CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 84,416	$ 72,025	$ 172,782	$ 145,914
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	(192,778)	145,684	(114,811)	195,079
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts	(7,567)	1,686	(5,501)	3,379
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	10,665	30	10,235	(3,044)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax	(189,680)	147,400	(110,077)	195,414
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income	(537)	(300)	(1,132)	(361)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(190,217)	147,100	(111,209)	195,053
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ (105,801)	$ 219,125	$ 61,573	$ 340,967