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Employee Benefit Plans OPEB Plan Assets by Category and Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 643.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	$ 713.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	479.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	585.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	58.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	63.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	105.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	64.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember	1.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	1.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	87.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember	128.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	87.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	128.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USLargeCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
U.S. Small/Mid Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember	49.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember
U.S. Small/Mid Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	49.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
U.S. Small/Mid Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
U.S. Small/Mid Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_USSmallmidCapMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	94.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember	109.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	94.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	109.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Government Agencies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	126.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember	133.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember
Government Agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	67.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	70.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Government Agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	58.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	63.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Government Agencies [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_GovernmentAgenciesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Investment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	139.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember	167.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
Investment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	139.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	167.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Investment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Investment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_InvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
NonInvestment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	31.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember	25.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember
NonInvestment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	31.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	25.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
NonInvestment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
NonInvestment Grade Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_NoninvestmentGradeCorporateBondsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Emerging Market Debt [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember	17.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember
Emerging Market Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	17.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Emerging Market Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Emerging Market Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = axl_EmergingMarketDebtMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember	16.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	16.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	57.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember	57.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Hedge Funds, Multi-strategy [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	57.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member	57.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Commercial Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	48.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 48.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis = us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member

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- Details

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- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

-Section 35

-Paragraph 50

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29635418&loc=d3e12355-114930

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