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, 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
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	75,550			75,550
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,430)				(11,430)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	174,670	50	174,620
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(4,440)	0	(4,440)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	1,620	10	1,610
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	1,550		1,550
Non-cash compensation expense	9,200		9,200
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	(890)		(890)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 549,410	$ 450	$ 816,450	$ (295,320)	$ 27,830