Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 413,007	$ 410,307	$ 518,787	$ 573,993	$ 446,131	$ 483,297	$ 563,317	$ 564,742	$ 1,916,094		$ 2,057,487		$ 1,640,583
Gross Profit	121,923	132,713	172,021	190,230	122,500	154,815	190,583	189,259	616,887		657,157		498,128
Net income attributable to Sauer-Danfoss Inc.	$ 19,924	$ 40,633	$ 56,408	$ 64,794	$ 27,444	$ 56,997	$ 74,875	$ 70,554	$ 181,759		$ 229,870		$ 213,399
Net income per common share, basic	$ 0.41	$ 0.84	$ 1.17	$ 1.34	$ 0.57	$ 1.18	$ 1.55	$ 1.46	$ 3.75	[1]	$ 4.75	[1]	$ 4.41
Net income per common share, diluted	$ 0.41	$ 0.84	$ 1.16	$ 1.34	$ 0.57	$ 1.18	$ 1.54	$ 1.46	$ 3.75		$ 4.74	[1]	$ 4.40

[1] (1) Basic and diluted net income per common share is computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly basic and diluted net income per common share may not agree to the annual total.