Equity Affiliates - Principal Components of Investments in Equity Affiliates (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in affiliates carried at cost Description	Various
Investments	$ 206
Investment in affiliates carried at cost	2
Investment in affiliates	208	202
Dongfeng Dana Axle Co., Ltd. (DDAC)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Investments	151
Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Investments	35
Axles India Limited
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage	48.00%
Investments	8
All others as a group
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage Description	Various
Investments	$ 12

This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized.

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References+ Details