Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity Statement - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 547,190	$ 450	$ 812,160	$ (254,120)	$ (11,300)
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	8,300			8,300
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,470)				(5,470)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(650)		(650)
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	(620)		(620)
Non-cash compensation expense	1,970		1,970
Balances at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 550,720	$ 450	$ 812,860	$ (245,820)	$ (16,770)