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, 2012	$ 303,580	$ 390	$ 634,800	$ (370,870)	$ 39,260
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation	13,180			13,180
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,260)				(1,260)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations	(3,530)		(3,530)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting	180	10	170
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	910		910
Non-cash compensation expense	2,680		2,680
Balances at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 315,740	$ 400	$ 635,030	$ (357,690)	$ 38,000