities at fair value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Equity security funds Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] Debt security funds and other Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Security [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Gross profit Income from operations Basic earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings from operations per common share (in dollars per share) Depreciation expense Depreciation Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 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, Net, Current Unbilled accounts receivable Unbilled Receivables, Current Other assets Other Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Accumulated depreciation Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] 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 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Accrued postretirement and pension benefits Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Accrued warranty Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitment and Contingencies (Note 21) Commitments and Contingencies Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized: 132,349,534 shares issued and 96,614,946 and 96,034,352 outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost, 35,734,588 and 36,315,182 shares, at December 31, 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 Components of Income from Operations before Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Consolidated Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Liability for Income Taxes Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Rental Payments Under Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Foreign currency loss 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 income, net Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Products and Services Product and Service [Axis] Products and Services Product and Service [Domain] Specialty Products & Electronics Electronics And Other Freight Related Products [Member] Electronics and other freight related products. Brake Products Brake Products [Member] Brake products. Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build Remanufacturing Overhaul And Build [Member] Remanufacturing overhaul and build. Transit Products Transit Products [Member] Transit products. Other All Other [Member] All other. Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Total sales Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Intangible assets disclosure. Patents Patents [Member] Intellectual Property Intellectual Property [Member] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Intangible assets disclosure. Trade names Indefinite-Lived Trade Names Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Intangible assets, amortization expense FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] Shares not included in computation of diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 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 Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases - unrecognized tax benefits in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Gross decreases - audit settlement during year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Gross decreases - expiration of audit statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at end of year Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Wabtec Wabtec [Member] Wabtec [Member] General Electric Company General Electric Company [Member] General Electric Company [Member] Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders [Member] Pre-merger Wabtec Stockholders [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 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] Delayed Draw Term Loan Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term 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] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] GE Transportation GE Transportation [Member] GE Transportation [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] 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] SpinCo Class C Preferred Stock SpinCo Class C Preferred Stock [Member] SpinCo Class C Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Certain Identifiable Assets of Acquired Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Shares issuable (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Percentage of common shares outstanding Business Combination, Percentage of Common Shares, Outstanding Business Combination, Percentage of Common Shares, Outstanding Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Percentage of outstanding shares transferred Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Business Combination, Percentage of Outstanding Shares Transferred Debt instrument face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Revolving credit facility, amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Cost of sales Total operating expenses 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 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of changes in currency exchange rates Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations 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 year Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Asbestos Related Cases Asbestos Related Cases [Member] Asbestos Related Cases [Member] 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] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Arbitration decisions Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number Damages award to plaintiff Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Alleged damages Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Pending litigation cases Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [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 Cash dividends Dividends, Cash Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from treasury stock issued from the exercise of stock options and other benefit plans, net of tax, shares (in shares) Stock Granted Exercised And Cancelled For Various Equity Instruments Stock awards granted, exercised and cancelled for the following forms of stock compensation 1) Stock Options 2) Restricted Stock Awards and 3) Incentive Stock Awards. Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Non-controlling interests associated with Faiveley Transport Acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Acquisition of Faiveley Transport noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Deconsolidation Net income (loss) Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other owner changes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock issued for Faiveley Transport Acquisition (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Stock repurchase, shares (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchase, value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Ending Balance (in shares) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Current taxes Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred taxes Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total provision Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] 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] Carry Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] 4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023 Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Three [Member] Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Three [Member] 3.45% Senior Notes, due 2026 Three Point Four Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] Three Point Four Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] Floating Rate Notes, due 2021 Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member] Floating Rate Notes Due 2021 [Member] 4.150% Senior Notes, due 2024 Four Point One Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Four [Member] Four Point One Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Four [Member] 4.70% Senior Notes, due 2028 Four Point Seven Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Thousand and Twenty Six [Member] Four Point Seven Zero 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 Stated interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in Product Warranty Reserve Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] INTANGIBLES Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Obligations and Funded Status Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of U.S. and International Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations and with Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Develop Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Amounts Included in Other Comprehensive Loss That are Expected to be Recognized as Components of Periodic Benefit Costs Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Pension Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid to Plan Participants Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plans Schedule Of Defined Contribution Plans And Multiemployer Pension Plans Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of defined contribution plans and multiemployer pension plans. Contributions in Multiemployer Pension Plans Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Components of Other (Expense) Income Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] PREFERRED STOCK Preferred Stock [Text Block] Deferred income tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Accrued expenses and reserves Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Reserves And Accruals Accrued Expenses And Reserves Accrued expenses and reserves component of deferred income tax asset. Warranty reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves Deferred compensation/employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Pension and postretirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Pension And Postretirement Benefits Pension and post-retirement obligation component of Deferred income tax asset. Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Net operating loss carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Other Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Gross deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred income tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property, plant & equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net 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] Equity Award Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock and Units Restricted Stock And Units [Member] Restricted stock and units. Incentive Stock Awards 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) Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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] 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] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] 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] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Alternative Rate Alternative Rate [Member] Alternative rate. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term Debt issuance face value (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Deferred financing cost Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Interest rate increase Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) Line of Credit Uncommitted Accordion Feature Line of Credit Uncommitted Accordion Feature Line of Credit Uncommitted Accordion Feature Covenant restrictions Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Unrestricted Cash, Maximum Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, EBITDA to Interest Expense Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, EBITDA to Interest Expense Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, EBITDA to Interest Expense Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Cash Consideration Transferred in Acquisition Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Three Quarters Following Acquisition, Maximum 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 Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Leverage Ratio, Fourth and Fifth Quarter Following Acquisition, Maximum Credit facility loan term, years Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period Interest rate on notional value (as a percent) Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Long-term debt Long-term Debt STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2024 through 2028 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Principal Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Melett Melett Limited [Member] Melett Limited [Member] TTC Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] Thermal Transfer Corporation [Member] ATP Aero Transportation Products [Member] Aero Transportation Products [Member] Annax Annax GmbH [Member] Annax GmbH [Member] AM General AM General Contract [Member] AM General Contract [Member] Current assets, net of cash acquired 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 Interest paid during the year Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Income taxes paid during the year, net of amount refunded Income Taxes Paid, Net Fair value of assets acquired Fair Value of Assets Acquired Liabilities assumed Liabilities Assumed Non-controlling interest (acquired) assumed Noncontrolling Interest Assumed Noncontrolling Interest Assumed Stock and cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Less: Cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Stock used for acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Net cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired LONG-TERM DEBT Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [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 Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivative, Fair Value, Net Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets 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] Performance obligation, term Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Revenue expected to be recognized over next 12 months Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Freight Segment Freight Segment [Member] Freight Segment Transit Segment Transit Segment [Member] Transit segment. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance beginning of period Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency impact Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance end of period Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense (benefit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Accumulated Tax Expense (Benefit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Accumulated Tax Expense (Benefit) Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure stock based compensation additional information. Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] Directors Plan Directors Plan [Member] Directors plan. Plan 2011 Plan Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Plan two thousand eleven. Plan 2000 Plan Two Thousand [Member] Plan two thousand. Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Non-Vested Restricted Stock Non Vested Restricted Stock [Member] Non vested restricted stock. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Plan term, years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares authorized for grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Shares issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation plans Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Risk-free interest rate, year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Expected Life Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions risk free interest rate expected life. Percentage of incentive stock awards expected to be vested and awarded of stocks granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive gain (loss) before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders 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 Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares U.S. federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Research and development credit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent Manufacturing deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent France tax rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, France Income Tax Rate Differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, France Income Tax Rate Differential U.S. tax rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent U.S. tax reform (benefit) provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Transaction costs related to acquisitions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisition of Business, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Acquisition of Business, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Major Classes of Depreciable Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives of Property Plant and Equipment Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property Plant And Equipment Table [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Estimated Useful Lives Of Property Plant And Equipment Table CONTRACT ASSETS AND CONTRACT LIABILITIES Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Table] Other Investments Other Investments [Member] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [ Line Items ] Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Target asset allocation (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Contribution to the plan Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Assumed health care cost trend rate, initial rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan Initial Health Care Cost Trend Rate The trend rate for health care cost associated with the defined benefits plan. Assumed health care cost trend rate, ultimate rate (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost components (less than) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost components (less than) Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Number of shares held on behalf of participants (in shares) Defined Contribution Plan, Number Of Shares Held On Behalf Of Participants Defined Contribution Plan, Number of shares held on behalf of participants. Market value of the shares held on behalf of participants Defined Contribution Plan, Market Value Of Shares Held On Behalf Of Participants Defined Contribution Plan, Market value of the shares held on behalf of participants Net gain (loss) arising during the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Effect of exchange rates Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Effect Of Exchange Rates The effect of exchange rates on other comprehensive income related to defined benefit plans. Amortization, settlement, or curtailment recognition of net transition obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Asset (Obligation) Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Amortization Or Settlement Recognition Of Net Loss Gain Amortization or settlement recognized as part of other comprehensive income for defined benefit Plans. Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Numerator Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percentage allocated to common shareholders (as a percent) Percentage Of Net Income Allocated To Common Shareholders Percentage allocated to common shareholders. Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Shareholders The amount of undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders for the periods presented. Add: dividends declared - common shares Dividends Declared Common Shares Dividends declared common shares. Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share Numerator For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share. Denominator Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares (in shares) Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted earnings per common shares - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion (in shares) Net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders, basic (in dollars per share) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non rested restricted stock expected to vest (in shares) Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding And Non Vested Restricted Stock Expected To Vest Basic weighted average common shares outstanding and non vested restricted stock expected to vest. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] BUSINESS Nature of Operations [Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Global Intangible Low Taxed Income Global Intangible Low Taxed Income [Member] Global Intangible Low Taxed Income [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Net tax expense recorded Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Provisional expense for U.S. tax reform bill Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net benefit for revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net tax expense (benefit) related to Tax Act Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax benefit related to French Finance Act Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation, French Finance Act Of 2018 Expense (Benefit) Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation, French Finance Act Of 2018 Expense (Benefit) Provisional benefit for net deferred taxes Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense France tax rate change (as a percent) Provisional transition tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. tax rate change Net operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued interest Income Tax Examination, Interest Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits subject to change within the next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leasing Arrangements Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Costs Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests Policy [Policy Text Block] Non controlling interests policy. Revenue Recognition and Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Significant Customers and Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Debt Securities and other Cash and cash equivalents Insurance Contracts Insurance Contracts [Member] Insurance Contracts [Member] NAV Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Faiveley Faiveley Transport [Member] Faiveley transport. Acquisitions other than Faiveley Acquisitions Other Than Faiveley [Member] Acquisitions Other Than Faiveley [Member] Recent Acquisitions Recent Acquisitions [Member] Recent Acquisitions [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Annual sales of Faiveley Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period Number of employees (more than) Business Combination Number Of Employees Business combination number of employees. Number of countries Faiveley operates in Business Combination Number Of Countries Business combination number of countries. Purchase price per share (in euros per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash (as a percent) Percentage Of Business Acquisition Consideration Payable In Cash Percentage of business acquisition consideration payable in cash. Percentage of share capital acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Share Capital Acquired Percentage of voting interests in Faiveley (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of common shares issued for conversion of one acquiree common share Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Business Acquisition Conversion Ratio, Acquiree Shares to Acquiror Percentage of additional share capital outstanding (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Business Acquisition, Additional Share Capital Acquired, Percent Percentage of share capital owned (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Share Capital in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Total purchase price (as a percent) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Including Subsequent Acquisition, Percentage Deposit in escrow Escrow Deposit Adjustment for changes in receivables Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Adjustment for changes in liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Purchase price Goodwill expected to be deductible for taxes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Goodwill and other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets Average useful life, years Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 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 Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Acquired intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other noncurrent assets 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 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 SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land improvements Land Improvements [Member] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives in years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Axis] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Collective Bargaining Arrangement [Domain] Idaho Operating Engineers Employers Pension Trust Fund Idaho Operating Engineers Employers Pension Trust Fund [Member] Idaho operating engineers employers pension trust fund. Automobile Mechanics Local Number Seven Hundred And One Union and Industry Pension Plan Automobile Mechanics Local Number Seven Hundred And One Union And Industry Pension Plan [Member] Automobile mechanics local number seven hundred and one union and industry pension plan. Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] EIN Entity Tax Identification Number Plan Number Multiemployer Plan Number Pension Protection Act Zone Status Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status [Fixed List] FIP / RP Status Pending / Implemented Multiemployer Plans, Funding Improvement Plan and Rehabilitation Plan [Fixed List] Contributions by the Company Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer Surcharge Imposed Multiemployer Plans, Surcharge [Fixed List] Expiration Dates of Collective Bargaining Agreements Multiemployer Plans, Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Expiration Date Contribution to the plan (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan Percentage Of Contribution Defined contribution plan percentage of contribution. Schedule Of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Non-US Non-US [Member] Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Number of countries company operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of countries where product found (more than) Number Of Countries Where Product Found Number of countries where product found. Revenues from customers outside the U.S. (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage 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] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Valuation And Qualifying Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Other Debt Obligations Other Debt Obligations [Member] Less - current portion Long-term portion Unamortized debt issuance cost Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Table] Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Table] Future minimum payments under non cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more. Real Estate Land and Building [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items] Future Minimum Payments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One Year Or More [Line Items] Future minimum payments under non cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more. 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2024 and after Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets of the Company, Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Amortization Expense Five Succeeding Years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] 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 Deferred income taxes 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 business, net of cash acquired Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Payments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Stock re-purchase Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Payment of income tax withholding on share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Cash dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Multi-employer pension and health & welfare plans Multiemployer Plan, Cost Multiemployer Plan, Cost 401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Total Costs Recognized Under Defined Contribution Plans And Multiemployer Pension Plans Cost recognized for 401(k) savings and other defined contribution plans under Defined Contribution Plans and Multiemployer Pension Plan SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Activities and Elimination Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Corporate And Eliminations [Member] Income (loss) from operations Interest expense and other, net Interest Expense And Other Net Amount of interest expense and other revenue and expenses that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Income (loss) from operations before income taxes Capital expenditures Segment assets SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] MERGER OF WABTEC WITH GE TRANSPORTATION