| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 25, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 25, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AUTOLIV INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001034670 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-12933 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| 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, City or Town | Stockholm |
| Entity Address, Country | SE |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | SE-107 24 |
| City Area Code | +46 8 |
| Local Phone Number | 587 206 00 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock (par value $1.00 per share) |
| Trading Symbol | ALV |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
