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Organization and Basis of Presentation Buydown Program (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Buydown Program [Line Items]
lump-sum buydown program payment			$ 19.7
Buydown program expense	$ 2.3	$ 15.0	$ 15.6

X

- Definition

Represents expense recognized associated with amortization of prepaid buydown program payments made to eligible associates in connection with, among other things, a decrease in base wages.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axl_BuydownProgramExpense
Namespace Prefix:	axl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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- Details

Name:	axl_BuydownProgramLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	axl_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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- Definition

Represents the third and final lump-sum payment made to eligible associates in exchange for, among other things, a base wage decrease as part of our 2008 negotiations with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axl_LumpSumBuydownProgramPayment
Namespace Prefix:	axl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration