Consolidated Statement of Income Statement (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,499,080	$ 1,388,600	$ 1,267,510
Cost of sales	(1,114,140)	(1,037,540)	(925,090)
Gross profit	384,940	351,060	342,420
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(255,880)	(243,230)	(214,630)
Net gain (loss) on dispositions of property and equipment	(4,510)	11,770	280
Operating profit	124,550	119,600	128,070
Other expense, net:
Interest expense	(15,020)	(18,330)	(35,800)
Debt extinguishment costs	(3,360)	(2,460)	(46,810)
Other expense, net	(6,570)	(1,720)	(2,970)
Other expense, net	(24,950)	(22,510)	(85,580)
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	99,600	97,090	42,490
Income tax expense	(32,870)	(18,140)	(6,060)
Income from continuing operations	66,730	78,950	36,430
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	2,550	1,120	(140)
Net income	69,280	80,070	36,290
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	810	4,520	2,410
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	$ 68,470	$ 75,550	$ 33,880
Basic earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:
Continuing operations	$ 1.47	$ 1.82	$ 0.90
Discontinued operations	$ 0.06	$ 0.03	$ 0.00
Net income per share	$ 1.53	$ 1.85	$ 0.90
Weighted average common shares—basic	44,881,925	40,926,257	37,520,935
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:
Continuing operations	$ 1.46	$ 1.80	$ 0.89
Discontinued operations	$ 0.05	$ 0.03	$ 0.00
Net income per share	$ 1.51	$ 1.83	$ 0.89
Weighted average common shares—diluted	45,269,409	41,395,706	37,949,021