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, 2013	$ 549,410	$ 450	$ 816,450	$ (295,320)	$ 27,830
Net income (loss) attributable to TriMas Corporation	68,470			68,470
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(17,610)				(17,610)
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax	(2,910)		(2,910)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	640	0	640
Tax effect from stock based compensation	1,180		1,180
Non-cash compensation expense	7,440		7,440
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	(15,990)		(15,990)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	590,630	450	806,810	(226,850)	10,220
Net income (loss) attributable to TriMas Corporation	(33,400)			(33,400)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,210)				(13,210)
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax	(2,770)		(2,770)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	500	0	500
Tax effect from stock based compensation	590		590
Non-cash compensation expense	7,030		7,030
Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction	(2,180)			6,130	(8,310)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	547,190	450	812,160	(254,120)	(11,300)
Net income (loss) attributable to TriMas Corporation	(39,800)			(39,800)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,100)				(13,100)
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax	(1,590)		(1,590)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	160	10	150
Tax effect from stock based compensation	(80)		(80)
Non-cash compensation expense	6,940		6,940
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 499,720	$ 460	$ 817,580	$ (293,920)	$ (24,400)