Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 28, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'WAB	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000943452	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	96,448,873

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash dividends, per share	$0.04	$0.03

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$295,103	$285,760
Accounts receivable	388,863	349,458
Unbilled accounts receivable	247,791	205,045
Inventories	420,058	403,229
Deferred income taxes	51,905	50,622
Other	30,458	38,933
Total current assets	1,434,178	1,333,047
Property, plant and equipment	598,269	597,740
Accumulated depreciation	-324,622	-321,662
Property, plant and equipment, net	273,647	276,078
Other Assets	'	'
Goodwill	787,610	786,433
Other intangibles, net	380,541	385,679
Other noncurrent assets	40,543	40,760
Total other assets	1,208,694	1,212,872
Total Assets	2,916,519	2,821,997
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	345,312	326,666
Customer deposits	67,066	66,573
Accrued compensation	51,205	57,058
Accrued warranty	44,051	43,197
Current portion of long-term debt	386	421
Other accrued liabilities	72,885	85,485
Total current liabilities	580,905	579,400
Long-term debt	450,247	450,288
Accrued postretirement and pension benefits	49,632	50,003
Deferred income taxes	118,184	114,486
Accrued warranty	18,843	17,396
Other long-term liabilities	18,320	23,257
Total liabilities	1,236,131	1,234,830
Shareholders’ Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized: 132,349,534 shares issued and 96,448,365 and 95,909,948 outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,323	1,323
Additional paid-in capital	427,968	415,059
Treasury stock, at cost, 35,901,169 and 36,439,586 shares, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-369,209	-372,969
Retained earnings	1,653,008	1,576,702
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-34,063	-34,856
Total Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation shareholders' equity	1,679,027	1,585,259
Non-controlling interest (minority interest)	1,361	1,908
Total shareholders’ equity	1,680,388	1,587,167
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$2,916,519	$2,821,997

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	132,349,534	132,349,534
Common stock, shares outstanding	96,448,365	95,909,948
Treasury stock, shares	35,901,169	36,439,586

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net sales	$695,249	$615,510
Cost of sales	-485,680	-432,622
Gross profit	209,569	182,888
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-70,081	-64,300
Engineering expenses	-12,946	-11,334
Amortization expense	-4,696	-3,587
Total operating expenses	-87,723	-79,221
Income from operations	121,846	103,667
Other income and expenses	'	'
Interest expense, net	-4,450	-3,614
Other (expense) income, net	-17	-581
Income from operations before income taxes	117,379	99,472
Income tax expense	-37,245	-29,859
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$80,134	$69,613
Basic	'	'
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$0.84	$0.73
Diluted	'	'
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$0.83	$0.72
Weighted average shares outstanding	'	'
Basic	95,529	95,025
Diluted	96,805	96,572

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$80,134	$69,613
Foreign currency translation loss	-643	-27,941
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	283	-57
Pension benefit plans and post-retirement benefit plans	1,808	3,102
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	1,448	-24,896
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income	-655	-844
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	793	-25,740
Comprehensive income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$80,927	$43,873

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$80,134	$69,613
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,578	11,170
Stock-based compensation expense	6,707	5,560
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	14	32
Excess income tax benefits from exercise of stock options	-642	-1,292
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	'	'
Accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable	-80,440	-42,534
Inventories	-19,105	-13,206
Accounts payable	19,141	14,960
Accrued income taxes	16,530	9,555
Accrued liabilities and customer deposits	-15,920	-15,036
Other assets and liabilities	6,218	-6,782
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,215	32,040
Investing Activities	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-6,333	-6,448
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	1,405	718
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	'	-115,071
Net cash used for investing activities	-4,928	-120,801
Financing Activities	'	'
Proceeds from debt	50,000	203,900
Payments of debt	-50,067	-104,228
Stock re-purchase	-2,151	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other benefit plans	879	1,589
Excess income tax benefits from exercise of stock options	642	1,292
Earn-out settlement	-4,429	'
Cash dividends ($0.04 and $0.025 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	-3,828	-2,386
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	-8,954	100,167
Effect of changes in currency exchange rates	-2,990	-1,834
Increase in cash	9,343	9,572
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	285,760	215,766
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$295,103	$225,338

Business

Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business	'
	1. BUSINESS
	Wabtec is one of the world’s largest providers of value-added, technology-based products and services for the global rail industry. Our products are found on virtually all U.S. locomotives, freight cars and passenger transit vehicles, as well as in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Our products enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce maintenance costs for customers, and many of our core products and services are essential in the safe and efficient operation of freight rail and passenger transit vehicles. Wabtec is a global company with operations in 19 countries. In the first three months of 2014, about 45% of the Company’s revenues came from customers outside the U.S.

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies	'
	2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include the accounts of Wabtec and its majority owned subsidiaries. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
	The Company operates on a four-four-five week accounting quarter, and the quarters’ end on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
	The notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in Wabtec’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The December 31, 2013 information has been derived from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Capital Structure On May 14, 2013, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock to 200.0 million shares.  In addition, on May 14, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend.  The increase in the authorized shares and the stock split became effective on May 14, 2013 and June 11, 2013, respectively.
	The Company issued approximately 66.2 million shares of its common stock as a result of the two-for-one stock split. The par value of the Company’s common stock remained unchanged at $0.01 per share.
	Information regarding shares of common stock (except par value per share), retained earnings, and net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders for all periods presented reflects the two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of other stock-based awards was proportionally increased, and the exercise price per share thereof was proportionally decreased, in accordance with the terms of the stock incentive plans.
	Reclassifications Certain prior year footnote amounts have been reclassified where necessary to conform to the current year presentation.
	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605 “Revenue Recognition”. Revenue is recognized when products have been shipped to the respective customers, title has passed and the price for the product has been determined.
	In general, the Company recognizes revenues on long-term contracts based on the percentage of completion method of accounting. The units-of-delivery method or other input-based or output-based measures, as appropriate, are used to measure the progress toward completion of individual contracts. Contract revenues and cost estimates are reviewed and revised at a minimum quarterly and adjustments are reflected in the accounting period as such amounts are determined. Provisions are made currently for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts. Unbilled accounts receivables were $247.8 million and $205.0 million, customer deposits were $67.1 million and $66.6 million, and provisions for loss contracts were $10.8 million and $14.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Certain pre-production costs relating to long-term production and supply contracts have been deferred and will be recognized over the life of the contracts. Deferred pre-production costs were $17.7 million and $19.2 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
	Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company has periodically entered into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Forward contracts are agreements with a counter-party to exchange two distinct currencies at a set exchange rate for delivery on a set date at some point in the future. There is no exchange of funds until the delivery date. At the delivery date the Company can either take delivery of the currency or settle on a net basis. At March 31, 2014, the Company had no material foreign currency forward contracts.
	To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150.0 million. Effective July 31, 2013, with a termination date of November 7, 2016, this interest rate swap agreement converts a portion of the Company’s then outstanding debt from a variable rate to a fixed-rate borrowing. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. However, since only the cash interest payments are exchanged, exposure is significantly less than the notional amount. The counterparty is a large financial institution with an excellent credit rating and history of performance. The Company currently believes the risk of nonperformance is negligible. The Company concluded that the interest rate swap agreement qualifies for special cash flow hedge accounting which requires the recording of the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement and permits the corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, on the balance sheet. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement the interest rate on the notional value will be fixed at 1.415% plus the Alternate Rate margin. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has recorded a current liability of $2.6 million and a corresponding offset in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.6 million, net of tax, related to this agreement.
	Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except for the Company’s Mexican operations whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date while income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions, and the translation of financial statements are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements based upon the provisions of ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters.” The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions and balances of a long-term investment nature are accumulated and carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are charged or credited to earnings. Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other income (expense), net were $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Non-controlling Interests In accordance with ASC 810, the Company has classified non-controlling interests as equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material.
	Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is defined as net income and all other non-owner changes in shareholders’ equity.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
								Pension and
		Foreign						post
		currency			Derivative			retirement
	In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	17,326		$	(2,010	)	$	(50,172	)	$	(34,856	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(643	)		(248	)		563			(328	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			390			731			1,121
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(643	)		142			1,294			793
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	16,683		$	(1,868	)	$	(48,878	)	$	(34,063	)
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Amount reclassified from			Affected line item in the
		accumulated other			Condensed Consolidated
	In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Operations
	Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
	Amortization of initial net obligation and	$	(616	)	Cost of sales
	prior service cost
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,687		Cost of sales
			1,071		Income from Operations
			(340	)	Income tax expense
		$	731		Net income
	Derivative contracts
	Realized loss on derivative contracts		571		Interest expense, net
			(181	)	Income tax expense
		$	390		Net income

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisitions	'
	3. ACQUISITIONS
	The Company has made the following acquisitions operating as a business unit or component of a business unit in the Freight Segment:
	—	On September 24, 2013, the Company acquired Longwood Industries, Inc (“Longwood”), a manufacturer of specialty rubber products for transportation, oil and gas, and industrial markets, for a net purchase price of approximately $83.9 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $36.0 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.
	—	On July 30, 2013, the Company acquired Turbonetics Holdings, Inc (“Turbonetics”), a manufacturer of turbochargers and related components for various industrial markets, for a net purchase price of approximately $23.2 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in preliminary goodwill of $7.0 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.
	—	On February 26, 2013, the Company acquired Transdyne (“Transdyne”), a distributor of wear-protection components and other hardware used primarily on railroad freight cars, for a net purchase price of approximately $2.4 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in additional goodwill of $0.5 million, which will be deductible for tax purposes.
	—	On January 31, 2013, the Company acquired Napier Turbochargers Ltd. (“Napier”), a UK-based provider of turbochargers and related parts for the worldwide power generation and marine markets, for a net purchase price of approximately $112.3 million, net of cash acquired, resulting in additional goodwill of $67.0 million, none of which will be deductible for tax purposes.
	The acquisitions listed above include escrow deposits of $8.9 million, which act as security for indemnity and other claims in accordance with the purchase and related escrow agreements.
	·	On February 12, 2014, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fandstan Electric Group Ltd. (“Fandstan”), a leading rail and industrial equipment manufacturer for a variety of markets, including rail and tram transportation, industrial and energy, for a purchase price of approximately $215.0 million.  The Company expects the transaction to be completed in the second quarter of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions and competition authority clearance. Fandstan will operate as a business unit or component of a business unit in the Transit Segment.
	For the Longwood and Turbonetics acquisitions, the following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition.  For the Transdyne and Napier acquisition, the following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
			Longwood			Turbonetics			Transdyne			Napier
			September 24,			July 30,			February 26,			January 31,
	In thousands		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Current assets		$	18,162		$	5,562		$	1,062		$	13,441
	Property, plant & equipment			15,018			996			83			8,837
	Goodwill			35,971			6,995			485			67,045
	Other intangible assets			39,440			11,140			1,000			40,583
	Other assets			7			—			—			—
	Total assets acquired			108,598			24,693			2,630			129,906
	Total liabilities assumed			(24,735	)		(1,510	)		(228	)		(17,565	)
	Net assets acquired		$	83,863		$	23,183		$	2,402		$	112,341
	Of the $92.1 million of total acquired intangible assets, $60.4 million was assigned to customer relationships, $24.0 million was assigned to trade names, $5.2 million was assigned to patents, $0.8 million was assigned to favorable leasehold interest and $1.7 million was assigned to customer backlog. The trade names were determined to have an indefinite useful life, while the customer relationships’ average useful life is 20 years, the patents’ useful life is twelve years and the favorable leasehold interest useful life is five years.
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents income statement results as if the acquisitions listed above had occurred on January 1, 2013:
			Three Months Ended
	In thousands		31-Mar-13
	Net sales		$	640,564
	Gross profit			188,633
	Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders			71,695
	Diluted earnings per share
	As Reported		$	0.72
	Pro forma		$	0.74

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventories	'
	4. INVENTORIES
	The components of inventory, net of reserves, were:
		March 31,		December 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	163,821	$	165,906
	Work-in-progress		151,284		137,449
	Finished goods		104,953		99,874
	Total inventories	$	420,058	$	403,229

Intangibles

Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Intangibles	'
	5. INTANGIBLES
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Freight			Transit
	In thousands		Segment			Segment			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	509,664		$	276,769		$	786,433
	Adjustment to preliminary purchase allocation			1,775			—			1,775
	Foreign currency impact			(245	)		(353	)		(598	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014			511,194			276,416			787,610
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s trademarks had a net carrying amount of $156.4 million and $156.8 million, respectively, and the Company believes these intangibles have an indefinite life.
	Intangible assets of the Company, other than goodwill and trademarks, consist of the following:
			March 31,			December 31,
	In thousands		2014			2013
	Patents, non-compete and other intangibles, net of accumulated		$	14,083		$	15,561
	amortization of $38,524 and $37,824
	Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization			210,074			213,324
	of $47,662 and $44,910
	Total		$	224,157		$	228,885
	The weighted average remaining useful life of patents, customer relationships and intellectual property were ten years, 17 years and 15 years, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $4.7 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Amortization expense for the five succeeding years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	12,878
	2015		16,131
	2016		15,980
	2017		15,084
	2018		14,448

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt	'
	6. LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023	$	250,000	$	250,000
	Revolving Credit Facility		200,000		200,000
	Capital Leases		633		709
	Total		450,633		450,709
	Less - current portion		386		421
	Long-term portion	$	450,247	$	450,288
	2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement
	On December 19, 2013, the Company amended its existing revolving credit facility with a consortium of commercial banks. This “2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement” provides the Company with an $800 million, five-year revolving credit facility. The Company incurred approximately $1.0 million of deferred financing cost related to the 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement. The facility expires on December 19, 2018. The 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement borrowings bear variable interest rates indexed as described below. At March 31, 2014, the Company had available bank borrowing capacity, net of $47.0 million of letters of credit, of approximately $553.0 million, subject to certain financial covenant restrictions.
	Under the 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement, the Company may elect a Base Rate of interest for U.S. Dollar denominated loans or, for certain currencies,  an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) of interest, or other rates appropriate for such currencies  (in any case, “the Alternate Rate”). The Base Rate adjusts on a daily basis and is the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5% per annum, the PNC, N.A. prime rate or the Daily LIBOR Rate plus 100 basis points, plus a margin that ranges from 0 to 75 basis points. The Alternate Rate is based on the quoted rates specific to the applicable currency, plus a margin that ranges from 75 to 175 basis points. Both the Base Rate and Alternate Rate margins are dependent on the Company’s consolidated total indebtedness to cash flow ratios. The initial Base Rate margin is 0 basis points and the Alternate Rate margin is 100 basis points.
	At March 31, 2014 the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s variable rate debt was 1.16%.  On January 12, 2012, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150 million. The effective date of the interest rate swap agreement is July 31, 2013, and the termination date is November 7, 2016. The impact of the interest rate swap agreement converts a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt from a variable rate to a fixed-rate borrowing. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement the interest rate on the notional value will be fixed at 1.415% plus the Alternate Rate margin. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. However, since only the cash interest payments are exchanged, exposure is significantly less than the notional amount. The counterparty is a large financial institution with an excellent credit rating and history of performance. The Company currently believes the risk of nonperformance is negligible.
	The 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement limits the Company’s ability to declare or pay cash dividends and prohibits the Company from declaring or making other distributions, subject to certain exceptions. The 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement contains various other covenants and restrictions including the following limitations: incurrence of additional indebtedness; mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions; additional liens; sale and leasebacks; permissible investments, loans and advances; certain debt payments; and imposes a minimum interest expense coverage ratio of 3.0 and a maximum debt to cash flow ratio of 3.25. The Company does not expect that these measurements will limit the Company in executing our operating activities.
	2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement
	On November 7, 2011, the Company refinanced its existing revolving credit and term loan facility with a consortium of commercial banks. This “2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement” provided the company with a $600 million, five-year revolving credit facility. The Company incurred approximately $1.9 million of deferred financing cost related to the 2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement. The facility was set to expire on November 7, 2016.
	Under the 2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement, the Company may have elected a Base Rate of interest or an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) of interest (“the Alternate Rate”). The Base Rate adjusted on a daily basis and was the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5% per annum, the PNC, N.A. prime rate or the Daily LIBOR Rate plus 100 basis points plus a margin that ranged from 0 to 75 basis points. The Alternate Rate was based on quoted LIBOR rates plus a margin that ranged from 75 to 175 basis points. Both the Base Rate and Alternate Rate margins were dependent on the Company’s consolidated total indebtedness to cash flow ratios. The current Base Rate margin was 0 basis points and the Alternate Rate margin was 100 basis points.
	4.375% Senior Notes Due August 2023
	In August 2013, the Company issued $250.0 million of Senior Notes due in 2023 (the “2013 Notes”).  The 2013 Notes were issued at 99.879% of face value.  Interest on the 2013 Notes accrues at a rate of 4.375% per annum and is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year.  The proceeds were used to repay debt outstanding under the Company’s existing credit agreement, and for general corporate purposes.  The principal balance is due in full at maturity.  The Company incurred $2.6 million of deferred financing costs related to the issuance.
	The 2013 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with all existing and future senior debt and senior to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The indenture under which the 2013 Notes were issued contains covenants and restrictions which limit among other things, the following: the incurrence of indebtedness, payment of dividends and certain distributions, sale of assets, change in control, mergers and consolidations and the incurrence of liens.
	The Company is in compliance with the restrictions and covenants in the indenture under which the 2013 Notes were issued and expects that these restrictions and covenants will not be any type of limiting factor in executing our operating activities.
	6.875% Senior Notes Due July 31, 2013
	In August 2003, the Company issued $150.0 million of Senior Notes due in 2013 (“the 2003 Notes”). The 2003 Notes were issued at par. Interest on the 2003 Notes accrued at a rate of 6.875% per annum and was payable semi-annually on January 31 and July 31 of each year. The proceeds were used to repay debt outstanding under the Company’s existing credit agreement, and for general corporate purposes. The Company paid off the 2003 Notes, which matured on July 31, 2013 utilizing available capacity under the 2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover certain U.S., Canadian, German, and United Kingdom employees and which provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service of the employee.
	The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the plans.
	The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans summarized by U.S. and international components.
		U.S.						International
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	In thousands, except percentages	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	98		$	106		$	424		$	513
	Interest cost		532			491			1,821			1,677
	Expected return on plan assets		(620	)		(740	)		(2,216	)		(2,122	)
	Net amortization/deferrals		655			839			758			866
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	665		$	696		$	787		$	934
	Assumptions
	Discount rate		4.7	%		3.9	%		4.43	%		4.3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return		6.2	%		7.5	%		6.07	%		6.09	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.59	%		3.1	%
	The Company’s funding methods are based on governmental requirements and differ from those methods used to recognize pension expense. The Company expects to contribute $5.2 million to the international plans and does not expect to make a contribution to the U.S. plans during 2014.
	Post Retirement Benefit Plans
	In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company has provided certain unfunded postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for a portion of North American employees. The Company is not obligated to pay health care and life insurance benefits to individuals who had retired prior to 1990.
	The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all post retirement plans.
	The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s post retirement benefit plans summarized by U.S. and international components.
		U.S.						International
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	In thousands, except percentages	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	10		$	7		$	9		$	12
	Interest cost		296			321			42			44
	Net amortization/deferrals		(327	)		(212	)		(15	)		(77	)
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(21	)	$	116		$	36		$	(21	)
	Assumptions
	Discount rate		4.7	%		3.9	%		4.6	%		4.3	%

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock-based Compensation	'
	8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company maintains employee stock-based compensation plans for stock options, restricted stock, restricted units, and incentive stock awards as governed by the 2011 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2000 Plan”). The 2011 Plan has a 10-year term through March 27, 2021 and provides a maximum of 3,800,000 shares for grants or awards. The 2011 Plan was approved by stockholders of Wabtec on May 11, 2011. The Company also maintains a Non-Employee Directors’ Fee and Stock Option Plan (“Directors Plan”). No awards may be made under the Directors Plan subsequent to October 31, 2016.
	Stock-based compensation expense was $6.7 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Included in the stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 above is $0.6 million of expense related to stock options, $1.6 million related to restricted stock, $0.6 million related to restricted units, $3.6 million related to incentive stock awards and $0.3 million related to awards issued for Directors’ fees. At March 31, 2014, unamortized compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted units and incentive stock awards expected to vest totaled $35.1 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
	Stock Options Stock options are granted to eligible employees and directors at the fair market value, which is the average of the high and low Wabtec stock price on the date of grant. Under the 2011 Plan and the 2000 Plan, options become exercisable over a four-year vesting period and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the Directors Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
								Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Weighted Average			Remaining		Intrinsic value
		Options			Exercise Price			Contractual Life		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,232,862		$	24.36			6.1	$	61,530
	Granted		78,232			72.82					325
	Exercised		(46,155	)		19.05					(2,673	)
	Canceled		(261	)		43.11					(9	)
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		1,264,678		$	27.55			6.1	$	62,501
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		912,068		$	20.82			5.4	$	51,213
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Dividend yield		0.11	%		0.21	%
	Risk-free interest rate		2.19	%		1.38	%
	Stock price volatility		33.2	%		43.8	%
	Expected life (years)		5			5
	The dividend yield is based on the Company’s dividend rate and the current market price of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Expected life in years is determined from historical stock option exercise data. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury bond rates for the expected life of the option.
	Restricted Stock, Restricted Units and Incentive Stock Beginning in 2006 the Company adopted a restricted stock program. As provided for under the 2011 and 2000 Plans, eligible employees are granted restricted stock or restricted units that generally vest over four years from the date of grant. Under the Directors Plan, restricted stock awards vest one year from the date of grant.
	In addition, the Company has issued incentive stock awards to eligible employees that vest upon attainment of certain cumulative three year performance goals. Based on the Company’s performance for each three-year period then ended, the incentive stock awards can vest and be awarded ranging from 0% to 200% of the initial incentive stock awards granted. The incentive stock awards included in the table below represent the number of shares that are expected to vest based on the Company’s estimate for meeting those established performance targets. As of March 31, 2014, the Company estimates that it will achieve 167%, 100% and 100% for the incentive stock awards expected to vest based on performance for the three-year periods ending December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, and has recorded incentive compensation expense accordingly. If our estimate of the number of these stock awards expected to vest changes in a future accounting period, cumulative compensation expense could increase or decrease and will be recognized in the current period for the elapsed portion of the vesting period and would change future expense for the remaining vesting period.
	Compensation expense for the restricted stock and incentive stock awards is based on the average of the high and low Wabtec stock price on the date of grant and recognized over the applicable vesting period.
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock and unit activity for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the Directors Plan, and incentive stock awards activity for the 2011 Plan and the 2000 Plan with related information for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
								Weighted
		Restricted			Incentive			Average Grant
		Stock			Stock			Date Fair
		and Units			Awards			Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		510,129			1,043,594		$	35.27
	Granted		107,212			133,740			59.2
	Vested		(199,122	)		(458,536	)		29.18
	Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest		-			15,628			42.45
	Canceled		(1,162	)		(1,500	)		46.32
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		417,057			732,926		$	43.84

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	9. INCOME TAXES
	The overall effective income tax rate was 31.7% and 30.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the effective rate is primarily due to a benefit recorded in 2013 related to the R&D tax credit.
	As of March 31, 2014, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions is $10.8 million, of which $5.0 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2013 the liability associated with uncertain tax positions was $10.5 million, of which $4.7 million, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
	The Company includes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2014 the total accrued interest and penalties are $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013 the total accrued interest and penalties are $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to examination by various U.S. and foreign taxing authorities for years before 2011.  At this time, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million may change within the next 12 months due to the expiration of statutory review periods and current examinations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share	'
	10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands, except per share data	2014			2013
	Numerator
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - net income	$	80,134		$	69,613
	attributable to Wabtec shareholders
	Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock		(3,828	)		(2,386	)
	Undistributed earnings		76,306			67,227
	Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)		99.5	%		99.5	%
			75,924			66,891
	Add: dividends declared - common shares		3,810			2,374
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	79,734		$	69,265
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted		95,529			95,025
	average shares
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans		1,276			1,547
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted		96,805			96,572
	average shares and assumed conversion
	Net income per common share attributabel to Wabtec shareholders
	Basic	$	0.84		$	0.73
	Diluted	$	0.83		$	0.72
	(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		95,529			95,025
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested		95,974			95,502
	restricted stock expected to vest
	Percentage allocated to common shareholders		99.5	%		99.5	%
	The Company’s non-vested restricted stock contains rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends, and thus, are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The calculation of earnings per share for common stock shown above excludes the income attributable to the non-vested restricted stock from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator.

Warranties

Warranties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Warranties	'
	11. WARRANTIES
	The following table reconciles the changes in the Company’s product warranty reserve as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	60,593		$	58,212
	Warranty expense		6,023			4,773
	Acquisitions		—			1,776
	Warranty claim payments		(3,668	)		(4,713	)
	Foreign currency impact/other		(54	)		(750	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	62,894		$	59,298

Fair_Value_Measurement_and_Fai

Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and explains the related disclosure requirements. ASC 820 indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability and defines fair value based upon an exit price model.
	Valuation Hierarchy ASC 820 establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. 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.
	The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014, which are included in other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet:
				Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 Using
		Total Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		March 31,		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	In thousands	2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap agreements		2,596		—		2,596		—
	Total	$	2,596	$	—	$	2,596	$	—
	The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013, which is included in other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet:
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using
		Total Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	In thousands	2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap agreements		3,005		—		3,005		—
	Total	$	3,005	$	—	$	3,005	$	—
	To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt, the Company entered into interest rate swaps which effectively converted a portion of the debt from variable to fixed-rate borrowings during the term of the swap contracts. For certain derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as interest rate swaps, valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	As a result of our global operating activities the Company is exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, the Company minimizes these risks through entering into foreign currency forward contracts. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or over-the counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within level 2.
	The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and are considered Level 1 on the fair value valuation hierarchy. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximated the carrying value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets consist primarily of equity security funds, debt security funds and temporary cash and cash equivalent investments. Generally, all plan assets are considered Level 2 based on the fair value valuation hierarchy. These investments are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, and money markets.  Trusts are valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) as determined by their custodian.  NAV represent the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates.  The 2013 Notes are considered Level 2 based on the fair value valuation hierarchy.
	The estimated fair values and related carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
		Carry		Fair		Carry		Fair
	In thousands	Value		Value		Value		Value
	Interest rate swap agreement	$	2,596	$	2,596	$	3,005	$	3,005
	4.375% Senior Notes		250,000		258,443		250,000		253,135
	The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreement, the 2013 Notes and the 2003 Notes were based on dealer quotes and represent the estimated amount the Company would pay to the counterparty to terminate the agreement.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Claims have been filed against the Company and certain of its affiliates in various jurisdictions across the United States by persons alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. Further information and detail on these claims is described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, in Note 18 therein, filed on February 21, 2014. During the first three months for 2014, there were no material changes to the information described in the Form 10-K.
	The Company is also subject to litigation from time to time arising out of its operations in the ordinary course of business, including claims based on product liability, contracts, intellectual property, or other causes of action. Further information and detail on any potentially material litigation is as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, in Note 18 therein, filed on February 21, 2014. During the first three months of 2014, there were no material changes to the information described in the Form 10-K.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
	14. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Wabtec has two reportable segments—the Freight Segment and the Transit Segment. The key factors used to identify these reportable segments are the organization and alignment of the Company’s internal operations, the nature of the products and services, and customer type. The business segments are:
	Freight Segment primarily manufactures and services components for new and existing freight cars and locomotives, builds new switcher locomotives, rebuilds freight locomotives, supplies railway electronics, positive train control equipment, signal design and engineering services, friction products, and provides related heat exchange and cooling systems. Customers include large, publicly traded railroads, leasing companies, manufacturers of original equipment such as locomotives and freight cars, and utilities.
	Transit Segment primarily manufactures and services components for new and existing passenger transit vehicles, typically subway cars and buses, builds new commuter locomotives, friction products, and refurbishes subway cars. Customers include public transit authorities and municipalities, leasing companies, and manufacturers of subway cars and buses around the world.
	The Company evaluates its business segments’ operating results based on income from operations. Corporate activities include general corporate expenses, elimination of intersegment transactions, interest income and expense and other unallocated charges. Since certain administrative and other operating expenses and other items have not been allocated to business segments, the results in the following tables are not necessarily a measure computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may not be comparable to other companies.
	Segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
						Corporate
		Freight		Transit		Activities and
	In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	385,506	$	309,743	$	—		$	695,249
	Intersegment sales/(elimination)		7,183		2,833		(10,016	)		—
	Total sales	$	392,689	$	312,576	$	(10,016	)	$	695,249
	Income (loss) from operations	$	91,931	$	34,518	$	(4,603	)	$	121,846
	Interest expense and other, net		—		—		(4,467	)		(4,467	)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	91,931	$	34,518	$	(9,070	)	$	117,379
	Segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:
						Corporate
		Freight		Transit		Activities and
	In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	313,679	$	301,831	$	—		$	615,510
	Intersegment sales/(elimination)		7,060		1,360		(8,420	)		-
	Total sales	$	320,739	$	303,191	$	(8,420	)	$	615,510
	Income (loss) from operations	$	69,836	$	38,581	$	(4,750	)	$	103,667
	Interest expense and other, net		—		—		(4,195	)		(4,195	)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	69,836	$	38,581	$	(8,945	)	$	99,472
	Sales by product are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Specialty Products & Electronics	$	278,740	$	236,070
	Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build		172,249		166,726
	Brake Products		155,605		141,322
	Other Transit Products		50,526		51,049
	Other		38,129		20,343
	Total sales	$	695,249	$	615,510

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other Income (Expense), Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Income (Expense), Net	'
	15. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
	The components of other income (expense) are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Foreign currency loss	$	(361	)	$	(927	)
	Other miscellaneous income		344			346
	Total other (expense) income, net	$	(17	)	$	(581	)

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include the accounts of Wabtec and its majority owned subsidiaries. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
	The Company operates on a four-four-five week accounting quarter, and the quarters’ end on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
	The notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in Wabtec’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The December 31, 2013 information has been derived from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Capital Structure	'
	Capital Structure On May 14, 2013, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock to 200.0 million shares.  In addition, on May 14, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend.  The increase in the authorized shares and the stock split became effective on May 14, 2013 and June 11, 2013, respectively.
	The Company issued approximately 66.2 million shares of its common stock as a result of the two-for-one stock split. The par value of the Company’s common stock remained unchanged at $0.01 per share.
	Information regarding shares of common stock (except par value per share), retained earnings, and net income per common share attributable to Wabtec shareholders for all periods presented reflects the two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of other stock-based awards was proportionally increased, and the exercise price per share thereof was proportionally decreased, in accordance with the terms of the stock incentive plans.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications Certain prior year footnote amounts have been reclassified where necessary to conform to the current year presentation.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605 “Revenue Recognition”. Revenue is recognized when products have been shipped to the respective customers, title has passed and the price for the product has been determined.
	In general, the Company recognizes revenues on long-term contracts based on the percentage of completion method of accounting. The units-of-delivery method or other input-based or output-based measures, as appropriate, are used to measure the progress toward completion of individual contracts. Contract revenues and cost estimates are reviewed and revised at a minimum quarterly and adjustments are reflected in the accounting period as such amounts are determined. Provisions are made currently for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts. Unbilled accounts receivables were $247.8 million and $205.0 million, customer deposits were $67.1 million and $66.6 million, and provisions for loss contracts were $10.8 million and $14.0 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Certain pre-production costs relating to long-term production and supply contracts have been deferred and will be recognized over the life of the contracts. Deferred pre-production costs were $17.7 million and $19.2 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities	'
	Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company has periodically entered into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Forward contracts are agreements with a counter-party to exchange two distinct currencies at a set exchange rate for delivery on a set date at some point in the future. There is no exchange of funds until the delivery date. At the delivery date the Company can either take delivery of the currency or settle on a net basis. At March 31, 2014, the Company had no material foreign currency forward contracts.
	To reduce the impact of interest rate changes on a portion of its variable-rate debt, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional value of $150.0 million. Effective July 31, 2013, with a termination date of November 7, 2016, this interest rate swap agreement converts a portion of the Company’s then outstanding debt from a variable rate to a fixed-rate borrowing. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. However, since only the cash interest payments are exchanged, exposure is significantly less than the notional amount. The counterparty is a large financial institution with an excellent credit rating and history of performance. The Company currently believes the risk of nonperformance is negligible. The Company concluded that the interest rate swap agreement qualifies for special cash flow hedge accounting which requires the recording of the fair value of the interest rate swap agreement and permits the corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, on the balance sheet. During the term of the interest rate swap agreement the interest rate on the notional value will be fixed at 1.415% plus the Alternate Rate margin. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has recorded a current liability of $2.6 million and a corresponding offset in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.6 million, net of tax, related to this agreement.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except for the Company’s Mexican operations whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date while income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions, and the translation of financial statements are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements based upon the provisions of ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters.” The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions and balances of a long-term investment nature are accumulated and carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The effects of currency exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are charged or credited to earnings. Foreign exchange transaction losses recognized in other income (expense), net were $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Non-controlling Interests	'
	Non-controlling Interests In accordance with ASC 810, the Company has classified non-controlling interests as equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material.
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is defined as net income and all other non-owner changes in shareholders’ equity.
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
								Pension and
		Foreign						post
		currency			Derivative			retirement
	In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	17,326		$	(2,010	)	$	(50,172	)	$	(34,856	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(643	)		(248	)		563			(328	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			390			731			1,121
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(643	)		142			1,294			793
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	16,683		$	(1,868	)	$	(48,878	)	$	(34,063	)
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Amount reclassified from			Affected line item in the
		accumulated other			Condensed Consolidated
	In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Operations
	Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
	Amortization of initial net obligation and	$	(616	)	Cost of sales
	prior service cost
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,687		Cost of sales
			1,071		Income from Operations
			(340	)	Income tax expense
		$	731		Net income
	Derivative contracts
	Realized loss on derivative contracts		571		Interest expense, net
			(181	)	Income tax expense
		$	390		Net income

Accounting_Policies_Tables

Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
								Pension and
		Foreign						post
		currency			Derivative			retirement
	In thousands	translation			contracts			benefits plans			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	17,326		$	(2,010	)	$	(50,172	)	$	(34,856	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		(643	)		(248	)		563			(328	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			390			731			1,121
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income		(643	)		142			1,294			793
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	16,683		$	(1,868	)	$	(48,878	)	$	(34,063	)
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Amount reclassified from			Affected line item in the
		accumulated other			Condensed Consolidated
	In thousands	comprehensive income			Statements of Operations
	Amortization of defined pension and post retirement items
	Amortization of initial net obligation and	$	(616	)	Cost of sales
	prior service cost
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		1,687		Cost of sales
			1,071		Income from Operations
			(340	)	Income tax expense
		$	731		Net income
	Derivative contracts
	Realized loss on derivative contracts		571		Interest expense, net
			(181	)	Income tax expense
		$	390		Net income

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Values of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed at the Date of the Acquisition	'
	For the Longwood and Turbonetics acquisitions, the following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition.  For the Transdyne and Napier acquisition, the following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
		Longwood			Turbonetics			Transdyne			Napier
		September 24,			July 30,			February 26,			January 31,
	In thousands	2013			2013			2013			2013
	Current assets	$	18,162		$	5,562		$	1,062		$	13,441
	Property, plant & equipment		15,018			996			83			8,837
	Goodwill		35,971			6,995			485			67,045
	Other intangible assets		39,440			11,140			1,000			40,583
	Other assets		7			—			—			—
	Total assets acquired		108,598			24,693			2,630			129,906
	Total liabilities assumed		(24,735	)		(1,510	)		(228	)		(17,565	)
	Net assets acquired	$	83,863		$	23,183		$	2,402		$	112,341
Pro Forma Financial Information	'
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents income statement results as if the acquisitions listed above had occurred on January 1, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
	In thousands	31-Mar-13
	Net sales	$	640,564
	Gross profit		188,633
	Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders		71,695
	Diluted earnings per share
	As Reported	$	0.72
	Pro forma	$	0.74

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves	'
	The components of inventory, net of reserves, were:
		March 31,		December 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	163,821	$	165,906
	Work-in-progress		151,284		137,449
	Finished goods		104,953		99,874
	Total inventories	$	420,058	$	403,229

Intangibles_Tables

Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	'
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Freight			Transit
	In thousands		Segment			Segment			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	509,664		$	276,769		$	786,433
	Adjustment to preliminary purchase allocation			1,775			—			1,775
	Foreign currency impact			(245	)		(353	)		(598	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014			511,194			276,416			787,610
Intangible Assets of the Company, Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks	'
	Intangible assets of the Company, other than goodwill and trademarks, consist of the following:
			March 31,			December 31,
	In thousands		2014			2013
	Patents, non-compete and other intangibles, net of accumulated		$	14,083		$	15,561
	amortization of $38,524 and $37,824
	Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization			210,074			213,324
	of $47,662 and $44,910
	Total		$	224,157		$	228,885
Amortization Expense	'
	Amortization expense for the five succeeding years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	12,878
	2015		16,131
	2016		15,980
	2017		15,084
	2018		14,448

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023	$	250,000	$	250,000
	Revolving Credit Facility		200,000		200,000
	Capital Leases		633		709
	Total		450,633		450,709
	Less - current portion		386		421
	Long-term portion	$	450,247	$	450,288

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'
	The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans summarized by U.S. and international components.
		U.S.						International
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	In thousands, except percentages	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	98		$	106		$	424		$	513
	Interest cost		532			491			1,821			1,677
	Expected return on plan assets		(620	)		(740	)		(2,216	)		(2,122	)
	Net amortization/deferrals		655			839			758			866
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	665		$	696		$	787		$	934
	Assumptions
	Discount rate		4.7	%		3.9	%		4.43	%		4.3	%
	Expected long-term rate of return		6.2	%		7.5	%		6.07	%		6.09	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3	%		3	%		3.59	%		3.1	%
Post Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s post retirement benefit plans summarized by U.S. and international components.
		U.S.						International
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	In thousands, except percentages	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	10		$	7		$	9		$	12
	Interest cost		296			321			42			44
	Net amortization/deferrals		(327	)		(212	)		(15	)		(77	)
	Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(21	)	$	116		$	36		$	(21	)
	Assumptions
	Discount rate		4.7	%		3.9	%		4.6	%		4.3	%

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the Directors Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
								Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Weighted Average			Remaining		Intrinsic value
		Options			Exercise Price			Contractual Life		(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,232,862		$	24.36			6.1	$	61,530
	Granted		78,232			72.82					325
	Exercised		(46,155	)		19.05					(2,673	)
	Canceled		(261	)		43.11					(9	)
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		1,264,678		$	27.55			6.1	$	62,501
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		912,068		$	20.82			5.4	$	51,213
Schedule of Share-Based Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted-Average Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Dividend yield		0.11	%		0.21	%
	Risk-free interest rate		2.19	%		1.38	%
	Stock price volatility		33.2	%		43.8	%
	Expected life (years)		5			5
Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock and unit activity for the 2011 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the Directors Plan, and incentive stock awards activity for the 2011 Plan and the 2000 Plan with related information for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
								Weighted
		Restricted			Incentive			Average Grant
		Stock			Stock			Date Fair
		and Units			Awards			Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		510,129			1,043,594		$	35.27
	Granted		107,212			133,740			59.2
	Vested		(199,122	)		(458,536	)		29.18
	Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest		-			15,628			42.45
	Canceled		(1,162	)		(1,500	)		46.32
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		417,057			732,926		$	43.84

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands, except per share data	2014			2013
	Numerator
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share - net income	$	80,134		$	69,613
	attributable to Wabtec shareholders
	Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock		(3,828	)		(2,386	)
	Undistributed earnings		76,306			67,227
	Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1)		99.5	%		99.5	%
			75,924			66,891
	Add: dividends declared - common shares		3,810			2,374
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	79,734		$	69,265
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted		95,529			95,025
	average shares
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans		1,276			1,547
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted		96,805			96,572
	average shares and assumed conversion
	Net income per common share attributabel to Wabtec shareholders
	Basic	$	0.84		$	0.73
	Diluted	$	0.83		$	0.72
	(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		95,529			95,025
	Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested		95,974			95,502
	restricted stock expected to vest
	Percentage allocated to common shareholders		99.5	%		99.5	%

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in Product Warranty Reserve	'
	The following table reconciles the changes in the Company’s product warranty reserve as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	60,593		$	58,212
	Warranty expense		6,023			4,773
	Acquisitions		—			1,776
	Warranty claim payments		(3,668	)		(4,713	)
	Foreign currency impact/other		(54	)		(750	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	62,894		$	59,298

Fair_Value_Measurement_and_Fai1

Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014, which are included in other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet:
				Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 Using
		Total Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		March 31,		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	In thousands	2014		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap agreements		2,596		—		2,596		—
	Total	$	2,596	$	—	$	2,596	$	—
	The following table provides the liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013, which is included in other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet:
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using
		Total Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		December 31,		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	In thousands	2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap agreements		3,005		—		3,005		—
	Total	$	3,005	$	—	$	3,005	$	—
Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The estimated fair values and related carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
		Carry		Fair		Carry		Fair
	In thousands	Value		Value		Value		Value
	Interest rate swap agreement	$	2,596	$	2,596	$	3,005	$	3,005
	4.375% Senior Notes		250,000		258,443		250,000		253,135

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Financial Information	'
	Segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
						Corporate
		Freight		Transit		Activities and
	In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	385,506	$	309,743	$	—		$	695,249
	Intersegment sales/(elimination)		7,183		2,833		(10,016	)		—
	Total sales	$	392,689	$	312,576	$	(10,016	)	$	695,249
	Income (loss) from operations	$	91,931	$	34,518	$	(4,603	)	$	121,846
	Interest expense and other, net		—		—		(4,467	)		(4,467	)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	91,931	$	34,518	$	(9,070	)	$	117,379
	Segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:
						Corporate
		Freight		Transit		Activities and
	In thousands	Segment		Segment		Elimination			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	313,679	$	301,831	$	—		$	615,510
	Intersegment sales/(elimination)		7,060		1,360		(8,420	)		-
	Total sales	$	320,739	$	303,191	$	(8,420	)	$	615,510
	Income (loss) from operations	$	69,836	$	38,581	$	(4,750	)	$	103,667
	Interest expense and other, net		—		—		(4,195	)		(4,195	)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	69,836	$	38,581	$	(8,945	)	$	99,472
Sales by Product	'
	Sales by product are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Specialty Products & Electronics	$	278,740	$	236,070
	Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build		172,249		166,726
	Brake Products		155,605		141,322
	Other Transit Products		50,526		51,049
	Other		38,129		20,343
	Total sales	$	695,249	$	615,510

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Components of Other Income (Expense)	'
	The components of other income (expense) are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Foreign currency loss	$	(361	)	$	(927	)
	Other miscellaneous income		344			346
	Total other (expense) income, net	$	(17	)	$	(581	)

Business_Additional_Informatio

Business - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Country
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Number of countries company operates	19
Revenues from customers outside the U.S.	45.00%
Minimum	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Number of countries where product found, minimum	100

Accounting_Policies_Additional

Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	14-May-13	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000	'	200,000,000
Stock split ratio	2	'	'	'
Percentage of stock dividend	100.00%	'	'	'
Shares issued during stock split	66,200,000	'	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01	'	$0.01
Unbilled accounts receivable	'	$247,791,000	'	$205,045,000
Customer deposits	'	67,066,000	'	66,573,000
Provisions for loss contracts	'	10,800,000	'	14,000,000
Deferred pre-production costs	'	17,700,000	'	19,200,000
Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense)	'	-361,000	-927,000	'
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreement	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount	'	150,000,000	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement termination date	'	7-Nov-16	'	'
Current liability	'	2,600,000	'	'
Interest rate swap, accumulated other comprehensive loss	'	$1,600,000	'	'
Interest rate on notional value	'	1.42%	'	'

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	($34,856)	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-328	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,121	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	793	-25,740
Balance at March 31, 2014	-34,063	'
Foreign Currency Translation	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	17,326	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-643	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-643	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	16,683	'
Derivative Contracts	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-2,010	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-248	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	390	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	142	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	-1,868	'
Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-50,172	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	563	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	731	'
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	1,294	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	($48,878)	'

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, interest expense	'
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Before Income Taxes	1,071
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, tax effect	-340
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Income Taxes	1,121
Cost of Sales	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Amortization of initial net obligation and prior service cost	-616
Amortization of net loss (gain)	1,687
Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Income Taxes	731
Derivative Contracts	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, interest expense	571
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, tax effect	-181
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Income Taxes	$390

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 24, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jul. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 26, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 12, 2014

Trade Names

Customer Relationships

Patents

Favorable Leasehold Interest

Order or Production Backlog

Longwood Industries Inc

Longwood Industries Inc

Turbonetics

Turbonetics

Transdyne

Transdyne

Napier

Napier

Fandstan Electric Group Ltd

Fandstan Electric Group Ltd

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

24-Sep-13

'

30-Jul-13

'

26-Feb-13

'

31-Jan-13

'

12-Feb-14

'

Business acquisition, net purchase price, net of cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$83,900,000

'

$23,200,000

'

$2,400,000

'

$112,300,000

'

$215,000,000

Addition to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,000,000

'

7,000,000

'

500,000

'

67,000,000

'

'

Escrow deposits

8,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired intangible assets

$92,100,000

$24,000,000

$60,400,000

$5,200,000

$800,000

$1,700,000

'

$39,440,000

'

$11,140,000

'

$1,000,000

'

$40,583,000

'

'

Average useful life, years

'

'

'20 years

'12 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Preliminary_Estimat

Summary of Preliminary Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 24, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013	Feb. 26, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Longwood	Turbonetics	Transdyne	Napier
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	'	'	$18,162	$5,562	$1,062	$13,441
Property, plant & equipment	'	'	15,018	996	83	8,837
Goodwill	787,610	786,433	35,971	6,995	485	67,045
Other intangible assets	92,100	'	39,440	11,140	1,000	40,583
Other assets	'	'	7	'	'	'
Total assets acquired	'	'	108,598	24,693	2,630	129,906
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	-24,735	-1,510	-228	-17,565
Net assets acquired	'	'	$83,863	$23,183	$2,402	$112,341

Pro_Forma_Financial_Informatio

Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	'	$640,564
Gross profit	'	188,633
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	'	$71,695
Diluted earnings per share, As reported	$0.83	$0.72
Diluted earnings per share, Pro forma	'	$0.74

Components_of_Inventory_Net_of

Components of Inventory, Net of Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$163,821	$165,906
Work-in-progress	151,284	137,449
Finished goods	104,953	99,874
Total inventories	$420,058	$403,229

Change_in_the_Carrying_Amount_

Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$786,433
Adjustment to preliminary purchase allocation	1,775
Foreign currency impact	-598
Balance at March 31, 2014	787,610
Freight Segment	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	509,664
Adjustment to preliminary purchase allocation	1,775
Foreign currency impact	-245
Balance at March 31, 2014	511,194
Transit Segment	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	276,769
Adjustment to preliminary purchase allocation	'
Foreign currency impact	-353
Balance at March 31, 2014	$276,416

Intangibles_Additional_Informa

Intangibles - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Trademarks	$156.40	'	$156.80
Intangible assets, amortization expense	$4.70	$3.60	'
Patents	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	'10 years	'	'
Customer Relationships	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	'17 years	'	'
Intellectual Property	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life (years)	'15 years	'	'

Intangible_Assets_Other_Than_G

Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$224,157	$228,885
Patents And Other	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	14,083	15,561
Customer Relationships	'	'
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$210,074	$213,324

Intangible_Assets_Other_Than_G1

Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill and Trademarks (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Patents And Other	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$38,524	$37,824
Customer Relationships	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$47,662	$44,910

Amortization_Expense_Detail

Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Remainder of 2014	$12,878
2015	16,131
2016	15,980
2017	15,084
2018	$14,448

Long_Term_Debt_Detail

Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$450,633	$450,709
Less - current portion	386	421
Long-term portion	450,247	450,288
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	200,000	200,000
4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	250,000	250,000
Capital Leases	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$633	$709

Long_Term_Debt_Parenthetical_D

Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023)	Mar. 31, 2014
4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Maturity date of debt instrument, year	'2023
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.38%

Long_Term_Debt_Additional_Info

Long Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Long-term debt, percentage bearing variable interest rate	1.16%
4.375% Senior Notes, due 2023	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Deferred financing cost	$2.60
Debt instrument, effective issuance date	31-Aug-13
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	99.88%
Maturity date of debt instrument, year	'2023
Senior Notes issued	250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.38%
6.875% Senior Notes, Due 2013	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, effective issuance date	31-Aug-03
Maturity date of debt instrument	31-Jul-13
Senior Notes issued	150
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.88%
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, effective issuance date	31-Jul-13
Maturity date of debt instrument	7-Nov-16
Interest rate swap agreements, notional amount	150
Interest rate on notional value	1.42%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Deferred financing cost	1
Debt instrument, effective issuance date	19-Dec-13
Maturity date of debt instrument	19-Dec-18
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	0.50%
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.00%
Minimum interest expense coverage ratio	3
Maximum debt to cash flow ratio	3.25
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.00%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.00%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.75%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.00%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.75%
2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.75%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, effective issuance date	7-Nov-11
Maturity date of debt instrument	7-Nov-16
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	0.50%
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.00%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.00%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.00%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.75%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.00%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate | Minimum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	0.75%
2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement | Alternative Rate | Maximum	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis points spread on variable rate	1.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | 2013 Refinancing Credit Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, amount	800
Credit facility loan term, years	'5 years
Line of credit facility, amount currently available	553
Revolving Credit Facility | 2011 Refinancing Credit Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, amount	600
Credit facility loan term, years	'5 years
Deferred financing cost	1.9
Letter of Credit	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$47

Post_Retirement_Benefit_Plans_

Post Retirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$98	$106
Interest cost	532	491
Expected return on plan assets	-620	-740
Net amortization/deferrals	655	839
Net periodic benefit cost	665	696
Discount rate	4.70%	3.90%
Expected long-term rate of return	6.20%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
International Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	424	513
Interest cost	1,821	1,677
Expected return on plan assets	-2,216	-2,122
Net amortization/deferrals	758	866
Net periodic benefit cost	787	934
Discount rate	4.43%	4.30%
Expected long-term rate of return	6.07%	6.09%
Rate of compensation increase	3.59%	3.10%
U.S. Post Retirement	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	10	7
Interest cost	296	321
Net amortization/deferrals	-327	-212
Net periodic benefit cost	-21	116
Discount rate	4.70%	3.90%
International Post Retirement	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	9	12
Interest cost	42	44
Net amortization/deferrals	-15	-77
Net periodic benefit cost	$36	($21)
Discount rate	4.60%	4.30%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
International Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Contribution to plan	$5.20
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans	'
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Contribution to plan	$0

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Plan term, years	'10 years	'
Share based compensation arrangement plan expiration	31-Oct-16	'
Shares authorized for grants	3,800,000	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$6.70	$5.60
Unamortized compensation expense expected to be vested	35.1	'
Recognized weighted average period, years	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'
Performance goal period to vest incentive stock awards	'3 years	'
December Thirty First Two Thousand And Fourteen	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of Incentive Stock Awards Expected to be Vested and Awarded of Stocks Granted	167.00%	'
December Thirty First Two Thousand And Fifteen	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of Incentive Stock Awards Expected to be Vested and Awarded of Stocks Granted	100.00%	'
December Thirty First Two Thousand And Sixteen	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of Incentive Stock Awards Expected to be Vested and Awarded of Stocks Granted	100.00%	'
Minimum	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of Incentive Stock Awards Expected to be Vested and Awarded of Stocks Granted	0.00%	'
Maximum	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of Incentive Stock Awards Expected to be Vested and Awarded of Stocks Granted	200.00%	'
Incentive Stock Awards	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3.6	'
Directors Fee	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	0.3	'
Employee Stock Option	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	0.6	'
Employee Stock Option | Plan 2011	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period, maximum years	'4 years	'
Options expire from date of grant, years	'10 years	'
Employee Stock Option | Plan 2000	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period, maximum years	'4 years	'
Options expire from date of grant, years	'10 years	'
Restricted Stock	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1.6	'
Restricted Stock | Directors Plan	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period, maximum years	'1 year	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$0.60	'

Stock_Option_Activity_Detail

Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options Outstanding	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,232,862	'
Granted	78,232	'
Exercised	-46,155	'
Canceled	-261	'
Outstanding, end of period	1,264,678	1,232,862
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	912,068	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	$24.36	'
Granted	$72.82	'
Exercised	$19.05	'
Canceled	$43.11	'
Outstanding, end of period	$27.55	$24.36
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$20.82	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	'	'
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life, outstanding	'6 years 1 month 6 days	'6 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	'5 years 4 months 24 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	$61,530	'
Granted	325	'
Exercised	-2,673	'
Canceled	-9	'
Outstanding, end of period	62,501	61,530
Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$51,213	'

Fair_Value_of_Each_Option_Gran

Fair Value of Each Option Grant Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Dividend yield	0.11%	0.21%
Risk-free interest rate	2.19%	1.38%
Stock price volatility	33.20%	43.80%
Expected life (years)	'5 years	'5 years

Restricted_Stock_Activity_and_

Restricted Stock Activity and Incentive Stock Awards Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	$35.27
Granted	$59.20
Vested	$29.18
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	$42.45
Canceled	$46.32
Outstanding, end of period	$43.84
Restricted Stock and Units	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	510,129
Granted	107,212
Vested	-199,122
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	'
Canceled	-1,162
Outstanding, end of period	417,057
Incentive Stock Awards	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,043,594
Granted	133,740
Vested	-458,536
Adjustment for incentive stock awards expected to vest	15,628
Canceled	-1,500
Outstanding, end of period	732,926

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	31.70%	30.00%	'
Gross liability for uncertain tax positions	$10.80	'	$10.50
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized that would affect effective tax rate	5	'	4.7
Accrued interest	1.6	'	1.5
Accrued penalties	1.1	'	0.9
Unrecognized tax benefits subject to change with in the next 12 months	$0.20	'	'

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items]	'		'
Net income attributable to Wabtec shareholders	$80,134		$69,613
Less: dividends declared - common shares and non-vested restricted stock	-3,828		-2,386
Undistributed earnings	76,306		67,227
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	99.50%	[1]	99.50%	[1]
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders	75,924		66,891
Add: dividends declared - common shares	3,810		2,374
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$79,734		$69,265
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares	95,529		95,025
Assumed conversion of dilutive stock-based compensation plans	1,276		1,547
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversion	96,805		96,572
Basic	$0.84		$0.73
Diluted	$0.83		$0.72
[1]	(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,529 95,025 Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted stock expected to vest 95,974 95,502 Percentage allocated to common shareholders 99.5% 99.5%

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut1

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items]	'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares	95,529		95,025
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted stock expected to vest	95,974		95,502
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	99.50%	[1]	99.50%	[1]
[1]	(1) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,529 95,025 Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and non-vested restricted stock expected to vest 95,974 95,502 Percentage allocated to common shareholders 99.5% 99.5%

Changes_in_Product_Warranty_Re

Changes in Product Warranty Reserve (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Warranties [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$60,593	$58,212
Warranty expense	6,023	4,773
Acquisitions	'	1,776
Warranty claim payments	-3,668	-4,713
Foreign currency impact/other	-54	-750
Balance at end of period	$62,894	$59,298

Liabilities_Carried_at_Fair_Va

Liabilities Carried at Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	$2,596	$3,005
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	2,596	3,005
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	'	'
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	2,596	3,005
Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	'	'
Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	2,596	3,005
Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	'	'

Estimated_Fair_Values_and_Rela

Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Carry Value	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	$2,596	$3,005
Interest Rate Swap Agreement | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value, liabilities measured on recurring basis, derivative financial instruments, liabilities	2,596	3,005
4.375% Senior Notes | Carry Value	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
4.375% Senior Notes | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	$258,443	$253,135

Estimated_Fair_Values_and_Rela1

Estimated Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (4.375% Senior Notes)	Mar. 31, 2014
4.375% Senior Notes	'
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.38%

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable segment	2

Segment_Financial_Information_

Segment Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$695,249	$615,510
Income (loss) from operations	121,846	103,667
Interest expense and other, net	-4,467	-4,195
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	117,379	99,472
Operating Segments | Freight Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	392,689	320,739
Income (loss) from operations	91,931	69,836
Interest expense and other, net	'	'
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	91,931	69,836
Operating Segments | Transit Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	312,576	303,191
Income (loss) from operations	34,518	38,581
Interest expense and other, net	'	'
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	34,518	38,581
Corporate Activities and Elimination	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	-10,016	-8,420
Income (loss) from operations	-4,603	-4,750
Interest expense and other, net	-4,467	-4,195
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	-9,070	-8,945
External Customers	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	695,249	615,510
External Customers | Operating Segments | Freight Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	385,506	313,679
External Customers | Operating Segments | Transit Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	309,743	301,831
External Customers | Corporate Activities and Elimination	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	'	'
Intersegment Sales/(Elimination)	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	'	'
Intersegment Sales/(Elimination) | Operating Segments | Freight Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	7,183	7,060
Intersegment Sales/(Elimination) | Operating Segments | Transit Segment	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	2,833	1,360
Intersegment Sales/(Elimination) | Corporate Activities and Elimination	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	($10,016)	($8,420)

Sales_by_Product_Detail

Sales by Product (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$695,249	$615,510
Specialty Products & Electronics	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	278,740	236,070
Remanufacturing, Overhaul & Build	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	172,249	166,726
Brake Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	155,605	141,322
Other Transit Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	50,526	51,049
Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$38,129	$20,343

Components_of_Other_Income_Exp

Components of Other Income Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Components Of Other Income Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency loss	($361)	($927)
Other miscellaneous income	344	346
Total other (expense) income, net	($17)	($581)