Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
City Area Code	704
Entity Address, Address Line One	130 Harbour Place Drive, Suite 300
Entity Address, City or Town	Davidson,
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28036
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity File Number	1-134
Entity Registrant Name	CURTISS WRIGHT CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000026324
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity common stock shares outstanding		40,938,233
Trading Symbol	CW
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Emerging Company	false
Small Business	false
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-0612970
Local Phone Number	869-4600
Entity Shell Company	false