CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 72,025	$ 90,485	$ 145,914	$ 184,648
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	145,684	(42,330)	195,079	(10,119)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	1,686	(716)	3,379	(2,909)
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	30	2,149	(3,044)	(1,634)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	147,400	(40,897)	195,414	(14,662)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive income	(300)	(352)	(361)	1,035
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	147,100	(41,249)	195,053	(13,627)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 219,125	$ 49,236	$ 340,967	$ 171,021