| Cover | Nov. 06, 2023 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Entity Registrant Name | BABCOCK & WILCOX ENTERPRISES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 06, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36876 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-2783641 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1200 East Market Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 650 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Akron, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 44305 |
| City Area Code | 330 |
| Local Phone Number | 753-4511 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001630805 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | BW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Senior Notes 8.125% Due 2026 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 8.125% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | BWSN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Preferred Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.75% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | BW PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Senior Notes 6.50% Due 2026 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.50% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | BWNB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
