American Railcar Industries 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	6-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	American Railcar Industries, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1344596
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,352,297

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$310,056	$88,109
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	16,972	7,178
Accounts receivable, net	39,735	33,618
Accounts receivable, due from related parties	12,593	33,027
Income Taxes Receivable	11,607	33,879
Inventories, net	121,623	117,007
Deferred tax assets	6,600	7,688
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,164	5,353
Total current assets	525,350	325,859
Property, plant and equipment, net	160,593	160,787
Railcars on leases, net	705,919	663,315
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	5,244	2,148
Goodwill	7,169	7,169
Investments in and loans to joint ventures	29,694	29,168
Other assets	7,587	3,963
Total assets	1,441,556	1,192,409
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	77,569	68,789
Accounts payable, due to related parties	3,304	2,793
Accrued Liabilities, Current	19,946	5,208
Accrued compensation	15,759	15,046
Deferred Revenue, Current	176	16,723
Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt	25,772	110,612
Total current liabilities	142,526	219,171
Long-term debt, net of current portion	595,214	298,342
Deferred tax liability	172,042	168,349
Pension and post-retirement liabilities	8,145	8,544
Other liabilities	2,649	2,587
Total liabilities	920,576	696,993
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 21,352,297 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	213	213
Additional paid-in capital	239,609	239,609
Retained earnings	287,378	260,943
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,220	-5,349
Total stockholders’ equity	520,980	495,416
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,441,556	$1,192,409

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	21,352,297	21,352,297
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,352,297	21,352,297

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Manufacturing (including revenues from affiliates of $121,196 and $41,235 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	$221,811	$153,963
Railcar leasing	24,585	11,746
Railcar services (including revenues from affiliates of $6,380 and $3,963 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	17,380	16,406
Total revenues	263,776	182,115
Cost of revenues:
Manufacturing	-174,534	-118,365
Railcar leasing	-7,701	-4,491
Railcar services	-13,845	-13,365
Total cost of revenues	-196,080	-136,221
Gross profit	67,696	45,894
Selling, general and administrative	-7,681	-9,387
Earnings from operations	60,015	36,507
Interest income (including income from related parties of $557 and $627 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	563	641
Interest expense	-4,738	-1,672
Loss on debt extinguishment	-2,126	-1,896
Other Income	6	5
Earnings (Loss) from joint ventures	1,797	-601
Earnings before income taxes	55,517	32,984
Income tax expense	-20,541	-12,214
Net earnings	$34,976	$20,770
Net earnings per common share—basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.64	$0.97
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted (in shares)	21,352	21,352
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.40

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues from affiliates included in manufacturing	$121,196	$41,235
Revenues from affiliates included in railcar services	6,380	3,963
Interest income from related parties	$557	$627

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$34,976	$20,770
Currency translation	-985	-459
Postretirement plans	189	55
Comprehensive income	$34,180	$20,366

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$34,976	$20,770
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	10,061	7,683
Amortization of deferred costs	152	109
Loss on disposal of property, plant, equipment and leased railcars	0	45
(Earnings) Losses from joint ventures	-1,797	601
Provision for deferred income taxes	4,717	3,892
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	16	-31
Items related to financing activities:
Loss on debt extinguishment	-2,126	-1,896
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-6,149	-40,846
Accounts receivable, due from related parties	20,391	1,035
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable	-22,272	-1,904
Inventories, net	-4,730	-15,874
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-897	-5,147
Accounts payable	8,804	10,423
Accounts payable, due to related parties	511	507
Accrued expenses and taxes	-1,077	2,679
Other	-3,770	2,883
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	85,574	-7,409
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-4,972	-3,585
Capital expenditures - leased railcars	-48,095	-43,947
Proceeds from repayments of loans by joint ventures	1,250	1,125
Net cash used in investing activities	-51,817	-46,407
Financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	-413,275	-196,527
Proceeds from long-term debt	625,306	318,682
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash	-9,794	-87
Payment of common stock dividends	-8,541	-8,541
Debt issuance costs	-5,271	-2,403
Net cash provided by financing activities	188,425	111,124
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-235	-72
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	221,947	57,236
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	88,109	97,252
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$310,056	$154,488

Description_of_the_Business

Description of the Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of the Business	Description of the Business
	The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by American Railcar Industries, Inc. (a North Dakota corporation) and subsidiaries (collectively the Company or ARI), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods reported. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a fiscal year.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of ARI and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries: Castings, LLC (Castings), ARI Component Venture, LLC (ARI Component), ARI Fleet Services of Canada, Inc., Longtrain Leasing I, LLC (LLI), Longtrain Leasing II, LLC (LLII) and Longtrain Leasing III, LLC (LLIII). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Recent_accounting_pronouncemen

Recent accounting pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new revenue recognition standard also requires disclosures that sufficiently describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied retrospectively, or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the new standard, but does not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to the financial statements once implemented.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, which amends FASB ASU Topic 810, Consolidations. This ASU amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities. This ASU requires that limited partnerships and similar legal entities provide partners with either substantive substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights over the general partner in order to be considered a voting interest entity. The specialized consolidation model and guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities have been eliminated. There is no longer a presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. For limited partnerships and similar legal entities that qualify as voting interest entities, a limited partner with a controlling financial interest should consolidate a limited partnership. A controlling financial interest may be achieved through holding a limited partner interest that provides substantive kick-out rights. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the standard, but does not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to the financial statements and footnote disclosures once implemented.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends FASB ASU Subtopic 835-30, Interest - Imputation of Interest. The new standard requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2015 and is required to be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects that the adoption of this new guidance will result in a reclassification of debt issuance costs on its consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts_Receivable_net

Accounts Receivable, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, net	Accounts Receivable, net
	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	40,890		$	34,790
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,155		)	(1,172		)
	Total accounts receivable, net	$	39,735		$	33,618

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	89,614		$	78,924
	Work-in-process	19,696			16,195
	Finished products	14,967			24,441
	Total inventories	124,277			119,560
	Less reserves	(2,654		)	(2,553		)
	Total inventories, net	$	121,623		$	117,007

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a

Property, Plant and Equipment and Railcars on Leases, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	Property, Plant, Equipment and Railcars on Leases, net
	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant, equipment and railcars on leases, net:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Operations / Corporate:
	Buildings	$	163,372		$	164,087
	Machinery and equipment	197,081			196,768
	Land	3,537			3,537
	Construction in process	15,968			11,612
		379,958			376,004
	Less accumulated depreciation	(219,365		)	(215,217		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	160,593		$	160,787
	Railcar Leasing:
	Railcars on leases	$	743,321		$	695,226
	Less accumulated depreciation	(37,402		)	(31,911		)
	Railcars on leases, net	$	705,919		$	663,315
	Railcars on lease agreements
	The Company leases railcars to third parties under multi-year agreements. Railcars subject to lease agreements are classified as operating leases and are depreciated in accordance with the Company’s depreciation policy.
	Capital expenditures for leased railcars represent cash outflows for the Company’s cost to produce railcars shipped or to be shipped for lease.
	As of March 31, 2015, future contractual minimum rental revenues required under non-cancellable operating leases for railcars with terms longer than one year are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	79,272
	2016	104,002
	2017	89,039
	2018	75,638
	2019	57,936
	2020 and thereafter	47,702
	Total	$	453,589
	Depreciation expense
	The following table summarizes depreciation expense:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Total depreciation expense	$	10,061		$	7,683
	Depreciation expense on leased railcars	$	5,491		$	3,331

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had $7.2 million of goodwill related to the March 2006 acquisition of Custom Steel; a subsidiary of Steel Technologies, Inc. The results attributable to Custom Steel are included in the manufacturing segment.
	The Company performed a qualitative assessment as of March 1, 2015 by considering the following relevant factors to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was greater than its carrying amount.
	•	The North American railcar market has been, and ARI expects it to continue to be, highly cyclical. The railcar industry continues to experience high levels of demand with a December 31, 2014 backlog at its highest point in history. Based upon third party forecasts for the industry over the next several years, the Company expects demand to remain at healthy levels.
	•	ARI is subject to various laws and regulations. No significant assessments have been made by the various regulatory agencies against ARI.
	•	The railcar manufacturing industry has historically been extremely competitive.
	•	ARI experienced three strong years of railcar order activity in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Company expects order activity to remain at healthy levels, as mentioned above.
	•	The primary long-lived assets at the reporting unit are machines with uses in various applications for numerous markets and industries. As such, management does not believe that there has been a significant decrease in the market value of the reporting unit’s long-lived assets.
	•	The reporting unit has a history of positive operating cash flows that is expected to continue.
	•	No part of the reporting unit’s net income is comprised of significant non-operating or non-recurring gains or losses, and no significant changes in balance sheet accruals were noted.
	•	In addition, during 2014 there were no significant changes in the following with regard to the reporting unit that we expect to impact future results:
	•	Key personnel;
	•	Business strategy;
	•	Buyer or supplier bargaining power; and
	•	Legal factors.
	After assessing the above factors, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was greater than its carrying amount, and therefore no further testing was necessary. Additionally, no impairment was recognized in any prior periods and there were no indicators of impairment since the annual assessment date.

Investments_in_and_Loans_to_Jo

Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures	Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company was party to two joint ventures: Ohio Castings Company LLC (Ohio Castings) and Axis LLC (Axis). Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Castings, the Company has a 33.3% ownership interest in Ohio Castings, a limited liability company formed to produce various steel railcar parts for use or sale by the ownership group. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, ARI Component, the Company has a 41.9% ownership interest in Axis, a limited liability company formed to produce railcar axles for use or sale by the ownership group.
	The Company accounts for these joint ventures using the equity method. Under this method, the Company recognizes its share of the earnings and losses of the joint ventures as they accrue. Advances and distributions are charged and credited directly to the investment accounts. From time to time, the Company also makes loans to its joint ventures that are included in the investment account. The investment balance for these joint ventures is recorded within the Company’s manufacturing segment. The carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures, which also represents ARI’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to the joint ventures, are as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures
	Ohio Castings	$	9,656	$	9,194
	Axis	20,038		19,974
	Total investments in and loans to joint ventures	$	29,694	$	29,168
	See Note 15, Related Party Transactions, for information regarding financial transactions with ARI's joint ventures.
	Ohio Castings
	Ohio Castings produces railcar parts that are sold to one of the joint venture partners. This joint venture partner then sells these railcar parts to outside third parties at current market prices and sells them to the Company and the other joint venture partner at Ohio Castings' cost plus a licensing fee.
	The Company has determined that, although the joint venture is a variable interest entity (VIE), accounting for its activity under the equity method is appropriate given that the Company is not the primary beneficiary, does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the ability to individually direct the activities of Ohio Castings that most significantly impact its economic performance. The significant factors in this determination were that neither Castings nor the Company has rights to the majority of returns, losses or votes, all major and strategic decisions are decided between the partners, and the risk of loss to the Company and Castings is limited to its investment in Ohio Castings.
	Summary financial results for Ohio Castings, the investee company, in total, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Results of operations
	Revenues	$	23,388	$	14,009
	Gross profit	$	2,048	$	147
	Net earnings (loss)	$	1,132	$	(569	)
	Axis
	ARI, through ARI Component, a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns a portion of a joint venture, Axis, to manufacture and sell railcar axles. ARI currently owns 41.9% of Axis, while a minority partner owns 9.7%, with the other significant partner owning 48.4%.
	Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, ARI and the other significant partner are required, and the minority partner is entitled, to contribute additional capital to the joint venture, on a pro rata basis, of any amounts approved by the joint venture’s executive committee, as and when called by the executive committee. Further, until June 2016, the seventh anniversary of completion of the axle manufacturing facility, and subject to other terms, conditions and limitations of the joint venture agreement, ARI and the other significant partner are also required, in the event production at the facility has been curtailed, to contribute capital to the joint venture, on a pro rata basis, in order to maintain adequate working capital.
	Under the amended Axis credit agreement (Axis Credit Agreement), whereby ARI and the other significant partner are equal lenders, principal payments are due each fiscal quarter, with the last payment due on December 31, 2019. During 2014 and 2015, the applicable interest rate for the loans under the Axis Credit Agreement was 7.75%. Interest payments are due and payable monthly.
	The balance outstanding on these loans, including interest, due to ARI Component, was $27.9 million as of March 31, 2015 and $29.1 million as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company has determined that, although the joint venture is a VIE, accounting for its activity under the equity method is appropriate given that the Company is not the primary beneficiary, does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the ability to individually direct the activities of Axis that most significantly impact its economic performance. The significant factors in this determination were that neither ARI Component nor the Company has rights to the majority of returns, losses or votes, the executive committee and board of directors of the joint venture are comprised of one representative from each significant partner with equal voting rights and the risk of loss to the Company and ARI Component is limited to its investment in Axis and the loans due to the Company under the Axis Credit Agreement.
	Summary financial results for Axis, the investee company, in total, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Results of operations
	Revenues	$	20,340	$	14,851
	Gross profit	$	5,063	$	312
	Earnings before interest	$	4,789	$	72
	Net earnings (loss)	$	3,664	$	(1,191	)
	As of March 31, 2015, the investment in Axis was comprised entirely of ARI’s term loan and revolver. The Company has evaluated these loans to be fully recoverable. The Company will continue to monitor its investment in Axis for impairment.

Warranties

Warranties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranties	Warranties
	The overall change in the Company’s warranty reserve is reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in accrued expenses and taxes and is detailed as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Liability, beginning of period	$	953		$	1,385
	Provision for warranties issued during the year, net of adjustments	608			289
	Adjustments to warranties issued during previous years	(4		)	(37		)
	Warranty claims	(217		)	(139		)
	Liability, end of period	$	1,340		$	1,498

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Debt
	Lease fleet financings
	From time to time the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries LLI, LLII and LLIII, has entered into lease fleet financings in order to, among other things, support and grow its railcar leasing business. The lease fleet financings are obligations of the respective wholly-owned subsidiary, are generally non-recourse to ARI, and are secured by a first lien on the subject assets of the respective subsidiary, consisting of railcars, railcar leases, receivables and related assets, subject to limited exceptions. ARI has, however, entered into agreements containing certain representations, undertakings, and indemnities customary for asset sellers and parent companies in transactions of this type, and ARI is obligated to make any selections of transfers of railcars, railcar leases, receivables and related assets to be transferred to LLI, LLII and LLIII without any adverse selection, to cause American Railcar Leasing LLC (ARL), as the manager, to maintain, lease, and re-lease LLI, LLII and LLIII's equipment no less favorably than similar portfolios serviced by ARL, and to repurchase or replace certain railcars under certain conditions set forth in the respective loan documents. See Note 15, Related Party Transactions, for further discussion regarding these agreements with ARL.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the net book value of the railcars that were pledged as part of the Lease Fleet Financings was $494.5 million and $277.0 million, respectively.
	January 2014 lease fleet refinancing
	On January 15, 2014, LLI refinanced its senior secured delayed draw term loan facility (Original Term Loan) under an amended and restated credit agreement (Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) to, among other things, increase the aggregate borrowings available thereunder. In connection with the refinancing, LLI entered into a new senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $316.2 million, net of fees and expenses (Refinanced Term Loan). Of this amount, $194.2 million was used to refinance the Original Term Loan, resulting in net proceeds of $122.0 million. In conjunction with the refinancing, the Company incurred a $1.9 million loss, which is shown as 'Loss on debt extinguishment' on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. This non-cash charge is related to the accelerated write-off of deferred debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the Original Term Loan. As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on the Refinanced Term Loan, including the current portion, was $309.0 million.
	The Refinanced Term Loan accrued interest at a rate per annum equal to the 1-month LIBOR rate plus 2.0%, for a rate of 2.2% as of December 31, 2014. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company was required to maintain deposits in an interest reserve bank account equal to seven months of interest payments. As of December 31, 2014, the interest reserve amount was $3.9 million, and included within 'Restricted cash' on the consolidated balance sheet.
	October 2014 bridge financing
	On October 16, 2014, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LLII, entered into a lease fleet financing facility for $100.0 million under a term loan agreement (LLII Term Loan) in order to support the growth of its leasing business. The LLII Term Loan was scheduled to mature in April 2015. As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding principal balance on the LLII Term Loan was $100.0 million and was classified in the consolidated balance sheet as 'Short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt'.
	Subject to the provisions of the LLII Term Loan, the principal borrowed thereunder accrued interest at a rate determined by reference to an index or, subject to certain circumstances, at a base rate. The Applicable Margin was equal to a rate per annum of 1.45%, for a rate of 1.7% as of December 31, 2014.
	The fair value of the Company's borrowings under its lease fleet financing facilities was $409.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and was based upon estimates by various banks determined by trading levels on the date of measurement using a Level 2 fair value measurement as defined by U.S. GAAP under the fair value hierarchy.
	January 2015 private placement notes
	On January 29, 2015, the Company refinanced its lease fleet financing facilities to, among other things, increase the aggregate borrowings thereunder. In connection with the refinancing, LLIII completed a private placement of $625.5 million in aggregate principal amount of notes consisting of $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2.98% Fixed Rate Secured Railcar Equipment Notes, Class A-1 (Class A-1 Notes) and $375.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.06% Fixed Rate Secured Railcar Equipment Notes, Class A-2 (Class A-2 Notes, and collectively with the Class A-1 Notes, the Notes). Of the aggregate principal amount, $408.5 million was used to refinance the LLI and LLII lease fleet financing facilities, resulting in net proceeds of $211.6 million. In conjunction with the refinancing, the Company incurred a $2.1 million loss, which is shown as 'Loss on debt extinguishment' on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. This non-cash charge is related to the accelerated write-off of deferred debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the LLI and LLII lease fleet financings. As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding principal balance on the Notes, including the current portion, was $621.0 million. The Notes have a legal final maturity date of January 17, 2045 and an expected principal repayment date of January 15, 2025.
	The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated January 29, 2015 between LLIII and U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee (Indenture Trustee). The Class A-1 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.98% per annum, and the Class A-2 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.06% per annum. Interest on the Notes is payable monthly on the 15th calendar day of each month in accordance with the flow of funds provisions described in the Indenture. While the legal final maturity date of the Notes is January 17, 2045, cash flows from LLIII's assets will be applied, pursuant to the flow of funds provisions of the Indenture, so as to achieve monthly targeted principal balances. Also, under the flow of funds provisions of the Indenture, early amortization of the Notes may be required in certain circumstances. If the Notes are not repaid by the expected principal repayment date on January 15, 2025, additional interest shall accrue at a rate of 5.0% per annum and be payable monthly according to the flow of funds. Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Company is required to maintain deposits in a liquidity reserve bank account equal to nine months of interest payments. As of March 31, 2015, the liquidity reserve amount was $17.0 million, and included within 'Restricted cash' on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	LLIII can prepay or redeem the Class A-1 Notes, in whole or in part, on any payment date and the Class A-2 Notes, in whole or in part, on any payment date occurring on or after January 16, 2018.
	The Indenture contains covenants which limit, among other things, LLIII's ability to incur additional indebtedness or encumbrances on its assets, pay dividends or make distributions, make certain investments, perform its business other than specified activities, enter into certain types of transactions with its affiliates, and sell assets or consolidate or merge with or into other companies. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications. The Company was in compliance with all of these covenants as of March 31, 2015.
	The Indenture also contains certain customary events of default, including among others, failure to pay amounts when due after applicable grace periods, failure to comply with certain covenants and agreements, and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. Certain events of default under the Indenture will make the outstanding principal balance and accrued interest on the Notes, together with all amounts then due and owing to the noteholders, immediately due and payable without further action. For other events of default, the Indenture Trustee, acting at the direction of a majority of the noteholders, may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all Notes then outstanding to be due and payable immediately.
	The fair value of the Notes was $627.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and is calculated by taking the net present value of future principal and interest payments using a discount rate that is based on the Company's most recent fixed debt transaction. The inputs used in the calculation are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The future contractual minimum rental revenues related to the railcars pledged as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	54,025
	2016	70,340
	2017	55,398
	2018	42,406
	2019	28,533
	2020 and thereafter	31,405
	Total	$	282,107
	The remaining principal payments under the Notes as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	19,370
	2016	25,783
	2017	25,588
	2018	25,590
	2019	25,507
	2020 and thereafter	499,328
	Total	$	621,166

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s federal income tax returns for tax years 2011 and beyond remain subject to examination, with the latest statute of limitations expiring in September 2018. Certain of the Company's 2008 through 2010 state income tax returns and all of the Company's state income tax returns for 2011 and beyond remain open and subject to examination, with the latest statute of limitations expiring in December 2018. The Company’s foreign subsidiary’s income tax returns for 2010 and beyond remain open to examination by foreign tax authorities.
	The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the recent regulations concerning amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property and recovery of basis upon disposition. Presently, the Company does not anticipate a material impact to its financial condition or results of operations.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company is the sponsor of three defined benefit plans that are frozen and no additional benefits are accruing thereunder. Two of the Company's defined benefit pension plans cover certain employees at designated repair facilities. The assets of these defined benefit pension plans are held by independent trustees and consist primarily of equity and fixed income securities. The Company also sponsors an unfunded, non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan that covers several of the Company's current and former employees. The Company provides postretirement life insurance benefits for certain of its union employees who retired after attaining specified age and service requirements. The Company also previously sponsored a postretirement medical benefit plan that provided access to healthcare for certain retired employees, however, this plan was terminated effective December 31, 2013.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement plans are as follows:
		Pension Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	44		$	57
	Interest cost	237			243
	Expected return on plan assets	(320		)	(313		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss/prior service cost	202			69
	Net periodic cost recognized	$	163		$	56
		Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	1			1
	Amortization of net actuarial gain/prior service credit	(12		)	(14		)
	Net periodic benefit recognized	$	(11	)	$	(13	)
	The Company also maintains qualified defined contribution plans, which provide benefits to its eligible employees based on employee contributions, years of service, and employee earnings with discretionary contributions allowed. Expenses related to these plans were $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is subject to comprehensive federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations relating to the release or discharge of materials into the environment, the management, use, processing, handling, storage, transport or disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, and other laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and the environment. These laws and regulations not only expose ARI to liability for the environmental condition of its current or formerly owned or operated facilities, and its own negligent acts, but also may expose ARI to liability for the conduct of others or for ARI’s actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time such actions were taken. In addition, these laws may require significant expenditures to achieve compliance and are frequently modified or revised to impose new obligations. Civil and criminal fines and penalties and other sanctions may be imposed for non-compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. ARI’s operations that involve hazardous materials also raise potential risks of liability under common law.
	Certain real property ARI acquired from ACF Industries LLC (ACF) in 1994 had been involved in investigation and remediation activities to address contamination both before and after their transfer to ARI. ACF is an affiliate of Mr. Carl Icahn, the Company’s principal beneficial stockholder through Icahn Enterprises L.P. (IELP). Substantially all of the issues identified with respect to these properties relate to the use of these properties prior to their transfer to ARI by ACF and for which ACF has retained liability for environmental contamination that may have existed at the time of transfer to ARI. ACF has also agreed to indemnify ARI for any cost that might be incurred with those existing issues. As of the date of this report, it is the Company's understanding that no further investigation or remediation is required at these properties and ARI does not believe it will incur material costs in connection with such activities, but it cannot assure that this will be the case. If ACF fails to honor its obligations to ARI, ARI could be responsible for the cost of any additional investigation or remediation that may be required. The Company believes that its operations and facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that any noncompliance is not likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
	ARI is a party to collective bargaining agreements with labor unions at two repair facilities that will expire in January 2016 and September 2016. ARI is also party to a collective bargaining agreement with a labor union at a parts manufacturing facility that will expire in April 2017.
	The Company has various agreements with and commitments to related parties. See Note 15, Related Party Transactions, for further detail.
	Certain claims, suits and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against ARI. In the opinion of management, all such claims, suits, and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business are without merit or would not have a significant effect on the future liquidity, results of operations or financial position of ARI if disposed of unfavorably.
	On October 24, 2014, the Company filed a complaint in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Gyansys, Inc. (Gyansys). The complaint asserts a claim against Gyansys for breaching its contract with ARI to implement an enterprise resource planning system. The Company seeks to recover monetary damages in an amount still to be determined, but which ARI alleged exceeds $25 million. Gyansys filed a response to the suit denying its responsibility. It also counterclaimed against ARI for a breach of contract and wrongful termination, seeking damages in excess of $10 million and equitable relief. At this time, the Company does not have sufficient information to reasonably form an estimate of the potential outcome (gain or loss) of this litigation. However, ARI believes that Gyansys' counterclaims lack merit, and ARI has filed a motion to dismiss Gyansys' counterclaims in part.

Sharebased_Compensation

Share-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation
	The following table presents the amounts incurred by ARI for share-based compensation, or stock appreciation rights (SARs) and the corresponding line items on the condensed consolidated statements of operations that they are classified within:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense
	Cost of revenues: Manufacturing	$	48	$	856
	Cost of revenues: Railcar services	—		278
	Selling, general and administrative	59		2,872
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	107	$	4,006
	As of March 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation costs related to the unvested portion of SARs were estimated to be $2.3 million and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 33 months.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table presents the balances of related after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
		Accumulated			Accumulated			Accumulated
		Currency			Postretirement			Other
		Translation			Transactions			Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	760		$	(2,254	)	$	(1,494	)
	Currency translation	(459		)	—			(459		)
	Reclassifications related to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax effect of $21 (1)	—			34			34
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	301		$	(2,220	)	$	(1,919	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(275	)	$	(5,074	)	$	(5,349	)
	Currency translation	(985		)	—			(985		)
	Reclassifications related to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax effect of $75 (1)	—			114			114
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(1,260	)	$	(4,960	)	$	(6,220	)
	(1)—	These accumulated other comprehensive income components relate to amortization of actuarial loss/(gain) and prior period service costs/(benefits) and are included in the computation of net periodic costs for our pension and postretirement plans. See Note 11 for further details and pre-tax amounts.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	Agreements with ACF
	The Company has the following agreements with ACF, a company controlled by Mr. Carl Icahn, the Company’s principal beneficial stockholder through IELP:
	Component purchases
	The Company has from time to time purchased components from ACF under a long-term agreement, as well as on a purchase order basis. Under the manufacturing services agreement entered into in 1994 and amended in 2005, ACF agreed to manufacture and distribute, at the Company’s instruction, various railcar components. In consideration for these services, the Company agreed to pay ACF based on agreed upon rates. The agreement automatically renews unless written notice is provided by the Company. ARI purchased $2.6 million and $0.2 million of components from ACF during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Purchasing and engineering services agreement
	In January 2013, ARI entered into a purchasing and engineering services agreement and license with ACF. The agreement was unanimously approved by the independent directors of ARI’s audit committee. Under this agreement, ARI provides purchasing support and engineering services to ACF in connection with ACF’s manufacture and sale of tank railcars at its facility in Milton, Pennsylvania. Additionally, ARI has granted ACF a non-exclusive, non-assignable license to certain of ARI’s intellectual property, including certain designs, specifications, processes and manufacturing know-how required to manufacture and sell tank railcars during the term of the agreement. In August 2014, ARI and ACF amended this agreement to, among other provisions, extend the termination date to December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014, subject to certain early termination events.
	In consideration of the services and license provided by ARI to ACF in conjunction with the agreement, ACF pays ARI a royalty and, if any, a share of the net profits (Profits) earned on each railcar manufactured and sold by ACF under the agreement, in an aggregate amount equal to 30% of such Profits, as calculated under the agreement. Profits are net of certain of ACF’s start-up and shutdown expenses and certain maintenance capital expenditures. If no Profits are realized on a railcar manufactured and sold by ACF pursuant to the agreement, ARI will still be entitled to the royalty for such railcar and will not share in any losses incurred by ACF in connection therewith. In addition, any railcar components supplied by ARI to ACF for the manufacture of these railcars are provided at fair market value.
	Under the agreement, ACF had the exclusive right to manufacture and sell subject tank railcars for any new orders scheduled for delivery to customers on or before January 31, 2014. ARI has the exclusive right to any sales opportunities for tank railcars for any new orders scheduled for delivery after that date and through termination of the agreement. ARI also has the right to assign any sales opportunity to ACF, and ACF has the right, but not the obligation, to accept such sales opportunity. Any sales opportunity accepted by ACF will not be reflected in ARI’s orders or backlog.
	Revenues of $2.2 million and $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were recorded under this agreement for sales of railcar components to ACF and for royalties and profits on railcars sold by ACF and are included under manufacturing revenues from affiliates on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Agreements with IELP Entities
	The Company has or had the following agreements with companies controlled by Mr. Carl Icahn, the Company’s principal beneficial stockholder through IELP, including, but not limited to, ARL and/or ARL's wholly-owned subsidiary, AEP Leasing LLC (collectively, the IELP Entities):
	Railcar services agreement
	In April 2011, the Company entered into a railcar services agreement with ARL (the Railcar Services Agreement). Under the Railcar Services Agreement, ARI provides ARL railcar repair, engineering, administrative and other services, on an as needed basis, for ARL’s lease fleet at mutually agreed upon prices. The Railcar Services Agreement had an initial term of three years and automatically renews for additional one year periods unless either party provides at least sixty days prior written notice of termination.
	Revenues of $6.4 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were recorded under the Railcar Services Agreement. These revenues are included under railcar services revenues from affiliates on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Railcar Services Agreement was unanimously approved by the independent directors of the Company’s audit committee.
	Railcar management agreements
	From time to time, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have entered into railcar management agreements with ARL, pursuant to which the Company and its respective wholly-owned subsidiaries engaged ARL to manage, sell, operate, market, store, lease, re-lease, sublease and service ARI's railcars, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. These agreements provide that ARL will manage the leased railcars (as identified in the respective agreement) including arranging for services, such as repairs or maintenance, as deemed necessary. Subject to the terms and conditions of each agreement, ARL receives, in respect of leased railcars, a management fee based on the lease revenues. Each of these agreements were unanimously approved by the independent directors of the Company's audit committee.
	On February 29, 2012, the Company entered into a railcar management agreement with ARL (the ARI railcar management agreement). The agreement was effective as of January 1, 2011, will continue through December 31, 2015 and may be renewed upon written agreement by both parties. In December 2012, LLI entered into a similar agreement with ARL (the LLI railcar management agreement). In January 2014, LLI and ARL amended the LLI railcar management agreement to, among other provisions, extend the termination date to January 15, 2020. On October 16, 2014, LLII entered into a railcar management agreement with ARL (the LLII railcar management agreement). Under the ARI and LLI railcar management agreements, in addition to the management fee, ARL receives a fee consisting of a lease origination fee, and, in respect of railcars sold by ARL, sales commissions.
	In January 2015, in connection with the Company's refinancing of its lease fleet financings, the LLI and LLII railcar management agreements were terminated and LLIII entered into a similar railcar management agreement with ARL. This agreement extends through the Notes' final maturity date of January 17, 2045, unless terminated earlier pursuant to its terms (together with the railcar management agreements discussed above, collectively the Railcar Management Agreements).
	Total lease origination and management fees incurred under the Railcar Management Agreements were $1.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These fees are included in cost of revenues for railcar leasing on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Sales commissions of $0.3 million and $0.1 million were incurred for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative costs on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Railcar orders
	The Company has from time to time manufactured and sold railcars to the IELP Entities under long-term agreements as well as on a purchase order basis. Revenues from railcars sold to the IELP Entities were $119.0 million and $35.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in manufacturing revenues from affiliates on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Any related party sales of railcars under an agreement or purchase order have been and will be subject to the approval or review by the independent directors of the Company’s audit committee.
	Agreements with other related parties
	The Company’s Axis joint venture entered into a credit agreement in 2007. During 2009, the Company and the other significant partner acquired the loans from the lenders party thereto, with each party acquiring a 50.0% interest in the loans. The balance outstanding on these loans, due to ARI Component, was $27.9 million and $29.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. See Note 7, Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures, for further information regarding this transaction and the terms of the underlying loans.
	ARI is party to a scrap agreement with M. W. Recycling (MWR), a company controlled by Mr. Carl Icahn, the Company’s principal beneficial stockholder through IELP. Under the agreement, ARI sells and MWR purchases scrap metal from several ARI plant locations. This agreement has an initial term through November 2015 then shall continue until terminated by either party, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. MWR collected scrap material totaling $1.5 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This agreement was approved by the independent directors of the Company’s audit committee.
	Insight Portfolio Group LLC (Insight Portfolio Group) is an entity formed and controlled by Mr. Carl Icahn in order to maximize the potential buying power of a group of entities with which Mr. Carl Icahn has a relationship in negotiating with a wide range of suppliers of goods, services and tangible and intangible property at negotiated rates. ARI, and a number of other entities with which Carl Icahn has a relationship, have minority ownership interests in, and pay fees as part of being a member of Insight Portfolio Group. During both the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred less than $0.1 million in fees as a member of Insight Portfolio Group. These charges are included in selling, general and administrative costs on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Financial information for transactions with related parties
	Cost of revenues for manufacturing included $41.5 million and $27.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for railcar components purchased from joint ventures.
	Inventory as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included $10.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively, of railcar components purchased from joint ventures and all profit for this inventory still on hand was eliminated.

Operating_Segment_and_Sales_an

Operating Segment and Sales and Credit Concentrations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment and Sales and Credit Concentrations	Operating Segments and Sales and Credit Concentrations
	ARI operates in three reportable segments: manufacturing, railcar leasing and railcar services. These reportable segments are organized based upon a combination of the products and services offered and performance is evaluated based on revenues and segment earnings (loss) from operations. Intersegment revenues are accounted for as if sales were to third parties.
	Manufacturing
	Manufacturing consists of railcar manufacturing, and railcar and industrial component manufacturing. Intersegment revenues are determined based on an estimated fair market value of the railcars manufactured for the Company’s railcar leasing segment, as if such railcars had been sold to a third party. Revenues for railcars manufactured for the Company’s railcar leasing segment are not recognized in consolidated revenues as railcar sales, but rather lease revenues are recognized over the term of the lease. Earnings from operations for manufacturing include an allocation of selling, general and administrative costs, as well as profit for railcars manufactured for the Company’s railcar leasing segment based on revenue determined as described above.
	Railcar leasing
	Railcar leasing consists of railcars manufactured by the Company and leased to third parties under operating leases. Earnings from operations for railcar leasing include an allocation of selling, general and administrative costs and also reflect origination fees paid to ARL associated with originating the lease to the Company’s leasing customers. The origination fees represent a percentage of the revenues from the lease over its initial term and are paid up front.
	Railcar services
	Railcar services consists of railcar repair services provided through the Company's various repair facilities, including mini repair shops and mobile repair units, offering a range of services from full to light repair. Earnings from operations for railcar services include an allocation of selling, general and administrative costs.
	Segment financial results
	The information in the following table is derived from the segments’ internal financial reports used by the Company’s management for purposes of assessing segment performance and for making decisions about allocation of resources.
		Revenues									Earnings (Loss) from Operations
		External			Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
		(in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Manufacturing	$	221,811		$	83,731		$	305,542		$	44,793		$	25,645		$	70,438
	Railcar leasing	24,585			—			24,585			14,786			(22		)	14,764
	Railcar services	17,380			102			17,482			2,840			27			2,867
	Corporate/Eliminations	—			(83,833		)	(83,833		)	(2,404		)	(25,650		)	(28,054		)
	Total Consolidated	$	263,776		$	—		$	263,776		$	60,015		$	—		$	60,015
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Manufacturing	$	153,963		$	64,029		$	217,992		$	33,655		$	19,730		$	53,385
	Railcar leasing	11,746			—			11,746			6,230			31			6,261
	Railcar services	16,406			132			16,538			2,181			38			2,219
	Corporate/Eliminations	—			(64,161		)	(64,161		)	(5,559		)	(19,799		)	(25,358		)
	Total Consolidated	$	182,115		$	—		$	182,115		$	36,507		$	—		$	36,507
	Total Assets	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Manufacturing	$	347,055		$	356,720
	Railcar leasing	979,613			908,010
	Railcar services	52,418			52,639
	Corporate/Eliminations	62,470			(124,960		)
	Total Consolidated	$	1,441,556		$	1,192,409
	Sales to Related Parties
	As discussed in Note 15, Related Party Transactions, ARI has numerous arrangements with related parties. As a result, from time to time, ARI offers its products and services to affiliates at terms and pricing no less favorable to ARI than the terms and pricing provided to unaffiliated third parties. Below is a summary of revenue from affiliates for each operating segment reflected as a percentage of total consolidated revenues.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing	45.9	%	22.6	%
	Railcar leasing	—	%	—	%
	Railcar services	2.4	%	2.2	%
	Sales and Credit Concentration
	Manufacturing revenues from customers that accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated revenues are outlined in the table below. The railcar leasing and railcar services segments had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of the total consolidated revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing revenues from significant customers	62.2	%	41.4	%
	Manufacturing accounts receivable from customers that accounted for more than 10% of consolidated receivables (including accounts receivable, net and accounts receivable, due from related parties) are outlined in the table below. The railcar leasing and railcar services segments had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of the consolidated receivables balance as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing receivables from significant customers	53.7	%	60.5	%

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	In April 2015, ARI entered into a repair services and support agreement with ACF. Under this agreement, ARI will provide certain sales and administrative and technical services, materials and purchasing support and engineering services to ACF to provide repair and retrofit services (Repair Services). Additionally, ARI will provide a non-exclusive and non-assignable license of certain intellectual property related to the Repair Services for railcars. ARI will receive 30% of the net profits (as defined in the agreement) for Repair Services related to all railcars not owned by ARL or its subsidiaries and 20% of the net profits for Repair Services related to all railcars owned by ARL or its subsidiaries, if any, but will not absorb any losses incurred by ACF. Under the agreement, ARI has the exclusive right to sales opportunities related to Repair Services, except for any sales opportunity related to Repair Services presented to ACF by ARL with respect to ARL-owned railcars. ARI also has the right to assign any sales opportunities related to Repair Services to ACF, and ACF has the right, but not the obligation, to accept such sales opportunity. Subject to certain early termination events, the agreement terminates on December 31, 2020.
	Also in April 2015, ARI entered into a parts purchasing and sale agreement with ACF. Under this agreement, ARI and ACF may, from time to time, purchase and sell to each other certain parts for railcars (Parts). ARI also will provide a non-exclusive and non-assignable license of certain intellectual property related to the manufacture and sale of Parts to ARI. The buyer under the agreement must pay the market price of the parts as determined in the agreement or as stated on a public website for all ARI buyers. ARI may provide designs, engineering and purchasing support, including all materials and components to ACF. Subject to certain early termination events, the agreement terminates on December 31, 2020.
	On April 28, 2015, the board of directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock of the Company to shareholders of record as of June 18, 2015 that will be paid on June 30, 2015.

Accounts_Receivable_net_Tables

Accounts Receivable, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of accounts receivable, net	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	40,890		$	34,790
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,155		)	(1,172		)
	Total accounts receivable, net	$	39,735		$	33,618

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of inventories	Inventories consist of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	89,614		$	78,924
	Work-in-process	19,696			16,195
	Finished products	14,967			24,441
	Total inventories	124,277			119,560
	Less reserves	(2,654		)	(2,553		)
	Total inventories, net	$	121,623		$	117,007

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a1

Property, Plant and Equipment and Railcars on Leases, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of property, plant and equipment	The following table summarizes depreciation expense:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Total depreciation expense	$	10,061		$	7,683
	Depreciation expense on leased railcars	$	5,491		$	3,331
	The following table summarizes the components of property, plant, equipment and railcars on leases, net:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Operations / Corporate:
	Buildings	$	163,372		$	164,087
	Machinery and equipment	197,081			196,768
	Land	3,537			3,537
	Construction in process	15,968			11,612
		379,958			376,004
	Less accumulated depreciation	(219,365		)	(215,217		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	160,593		$	160,787
	Railcar Leasing:
	Railcars on leases	$	743,321		$	695,226
	Less accumulated depreciation	(37,402		)	(31,911		)
	Railcars on leases, net	$	705,919		$	663,315
Summary of future contractual minimum rental revenues required under non-cancellable operating leases for railcars	As of March 31, 2015, future contractual minimum rental revenues required under non-cancellable operating leases for railcars with terms longer than one year are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	79,272
	2016	104,002
	2017	89,039
	2018	75,638
	2019	57,936
	2020 and thereafter	47,702
	Total	$	453,589

Investments_in_and_Loans_to_Jo1

Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of financial information
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures
	Ohio Castings	$	9,656	$	9,194
	Axis	20,038		19,974
	Total investments in and loans to joint ventures	$	29,694	$	29,168
Ohio Castings [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of financial information	Summary financial results for Ohio Castings, the investee company, in total, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Results of operations
	Revenues	$	23,388	$	14,009
	Gross profit	$	2,048	$	147
	Net earnings (loss)	$	1,132	$	(569	)
Axis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Summary of financial information	Summary financial results for Axis, the investee company, in total, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Results of operations
	Revenues	$	20,340	$	14,851
	Gross profit	$	5,063	$	312
	Earnings before interest	$	4,789	$	72
	Net earnings (loss)	$	3,664	$	(1,191	)

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in the Company's warranty reserve	The overall change in the Company’s warranty reserve is reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in accrued expenses and taxes and is detailed as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Liability, beginning of period	$	953		$	1,385
	Provision for warranties issued during the year, net of adjustments	608			289
	Adjustments to warranties issued during previous years	(4		)	(37		)
	Warranty claims	(217		)	(139		)
	Liability, end of period	$	1,340		$	1,498

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Summary of remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements	The remaining principal payments under the Notes as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	19,370
	2016	25,783
	2017	25,588
	2018	25,590
	2019	25,507
	2020 and thereafter	499,328
	Total	$	621,166
Lease Fleet Financing [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Future Minimum Rental Revenues for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The future contractual minimum rental revenues related to the railcars pledged as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remaining 9 months of 2015	$	54,025
	2016	70,340
	2017	55,398
	2018	42,406
	2019	28,533
	2020 and thereafter	31,405
	Total	$	282,107

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and postretirement plans	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement plans are as follows:
		Pension Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	44		$	57
	Interest cost	237			243
	Expected return on plan assets	(320		)	(313		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss/prior service cost	202			69
	Net periodic cost recognized	$	163		$	56
		Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	1			1
	Amortization of net actuarial gain/prior service credit	(12		)	(14		)
	Net periodic benefit recognized	$	(11	)	$	(13	)

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of share-based compensation expense	The following table presents the amounts incurred by ARI for share-based compensation, or stock appreciation rights (SARs) and the corresponding line items on the condensed consolidated statements of operations that they are classified within:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense
	Cost of revenues: Manufacturing	$	48	$	856
	Cost of revenues: Railcar services	—		278
	Selling, general and administrative	59		2,872
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	107	$	4,006

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of the balances of related after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents the balances of related after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
		Accumulated			Accumulated			Accumulated
		Currency			Postretirement			Other
		Translation			Transactions			Comprehensive
								Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	760		$	(2,254	)	$	(1,494	)
	Currency translation	(459		)	—			(459		)
	Reclassifications related to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax effect of $21 (1)	—			34			34
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	301		$	(2,220	)	$	(1,919	)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(275	)	$	(5,074	)	$	(5,349	)
	Currency translation	(985		)	—			(985		)
	Reclassifications related to pension and postretirement plans, net of tax effect of $75 (1)	—			114			114
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(1,260	)	$	(4,960	)	$	(6,220	)
	(1)—	These accumulated other comprehensive income components relate to amortization of actuarial loss/(gain) and prior period service costs/(benefits) and are included in the computation of net periodic costs for our pension and postretirement plans. See Note 11 for further details and pre-tax amounts.

Operating_Segment_and_Sales_an1

Operating Segment and Sales and Credit Concentrations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment reporting information	The information in the following table is derived from the segments’ internal financial reports used by the Company’s management for purposes of assessing segment performance and for making decisions about allocation of resources.
		Revenues									Earnings (Loss) from Operations
		External			Intersegment			Total			External			Intersegment			Total
		(in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Manufacturing	$	221,811		$	83,731		$	305,542		$	44,793		$	25,645		$	70,438
	Railcar leasing	24,585			—			24,585			14,786			(22		)	14,764
	Railcar services	17,380			102			17,482			2,840			27			2,867
	Corporate/Eliminations	—			(83,833		)	(83,833		)	(2,404		)	(25,650		)	(28,054		)
	Total Consolidated	$	263,776		$	—		$	263,776		$	60,015		$	—		$	60,015
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Manufacturing	$	153,963		$	64,029		$	217,992		$	33,655		$	19,730		$	53,385
	Railcar leasing	11,746			—			11,746			6,230			31			6,261
	Railcar services	16,406			132			16,538			2,181			38			2,219
	Corporate/Eliminations	—			(64,161		)	(64,161		)	(5,559		)	(19,799		)	(25,358		)
	Total Consolidated	$	182,115		$	—		$	182,115		$	36,507		$	—		$	36,507
	Total Assets	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Manufacturing	$	347,055		$	356,720
	Railcar leasing	979,613			908,010
	Railcar services	52,418			52,639
	Corporate/Eliminations	62,470			(124,960		)
	Total Consolidated	$	1,441,556		$	1,192,409
Schedule of sales to related parties	Below is a summary of revenue from affiliates for each operating segment reflected as a percentage of total consolidated revenues.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing	45.9	%	22.6	%
	Railcar leasing	—	%	—	%
	Railcar services	2.4	%	2.2	%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedules of sales and credit concentration
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing revenues from significant customers	62.2	%	41.4	%
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedules of sales and credit concentration
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Manufacturing receivables from significant customers	53.7	%	60.5	%

Accounts_Receivable_net_Detail

Accounts Receivable, net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, gross	$40,890	$34,790
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	-1,155	-1,172
Total accounts receivable, net	$39,735	$33,618

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$89,614	$78,924
Work-in-process	19,696	16,195
Finished products	14,967	24,441
Total inventories	124,277	119,560
Less reserves	-2,654	-2,553
Total inventories, net	$121,623	$117,007

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a2

Property, Plant and Equipment and Railcars on Leases, net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net	$160,593	$160,787
Operations / Corporate: [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	379,958	376,004
Less accumulated depreciation	-219,365	-215,217
Property, plant and equipment, net	160,593	160,787
Railcar Leasing [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	743,321	695,226
Less accumulated depreciation	-37,402	-31,911
Property, plant and equipment, net	705,919	663,315
Buildings [Member] | Operations / Corporate: [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	163,372	164,087
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Operations / Corporate: [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	197,081	196,768
Land [Member] | Operations / Corporate: [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,537	3,537
Construction in process [Member] | Operations / Corporate: [Member]
Components of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$15,968	$11,612

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a3

Property, Plant and Equipment and Railcars on Leases, net (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
Remaining 9 months of 2015	$79,272
2016	104,002
2017	89,039
2018	75,638
2019	57,936
2020 and thereafter	47,702
Total	$453,589

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Total depreciation expense	$10,061	$7,683
Depreciation expense on leased railcars	$5,491	$3,331

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$7,169	$7,169

Investments_in_and_Loans_to_Jo2

Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures
Total investments in and loans to joint ventures	$29,694	$29,168
Ohio Castings [Member]
Carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures
Total investments in and loans to joint ventures	9,656	9,194
Axis [Member]
Carrying amount of investments in and loans to joint ventures
Total investments in and loans to joint ventures	$20,038	$19,974

Investments_in_and_Loans_to_Jo3

Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Ohio Castings [Member]
Results of operations
Revenues	$23,388	$14,009
Gross profit	2,048	147
Net earnings (loss)	1,132	-569
Axis [Member]
Results of operations
Revenues	20,340	14,851
Gross profit	5,063	312
Income (loss) before interest	4,789	72
Net earnings (loss)	$3,664	($1,191)

Investments_in_and_Loans_to_Jo4

Investments in and Loans to Joint Ventures (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$1,797,000	-601,000
Axis Credit Agreement [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest rate	7.75%	7.75%
Balance outstanding on loans	$27,900,000		$29,100,000
Ohio Castings [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of interest held in joint venture	33.30%
Axis [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of interest held in joint venture	41.90%
Minority partner in joint venture	9.70%
Other significant partner in joint venture	48.40%

Warranties_Details

Warranties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Change in the Company's warranty reserve
Liability, beginning of period	$953	$1,385
Provision for warranties issued during the year, net of adjustments	608	289
Adjustments to warranties issued during previous years	-4	-37
Warranty claims	-217	-139
Liability, end of period	$1,340	$1,498

Longterm_Debt_Details

Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of future contractual minimum rental revenues required under non-cancellable operating leases for railcars
Remaining 9 months of 2015	$79,272
2016	104,002
2017	89,039
2018	75,638
2019	57,936
2020 and thereafter	47,702
Total	453,589
Lease Fleet Financing [Member]
Summary of future contractual minimum rental revenues required under non-cancellable operating leases for railcars
Remaining 9 months of 2015	54,025
2016	70,340
2017	55,398
2018	42,406
2019	28,533
2020 and thereafter	31,405
Total	$282,107

Longterm_Debt_Details_1

Long-term Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of remaining principal payments under existing debt agreements [Line Items]
Remaining 9 months of 2015	$19,370
2016	25,783
2017	25,588
2018	25,590
2019	25,507
2020 and thereafter	499,328
Total	$621,166

Longterm_Debt_Details_Textual

Long-term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2015	Oct. 16, 2014
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$625,306,000	$318,682,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	-2,126,000	-1,896,000
Long-term Debt	621,166,000
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net	705,919,000			663,315,000
Lease Fleet Financing [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net	494,500,000			277,000,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of term loan				409,000,000
Longtrain Leasing I [Member] | Refinanced Term Loan [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Initial value of debt			316,200,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			122,000,000
Long-term Debt				309,000,000
Base interest rate on credit facility				2.00%
Interest Rate at balance sheet date				2.20%
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents				3,900,000
Longtrain Leasing I [Member] | Original Term Loan [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes redeemed			194,200,000
Loss on debt extinguishment		-1,900,000
Longtrain Leasing III [Member] | 2015 Notes [Domain] | Private Placement [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Initial value of debt					625,500,000
Notes redeemed					408,500,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	2,100,000
Long-term Debt	621,000,000
Fair value of term loan	627,800,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	17,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement					211,600,000
Debt Instrument Interest Rate Increase Percentage					5.00%
Longtrain Leasing III [Member] | 2015 Notes [Domain] | Private Placement [Member] | Class A-1 Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Initial value of debt					250,000,000
Fixed interest rate of the notes					2.98%
Longtrain Leasing III [Member] | 2015 Notes [Domain] | Private Placement [Member] | Class A-2 Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Initial value of debt					375,500,000
Fixed interest rate of the notes					4.06%
Secured Debt [Member] | Longtrain Leasing II [Member] | Loan Facility October 2014 [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Initial value of debt						100,000,000
Base interest rate on credit facility		1.45%
Interest Rate at balance sheet date				1.70%
Short-term Debt				$100,000,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic cost (benefit) for pension and postretirement plans
Service cost	$44	$57
Interest cost	237	243
Expected return on plan assets	-320	-313
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Actuarial Loss Gain And Prior Service Cost Credit	202	69
Net periodic cost recognized	163	56
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic cost (benefit) for pension and postretirement plans
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	1	1
Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Actuarial Loss Gain And Prior Service Cost Credit	-12	-14
Net periodic cost recognized	($11)	($13)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	plan
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of total defined benefit plans	3
Number of repair pension plans	2
Expenses related to qualified defined contribution plans	$0.30	$0.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of repair facilities with labor union collective bargaining agreements	2
Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount	$25
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$10

Sharebased_Compensation_Detail

Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$107	$4,006
Cost of revenues: Manufacturing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	48	856
Cost of revenues: Railcar services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	278
Selling, general and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$59	$2,872

Sharebased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-based Compensation (Details Textual) (SARs Grant [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
SARs Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to the unvested portion of SARs	$2.30
Period over which compensation cost expected to be realized	33 months

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	($5,349)	($1,494)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-985	-459
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	114	34
Ending Balance	-6,220	-1,919
Accumulated Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-275	760
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	-985	-459
Ending Balance	-1,260	301
Accumulated Postretirement Transactions [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	-5,074	-2,254
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	114	34
Ending Balance	($4,960)	($2,220)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$75	$21

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Railcar leasing cost of revenues	$7,701,000	$4,491,000
Inventory, Net	121,623,000			117,007,000
Axis [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Company's Interest in credit facility			50.00%
Term Loan and Credit Agreement [Member] | Axis [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes receivable	27,900,000			29,100,000
M.W. Recycling [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenue from related parties	1,500,000	2,200,000
Joint Ventures [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Expense with related parties	41,500,000	27,000,000
Inventory, Net	10,500,000			6,600,000
Insight Portfolio [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Expense with related parties	100,000	100,000
Purchasing and Engineering Services Agreement [Member] | ACF [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of consideration under agreement	30.00%	30.00%
Revenue from related parties	2,200,000	5,700,000
Railcar services agreement [Member] | ARL [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Term of agreement	3 years
Service Agreement Renewal Period	1 year
Revenue from related parties	6,400,000	4,000,000
Railcar management agreement [Member] | ARL [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Expense with related parties	300,000	100,000
Railcar leasing cost of revenues	1,500,000	800,000
Railcar orders [Member] | IELP Entities [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Revenue from related parties	119,000,000	35,600,000
Component purchases [Member] | ACF [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Component purchases from ACF	$2,600,000	$200,000

Operating_Segment_and_Sales_an2

Operating Segment and Sales and Credit Concentrations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Total revenues	$263,776	$182,115
Earnings from operations	60,015	36,507
Total Assets	1,441,556		1,192,409
Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	305,542	217,992
Earnings from operations	70,438	53,385
Total Assets	347,055		356,720
Railcar Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	24,585	11,746
Earnings from operations	14,764	6,261
Total Assets	979,613		908,010
Railcar Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	17,482	16,538
Earnings from operations	2,867	2,219
Total Assets	52,418		52,639
Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-83,833	-64,161
Earnings from operations	-28,054	-25,358
Total Assets	62,470		-124,960
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	263,776	182,115
Earnings from operations	60,015	36,507
Operating Segments [Member] | Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	221,811	153,963
Earnings from operations	44,793	33,655
Operating Segments [Member] | Railcar Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	24,585	11,746
Earnings from operations	14,786	6,230
Operating Segments [Member] | Railcar Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	17,380	16,406
Earnings from operations	2,840	2,181
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Earnings from operations	-2,404	-5,559
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Earnings from operations	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	83,731	64,029
Earnings from operations	25,645	19,730
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Railcar Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Earnings from operations	-22	31
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Railcar Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	102	132
Earnings from operations	27	38
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	-83,833	-64,161
Earnings from operations	($25,650)	($19,799)

Operating_Segment_and_Sales_an3

Operating Segment and Sales and Credit Concentrations (Details 2)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue from affiliates	45.90%	22.60%
Railcar Leasing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue from affiliates	0.00%	0.00%
Railcar Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue from affiliates	2.40%	2.20%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total consolidated revenues from significant customers	62.20%	41.40%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Manufacturing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total consolidated accounts receivable from significant customers	53.70%		60.50%

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	68 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Apr. 28, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared (usd per share)		$0.40
Repair Services Agreement [Member] | ACF Affiliated Entity of Principal Owner [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenue As Percentage of Profit Under Agreement	30.00%
ARL Revenue As Percentage of Profit Under Agreement	20.00%