XML 63 R96.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements 2013 and 2012 Income Statements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 3,696.0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure | $ 3,207.3 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure | $ 2,930.9 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
Total net sales | 939.5 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 950.8 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 946.9 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 858.8 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 831.3 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 820.8 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 799.6 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 755.6 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 3,696.0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 3,207.3 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet | 2,930.9 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,173.2 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold | 2,728.6 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold | 2,531.2 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
Gross Profit | 111.2 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 140.7 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 149.0 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 121.9 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 126.9 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 125.3 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 122.2 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 104.3 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 522.8 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 478.7 us-gaap_GrossProfit | 399.7 us-gaap_GrossProfit
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 255.2 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | 238.4 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | 243.3 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 267.6 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | 240.3 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss | 156.4 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (90.9)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense | (154.0)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense | (124.9)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 176.7 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments | 86.3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments | 31.5 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 33.7 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | (8.2)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit | (335.2)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends | 94.5 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends | 366.7 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends | 94.5 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends | 366.7 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | (1.0)us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent | 13.2 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 44.0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 52.2 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 33.6 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 29.8 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 31.6 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 25.8 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 7.3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 143.0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 94.5 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss | 367.7 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (80.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax | 48.4 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax | (60.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 0 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 0.3 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 62.3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax | 142.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax | 306.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
Holdings [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Total net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Gross Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 94.5 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 367.7 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 94.5 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 367.7 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 94.5 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 367.7 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 367.7 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (80.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 48.4 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | (60.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.3 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 62.3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 142.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 306.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
AAM Inc. [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,099.5 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 773.6 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 704.8 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13.1 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 15.3 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 18.6 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Total net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,112.6 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 788.9 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 723.4 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,112.4 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 769.4 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 709.8 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Gross Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.2 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 19.5 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 13.6 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 194.0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 182.4 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 186.5 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (193.8)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (162.9)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (172.9)us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (103.0)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (155.1)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (135.2)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (296.8)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (318.0)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (308.1)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (11.8)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (24.9)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (343.9)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 204.0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 167.0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 79.0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (81.0)axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (126.1)axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 114.8 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 224.0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 220.6 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 252.9 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 143.0 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 94.5 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 367.7 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 367.7 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (80.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 48.4 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (60.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.3 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 62.3 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 142.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 306.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Guarantor Subsidiaries of Certain Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 225.1 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 226.0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 214.4 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 246.9 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 226.1 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 226.8 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Total net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 472.0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 452.1 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 441.2 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 396.1 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 389.0 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 389.8 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Gross Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75.9 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 63.1 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 51.4 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.2 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0.1 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75.7 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 63.0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 51.4 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9.0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 10.7 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (2.2)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 84.7 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 73.7 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 49.2 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.9 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0.9 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (5.5)us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (23.3)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (21.7)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (49.2)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 60.5 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 51.1 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 5.5 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 60.5 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 51.1 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 5.5 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.5 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (23.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (7.2)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (10.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37.0 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 43.9 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (4.6)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,371.4 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 2,207.7 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 2,011.7 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 21.6 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 14.0 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 25.2 us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Total net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,393.0 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 2,221.7 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 2,036.9 us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,946.3 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 1,825.6 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 1,702.2 us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Gross Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 446.7 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 396.1 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 334.7 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 61.0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 55.9 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 56.8 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 385.7 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 340.2 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 277.9 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.1 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (9.6)us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 12.5 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 388.8 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 330.6 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 290.4 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 44.6 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 15.8 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 14.2 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 344.2 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 314.8 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 276.2 axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (224.0)axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (220.6)axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (252.9)axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 120.2 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 94.2 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 23.3 axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1.0)us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24.3 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (34.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (10.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (3.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.3 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 85.4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 83.4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 20.4 us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Intercompany |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (281.6)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (255.4)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (270.6)us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Total net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (281.6)us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (255.4)us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (270.6)us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (281.6)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (255.4)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (270.6)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Gross Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_GrossProfit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Operating income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Non-operating income (expense), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Income (loss) before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Earnings (loss) from equity in subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (323.7)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (239.8)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (397.5)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net income (loss) before royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (323.7)axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (239.8)axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (397.5)axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net income after royalties and dividends |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (323.7)axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (239.8)axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (397.5)axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (397.5)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 139.0 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (30.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 74.2 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (0.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AAM |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (184.7)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | $ (270.2)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | $ (322.7)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember

X
- Definition This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity after income or loss from equity method investments, income taxes and royalties and dividends, but before extraordinary items and noncontrolling interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axl_NetIncomelossAfterRoyaltiesandDividends
Namespace Prefix: | axl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity after income or loss from equity method investments and income taxes, but before royalties and dividends, extraordinary items and noncontrolling interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axl_NetIncomeLossBeforeRoyaltiesAndDividends
Namespace Prefix: | axl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue from external customers during the period, disclosed as part of the Supplemental Guarantor disclosure. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axl_RevenueFromExternalCustomersSupplementalGuarantorDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | axl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents income (expense) from royalties and dividends during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axl_RoyaltiesAndDividends
Namespace Prefix: | axl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Other Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35737396 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e557-108580 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Net Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1,2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GrossProfit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35755396&loc=d3e33749-111570 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 11 -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515339 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a),(b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Other Comprehensive Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Net Income -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, attributable to noncontrolling interests. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569643-111683 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (c)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669619-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue, fees and commissions earned from transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiaries; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and trusts for the benefit of employees, for example, but not limited to, pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's management; (d) an entity and its principal, owners, management, or members of their immediate families; and (e) affiliates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Related Parties -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16382449 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-07.1(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488393&loc=d3e606610-122999 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 07 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph 1 -Article 6 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34747878&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=axl_AamIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=axl_HoldingsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |