Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segments and Other Financial Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Summary of Combined Balance Sheet Information Equity Method Investment Combined Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of equity method investments including combined summarized balance sheet information. Summary of Combined Income Statement Information Equity Method Investment Combined Income Statement Information [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of equity method investments including combined summarized income statement information. Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Net Income to Equity in Income Equity Method Investment Reconciliation Of Net Income To Equity In Income [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of equity method investments, including the difference between recorded amount of an investment and the value of the underlying equity in the net assets. Schedule of Transactions with Unconsolidated Affiliates Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Results of Operations of Former NE Segment Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values of Major Balance Sheet Accounts of Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Nuclear Energy Segment Nuclear Energy Segment [Member] Nuclear Energy Segment [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Income (loss) before provision for income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax provision (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock, par value (usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Preferred stock, par value (usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Treasury stock at cost, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of amortized and unamortized intangible assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Unpatented technology Unpatented Technology [Member] Patented technology Patented Technology [Member] Tradename Trade Names [Member] Acquired backlog Acquired Backlog [Member] Acquired backlog. All other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade names / trademarks Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule Of Amortized And Unamortized Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of amortized and unamortized intangible assets [Line Items] Gross value of definite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net definite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Unamortized intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Gross profit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) Income before provision for income taxes Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Extraordinary Items Provision for income taxes Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Provision For Income Taxes Equity method investment summarized financial information provision for income taxes. Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Investments Schedule [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Mutual funds Mutual Funds [Member] Mutual Funds [Member] Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations Asset Backed Securities And Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] Asset Backed Securities And Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Activities and Spin-Off Transaction Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Offsetting [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Hedges Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Forward Contracts Forward Contracts [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] FX Forward Contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Revenues Sales [Member] Cost of operations Cost of Sales [Member] Other-net Other Net [Member] Other Net [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings: effective portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Loss recognized in income: portion excluded from effectiveness testing Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Gain (loss) recognized in income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Global Power Global Power [Member] Global Power [Member] Global Services Global Services [Member] Global Services [Member] Industrial Environmental Industrial Environmental [Member] Industrial environmental. Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] New Build Environmental Equipment New Build Environmental Equipment [Member] New Build Environmental Equipment [Member] New Build Steam Generation Systems New Build Steam Generation Systems [Member] New Build Steam Generation Systems [Member] Parts and Technical Services Parts and Technical Services [Member] Parts and Technical Services [Member] Projects Projects [Member] Projects [Member] Construction Services Construction Services [Member] Construction Services [Member] Operations and Maintenance Operations and Maintenance [Member] Operations and Maintenance [Member] Environmental Solutions Environmental Solutions [Member] Environmental Solutions [Member] Engineered Equipment Engineered Equipment [Member] Engineered Equipment [Member] Aftermarket Services After Market Services [Member] After Market Services [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Domestic Plans United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Foreign Plans Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Fixed Income (excluding United States Government Securities) Fixed Income Excluding U S Government Securities [Member] Fixed income (excluding U. S. government securities) Commingled and Mutual Funds Commingled And Mutual Funds [Member] Commingled and mutual funds. United States Government Securities Us Government Securities [Member] U.S. government securities. Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Partnerships with Security Holdings Partnerships With Security Holdings [Member] Partnerships with security holdings. Derivatives Derivative [Member] Other Other Asset Category [Member] Other. Equity Securities and Commingled Mutual Funds Equity Securities And Commingled Mutual Funds [Member] Equity securities and commingled mutual funds. Fixed Income Fixed Income Funds [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Actual plan asset allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Sales to Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Purchases from Equity Method Investment, Unrealized Intercompany Profit (Loss) Not Eliminated, Amount Dividends received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Capital contributions, net of returns Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Business Combinations [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] MEGTEC Holdings Inc Megtec Holdings Inc [Member] Megtec Holdings Inc [Member] Backlog Backlog [Member] Backlog [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology [Member] Developed Technology [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets, Amount Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Intangible assets, Amortization Period (years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Unrecognized prior service cost on benefit obligations Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] U.S. federal statutory (benefit) rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State and local income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign rate differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Dividends and deemed dividends from affiliates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Dividends And Deemed Dividends From Affiliates Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to dividends and deemed dividends from affiliates. Valuation allowances Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent Non-deductible expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Manufacturing deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Other than U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Boilermaker-Blacksmith National Pension Trust Boilermaker Blacksmith National Pension Trust [Member] Boilermaker-blacksmith national pension trust. All Other All Other Multi Employer Plans [Member] All other multiemployer plans. Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] EIN/PIN Employee Identification Number Employee identification number. Pension Protection Act Zone Status Multiemployer Plans, Certified Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Multi Employer Plans Funding Improvement Plan And Rehabilitation Plan Status Multiemployer plans funding improvement plan and rehabilitation plan status. Contributions Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Surcharge Imposed Multiemployer Plans, Surcharge Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Gross Work in progress Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Inventories Inventory, Net Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Financial Performance Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Credit Facilities Long-term Debt [Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Common stock repurchase amount authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Common stock repurchased (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Remaining common stick repurchase amount authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Summary of Purchase Price Allocation Including Finalization of Asset Valuations Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Summary of Intangible Assets Acquired Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Pension Benefits Plan Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Change in benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan participants’ contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Transfers /Acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Loss (gain) due to transfer Defined Benefit Plan, Transfer Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Transfer Gain (Loss) Foreign currency exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation at end of period Change in plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Plan participants' contributions Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Assets Transferred to (from) Plan Foreign currency exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at the end of period Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Accrued employee benefits Accrued Employee Benefits Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Pension liability Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Prepaid pension Prepaid Pension Costs Accrued benefit liability, net Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Prior service cost (credit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan Plans With Assets In Excess Of Accumulated Benefit Obligation Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Defined benefit plan, plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, aggregate projected benefit obligation. Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan Plans With Assets In Excess Of Accumulated Benefit Obligation Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined benefit plan, plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, aggregate accumulated benefit obligation. Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Plans With Assets In Excess Of Accumulated Benefit Obligation Aggregate Fair Value Of Plan Assets Defined benefit plan, plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation, aggregate fair value of plan assets. Other Benefits Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items] Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items] Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items] Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit obligations, discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit obligations, rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Schedule of Assumptions Used to Calculate Fair Value of Option Grant Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summarized Activity of Stock Options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Changes in Estimates Related to Long-Term Contracts Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table Text Block] Contracts in Progress and Advance Billings Schedule Of Contracts In Progress And Advance Billings [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure for advance billings on contracts and contracts in progress. Retainages on Contracts Schedule Of Retainages On Contract [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amount billed to customers under long-term contracts or programs that have been withheld because of retainage provisions in a contract to be collected in (a) the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year or (b) after the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Accrued Warranty Expense Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Changes in Restructuring Liabilities Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Gross profit Gross Profit Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Equity in income (loss) of investees Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income (loss) attributable to Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic EPS continued operations (usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic EPS discontinued operations (usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Diluted EPS continued operations (usd per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted EPS discontinued operations (usd per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases based on tax positions taken in the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increases based on tax positions taken in the prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases based on tax positions taken in the prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases due to settlements with tax authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decreases due to lapse of applicable statute of limitation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance at end of period Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares used to calculate basic earnings per common share (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and performance shares (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average common shares used to calculate diluted earnings per common share (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic EPS (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted EPS (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive shares related to stock options excluded from the diluted share (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Equities Equity Funds [Member] U. S. Equity Us Equity [Member] U.S. equity. Global Equity Global Equity [Member] Global equity. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Canada CANADA United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Target allocation by asset class Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Gain (loss) expected to be reclassified from AOCI Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative maturity date Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] United States UNITED STATES China CHINA Mexico MEXICO Denmark DENMARK Germany GERMANY Other Countries Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested at beginning of period, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cancelled/forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Nonvested at end of period, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Nonvested at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled/forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at end of period, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Acquisition-related Costs Acquisition-related Costs [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net Income Increase (decrease) in amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets Amortization Elimination of historical interest expense Elimination Of Interest Expense Elimination of interest expense. Elimination of acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Canada Canada Revenue Agency [Member] United Kingdom Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] Denmark Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT) [Member] Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce effective tax rate if recognized Decrease in accruals Increase In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued Increase in unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued. Liability for the payment of tax related interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Federal tax rate Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign net operating loss carryforwards scheduled to expire Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration date Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Range Start Operating loss carryforwards expiration year range start. Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration date Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Range End Operating loss carry forwards expiration year range end. Net operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Foreign tax credit carryovers Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration date Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Operating loss carryforwards expiration year. Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings, Basic Unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Tax benefit on earnings with intent to remit Taxes On Earnings Intend To Remit Taxes on earnings intend to remit. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Former Parent Former Parent [Member] Former Parent [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Advance billings on contracts Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue Other current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Pension liability Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Pension Liabilities Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed pension liabilities. Deferred income taxes Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed deferred income tax liabilities. Other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Assets Including Goodwill Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed assets including goodwill. Cash and cash equivalents acquired Net assets acquired, net of unrestricted cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Amount of tax deductible goodwill Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Assets and liabilities distributed Disposal Group Disposed Of By Means Other Than Sale Assets Liabilities Net Disposal Group Disposed Of By Means Other Than Sale Assets Liabilities Net Corporate allocation received from former parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Schedule of Revenue Information from Products and Service Lines Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule of Operating Results by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues by Geographical Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographical Area Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Realized (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Amortization of prior service cost on benefit obligations Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Realized gains on investments Realized Gain Loss On Sale Of Investment [Member] Realized Gain Loss On Sale Of Investment [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Component Recognized Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items] Revenues Cost of operations Cost of Goods Sold Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total reclassification for the period Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Dominican Republic DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Vietnam VIET NAM Chile CHILE Sweden SWEDEN India INDIA France FRANCE Finland FINLAND Poland POLAND Columbia COLOMBIA Italy ITALY Netherlands NETHERLANDS Thailand THAILAND South Africa SOUTH AFRICA South Korea KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Saudi Arabia SAUDI ARABIA Greenland GREENLAND Australia AUSTRALIA Spain SPAIN Brazil BRAZIL Malaysia MALAYSIA Taiwan TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA Tunisia TUNISIA Indonesia INDONESIA Future Minimum Payments Required Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Charges To Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Charged To Other Accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts Ending Balance Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled Litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Foreign Cash Restricted Foreign Cash [Member] Restricted Foreign Cash [Member] Cash Held to Meet Reinsurance Reserve Requirements Cash Held To Meet Reinsurance Reserve Requirements [Member] Cash Held To Meet Reinsurance Reserve Requirements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Research and Development Facilities and Equipment Research and Development Facilities and Equipment [Member] Research and Development Facilities and Equipment [Member] Buildings Building [Member] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans [Member] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) included in other expense Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Revenue recognition, percentage of contract completion (percent) Gross Margin Recog Percent Of Completion Percentage completion for deferred profit recognition contracts at which we generally determine that gross margin recognition is probable and reasonably estimable. Accrued claims Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Contract losses Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Retainages expected to be collected within one year Contract Receivable Retainage, Next Twelve Months Long-term retainages, anticipated collection in 2017 Contract Receivable Retainage, Year Two Long-term retainages, anticipated collection in 2018 Contract Receivable Retainage, Year Three Research and development activities Research And Development Expense Gross Research and development expense, gross. Impairment charge recognized Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Increase in pension liability Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities Percentage of total inventories using LIFO method Percentage of LIFO Inventory LIFO reserve Inventory, LIFO Reserve Estimated economic useful life (years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation expense Depreciation Investment ownership in percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Including Portion From Other Assets Restricted cash and cash equivalents including portion from other assets. Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Reserves for self-insurance Self Insurance Reserve Contract Receivable Retainage, Year Four Contract Receivable Retainage, Year Four Obligations and Funded Status Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Recognized Net Actuarial Loss (Gain) and the Affected Consolidated Statements of Income Schedule Of Actuarial Gain Loss Table [Text Block] Schedule of actuarial gain loss table. Weighted Average Assumptions Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Assumed Health-Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health-Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Plan Asset Allocations by Asset Category Schedule Of Asset Allocation By Asset Category [Table Text Block] Schedule of asset allocation by asset category. Target Allocation by Asset Class Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Total Investments Measured at Fair Value Schedule Of Investments Measured At Fair Value [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans. Summary of Changes in Plans' Level 3 Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Cash Flows Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Summary of Contributions to Multiemployer Plans Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Percentage-of-Completion Contracts Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Increases in estimates for percentage-of-completion contracts Operating Income Operating Income Decreases in estimates for percentage-of-completion contracts Operating Loss Operating Loss Operating income (loss) Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Arkansas River Power Authority vs. Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. Arkansas River Power Authority vs. Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. [Member] Arkansas River Power Authority vs. Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. [Member] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Overall cap of liability at original contract price Maximum Damages Allowed Under Contract Maximum damages allowed under contract. Recovery of damages incurred Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Income Statement [Abstract] Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Research and development costs Research and Development Expense Losses on asset disposals and impairments Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring activities and spin-off transaction costs Restructuring Charges Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax expense (benefit) Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders Basic earnings (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Diluted earnings (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Shares used in the computation of earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Diluted (shares) Current assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Noncurrent assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Current liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Owners' equity Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity Total liabilities and equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity Summary of Available for Sale Securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Summary of Proceeds, Gross Realized Gains and Gross Realized Losses on Sales of Available for Sale Securities Summary Of Proceeds Gross Realized Gains And Gross Realized Losses On Sales Of Available For Sale Securities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the total amount of proceeds received for the sale of securities, categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities, during the reporting period, including gross realized gains (losses). Income taxes (net of refunds) Income Taxes Paid, Net Accrued capital expenditures included in accounts payable Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items] Issuances and acquisitions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Dispositions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Realized gain Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Unrealized gain Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Product Warranty Accrual, Current Additions Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Acquisition of MEGTEC Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition Expirations and other changes Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Payments Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Translation and other Product Warranty Accrual, Currency Translation, Increase (Decrease) Balance at end of period Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Rates to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year that the rate reaches ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Investments Investment [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Spinoff Spinoff [Member] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Employee termination benefits Restructuring Reserve Termination Benefits Restructuring reserve termination benefits. Consulting and administrative costs Restructuring Reserve Administrative Costs Restructuring reserve administrative costs. Stock-based compensation and thrift plan expense Share-based Compensation Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Derivative financial instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Total unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Total reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Benefit obligations: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Amortization of benefit plan costs Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Total amortization of benefit plan costs, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax Investments: Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Total unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Total reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Including Mark to Market Adjustments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Including Mark to Market Adjustments Research and development Loss on asset disposal and impairments Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Restructuring activities Mark to market adjustment included in selling, general and administrative expenses Mark To Market Adjustments Mark To Market Adjustments Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Goodwill resulting from acquisition of MEGTEC Goodwill, Acquired During Period Purchase price adjustment related to MEGTEC acquisition Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending balance Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Land Land [Member] Property under construction Asset under Construction [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property plant and equipment gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Costs incurred less costs of revenue recognized Cost Incurred Less Cost Of Revenue Recognized Asset Cost incurred less cost of revenue recognized asset. Revenues recognized less billings to customers Revenue Recognized In Excess Of Billings To Customer Revenue recognized in excess of billings to customer. Contracts in progress Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Billings to customers less revenues recognized Billings Less Revenue Recognized Billings less revenue recognized. Costs of revenue recognized less cost incurred Cost of Revenue, Net of Costs Incurred Cost of Revenue, Net of Costs Incurred Advance billings on contracts Billings in Excess of Cost Retainages expected to be collected after one year Contract Receivable Retainage, after Next Twelve Months Total retainages Contract Receivable Retainage Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Investments and Available-for-Sale Securities Measured at Fair Value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Babcock and Wilcox Enterprises Inc. Babcock and Wilcox Enterprises Inc [Member] Babcock and Wilcox Enterprises Inc [Member] Distribution ratio description Description Of Shares Distributed In Spinoff Description of shares distributed in spin off. Distribution ratio Spin Off Transaction, Distribution Ratio Common stock spinoff transaction distribution ratio. Share Repurchases Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Sales to former Parent Revenue from Related Parties Corporate administrative expenses Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accounts receivable-other Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Accounts payable Accounts Payable [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Asset Derivatives Derivative Asset Liability Derivatives Derivative Liability Cost of operations Operating Expense [Member] Other-net Other Expense [Member] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Business acquisitions and adjustments Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Impairment charge Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Currency translation adjustments and other Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Translation Adjustments And Other Amount of increase (decrease) to assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance for foreign currency translation adjustments. Balance at end of period Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Liability balance at the beginning of the period Restructuring Reserve Special charges for restructuring activities Restructuring Reserve Cash Charges Restructuring Reserve Cash Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Liability balance at the end of the period Non-cash charges Other Noncash Expense Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic Earnings per Common Share (usd per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings per Common Share (usd per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income tax allocation Related Party Transaction, Income Tax Allocation Related Party Transaction, Income Tax Allocation Cash pooling and general financing activities Cash Pooling and General Financing Activities Cash Pooling and General Financing Activities Cash contribution received at spin-off Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Net transfer from former Parent per statement of cash flows Proceeds From Payment To Former Parent Investment Per Cash Flow Statement Proceeds from payment to former parent investment per cash flow statement. Net transfer of assets and liabilities Net Transfer Of Assets And Liabilities With Related Party Net Transfer Of Assets And Liabilities With Related Party Distribution of Nuclear Energy segment Distribution of Operating Segment to Related Party Distribution of Operating Segment To Related Party Net transfer from former Parent per statement of shareholders’ equity Proceeds From Payment To Former Parent Investment Per Stockholders' Equity Statement Proceeds From Payment To Former Parent Investment Per Stockholders' Equity Statement Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Two Thousand And Fifteen Long Term Incentive Plan Two Thousand And Fifteen Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Two thousand and fifteen long term incentive plan [Member] Maximum number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Remaining number of shares available for award grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Weighted-average fair value of options granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Actual tax benefits realized related to the stock options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Income Before Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Components of Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Federal Tax Rate to Consolidated and Combined Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] VEBA Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain] Thrift Plan Thrift Plan Of Babcock And Wilcox Company And Participating Subsidiary And Affiliated Companies [Member] Thrift plan of the babcock and WILCOX company and participating subsidiary and affiliated companies. Thrift Plan and MII Thrift Plan Thrift Plan And Mii Thrift Plan [Member] Thrift plan and MII thrift plan. MEGTEC Union Plan MEGTEC Union Plan [Member] MEGTEC Union Plan [Member] MEGTEC Non-union Plan MEGTEC Non-union Plan [Member] MEGTEC Non-union Plan [Member] Continuous service period requirement as of December 31, 2011 (years) Defined Contribution Plan, Service Period Requirement, Prior to Plan Adoption Defined Contribution Plan, Service Period Requirement, Prior to Plan Adoption Continuous service period requirement (months) Defined Contribution Plan, Service Period Requirement, Post Plan Adoption Defined Contribution Plan, Service Period Requirement, Post Plan Adoption Actuarial gains (losses) Reduction in pensions and postretirement liabilities from mark to market adjustments Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Mark to Market Adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Mark to Market Adjustment Increase in pension liability Defined Benefit Actuarial Gain Loss Due To Mortality Assumption Change Defined benefit actuarial gain loss due to mortality assumption change. Pension benefit expense (income) recognized in other comprehensive income as a component of net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Net Periodic Pension Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Defined benefit plan amounts recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income. Other benefit expense (income) recognized in other comprehensive income as a component of net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Loss Income Defined benefit plan amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss income. Expected return on plan assets assumption (percent) Percentage of total assets Defined Benefit Plan Percentage Of Assets Defined benefit plan, percentage of total assets. Percentage of investment return on domestic plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Percentage Of Investment Return On Plan Assets Defined benefit plan, percentage of investment return on plan assets. Percentage of matching contribution by employer Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Participants' contributions as a percentage of compensation Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Employer contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Term of written notice required for termination from plan (in days) Term Of Written Notice Required For Termination From Plan Term of written notice required for termination from plan. Contributions as a percentage of total contributions to the Boilermaker Plan Multiemployer Plans Contributions As Percentage Of Contributions To Plan Multiemployer plans contributions as percentage of contributions to plan. Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Pension liability Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Accrued warranty expense Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Warranty Reserves Accrued vacation pay Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Compensated Absences Accrued liabilities for self-insurance (including postretirement health care benefits) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Self Insurance Accrued liabilities for executive and employee incentive compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments Long-term contracts Deferred Tax Assets Long Term Contracts Deferred tax assets long-term contracts. Net operating loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards State tax net operating loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Foreign tax credit carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets Net, total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Long-term contracts Deferred Tax Liabilities Long Term Contracts Deferred tax liabilities, long term contracts. Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Undistributed foreign earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Goodwill Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Equity income based on stated ownership percentages Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets All other adjustments due to amortization of basis differences, timing of GAAP adjustments and other adjustments Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity One-Percentage-Point Increase, effect on total of service and interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components One-Percentage-Point Increase, effect on postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation One-Percentage-Point Decrease, effect on total of service and interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components One-Percentage-Point Decrease, effect on postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Non-cash items included in net income (loss): Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income of investees, net of dividends Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Losses on asset disposals and impairments Gains Losses On Disposition Of Assets And Impairments Amount of gain (loss) on disposition of assets and impairments. Write-off of accrued claims receivable Accounts Receivable, Write-off, Net Accounts Receivable, Write-off, Net Provision for (benefit from) deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Recognition of (gains) losses for pension and other postretirement plans Recognition Of Gains Losses For Pension And Postretirement Plans Recognition Of Gains Losses For Pension And Postretirement Plans Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Contracts in progress and advance billings on contracts Increase Decrease Contracts In Progress And Advance Billings On Contracts Increase Decrease Contracts In Progress And Advance Billings On Contracts Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Accrued and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Pension liability, accrued postretirement benefit obligation and employee benefits Increase Decrease In Pension Postretirement And Accrued Employee Benefits Increase Decrease In Pension Postretirement And Accrued Employee Benefits Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Purchase of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchase of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from (cost of) asset disposals Proceeds from Sales of Assets, Investing Activities Investment in equity and cost method investees Payments to Acquire Assets, Investing Activities NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of short-term borrowings and long-term debt Repayments of Debt Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Net transfers from former Parent Proceeds From Payment To Former Parent Investment Proceeds from payment to former parent investment. Repurchase of common shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations CASH FLOWS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Operating cash flows from discontinued operations, net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Investing cash flows from discontinued operations, net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Effects of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Discontinued Operations NET CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Accounts Receivable Other Accounts Receivable Other [Member] Accounts Receivable Other [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Undistributed earnings of equity method investees Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Difference between carrying value of investment and underlying equity based on ownership percentage Equity Method Investment Difference Between Carrying Amount And Underlying Equity Based On Ownership Percentage Equity method investment difference between carrying amount and underlying equity based on ownership percentage. Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected life of the option in years Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term One Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award fair value assumptions expected term one. Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Current assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable – trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable – other Other Receivables Contracts in progress Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments Long-term Investments Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Intangible assets Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets Current liabilities Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Short-term line of credit Short-term Debt Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued employee benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Advance billings on contracts Accrued warranty expense Other accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Pension liability Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent TOTAL LIABILITIES Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 52,480,630 and 0 shares at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 20,000,000 shares; no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital Treasury stock at cost, 1,376,226 shares at December 31, 2015 Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Former net parent investment Net Investment From Former Parent Net investment from former parent. Stockholders' equity attributable to shareholders Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Capital In Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Former Parent Investment Former Parent Investment [Member] Former Parent Investment [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, shares Balance Increase in note receivable Stockholders' Equity, Increase from Intercompany Transactions Stockholders' Equity, Increase from Intercompany Transactions Derivative financial instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Defined benefit obligations Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Available-for-sale investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Stock based compensation, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock-based compensation Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Repurchased shares, shares Repurchased shares Dividends to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Net transfers from former Parent Net Transfer From To Former Parent Net transfer from to former parent. Distribution of Nuclear Energy segment to former Parent Reclassification of former Parent investment to capital in excess of par value and common stock, shares Reclassification Of Former Parent Investment To Additional Paid In Capital, Shares Reclassification of former parent investment to additional paid in capital, shares. Reclassification of former Parent investment to capital in excess of par value and common stock Reclassification Of Former Parent Investment To Additional Paid In Capital Reclassification of former parent investment to additional paid in capital. Balance, shares Balance Quarterly Financial Data [Table] Quarterly Financial Data [Table] Quarterly Financial Data [Table] Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Plans Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans [Member] Pension And Post Retirement Benefit Plans [Member] Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items] Actuarial gains (losses) recognized in pre-tax income Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Axis] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Axis] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Axis] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Domain] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Domain] Scenario Potential Outcomes [Domain] Greater Of Potential Outcome One Greater Of Potential Outcome One [Member] Greater Of Potential Outcome One [Member] Greater Of Potential Outcome Two Greater Of Potential Outcome Two [Member] Greater Of Potential Outcome Two [Member] Greater Of Potential Outcome Three Greater Of Potential Outcome Three [Member] Greater Of Potential Outcome Three [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] One Month Libor One Month Libor [Member] One Month Libor [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Prime Rate Prime Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Financial Letter of Credit Financial Letter Of Credit [Member] Financial Letter Of Credit [Member] Performance Letter Of Credit Performance Letter Of Credit [Member] Performance Letter Of Credit [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Credit Facility Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Surety Bond Surety Bond [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Weighted average interest rate on short term borrowings Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Accordion increase in borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility Possible Increase In Capacity Amount Line of credit facility possible increase in capacity amount. Accordion leverage ratio Line Of Credit Facility Possible Increase In Capacity Leverage Ratio Line of credit facility possible increase in capacity leverage ratio. Facility fee (percent) Line Of Credit Facility Fee Percentage Line of credit facility fee percentage. Spread on variable rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Unused commitment fee (percent) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Leverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenants Leverage Ratio Debt instrument covenants leverage ratio. Increase in leverage ratio subsequent to acquisition Debt Instrument Covenants Leverage Ratio Increase Subsequent to Acquisition Debt instrument covenants leverage ratio increase subsequent to acquisition. Interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument Interest Coverage Ratio Debt instrument interest coverage ratio. Long-term debt Long-term Debt Outstanding letter of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Aggregate value of letters of credit and bank guarantees Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Amount, Liability Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Current Assets: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts receivable – trade, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Accounts receivable – other Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accounts Receivables Other Disposal group including discontinued operation accounts receivables other. Contracts in progress Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Contracts In Progress Disposal group including discontinued operation contracts in progress. Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Deferred income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Asset, Current Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Total current assets of discontinued operations Non Current Assets: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Net property, plant and equipment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Intangible assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Total assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Current Liabilities: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Accrued employee benefits Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accrued Employee Benefits Disposal group including discontinued operation accrued employee benefits. Advance billings on contracts Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Advance Billings On Contracts Disposal group including discontinued operation advance billings on contracts. Accrued warranty expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Accrued Warranty Expense Disposal group including discontinued operation accrued warranty expense. Accrued liabilities – other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Total current liabilities of discontinued operations Non Current Liabilities: Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Postretirement Plan Benefit Obligation, Noncurrent Pension liability Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Noncurrent Other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Domestic Plans, Other Benefits United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity [Member] Foreign Plans, Other Benefits Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Expected employer contributions to trusts of defined benefit plans, 2016 Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Expected benefit payments, 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months Expected benefit payments, 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two Expected benefit payments, 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three Expected benefit payments, 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four Expected benefit payments, 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Expected benefit payments, 2021-2025 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Reportable Segments Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Contracts and Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Expense Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Loss Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Policy [Text Block] Recently adopted accounting standards policy. New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Change In Companys Historical Investment Due To Net Transfers To From Parent Schedule Of Change In Companys Historical Investment Due To Net Transfers To From Parent [Table Text Block] Schedule of change in company's historical investment due to net transfers (to) from parent. Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Real Estate Real Estate [Member] Cash and accrued items Cash And Accrued Items [Member] Cash and accrued items. Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items] Total Assets Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Letter of Credit Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts Derivative, Fair Value, Net Letter of credit term (years) Term of Guarantor Obligations Term of Guarantor Obligations Guarantee, issued a letter of credit Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Fair value of guarantee recognized Guarantees, Fair Value Disclosure 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost (income) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities measured at fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Cancelled/expired/forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding at end of period, Number of Shares Exercisable at end of period, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled/expired/forfeited, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value U.S. – federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. – state and local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Other than U.S. Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. – Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. – State and local Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other than U.S. Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred (benefit) provision Provision for income taxes