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Organization and Basis of Presentation Buydown Program (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Buydown Program [Line Items] |  |
Buydown program expense | $ 2.3 | $ 15.0

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- 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