Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity Statement (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 61,980	$ 330	$ 528,370	$ (510,380)	$ 43,660
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	45,270			45,270
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,400				2,400
Proceeds from sale of common stock	0
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(240)	0	(240)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	130	10	120
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	600		600
Non-cash compensation expense	2,180		2,180
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	112,320	340	531,030	(465,110)	46,060
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	60,360			60,360
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,480)				(6,480)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	0
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(900)	0	(900)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	1,000	10	990
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	3,980		3,980
Non-cash compensation expense	3,510		3,510
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	173,790	350	538,610	(404,750)	39,580
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	33,880			33,880
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(320)				(320)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	79,040	40	79,000
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(990)	0	(990)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	6,170	0	6,170
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	2,730		2,730
Non-cash compensation expense	9,280		9,280
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 303,580	$ 390	$ 634,800	$ (370,870)	$ 39,260