CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 294,944	$ 262,261	$ 304,887
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(207,267)	326,096	(93,684)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	(5,307)	9,799	305
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	(3,774)	2,845	(12,021)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before tax	(216,348)	338,740	(105,400)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to components of other comprehensive loss	4,757	(4,127)	2,514
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(211,591)	334,613	(102,886)
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$ 83,353	$ 596,874	$ 202,001