Pro Forma Information Presents Results of Operations of Dana (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income (loss)
As reported	$ 75	$ 112	$ 70	$ (25)	$ (12)	$ 47	$ 10	$ (30)	$ 232	$ 15	$ (435)
Net income (loss) attributable to the parent company
As reported	71	110	68	(30)	(13)	46	9	(31)	219	11	(430)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
As reported									188	(21)	(462)
Net income (loss) per share - Basic
As reported	$ 0.43	$ 0.69	$ 0.41	$ (0.26)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.27		$ (0.28)	$ 1.28	$ (0.15)	$ (4.19)
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted
As reported	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 0.32	$ (0.26)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.22		$ (0.28)	$ 1.02	$ (0.15)	$ (4.19)
Dongfeng Dana Axle Co., Ltd.
Net income (loss)
As reported									232	15
Pro forma									236	24
Net income (loss) attributable to the parent company
As reported									219	11
Pro forma									223	20
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
As reported									188	(21)
Pro forma									$ 192	$ (12)
Net income (loss) per share - Basic
As reported									$ 1.28	$ (0.15)
Pro forma									$ 1.31	$ (0.09)
Net income (loss) per share - Diluted
As reported									$ 1.02	$ (0.15)
Pro forma									$ 1.04	$ (0.09)