CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 104,235	$ 84,416	$ 99,763	$ 172,782
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	18,832	(192,778)	(27,721)	(114,811)
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts	(22)	(7,567)	(4,115)	(5,501)
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	1,328	10,665	(2,294)	10,235
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	20,138	(189,680)	(34,130)	(110,077)
Income tax (benefit) expense related to components of other comprehensive income	(318)	(537)	1,533	(1,132)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,820	(190,217)	(32,597)	(111,209)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 124,055	$ (105,801)	$ 67,166	$ 61,573