Segment reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net Sales	$ 97,164	$ 80,920
Net income	7,526	285
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Net Sales	64,162	41,417
Net income	6,313	4,454
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co Ltd [Member]
Net Sales	19,024	21,766
Net income	621	1,139
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Net Sales	8,867	6,783
Net income	289	255
Wuhu Henglong Auto Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Net Sales	6,476	7,685
Net income	(157)	(436)
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Net Sales	10,405	9,743
Net income	739	3,808	[1]
Other Sector [Member]
Net Sales	9,584	9,699
Net income	66	(261)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales	(21,354)	(16,173)
Net income	1,097	(3,314)
Total Segments [Member]
Net Sales	118,518	97,093
Net income	7,871	8,959
Corporate [Member]
Net Sales	0	0
Net income	$ (1,442)	$ (5,391)

[1] $3,2 million included in the balance was income from investment of Henglong, which has been eliminated at the consolidation level.