Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jul. 25, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ASTEC INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000792987
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,534,739
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-11595
Entity Tax Identification Number	62-0873631
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TN
Entity Address, Address Line One	1725 Shepherd Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Chattanooga
Entity Address, State or Province	TN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	37421
City Area Code	423
Local Phone Number	899-5898
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	ASTE
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ