| Cover | Sep. 18, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 18, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 1-14303 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001062231 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-3161171 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Dauch Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Detroit |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 48211-1198 |
| City Area Code | 313 |
| Local Phone Number | 758-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AXL |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period | false |
