| Cover | Oct. 08, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 8, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 000-51237 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FREIGHTCAR AMERICA, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001320854 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 25-1837219 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 125 South Wacker Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60606 |
| City Area Code | (800) |
| Local Phone Number | 458-2235 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RAIL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
