Income Taxes Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Uncertainty Associated with Timing of Deductibility	$ 17.4

Represents an amount for which deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.

No definition available.

Name:	axl_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsUncertaintyAssociatedWithTimingOfDeductibility
Namespace Prefix:	axl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant