Consolidated Statement of Income Statement (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net sales	$ 337,780	$ 297,570
Cost of sales	(254,380)	(218,660)
Gross profit	83,400	78,910
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(59,650)	(50,470)
Net gain (loss) on dispositions of property and equipment	(10)	300
Operating profit	23,740	28,740
Other expense, net:
Interest expense	(5,210)	(10,670)
Other income (expense), net	(2,230)	(1,640)
Other expense, net	(7,440)	(12,310)
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	16,300	16,430
Income tax expense	(2,260)	(4,180)
Income from continuing operations	14,040	12,250
Net Income	14,040	12,250
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	860	(240)
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	$ 13,180	$ 12,490
Basic earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:
Net income per share	$ 0.34	$ 0.36
Weighted average common shares—basic	39,234,780	34,592,267
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:
Net income per share	$ 0.33	$ 0.36
Weighted average common shares—diluted	39,790,524	35,027,899