DIVESTITURES AND ACQUISITIONS - Universal Pro Forma (Details) - Universal $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues | $	$ 1,660,986
Net loss attributable to B&W | $	$ (113,940)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ (2.27)
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ (2.27)