CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 398,628	$ 351,680	$ 292,235
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	(132,899)	(111,776)	5,345
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts	(1,202)	(338)	810
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	26,689	(18,508)	21,102
Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax	(107,412)	(130,622)	27,257
Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income	(9,821)	5,992	(8,549)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(117,233)	(124,630)	18,708
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 281,395	$ 227,050	$ 310,943