CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 90,155	$ 73,943	$ 258,994	$ 218,194
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(60,964)	34,179	(52,876)	(2,799)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	1,153	(411)	560	599
Pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	2,553	1,341	4,335	6,746
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	(57,258)	35,109	(47,981)	4,546
Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,067)	(1,075)	(1,448)	(3,061)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(58,325)	34,034	(49,429)	1,485
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 31,830	$ 107,977	$ 209,565	$ 219,679