Sales by Product (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 615,510	$ 583,309
Specialty Products & Electronics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	231,388	278,841
Brake Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	141,322	131,250
Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	163,594	108,722
Other Transit Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	58,863	45,898
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 20,343	$ 18,598