Cover Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity File Number	1-1169
Entity Registrant Name	TIMKEN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000098362
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	34-0577130
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	75,324,189
Entity Address, Address Line One	4500 Mount Pleasant Street NW
Entity Address, City or Town	North Canton
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	44720-5450
City Area Code	234
Local Phone Number	262.3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, without par value
Trading Symbol	TKR
Security Exchange Name	NYSE