Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Nov. 02, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0001320854
Securities Act File Number	000-51237
Entity Registrant Name	FREIGHTCAR AMERICA, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	25-1837219
Entity Address, Address Line One	125 South Wacker Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 1500
Entity Address, City or Town	Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60606
City Area Code	800
Local Phone Number	458-2235
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	RAIL
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,903,437