CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 90,485	$ 101,504	$ 184,648	$ 197,668
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	(42,330)	36,082	(10,119)	(51,849)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts	(716)	949	(2,909)	(756)
Pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	2,149	(822)	(1,634)	3,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax	(40,897)	36,209	(14,662)	(49,605)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income	(352)	(320)	1,035	(605)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(41,249)	35,889	(13,627)	(50,210)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 49,236	$ 137,393	$ 171,021	$ 147,458