Acquisitions (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 57,781	$ 57,781
L.B. Foster Ball Winch, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		1,857
Other assets		64
Property, plant and equipment		5,555
Goodwill		16,544
Other intangibles		14,682
Current liabilities		(707)
Total		$ 37,995

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Amount of assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.

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Amount of liabilities due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.

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Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards that are expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.

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The amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date.

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The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date.

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Amount recognized for assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed.

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Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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