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, 2012	$ 303,580	$ 390	$ 634,800	$ (370,870)	$ 39,260
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	40,070			40,070
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,470)				(5,470)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(3,760)		(3,760)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	870	10	860
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	1,180		1,180
Non-cash compensation expense	4,750		4,750
Balances at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 341,220	$ 400	$ 637,830	$ (330,800)	$ 33,790