| Document and Entity Information | May 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AUTOLIV INC |
| Entity Address, Country | SE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001034670 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 28, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-12933 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 51-0378542 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Klarabergsviadukten 70, Section B |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 7th Floor |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Box 70381 |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | SE-107 24 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Stockholm |
| City Area Code | 46 8 |
| Local Phone Number | 587 20 600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | ALV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
