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Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements 2014 and 2013 Cash Flow Statements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ 318.4 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | $ 223.0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | $ (175.5)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (206.5)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | (251.9)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | (207.6)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 9.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment | 9.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment | 10.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Proceeds from government grants | 2.1 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants
Intercompany activity | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities | 24.1 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities | 12.1 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities
Net cash used in investing activities | (195.3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities | (218.7)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities | (185.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Financing activities |  |  |
Net debt activity | (22.0)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt | 104.8 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt | 273.9 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt
Debt issuance costs | (0.3)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts | (16.7)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts | (10.6)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 1.2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised | 1.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised | 0.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
Purchase of treasury stock | (0.3)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock | (0.4)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock | (5.9)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Intercompany Activity - Financing | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (21.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities | 88.8 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities | 253.5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (6.5)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents | (1.5)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents | 0.6 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 95.2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease | 91.6 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease | (106.8)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 154.0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 62.4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 169.2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 249.2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 154.0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 62.4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Holdings [Member] |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Proceeds from government grants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember |  |
Intercompany activity | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net cash used in investing activities | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Financing activities |  |  |
Net debt activity | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Debt issuance costs | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Purchase of treasury stock | (0.3)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | (0.4)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | (5.9)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Intercompany Activity - Financing | 0.3 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0.4 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 5.9 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_HoldingsMember
AAM Inc. [Member] |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 83.4 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (35.9)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (274.3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (51.3)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (61.2)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (59.4)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 7.9 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 5.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 7.0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Proceeds from government grants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember |  |
Intercompany activity | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember |
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 24.1 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 12.1 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net cash used in investing activities | (43.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (32.0)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (40.3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Financing activities |  |  |
Net debt activity | (7.8)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 110.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 257.9 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Debt issuance costs | (0.3)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (16.6)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (10.6)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 1.2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 1.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Purchase of treasury stock | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Intercompany Activity - Financing | (0.3)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (0.4)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (5.9)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (7.2)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 94.2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 241.5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 32.8 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 26.3 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | (73.1)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 36.9 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 10.6 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 83.7 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 69.7 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 36.9 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember | 10.6 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_AamIncMember
Guarantor Subsidiaries of Certain Notes [Member] |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 41.9 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 64.9 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 46.6 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (18.6)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (12.5)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (9.0)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 0.4 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0.5 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Proceeds from government grants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember |  |
Intercompany activity | 23.3 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 52.6 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 37.4 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net cash used in investing activities | (41.5)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (64.6)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (46.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Financing activities |  |  |
Net debt activity | (0.4)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (0.3)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (0.2)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Debt issuance costs | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Purchase of treasury stock | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Intercompany Activity - Financing | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (0.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (0.3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | (0.2)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = axl_GuarantorSubsidiariesOfCertainNotesMember
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 193.1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 194.0 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 52.2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Investing activities |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (136.6)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (178.2)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (139.2)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 0.8 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 3.5 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 3.1 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from government grants | 2.1 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |  |
Intercompany activity | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember |
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash used in investing activities | (133.7)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (174.7)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (136.1)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Financing activities |  |  |
Net debt activity | (13.8)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (5.0)us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 16.2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Debt issuance costs | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (0.1)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Purchase of treasury stock | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Intercompany Activity - Financing | 23.3 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 52.6 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 37.4 axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 9.5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 47.5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 49.6 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (6.5)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (1.5)us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 0.6 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 62.4 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 65.3 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | (33.7)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 117.1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 51.8 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 85.5 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 179.5 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 117.1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember | 51.8 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] |  |  |
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Investing activities |  |  |
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Proceeds from government grants | 0 axl_Proceedsfromgovernmentgrants / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember |  |
Intercompany activity | (23.3)axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (52.6)axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (37.4)axl_IntercompanyActivityInvesting / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from sale-leaseback of equipment | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash used in investing activities | 23.3 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 52.6 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 37.4 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Financing activities |  |  |
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Employee stock option exercises, including tax benefit | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Purchase of treasury stock | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Intercompany Activity - Financing | (23.3)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (52.6)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (37.4)axl_IntercompanyActivityFinancing / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (23.3)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (52.6)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | (37.4)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | $ 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember | $ 0 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember

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