CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 94,163	$ 96,164
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	32,211	(87,931)
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts	(2,193)	(1,705)
Pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	(3,783)	3,822
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	26,235	(85,814)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	1,387	(285)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	27,622	(86,099)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 121,785	$ 10,065