L.B. Foster (FSTR) 10-Q 9 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 01, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	FOSTER L B CO
Entity Central Index Key	352,825
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,320,151
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Trading Symbol	fstr

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,210	$ 52,024
Accounts receivable - net	110,854	90,178
Inventories - net	98,812	95,089
Current deferred tax assets	5,269	3,497
Prepaid income tax	912	2,790
Other current assets	8,029	4,101
Total current assets	257,086	247,679
Property, plant and equipment - net	126,872	74,802
Other assets:
Goodwill	81,202	82,949
Other intangibles - net	137,522	82,134
Investments	5,485	5,824
Other assets	3,407	1,733
Total assets	611,574	495,121
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	53,528	67,166
Deferred revenue	8,833	8,034
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	10,013	13,419
Accrued warranty	9,430	11,500
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,284	676
Current deferred tax liabilities	77	77
Other accrued liabilities	12,726	7,899
Total current liabilities	95,891	108,771
Long-term debt	206,214	25,752
Deferred tax liabilities	10,858	10,945
Other long-term liabilities	17,493	13,765
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; shares issued at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 11,115,779; shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 10,218,097 and 10,242,405, respectively	111	111
Paid-in capital	46,790	48,115
Retained earnings	273,655	322,672
Treasury stock - at cost, common stock, shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 897,682 and 873,374, respectively	(22,740)	(23,118)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(16,698)	(11,892)
Total stockholders' equity	281,118	335,888
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 611,574	$ 495,121

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	11,115,779	11,115,779
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,218,097	10,242,405
Treasury stock shares - at cost, common stock	897,682	873,374

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Sales of goods	$ 147,648	$ 155,039	$ 417,224	$ 410,153
Sales of services	28,411	12,758	68,161	35,890
Total sales	176,059	167,797	485,385	446,043
Cost of goods sold	117,474	121,607	328,461	328,178
Cost of services sold	22,547	11,031	53,143	27,879
Total cost of sales	140,021	132,638	381,604	356,057
Gross profit	36,038	35,159	103,781	89,986
Selling and administrative expenses	21,605	20,644	68,133	58,268
Amortization expense	3,337	1,191	8,950	3,504
Impairment of goodwill	80,337	0	80,337	0
Interest expense	1,265	126	3,166	375
Interest income	(66)	(140)	(160)	(431)
Equity in loss (income) of nonconsolidated investments	299	(477)	312	(823)
Other income	(537)	(42)	(1,245)	(315)
Total operating expenses	106,240	21,302	159,493	60,578
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(70,202)	13,857	(55,712)	29,408
Income tax (benefit) expense	(12,780)	4,741	(7,939)	9,781
Net (loss) income	$ (57,422)	$ 9,116	$ (47,773)	$ 19,627
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$ (5.60)	$ 0.89	$ (4.65)	$ 1.92
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	(5.60)	0.88	(4.65)	1.90
Dividends paid per common share	$ 0.04	$ 0.03	$ 0.12	$ 0.09

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income		$ (57,422)	$ 9,116	$ (47,773)	$ 19,627
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3,297)	(2,693)	(4,783)	(2,648)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, (net of tax benefit of $184)		(294)	0	(294)	0
Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, net of tax expense of $46, $24 and $140, $71	[1]	90	47	271	137
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(3,501)	(2,646)	(4,806)	(2,511)
Comprehensive (loss) income		$ (60,923)	$ 6,470	$ (52,579)	$ 17,116
[1]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for pension obligations are charged to selling and administrative expense.

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, tax benefit	$ 184		$ 184
Reclassification of pension liability adjustments to earnings, tax (benefit) expense	$ 46	$ 24	$ 140	$ 71

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income	$ (47,773)	$ 19,627
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(17,281)	(641)
Depreciation	10,593	5,743
Amortization	8,950	3,504
Impairment of goodwill	80,337	0
Equity in loss (income) of nonconsolidated investments	312	(823)
Loss on sales and disposals of property, plant, and equipment	125	15
Share-based compensation	1,382	2,403
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	(289)	(283)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(1,485)	7,934
Inventories	(1,283)	(11,839)
Other current assets	625	(437)
Prepaid income tax	2,969	4,978
Other noncurrent assets	(1,101)	(448)
Dividends from LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC	90	630
Accounts payable	(16,058)	13,727
Deferred revenue	(317)	4,092
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	(5,283)	475
Other current liabilities	(370)	1,206
Other liabilities	(455)	(125)
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,688	49,738
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment	389	184
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment	(11,618)	(11,593)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(193,871)	(12,786)
Capital contributions to equity method investments	(61)	(82)
Net cash used by investing activities	(205,161)	(24,277)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of debt	(108,777)	(78)
Proceeds from debt	289,764	316
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock awards	68	131
Financing fees	(1,670)	(473)
Treasury stock acquisitions	2,686	918
Cash dividends on common stock paid to shareholders	(1,244)	(931)
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation	289	283
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	175,744	(1,670)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,085)	(1,898)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(18,814)	21,893
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	52,024	64,623
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	33,210	86,516
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	2,513	267
Income taxes paid	$ 6,280	$ 4,849

Financial Statements

Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. However, actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 were derived from our audited balance sheet. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to “Foster,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Recently issued accounting standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position and results of operations. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330).” The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuance of the standard, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The update is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations. Reclassifications Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications separately presented sales of services and cost of services sold to reflect the Company’s increased service offerings attributable to the recent acquisitions disclosed in Note 3.

Business Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Segments [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	2. BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company is a leading manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of products and services for rail, construction, energy, and utility markets. The Company is organized and evaluated by product group, which is the basis for identifying reportable segments. Each segment represents a revenue-producing component of the Company for which separate financial information is produced internally and is subject to evaluation by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. Each segment is evaluated based upon its respective contribution to the Company’s consolidated results based upon segment profit. As a result of recently completed acquisitions, during the first quarter of 2015, the Company renamed the Rail Products and Tubular Products business segments to be Rail Products and Services and Tubular and Energy Services, respectively. The name changes principally relate to adjacent market acquisitions which have created a platform to enhance our product and service offerings within the rail and energy markets. Excluding the addition of current year acquisitions, there were no changes to the divisions that have been aggregated within the segments nor were there changes to the historical reportable segment results. The following table illustrates revenues and profits from operations of the Company by segment for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 Net Segment Net Segment Sales Profit Sales Profit Rail Products and Services $ $ $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services * * Total $ $ $ $ * - Segment profit includes impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 Net Segment Net Segment Sales Profit Sales Profit Rail Products and Services $ $ $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Total $ $ $ $ Segment profits from operations, as shown above, include internal cost of capital charges for assets used in the segment at a rate of generally 1 % per month, excluding recently acquired businesses. There has been no change in the measurement of segment profit from operations from December 31, 2014. The internal cost of capital charges are eliminated during the consolidation process. The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment net profit from operations to the Company’s consolidated total: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Loss) income for reportable segments $ $ $ $ Interest expense Interest income Other income LIFO income Equity in (loss) income of nonconsolidated investments Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges (Loss) Income before income taxes $ $ $ $ The following table illustrates assets of the Company by segment: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Rail Products and Services $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Unallocated corporate assets LIFO Total $ $

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. ACQUISITIONS Inspection Oilfield Services On M arch 13, 2015 , the Company acquired IOS Holdings, Inc. (“IOS”) for $167,404 , net of cash acquired and a net working capital receivable adjustment of $2,363 . The purchase agreement includes an earn-out provision for the seller to generate an additional $60,000 of proceeds upon achieving certain levels of EBITDA during the three year period beginning on January 1, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has not accrued an estimated earn-out obligation based upon a probability weighted valuation model of the projected EBITDA results, which indicates that the minimum target will not be achieved. Approximately $7,600 of the purchase price relates to amounts held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. IOS is a leading independent provider of tubular management services with operations in every significant oil and gas producing region in the continental United States. The acquisition is included within our Tubular and Energy Services segment from the date of acquisition. See Note 4 with respect to an impairment of the goodwill related to this acquisition. Tew Holdings, LTD On January 13, 2015 , the Company acquired Tew Holdings, LTD (“Tew”) for $26,467 , net of cash acquired. The purchase price includes approximately $4,200 related to working capital and net debt adjustments. The non-domestic cash payment includes approximately $600 which is held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, Tew provides application engineering solutions primarily to the rail market and other major industries. The results of Tew’s operations are included within the Rail Products and Services segment from the date of acquisition. Chemtec Energy Services, L.L.C. On December 30, 2014 , the Company acquired Chemtec Energy Services, L.L.C. (“Chemtec”) for $66,719 , net of cash received, which is inclusive of $1,867 related to working capital adjustments. The cash payment included $5,000 which is held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. Chemtec is a domestic manufacturer and turnkey provider of blending, injection, and metering equipment for the oil and gas industry. The acquired business is included within our Tubular and Energy Services segment. See Note 4 with respect to an impairment of the goodwill related to this acquisition. FWO On October 29, 2014 , the Company acquired FWO , a business of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH for $1,103 , inclusive of a $161 post-closing working capital receivable adjustment. FWO is engaged in the electronic track lubrication and maintenance business and has been included in our Rail Products and Services segment. Carr Concrete On July 7, 2014 , the Company acquired Carr Concrete Corporation (“Carr”) for $12,480 , inclusive of a $189 post-closing purchase price adjustment. Carr is a provider of pre-stressed and precast concrete products located in Waverly, WV and the transaction was funded with cash on hand. Included within the purchase price is $1,000 which is held in escrow to satisfy potential indemnity claims made under the purchase agreement. The results of Carr’s operations are included in our Construction Products segment. Acquisition Summary Each transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which requires an acquiring entity to recognize, with limited exceptions, all of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at fair value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill primarily represents the value paid for each acquisition’s enhancement to the Company’s product and service offerings and capabilities, as well as a premium payment related to the ability to control the acquired assets. The Company has concluded that intangible assets and goodwill values resulting from the Chemtec, FWO, and Carr transactions will be deductible for tax purposes. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement presents the Company’s results as if the acquisitions of IOS, Tew, and Chemtec had occurred on January 1, 2014. The 2015 pro forma results include the impact of the current year impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4. Three months ended Nine months ended September, 30 September, 30 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net sales $ $ $ $ Gross profit Net (loss) income Diluted (loss) earnings per share As Reported $ $ $ $ Pro forma $ $ $ $ The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition : Allocation of Purchase Price March 13, 2015 - IOS January 13, 2015 - Tew December 30, 2014 - Chemtec October 29, 2014 - FWO July 7, 2014 - Carr Current assets $ $ $ $ $ Other assets - - - Property, plant, and equipment - Goodwill * * Other intangibles Liabilities assumed Total $ $ $ $ $ * - See Note 4 with respect to an impairment of the goodwill related to this acquisition. Intangible asset values for the acquisitions were finalized during 2015. The following table summarizes the estimates of the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired: Intangible Asset March 13, 2015 - IOS January 13, 2015 - Tew December 30, 2014 - Chemtec October 29, 2014 - FWO July 7, 2014 - Carr Trade name $ $ $ $ - $ Customer relationships Technology Non-competition agreements Total identified intangible assets $ $ $ $ $

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table represents the goodwill balance by reportable segment: Rail Products and Services Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ $ $ $ Acquisitions - Foreign currency translation impact - - Impairment charges - - Balance at September 30, 2015 $ $ $ $ The Company performs goodwill impairment tests annually during the fourth quarter, unless it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. Qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. During the current quarter, the Company’s IOS and Chemtec reporting units underperformed against their projections and revised their forecasts downward. Additionally, in August, the Company revised its full year outlook as a result of trends in the energy market as well as the loss of sales to UPRR. The impact of these factors led to a decline in the Company’s market capitalization which fell below the shareholder’s equity value. The Company concluded that the aggregation of these events were indications of impairments. Based upon these indicators, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, the Company performed an interim test for impairment of goodwill as of September 1, 2015. The valuation included the use of both the income and market approach. The Company applied greater weighting to the income approach as the Company believes it is the most reliable indication of value as it captures forecasted revenues and earnings for the reporting units in the projection period that the market approach may not directly incorporate. The results of the test indicated that the IOS and Chemtec reporting units’ respective fair values were less than their carrying value. All other reporting units that maintain goodwill exceeded their carrying value and were not at risk of impairment. As a result of the downturn within the energy markets impact on both reporting units, the prolonged expectations for recovery, and the reduction in active U.S. land oil rig count which specifically impacted the IOS reporting unit, the near term projections of these reporting units have deteriorated and the expected future growth of each of these reporting units was insufficient to support the carrying values. The Company compared the implied fair values of the IOS and Chemtec goodwill amounts with the carrying amounts of that goodwill. The fair values of the IOS and Chemtec reporting units were allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the respective reporting unit as if IOS and Chemtec had been acquired in business combinations as of the test date and the fair value was the purchase price paid to acquire each reporting unit. As a result of this valuation, it was determined that the carrying amounts of IOS’s and Chemtec’s goodwill exceeded the implied fair values of that goodwill. The Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $80,337 ($ 63,887 net of taxes) to write down the carrying values to the implied fair values, of which $69,908 represents the full carrying value of goodwill related to the IOS acquisition and the remaining $10,429 relates to the Chemtec reporting unit,. The Company performed a recoverability test on the long - lived tangible and definite lived intangible assets related to the IOS and Chemtec acquisitions and concluded that no impairment existed. The Company will continue to monitor these assets, including their respectful useful lives, in future periods. The following table represents the gross other intangible assets balance by reportable segment: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Rail Products and Services $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services $ $ The components of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows: September 30, 2015 Weighted Average Gross Net Amortization Period Carrying Accumulated Carrying In Years Value Amortization Amount Non-compete agreements 4 $ $ $ Patents 10 Customer relationships 16 Supplier relationships 5 Trademarks and trade names 13 Technology 13 $ $ $ December 31, 2014 Weighted Average Gross Net Amortization Period Carrying Accumulated Carrying In Years Value Amortization Amount Non-compete agreements 5 $ $ $ Patents 10 Customer relationships 19 Supplier relationships 5 Trademarks and trade names 14 Technology 14 $ $ $ Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives ranging from 5 to 25 years, with a total weighted average amortization period of approximately 15 years. Amortization expense for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $ 3,337 and $ 1,191 , respectively. Amortization expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $ 8,950 and $ 3,504 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2015 and thereafter is as follows: Amortization Expense 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and thereafter $

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and, while collateral is not required, the Company often receives surety bonds that guarantee payment. Credit terms are consistent with industry standards and practices. The amounts of trade accounts receivable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 1,120 and $ 1,036 , respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	6. INVENTORIES Inventories at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized in the following table: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished goods $ $ Work-in-process Raw materials Total inventories at current costs Less: LIFO reserve $ $ Inventory is generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	7. INVESTMENTS The Company is a member of a joint venture, LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC (“LB Pipe JV”), in which it maintains a 45 % ownership interest. The LB Pipe JV manufactures, markets, and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility, and construction markets and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019. Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” the Company determined that the LB Pipe JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the LB Pipe JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had a nonconsolidated equity method investment of $ 5,367 and $ 5,746 , respectively, in the LB Pipe JV and other equity investments totaling $118 and $78 , respectively. The Company recorded equity in the loss of the LB Pipe JV of $ 292 and equity in the income of the LB Pipe JV of $ 477 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded equity in the loss of the LB Pipe JV of $289 and equity in the income of the LB Pipe JV of $823 , respectively. During the three-month period ending September 30, 2014, the Company received cash distributions of $90 . Cash distributions of $90 and $630 were received for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no changes to the Company’s 45% ownership interest as a result of the proportional distribution. The Company’s exposure to loss results from its capital contributions, net of the Company’s share of the LB Pipe JV’s income or loss, and its net investment in the direct financing lease covering the facility used by the LB Pipe JV for its operations, which is described below. The carrying amounts with the maximum exposure to loss of the Company at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, are as follows: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 LB Pipe JV equity method investment $ $ Net investment in direct financing lease $ $ The Company is leasing five acres of land and two facilities to the LB Pipe JV through June 30, 2019 , with a 5.5 year renewal period. The current monthly lease payments approximate $ 17 , with a balloon payment of approximately $ 488, which is required to be paid either at the termination of the lease, allocated over the renewal period, or during the initial term of the lease. This lease qualifies as a direct financing lease under the applicable guidance in ASC 840-30, “Leases.” The following is a schedule of the direct financing minimum lease payments for the remainder of 2015 and the years 2016 and thereafter: Minimum Lease Payments 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 $

Deferred Revenue

Deferred Revenue	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue	8. DEFERRED REVENUE Deferred revenue of $ 8,833 and $ 8,034 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, consists of customer payments received for which the revenue recognition criteria have not yet been met as well as billings in excess of costs on percentage of completion projects. Advanced payments from customers typically relate to contracts with respect to which the Company has significantly fulfilled its obligations, but due to the Company’s continuing involvement with the material, revenue is precluded from being recognized until title, ownership, and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	9. LONG-TERM DEBT United States Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility $ $ Capital leases and financing agreements Total Less current maturities Long-term portion $ $ On March 13, 2015 , L.B. Foster Company, its domestic subsidiaries, and certain of its Canadian subsidiaries (“L.B. Foster”) entered into an amended and restated $ 335,000 Revolving Credit Facility Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company. This Amended Credit Agreement modifies the prior revolving credit facility which had a maximum credit line of $200,000 . The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a five -year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowings of up to $335,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $ 25,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers. The Amended Credit Agreement’s accordion feature permits L.B. Foster to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facility by up to an additional $100,000 subject to L.B. Foster’s receipt of increased commitments from existing or new lenders and to certain conditions being satisfied. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or Euro-rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of L.B. Foster’s indebtedness less consolidated cash on hand to L.B. Foster’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Amended Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank’s prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily Euro-rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 1.00%. The base rate and Euro-rate spreads range from 0.00% to 1.50% and 1.00% to 2.50%, respectively. The Amended Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) Leverage Ratio, defined as L.B. Foster’s Indebtedness less consolidated cash on hand, in excess of $15,000, divided by L.B. Foster’s consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.25 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00. The Amended Credit Agreement permits L.B. Foster to pay dividends, distributions, and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $25,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $25,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate over the life of the facility. The $75,000 aggregate limitation also permits certain loans, investments, and acquisitions. Other restrictions exist at all times including, but not limited to, limitation of L.B. Foster’s sale of assets, other indebtedness incurred by either the borrowers or the non-borrower subsidiaries of L.B. Foster, guarantees, and liens. As of September 30, 2015, L.B. Foster was in compliance with the Credit Agreement’s covenants. At September 30, 2015, L.B. Foster had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $ 526 and had gross available borrowing capacity of $ 131,014 . The maturity date of the facility is March 13, 2020 . United Kingdom A subsidiary of the Company has a credit facility with NatWest Bank for its United Kingdom operations which includes an overdraft availability of £ 1,500 pounds sterling (approximately $ 2,269 at September 30, 2015). This credit facility supports the subsidiary’s working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations . The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution’s base rate plus 1.50%. Outstanding performance bonds reduce availability under this credit facility. The subsidiary of the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of September 30, 2015. There was approximately $ 17 in outstanding guarantees (as defined in the underlying agreement) as of September 30, 2015. This credit facility was renewed during the third quarter of 2014 with no significant changes to the underlying terms or conditions in the facility. The Company extended its renewal option during the current quarter and it is the Company’s intention to renew this credit facility with NatWest Bank during the annual review of the credit facility during the fourth quarter of 2015. The United Kingdom credit facility contains certain financial covenants that require that subsidiary to maintain senior interest and cash flow coverage ratios. The subsidiary was in compliance with these financial covenants as of September 30, 2015. The subsidiary had available borrowing capacity of $ 2,252 as of September 30, 2015.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	10. Fair Value Measurements The Company determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions of what market participants would use. The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company entered into forward starting LIBOR-based interest rate swaps with a notional value of $35,000 to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt. The swaps will become effective in February 2017 at which point it will effectively convert a portion of the debt from variable to fixed-rate borrowings during the term of the swap contract. As of September 30, 2015, the Company recorded a fair value liability of $479 related to the swaps which have been classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is based on market-observable forward interest rates and represents the estimated amount that the Company would pay to terminate the agreements.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Share amounts in thousands) The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - Income available to common stockholders: Net (loss) income $ $ $ $ Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding Denominator for basic earnings per common share Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options - - Other stock compensation plans - - Dilutive potential common shares - - Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ $ $ $ Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ $ $ $ Dividends paid per common share $ $ $ $ During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015, there were approximately 48 and 81 anti-dilutive shares excluded from the above calculation, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period. The Company recorded stock compensation expense of ($ 514) and $ 604 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to restricted stock awards and performance unit awards. Stock compensation expense of $1,382 and $2,403 was recorded for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense for awards that the Company expects to vest approximated $3,435 . The Company will recognize this expense over the upcoming four -year period through June 2019. Shares issued as a result of vested stock-based compensation generally will be from previously issued shares that have been reacquired by the Company and held as Treasury shares or authorized but previously unissued common stock. The excess income tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock-based compensation approximated $ 289 and $ 283 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This excess income tax benefit is included in cash flows from financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Stock Option Awards As of September 30, 2015, there were no outstanding and exercisable stock options. During the first quarter of 2015, the remaining 7,500 outstanding stock options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $9.08 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 11,250 stock options with a weighted average exercise price per share of $11.67 were exercised. There were no new grants or cancellations of stock option awards during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Unit Awards Under the amended and restated 2006 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, the Company grants eligible employees restricted stock and performance unit awards. The forfeitable restricted stock awards granted prior to March 2015 generally time-vest after a four year holding period, and those granted in March 2015 generally time-vest ratably over a three -year period, unless indicated otherwise by the underlying restricted stock award agreement. Performance unit awards are offered annually under separate three-year long-term incentive plans. Performance units are subject to forfeiture and will be converted into common stock of the Company based upon the Company’s performance relative to performance measures and conversion multiples as defined in the underlying plan. If the Company’s estimate of the number of performance stock awards expected to vest changes in a subsequent accounting period, cumulative compensation expense could increase or decrease. The change will be recognized in the current period for the vested shares and would change future expense over the remaining vesting period. The following table summarizes the restricted stock award and performance unit award activity for the period ended September 30, 2015: Restricted Performance Weighted Average Stock Stock Grant Date Units Units Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 $ Granted Vested Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest - Canceled - Outstanding at September 30, 2015 $

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS	13. RETIREMENT PLANS Retirement Plans The Company has seven retirement plans which cover its hourly and salaried employees in the United States: three defined benefit plans ( one active / two frozen) and four defined contribution plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the appropriate plan based on employment classification. The Company's funding contributions to the defined benefit and defined contribution plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA"), applicable plan policy and investment guidelines. The Company’s policy is to contribute at least the minimum in accordance with the funding standards of ERISA. The Company’s subsidiary, L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. (“Rail Technologies”), maintains two defined contribution plans for its employees in Canada, as well as a post-retirement benefit plan. In the United Kingdom, Rail Technologies maintains both a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. United States Defined Benefit Plans Net periodic pension costs for the United States defined benefit pension plans for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ $ $ $ Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Recognized net actuarial loss Net periodic pension cost (income) $ $ $ $ The Company does not expect to contribute to its United States defined benefit plans in 2015. United Kingdom Defined Benefit Plans Net periodic pension costs for the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest cost $ $ $ $ Expected return on plan assets Amortization of prior service costs and transition amount Recognized net actuarial loss Net periodic pension cost $ $ $ $ United Kingdom regulations require trustees to adopt a prudent approach to funding required contributions to defined benefit pension plans. Employer contributions of $ 283 are anticipated to the United Kingdom L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. pension plan during 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company contributed approximately $ 211 to the plan. Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors seven defined contribution plans for hourly and salaried employees across our domestic and international facilities. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 United States $ $ $ $ Canada United Kingdom $ $ $ $

Commitments and Contingent Liab

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Product Liability Claims The Company is subject to product warranty claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. For certain manufactured products, the Company maintains a product warranty accrual which is adjusted on a monthly basis as a percentage of cost of sales. The product warranty accrual is periodically adjusted based on the identification or resolution of known individual product warranty claims. The following table sets forth the Company’s product warranty accrual: Warranty Liability Balance at December 31, 2014 $ Additions to warranty liability Warranty liability utilized Acquisitions Balance at September 30, 2015 $ Included within the above table are concrete tie warranty reserves of approximately $ 8,289 and $ 10,331 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Increases in the current year warranty liability relate to reviews of current year activity and an evaluation of the Company’s estimate of its expected warranty obligation and the current year reductions primarily relate to concrete tie warranty claims satisfied through the replacement of concrete ties during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015. Union Pacific Railroad Matter On July 12, 2011, Union Pacific Railroad (“UPRR”) notified (“UPRR Notice”) the Company and its subsidiary, CXT Incorporated (“CXT”), of a warranty claim under CXT’s 2005 supply contract relating to the sale of pre-stressed concrete railroad ties to UPRR. UPRR asserted that a significant percentage of concrete ties manufactured in 2006 through 2011 at CXT’s Grand Island, NE facility failed to meet contract specifications, had workmanship defects, and were cracking and failing prematurely. Of the 3.0 million ties manufactured between 1998 and 2011 from the Grand Island, NE facility, approximately 1.6 million ties were sold during the period UPRR had claimed nonconformance. The 2005 supply contract called for each concrete tie which failed to conform to the specifications or had a material defect in workmanship to be replaced with 1.5 new concrete ties, provided, that UPRR within five years of the sale of a concrete tie, notified CXT of such failure to conform or such defect in workmanship. The UPRR Notice did not specify how many ties manufactured during this period were defective nor the exact nature of the alleged workmanship defect. Following the UPRR Notice, the Company worked with material scientists and pre-stressed concrete experts to test a representative sample of Grand Island, NE concrete ties and assess warranty claims for certain concrete ties made in its Grand Island, NE facility between 1998 and 2011. The Company discontinued manufacturing operations in Grand Island, NE in early 2011. In late 2012, the Company and CXT agreed to an amendment of the warranty and certain related terms of the 2005 supply contract. Subsequently, in November 2013, the Company received notice from UPRR asserting a material breach of the 2005 supply contract. The Company disputed the notice and the parties have been unable to reach agreement on disputed UPRR claims that the Company contends do not meet the criteria for replacement per the amended 2005 supply agreement. On January 23, 2015, UPRR filed a Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial in the District Court for Douglas County, NE against the Company and its subsidiary, CXT, asserting among other matters that the Company breached its express warranty, breached an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, anticipatorily repudiated its warranty obligations, and that UPRR’s exclusive and limited remedy provisions in the supply agreement have failed of their essential purpose which entitles UPRR to recover all incidental and consequential damages. The Complaint seeks to cancel all duties of UPRR under the contract, to adjudge the Company as having no remaining rights under the contracts, and to recover damages in an amount to be determined at trial for the value of unfulfilled warranty replacement ties and ties likely to become warranty eligible, for costs of cover for replacement ties, and for various incidental and consequential damages. The amended 2005 supply agreement provides that UPRR’s exclusive remedy is to receive a replacement tie that meets the contract specifications for each tie that failed to meet the contract specifications or otherwise contained a material defect provided that the Company receives written notice of such failure or defect within 15 years after that tie was produced. The amended 2005 supply agreement continues to provide that the Company’s warranty does not apply to ties that (a) have been repaired or altered without the Company’s written consent in such a way as to affect the stability or reliability thereof, (b) have been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident, or (c) have been improperly maintained or used contrary to the specifications for which such ties were produced. The amended 2005 supply agreement also continues to provide that the Company’s warranty is in lieu of all other express or implied warranties and that neither party shall be subject to or liable for any incidental or consequential damages to the other party. The dispute is largely based on (1) claims submitted which the Company believes are for ties inaccurately rated that are not the responsibility of the Company and claims that do not meet the criteria of a warranty replacement and (2) UPRR’s assertion, which the Company vigorously disputes, that UPRR in future years will be entitled to warranty replacement ties for virtually all of the Grand Island ties. Many thousands of Grand Island ties have been performing in track for over ten years. In addition, a significant amount of Grand Island ties were rated by both parties in the excellent category of the rating system. The Company filed an Answer and Counterclaim on June 29, 2015 and anticipates seeking to amend its response to include additional counterclaims based on subsequent conduct by UPRR. The Company believes UPRR’s claims are without merit and intends to continue to vigorously defend itself. In November and December of 2014, the Company received additional notices from the UPRR asserting that ties manufactured in 2000 were defective and again asserting material breaches of the amended 2005 supply agreement relating to warranty tie replacements as well as certain new ties provided to the UPRR being out of specification. In June 2015, UPRR delivered an additional notice alleging defects in ties produced in the Company’s Tucson and Spokane locations and other claimed material breaches which the Company contends are unfounded. On June 17, 2015, UPRR issued formal notice of the termination of the concrete tie supply agreement as well as the termination of the lease agreement at the Tucson, AZ production facility. As a result of the formal notice of termination, during the second quarter of 2015, the Company incurred a $409 impairment charge related to leasehold improvements and other fixed assets at our Tucson, AZ concrete tie facility. The charge was included within costs of goods sold. The Company continues to engage in discussions in an effort to resolve this matter. However, we cannot predict that such discussions will be successful. In addition, the Company cannot predict the results of the litigation with UPRR, or whether any settlement or judgment amounts will be within the range of our recognized accruals for loss contingencies. Future potential costs pertaining to UPRR’s claims and the outcome of UPRR litigation could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Environmental and Legal Proceedings The Company is subject to national, state, foreign, provincial, and/or local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on its future earnings. In the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, competitive position, or capital expenditures of the Company. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company maintained environmental and litigation reserves approximating $ 6,690 and $ 3,344 , respectively. The following table sets forth the Company’s environmental obligation: Environmental liability Balance at December 31, 2014 $ Additions to environmental obligations Environmental obligations utilized Acquisitions Balance at September 30, 2015 $ The Company is also subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The resolution, in any reporting period, of one or more of these matters could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for that period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	15. INCOME TAXES The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 18.2 % and 14.3% , respectively, and 34.2% and 33.3% , respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the discrete impact of the $80,337 goodwill impairment in the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The impairment related to both tax deductible and nondeductible goodwill and reduced income tax expense by $16,450 . In addition, the Company's effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 differed from the federal statutory rate due to state income taxes, nondeductible expenses, U.S. domestic production activities deductions, and operations in foreign jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Management evaluated all of the activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Statements (Policy)

Financial Statements (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all estimates and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. However, actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. Amounts included in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 were derived from our audited balance sheet. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to “Foster,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer collectively to L.B. Foster Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Recently issued accounting standards [Policy Text Block]	Recently issued accounting standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605, “Revenue Recognition.” ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating its implementation approach and assessing the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial position and results of operations. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330).” The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuance of the standard, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The update is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications separately presented sales of services and cost of services sold to reflect the Company’s increased service offerings attributable to the recent acquisitions disclosed in Note 3.

Inventories (Policies)

Inventories (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory is generally valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market. Other inventories of the Company are valued at average cost or market, whichever is lower. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end levels and costs.

Stock-Based Compensation (Polic

Stock-Based Compensation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” to account for the Company’s share-based compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award and is recognized over the employees’ requisite service period.

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Segments [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 Net Segment Net Segment Sales Profit Sales Profit Rail Products and Services $ $ $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services * * Total $ $ $ $ * - Segment profit includes impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 Net Segment Net Segment Sales Profit Sales Profit Rail Products and Services $ $ $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Total $ $ $ $
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Loss) income for reportable segments $ $ $ $ Interest expense Interest income Other income LIFO income Equity in (loss) income of nonconsolidated investments Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination, and other unallocated charges (Loss) Income before income taxes $ $ $ $
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Rail Products and Services $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Unallocated corporate assets LIFO Total $ $

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Nine months ended September, 30 September, 30 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net sales $ $ $ $ Gross profit Net (loss) income Diluted (loss) earnings per share As Reported $ $ $ $ Pro forma $ $ $ $
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Allocation of Purchase Price March 13, 2015 - IOS January 13, 2015 - Tew December 30, 2014 - Chemtec October 29, 2014 - FWO July 7, 2014 - Carr Current assets $ $ $ $ $ Other assets - - - Property, plant, and equipment - Goodwill * * Other intangibles Liabilities assumed Total $ $ $ $ $
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Intangible Asset March 13, 2015 - IOS January 13, 2015 - Tew December 30, 2014 - Chemtec October 29, 2014 - FWO July 7, 2014 - Carr Trade name $ $ $ $ - $ Customer relationships Technology Non-competition agreements Total identified intangible assets $ $ $ $ $

Goodwill and Other Intangible29

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Rail Products and Services Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ $ $ $ Acquisitions - Foreign currency translation impact - - Impairment charges - - Balance at September 30, 2015 $ $ $ $
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Rail Products and Services $ $ Construction Products Tubular and Energy Services $ $
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2015 Weighted Average Gross Net Amortization Period Carrying Accumulated Carrying In Years Value Amortization Amount Non-compete agreements 4 $ $ $ Patents 10 Customer relationships 16 Supplier relationships 5 Trademarks and trade names 13 Technology 13 $ $ $ December 31, 2014 Weighted Average Gross Net Amortization Period Carrying Accumulated Carrying In Years Value Amortization Amount Non-compete agreements 5 $ $ $ Patents 10 Customer relationships 19 Supplier relationships 5 Trademarks and trade names 14 Technology 14 $ $ $
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Amortization Expense 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and thereafter $

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory Of Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished goods $ $ Work-in-process Raw materials Total inventories at current costs Less: LIFO reserve $ $

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 LB Pipe JV equity method investment $ $ Net investment in direct financing lease $ $
Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Minimum Lease Payments 2015 $ 2016 2017 2018 2019 $

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility $ $ Capital leases and financing agreements Total Less current maturities Long-term portion $ $

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - Income available to common stockholders: Net (loss) income $ $ $ $ Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding Denominator for basic earnings per common share Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options - - Other stock compensation plans - - Dilutive potential common shares - - Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ $ $ $ Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ $ $ $ Dividends paid per common share $ $ $ $

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the restricted stock award and performance unit award activity for the period ended September 30, 2015: Restricted Performance Weighted Average Stock Stock Grant Date Units Units Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 $ Granted Vested Adjustment for incentive awards not expected to vest - Canceled - Outstanding at September 30, 2015 $

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 United States $ $ $ $ Canada United Kingdom $ $ $ $
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ $ $ $ Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Recognized net actuarial loss Net periodic pension cost (income) $ $ $ $
United Kingdom Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest cost $ $ $ $ Expected return on plan assets Amortization of prior service costs and transition amount Recognized net actuarial loss Net periodic pension cost $ $ $ $

Commitments and Contingent Li36

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	Warranty Liability Balance at December 31, 2014 $ Additions to warranty liability Warranty liability utilized Acquisitions Balance at September 30, 2015 $
Environmental Loss Contingencies [Table Text Block]	Environmental liability Balance at December 31, 2014 $ Additions to environmental obligations Environmental obligations utilized Acquisitions Balance at September 30, 2015 $

Business Segments (Narrative) (

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Segments [Abstract]
Capital Charges Rate	1.00%

Business Segments (Reconciliati

Business Segments (Reconciliation of Significant Reconciling Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 176,059		$ 167,797	$ 485,385		$ 446,043
Segment Profit	(68,433)		16,445	(47,246)		36,496
Rail Products and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	87,972		102,105	252,530		283,085
Segment Profit	6,984		11,533	19,469		23,685
Construction Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	54,093		49,907	137,899		119,100
Segment Profit	4,456		3,251	10,842		7,838
Tubular and Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	33,994		15,785	94,956		43,858
Segment Profit	$ (79,873)	[1]	$ 1,661	$ (77,557)	[1]	$ 4,973
[1]	Segment profit includes impairment of goodwill as further described in Note 4.

Business Segments (Reconcilia39

Business Segments (Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]
(Loss) income for reportable segments	$ (68,433)	$ 16,445	$ (47,246)	$ 36,496
Interest expense	(1,265)	(126)	(3,166)	(375)
Interest income	66	140	160	431
Other income	537	42	1,245	315
LIFO income	181	302	581	500
Equity in (loss) income of nonconsolidated investment	(299)	477	(312)	823
Corporate expense, cost of capital elimination and other unallocated charges	(989)	(3,423)	(6,974)	(8,782)
(Loss) Income before income taxes	$ (70,202)	$ 13,857	$ (55,712)	$ 29,408

Business Segments (Assets by Se

Business Segments (Assets by Segment) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 611,574	$ 495,121
Less: LIFO reserve	(7,708)	(8,289)
Rail Products and Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	263,208	239,951
Construction Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	96,764	102,978
Tubular and Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	226,692	130,289
Unallocated Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 32,618	$ 30,192

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014	Jul. 07, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired						$ 193,871	$ 12,786
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	Mar. 13, 2015
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity	IOS Holdings, Inc. ("IOS")
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 167,404
Working capital adjustment	2,363
Earn out provision	60,000
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date	7,600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 168,704
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition		Jan. 13, 2015
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity		Tew Holdings, LTD ("Tew")
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired		$ 26,467
Working capital adjustment		4,200
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date		600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net		$ 30,878
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Dec. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity			Chemtec Energy Services, L.L.C. ("Chemtec")
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			$ 66,719
Working capital adjustment			1,867
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date			5,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net			$ 68,909
FWO [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition				Oct. 29, 2014
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity				FWO
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired				$ 1,103
Working capital adjustment				161
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				$ 1,103
Carr Concrete [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition					Jul. 7, 2014
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity					Carr Concrete Corporation ("Carr")
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired					$ 12,480
Working capital adjustment					189
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date					1,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net					$ 12,480

Acquisitions (Pro Forma Income

Acquisitions (Pro Forma Income Statements) (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Diluted (loss) earnings per share As Reported	$ (5.60)	$ 0.88	$ (4.65)	$ 1.90
Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 176,059	$ 220,945	$ 501,458	$ 595,790
Business acquisitions pro forma gross profit	36,038	51,582	108,252	136,731
Net (loss) income	$ (57,422)	$ 13,534	$ (47,727)	$ 31,669
Dilutive (loss) earnings per share Pro forma	$ (5.60)	$ 1.31	$ (4.65)	$ 3.07

Acquisitions (Allocation of Pur

Acquisitions (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014	Jul. 07, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 81,202			$ 82,949
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets			$ 19,877
Other assets			708
Property, plant and equipment			51,453
Goodwill	[1]		69,908
Other intangibles			50,354
Liabilities assumed			(23,596)
Total			$ 168,704
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets				$ 12,125
Other assets				0
Property, plant and equipment				2,398
Goodwill				8,772
Other intangibles				14,048
Liabilities assumed				(6,465)
Total				$ 30,878
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets						$ 15,528
Other assets						0
Property, plant and equipment						4,705
Goodwill	[1]					22,302
Other intangibles						33,130
Liabilities assumed						(6,756)
Total						$ 68,909
FWO [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets							$ 131
Other assets							0
Property, plant and equipment							0
Goodwill							971
Other intangibles							419
Liabilities assumed							(418)
Total							$ 1,103
Carr Concrete [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets								$ 3,180
Other assets								45
Property, plant and equipment								7,648
Goodwill								1,936
Other intangibles								1,348
Liabilities assumed								(1,677)
Total								$ 12,480
[1]	See Note 4 with respect to an impairment of the goodwill related to this acquisition.

Acquisitions (Identifiable Inta

Acquisitions (Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 13, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014	Jul. 07, 2014
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	$ 50,354
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	2,641
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	41,171
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member] | Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	4,364
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets	$ 2,178
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		$ 14,048
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		870
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		10,035
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member] | Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		2,480
Tew Holdings, LTD [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets		$ 663
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			$ 33,130
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			3,149
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			23,934
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member] | Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			4,930
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets			$ 1,117
FWO [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets				$ 419
FWO [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets				0
FWO [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets				34
FWO [Member] | Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets				341
FWO [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets				$ 44
Carr Concrete [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets					$ 1,348
Carr Concrete [Member] | Trade name [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets					613
Carr Concrete [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets					524
Carr Concrete [Member] | Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets					87
Carr Concrete [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fair value estimate of acquired identifiable intangible assets					$ 124

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 80,337	$ 0	$ 80,337	$ 0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax			63,887
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	160,080		160,080		$ 95,771
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,337	$ 1,191	$ 8,950	$ 3,504
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			25 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			5 years
Weighted Average [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			15 years
Rail Products and Services [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	58,736		58,736		44,781
Construction Products [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,178		3,178		3,178
Tubular and Energy Services [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			80,337
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 98,166		98,166		$ 47,812
Inspection Oilfield Services (IOS) [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			69,908
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use			0
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			0
Chemtec Energy Services, LLC [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			10,429
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use			0
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible46

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			$ 82,949
Acquisitions			78,680
Foreign currency translation impact			(90)
Impairment charges	$ (80,337)	$ 0	(80,337)	$ 0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	81,202		81,202
Rail Products and Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			38,956
Acquisitions			8,772
Foreign currency translation impact			(90)
Impairment charges			0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	47,638		47,638
Construction Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			5,147
Acquisitions			0
Foreign currency translation impact			0
Impairment charges			0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	5,147		5,147
Tubular and Energy Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			38,846
Acquisitions			69,908
Foreign currency translation impact			0
Impairment charges			(80,337)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 28,417		$ 28,417

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 160,080	$ 95,771
Accumulated Amortization	(22,558)	(13,637)
Net Carrying Amount	137,522	82,134
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	6,979	4,143
Accumulated Amortization	(2,015)	(705)
Net Carrying Amount	4,964	3,438
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	531	564
Accumulated Amortization	(236)	(189)
Net Carrying Amount	295	375
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	95,633	44,450
Accumulated Amortization	(8,759)	(4,679)
Net Carrying Amount	86,874	39,771
Supplier relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	350	350
Accumulated Amortization	(318)	(268)
Net Carrying Amount	32	82
Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	14,274	10,765
Accumulated Amortization	(2,719)	(1,855)
Net Carrying Amount	11,555	8,910
Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	42,313	35,499
Accumulated Amortization	(8,511)	(5,941)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 33,802	$ 29,558
Weighted Average [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	15 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	4 years	5 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	10 years	10 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	16 years	19 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Supplier relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	5 years	5 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Trademarks and trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	13 years	14 years
Weighted Average [Member] | Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period In Years	13 years	14 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible48

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2,015	$ 3,263
2,016	13,040
2,017	12,139
2,018	11,807
2,019	11,076
2020 and thereafter	86,197
Net Carrying Amount	$ 137,522	$ 82,134

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 1,120	$ 1,036

Inventories (Schedule of Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 68,783	$ 65,335
Work-in-process	14,563	16,188
Raw materials	23,174	21,855
Total inventories at current costs	106,520	103,378
Less: LIFO reserve	(7,708)	(8,289)
Inventory	$ 98,812	$ 95,089

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)aproperty	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)aproperty	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Investments	$ 5,485		$ 5,485		$ 5,824
Equity in Income/(Loss) of Nonconsolidated Investment	(299)	$ 477	(312)	$ 823
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital		90	90	630
LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Investments	$ 5,367		$ 5,367		5,746
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	45.00%		45.00%
Equity Method Investment, Description of Principal Activities			The Company is a member of a joint venture, LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC ("LB Pipe JV"), in which it maintains a 45% ownership interest. The LB Pipe JV manufactures, markets, and sells various precision coupling products for the energy, utility, and construction markets and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2019.
Equity in Income/(Loss) of Nonconsolidated Investment	$ (292)	$ 477	$ (289)	$ 823
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Investments	$ 118		$ 118		$ 78
Capital Leased Land [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Land | a	5		5
Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units | property	2		2
Capital Lease Length Of Renewal Term			5 years 6 months
Capital Leases, Monthly Rent			$ 17
Capital Leases Balloon Payment In Direct Financing Leases	$ 488		$ 488
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Methodology for Determining Whether Entity is Primary Beneficiary			Under applicable guidance for variable interest entities in ASC 810, "Consolidation," the Company determined that the LB Pipe JV is a variable interest entity. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity, as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the LB Pipe JV. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the equity method of accounting remains appropriate.

Investments (Schedule Of Carryi

Investments (Schedule Of Carrying Amount And Maximum Loss Exposure Of Equity Investments) (Details) - LB Pipe & Coupling Products, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 6,395	$ 6,863
LB Pipe JV equity method investment [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss	5,367	5,746
Net investment in direct financing lease [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 1,028	$ 1,117

Investments (Schedule of Direct

Investments (Schedule of Direct Financing Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Table) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
2,015	$ 33
2,016	131
2,017	140
2,018	150
2,019	574
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	$ 1,028

Deferred Revenue (Details)

Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue, Current	$ 8,833	$ 8,034

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt and Related Matters [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	$ 203,460	$ 24,200
Capital leases and financing agreements	4,038	2,228
Total	207,498	26,428
Less current maturities	1,284	676
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, total	$ 206,214	$ 25,752

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 13, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2014USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			$ 203,460	$ 24,200
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania [Member] | Prior Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 200,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 25,000
PNC Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, and Branch Banking and Trust Company [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	Mar. 13, 2015
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 335,000
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, Description	The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility that permits borrowings of up to $335,000 for the U.S. borrowers and a sublimit of the equivalent of $25,000 U.S. dollars that is available to the Canadian borrowers. The Amended Credit Agreement's accordion feature permits L.B. Foster to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facility by up to an additional $100,000 subject to L.B. Foster's receipt of increased commitments from existing or new lenders and to certain conditions being satisfied.
Line of Credit Facility, Provision for Increase in Capacity	$ 100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at rates based upon either the base rate or Euro-rate plus applicable margins. Applicable margins are dictated by the ratio of L.B. Foster's indebtedness less consolidated cash on hand to L.B. Foster's consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the underlying Amended Credit Agreement. The base rate is the highest of (a) PNC Bank's prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily Euro-rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 1.00%. The base rate and Euro-rate spreads range from 0.00% to 1.50% and 1.00% to 2.50%, respectively.
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	The Amended Credit Agreement includes two financial covenants: (a) Leverage Ratio, defined as L.B. Foster's Indebtedness less consolidated cash on hand, in excess of $15,000, divided by L.B. Foster's consolidated EBITDA, which must not exceed 3.25 to 1.00 and (b) Minimum Interest Coverage, defined as consolidated EBITDA less Capital Expenditures divided by consolidated interest expense, which must be no less than 3.00 to 1.00.
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions	The Amended Credit Agreement permits L.B. Foster to pay dividends, distributions, and make redemptions with respect to its stock provided no event of default or potential default (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) has occurred prior to or after giving effect to the dividend, distribution, or redemption. Dividends, distributions, and redemptions are capped at $25,000 per year when funds are drawn on the facility. If no drawings on the facility exist, dividends, distributions, and redemptions in excess of $25,000 per year are subjected to a limitation of $75,000 in the aggregate over the life of the facility. The $75,000 aggregate limitation also permits certain loans, investments, and acquisitions.
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			526
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			131,014
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Mar. 13, 2020
NatWest Bank [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		£ 1,500	2,269
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description		. The interest rate on this facility is the financial institution's base rate plus 1.50%.
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			0
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			2,252
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral		This credit facility supports the subsidiary's working capital requirements and is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of its United Kingdom operations.
NatWest Bank Outstanding Guarantees [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			$ 17

Fair Value Measurements (Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Swap [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 35,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$ 479

Earning Per Common Share (Sched

Earning Per Common Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (57,422)	$ 9,116	$ (47,773)	$ 19,627
Weighted average shares	10,256	10,239	10,266	10,220
Denominator for basic earnings per common share	10,256	10,239	10,266	10,220
Employee stock options	0	4	0	7
Other stock compensation plans	0	92	0	98
Dilutive potential common shares	0	96	0	105
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	10,256	10,335	10,266	10,325
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$ (5.60)	$ 0.89	$ (4.65)	$ 1.92
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$ (5.60)	0.88	$ (4.65)	1.90
Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share	48		81
Dividends paid per common share	$ 0.04	$ 0.03	$ 0.12	$ 0.09

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation				$ 1,382	$ 2,403
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 3,435			$ 3,435
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				4 years
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities				$ 289	$ 283
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	0			0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period		7,500			11,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period				0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 9.08			$ 11.67
Restricted Stock And Performance Shares Combined [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ (514)		$ 604
The Omnibus Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock And Performance Shares Combined [Member] | Vesting Period 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				4 years
The Omnibus Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock And Performance Shares Combined [Member] | Vesting Period 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				3 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Restr

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock and Performance Unit Awards) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested Shares, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 36.25
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	47.88
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	31.66
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	43.97
Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	38.44
Nonvested Shares, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 41.32
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	108,237
Granted	29,656
Vested	(34,839)
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	0
Canceled	(1,000)
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	102,054
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	71,990
Granted	41,114
Vested	(23,877)
Adjustment for incentive awards expected to vest	(45,384)
Canceled	0
Nonvested Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance	43,843

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (D

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)contract
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Number	7
Description of Postemployment Benefits	The Company sponsors seven defined contribution plans for hourly and salaried employees across our domestic and international facilities. The following table summarizes the expense associated with the contributions made to these plans.
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of retirement plans	7
Defined Benefit Plan Number	3
Active Defined Benefit Plan Number	1
Inactive Defined Benefit Plan Number	2
Defined Contribution Plan Number	4
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year | $	$ 0
CANADA
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Number	2
UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Number	1
Defined Contribution Plan Number	1
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year | $	$ 283
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer | $	$ 211

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of N

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
UNITED STATES
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 10	$ 5	$ 29	$ 17
Interest cost	185	193	555	578
Expected return on plan assets	(203)	(242)	(611)	(726)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(69)	(16)	(207)	(49)
Net periodic pension cost (income)	61	(28)	180	(82)
UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	78	97	231	297
Expected return on plan assets	(83)	(92)	(249)	(281)
Amortization of transition amount	5	(7)	15	(21)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(60)	(49)	(177)	(149)
Net periodic pension cost (income)	$ 60	$ 47	$ 174	$ 144

Retirement Plans (Defined Contr

Retirement Plans (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 629	$ 776	$ 2,369	$ 2,082
UNITED STATES
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	413	692	1,842	1,810
CANADA
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	54	52	167	172
UNITED KINGDOM
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 162	$ 32	$ 360	$ 100

Commitments and Contingent Li64

Commitments and Contingent Liabilites (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, item in Millions	9 Months Ended	168 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011item	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Concrete Ties Manufactured | item		3
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	$ 9,430		$ 11,500
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	6,690		3,344
Tucson, AZ [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Impairment of fixed assets	409
Reserve for Concrete Ties [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Standard Product Warranty Accrual	$ 8,289		$ 10,331
The UPRR [Member]
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]
Concrete Ties Manufactured | item		1.6

Commitments and Contingent Li65

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning	$ 11,500
Additions to warranty liability	1,454
Warranty liability utilized	(3,577)
Warranty liabilities acquired	53
Balance, Ending	$ 9,430

Commitments and Contingent Li66

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Environmental Liability) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Environmental liability, beginning balance	$ 3,344
Additions to environmental obligations	46
Environmental obligations utilized	(160)
Acquisitions	3,460
Environmental liability, ending balance	$ 6,690

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rates) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impairment of goodwill	$ 80,337	$ 0	$ 80,337	$ 0
Impairment of goodwill, tax benefit	$ 16,450		$ 16,450
Effective income tax rate	18.20%	34.20%	14.30%	33.30%