CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 88,366	$ 73,889
Foreign currency translation gain	77,967	49,395
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts	2,066	1,693
Unrealized loss on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	(430)	(3,074)
Other comprehensive income before tax	79,603	48,014
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income	(595)	(61)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	79,008	47,953
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 167,374	$ 121,842