Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest activity
Equity at January 1, 2013	$ 629,231
Net income (loss)	19,873	24,146
Repurchase of common stock	(11,098)
Other comprehensive loss	(7,800)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,911)
Equity at March 31, 2013	630,189
Cooper-Standard Holdings [Member]
Summary of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest activity
Equity at January 1, 2013	628,326
Net income (loss)	20,701
Preferred stock dividends	(1,677)
Repurchase of common stock	(11,098)
Other comprehensive loss	(7,800)
Stock-based compensation	2,970
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(219)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(885)
Equity at March 31, 2013	630,318
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Summary of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest activity
Equity at January 1, 2013	905
Net income (loss)	(8)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,026)
Equity at March 31, 2013	(129)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Summary of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest activity
Equity at January 1, 2013	14,194
Net income (loss)	(820)
Other comprehensive loss	(130)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	219
Equity at March 31, 2013	13,463
Equity [Member]
Summary of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest activity
Equity at January 1, 2013	629,231
Net income (loss)	20,693
Preferred stock dividends	(1,677)
Repurchase of common stock	(11,098)
Other comprehensive loss	(7,800)
Stock-based compensation	2,970
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(219)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,911)
Equity at March 31, 2013	$ 630,189