Tower International (TOWR) 10-K 7 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Tower International, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001485469	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Trading Symbol	'TOWR	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,491,386	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$142,765,717

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$134,880	$113,943
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,071 and $4,105	255,674	266,138
Inventories (Note 3)	81,278	81,336
Deferred tax asset - current	8,649	10,447
Prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other	44,896	96,349
Total current assets	525,377	568,213
Property, plant, and equipment, net (Note 3)	549,605	573,148
Goodwill (Note 3)	66,976	64,793
Investment in joint venture (Note 13)	8,624	0
Deferred tax asset - non-current	3,732	3,149
Other assets, net	28,679	28,819
Total assets	1,182,993	1,238,122
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations (Note 6)	39,704	74,605
Accounts payable	262,425	264,897
Accrued liabilities	129,167	134,664
Total current liabilities	431,296	474,166
Long-term debt, net of current maturities (Note 6)	454,073	411,590
Obligations under capital leases, net of current maturities (Note 6)	10,013	10,783
Deferred tax liability - non-current	14,381	13,021
Pension liability (Note 8)	54,915	100,780
Other non-current liabilities	81,446	86,908
Total non-current liabilities	614,828	623,082
Total liabilities	1,046,124	1,097,248
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)	'	'
Tower International, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized and 0 issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 350,000,000 authorized, 21,079,027 issued and 20,472,637 outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 20,830,425 issued and 20,247,134 outstanding at December 31, 2012	211	208
Additional paid in capital	327,998	321,032
Treasury stock, at cost, 606,390 and 583,291 shares as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	-8,594	-8,297
Accumulated deficit	-257,487	-237,212
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (Note 3)	12,247	-12,484
Total Tower International, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	74,375	63,247
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	62,494	77,627
Total stockholders' equity	136,869	140,874
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,182,993	$1,238,122

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for accounts receivable (in dollars)	$2,071	$4,105
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,079,027	20,830,425
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,472,637	20,247,134
Treasury stock, shares	606,390	583,291

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	$2,102,019	$2,084,914	$2,053,708
Cost of sales	1,858,553	1,871,290	1,851,878
Gross profit	243,466	213,624	201,830
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	133,588	134,019	151,553
Amortization expense	2,793	4,579	4,589
Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net (Note 4)	21,207	10,738	2,660
Operating income	85,878	64,288	43,028
Interest expense	52,068	54,757	54,256
Interest income	1,209	942	749
Other expense (Note 6)	48,448	0	1,331
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in loss of joint venture	-13,429	10,473	-11,810
Provision for income taxes (Note 7)	2,077	15,255	13,293
Equity in loss of joint venture, net of tax (Note 13)	-558	0	0
Loss from continuing operations	-16,064	-4,782	-25,103
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 5)	0	29,790	6,948
Net income/(loss)	-16,064	25,008	-18,155
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	4,211	6,976	5,109
Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	($20,275)	$18,032	($23,264)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	20,387,168	20,080,839	19,364,433
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	20,387,168	20,447,072	19,364,433
Basic income/(loss) per share attributable to Tower International, Inc.:	'	'	'
Loss per share from continuing operations (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	($0.99)	($0.58)	($1.56)
Income per share from discontinued operations (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.48	$0.36
Income/(loss) per share (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	($0.99)	$0.90	($1.20)
Diluted income/(loss) per share attributable to Tower International, Inc.:	'	'	'
Loss per share from continuing operations (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	($0.99)	($0.58)	($1.56)
Income per share from discontinued operations (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.46	$0.36
Income/(loss) per share (Note 9) (in dollars per share)	($0.99)	$0.88	($1.20)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income/(loss)	($16,064)	$25,008	($18,155)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $0 million)	8,947	1,298	-9,952
Change in defined benefit plans (net of tax of $10.8 million, $0 million, and $0 million)	17,517	-1,375	-2,316
Unrealized gain/(loss) on qualifying cash flow hedge (net of tax of $0 million)	165	-60	267
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	26,629	-137	-12,001
Comprehensive income/(loss)	10,565	24,871	-30,156
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	6,109	8,073	7,252
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$4,456	$16,798	($37,408)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$0	$0	$0
Defined benefit plans, tax	10.8	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on qualiying cash flow hedge, tax	$0	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	($16,064)	$25,008	($18,155)
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	29,790	6,948
Loss from continuing operations	-16,064	-4,782	-25,103
Adjustments required to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Non-cash restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	11,236	575	0
Premium on notes redemption and other fees	48,448	0	0
Deferred income tax provision/(benefit)	-8,862	9,052	-2,127
Depreciation and amortization	94,837	92,856	102,583
Non-cash share-based compensation	4,743	9,613	15,174
Pension expense/(income), net of contributions	-17,131	2,568	18,336
Change in working capital and other operating items	36,143	-8,501	-22,003
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	153,350	101,381	86,860
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Cash disbursed for purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net	-96,794	-119,771	-100,829
Net proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	12,040	0	0
Investment in joint venture	-6,293	0	0
Net assets acquired, net of cash acquired	0	0	-22,300
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	-91,047	-119,771	-123,129
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings	560,288	651,781	654,420
Repayments of borrowings	-615,292	-638,782	-580,220
Proceeds from borrowings on Term Loan Credit Facility	417,900	0	0
Redemption of notes	-361,992	0	-42,008
Premium paid on notes redemption and other fees	-43,078	0	0
Debt financing costs	-10,878	0	0
Premium paid on re-pricing of Term Loan Credit Facility and other fees	-4,318	0	0
Secondary stock offering transaction costs	-814	'	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	2,224	0	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-297	-3,167	-5,130
Noncontrolling interest dividends	-9,329	0	0
Net cash provided by/(used in) continuing financing activities	-65,586	9,832	27,062
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'
Net cash from discontinued operating activities	0	-10,616	13,598
Net cash from discontinued investing activities	20,492	-51,352	-19,580
Net cash from discontinued financing activities	0	45,358	-763
Net cash from discontinued operations	20,492	-16,610	-6,745
Effect of exchange rate changes on continuing cash and cash equivalents	3,728	4,127	591
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	20,937	-21,041	-15,361
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'	'
Beginning of period	113,943	134,984	150,345
End of period	134,880	113,943	134,984
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:	'	'	'
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	47,175	51,568	55,169
Income taxes paid	11,199	8,578	15,278
Non-cash Investing Activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures in liabilities for purchases of property, plant, and equipment	7,462	10,621	21,254
Contribution of joint venture	$0	$12,097	$5,946

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY/(DEFICIT) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$111,626	$191	$296,262	$0	($231,980)	$2,894	$67,367	$44,259
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	19,101,588	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	-18,155	0	0	0	-23,264	0	-23,264	5,109
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-12,001	0	0	0	0	-14,144	-14,144	2,143
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	-30,156	0	0	0	0	0	-37,408	7,252
Vesting of RSUs	0	9	-9	0	0	0	0	0
Vesting of RSUs (in shares)	'	881,815	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-5,130	0	0	-5,130	0	0	-5,130	0
Treasury stock (in shares)	'	-300,371	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	15,174	0	15,174	0	0	0	15,174	0
Formation of Xiangtan/Chinese Joint Venture	5,946	0	0	0	0	0	0	5,946
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	97,460	200	311,427	-5,130	-255,244	-11,250	40,003	57,457
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	19,683,032	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	25,008	0	0	0	18,032	0	18,032	6,976
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-137	0	0	0	0	-1,234	-1,234	1,097
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	24,871	0	0	0	0	0	16,798	8,073
Vesting of RSUs	0	8	-8	0	0	0	0	0
Vesting of RSUs (in shares)	'	847,022	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-3,167	0	0	-3,167	0	0	-3,167	0
Treasury stock (in shares)	'	-282,920	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	9,613	0	9,613	0	0	0	9,613	0
Formation of Xiangtan/Chinese Joint Venture	12,097	0	0	0	0	0	0	12,097
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	140,874	208	321,032	-8,297	-237,212	-12,484	63,247	77,627
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	20,247,134	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	-16,064	0	0	0	-20,275	0	-20,275	4,211
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	26,629	0	0	0	0	24,731	24,731	1,898
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	10,565	0	0	0	0	0	4,456	6,109
Vesting of RSUs	0	1	-1	0	0	0	0	0
Vesting of RSUs (in shares)	'	69,858	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	2,226	2	2,224	0	0	0	2,226	0
Stock options exercised (in shares)	178,744	178,744	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock	-297	0	0	-297	0	0	-297	0
Treasury stock (in shares)	'	-23,099	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	4,743	0	4,743	0	0	0	4,743	0
Formation of Xiangtan/Chinese Joint Venture	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest dividends	-9,329	0	0	0	0	0	0	-9,329
De-consolidation of Chinese Joint Venture	-11,913	0	0	0	0	0	0	-11,913
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$136,869	$211	$327,998	($8,594)	($257,487)	$12,247	$74,375	$62,494
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	20,472,637	'	'	'	'	'	'

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	'
	Note 1. Nature of Business
	Tower International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company” or “Tower International”), is a leading integrated global manufacturer of engineered structural metal components and assemblies, primarily serving automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), including Ford, Volkswagen Group, Chrysler, Fiat, Volvo, Nissan, Daimler, Toyota, BMW, Chery, Honda, Geely, and PSA. Products include body structures, assemblies and other chassis, structures, as well as lower vehicle systems and suspension components for small and large cars, crossovers, pickups, and sport utility vehicles (“SUVs”). Including both wholly owned subsidiaries and majority owned subsidiaries, the Company has strategically located production facilities in the United States, Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Slovakia, China, Italy, Poland, and Czech Republic, supported by engineering and sales locations in the United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, China, and India.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Orga

Basis of Presentation and Organizational History	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Organizational History
	On October 14, 2010, the Company completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”), whereby Tower Automotive, LLC was converted into a Delaware corporation named Tower International, Inc. (the “Corporate Conversion”).
	Pursuant to the Company’s IPO, the Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on October 15, 2010. On October 20, 2010, in connection with the IPO the Company sold 6,250,000 shares of common stock and received $75.6 million of proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions. Pursuant to a partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, the Company sold an additional 383,722 shares of common stock on November 8, 2010 and received proceeds of $4.6 million, after underwriting discounts and commissions.
	All references to the Company in this Annual Report for periods prior to the effective date of the Corporate Conversion are to Tower Automotive, LLC and its subsidiaries. All references to the Company in this Annual Report for periods subsequent to the effective date of our Corporate Conversion are to Tower International, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	The results of the Company’s South Korean Subsidiary are presented as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 205, Discontinued Operations. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding our discontinued operations.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes thereto, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI, by the respective line items of net income, but, only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 did not change the existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The Company elected to present information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component in the notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s adoption of the revised guidance on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 3 for information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI, by component.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies
	Financial Statement Presentation
	a. Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. The Company’s share of earnings or losses of nonconsolidated affiliates are included in the consolidated operating results using the equity method of accounting when the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of the affiliates. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
	b. Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	c. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which represents its estimate of losses inherent in trade receivables. The Company provides an allowance for specific customer accounts where collection is doubtful based on historical collection and write-off experience. The Company will also take into consideration unique factors and provide an allowance for specific accounts, if necessary. Bad debt expense is not material for any period presented.
	d. Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Maintenance, repair, and non-productive inventory, which are considered consumables, are expensed when acquired and included in cost of sales. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Raw materials		$	36,139		$	32,781
	Work in process			19,650			22,735
	Finished goods			25,489			25,820
	Total inventory		$	81,278		$	81,336
	e. Tooling
	Tooling represents costs incurred by the Company in the development of new tooling used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. All pre-production tooling costs incurred for tools that the Company will not own and that will be used in producing products supplied under long-term supply agreements are expensed as incurred, unless the supply agreement provides the Company with the non-cancelable right to use the tools or the reimbursement of such costs is contractually guaranteed by the customer. Generally, the customer agrees to reimburse the Company for certain of its tooling costs at the time the customer awards a contract to the Company.
	When the part for which tooling has been developed reaches a production-ready status, the Company is reimbursed by its customer for the cost of the tooling, at which time the tooling becomes the property of the customer. The Company has certain other tooling costs, related to tools the Company has the contractual right to use during the life of the supply arrangement, which are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related product program. Customer-owned tooling is included in prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other and company-owned tooling is included in other assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The components of capitalized tooling costs are as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Customer-owned tooling, net		$	13,111		$	33,308
	Company-owned tooling			3,113			967
	Total tooling, net		$	16,224		$	34,275
	Any gain recognized, which is defined as the excess of reimbursement over cost, is amortized over the life of the program. If estimated costs are expected to be in excess of reimbursement, a loss is recorded in the period in which the loss is estimated.
	f. Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense was $92 million, $88.3 million, and $98 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of assets:
	Buildings and improvements			32 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment			3 to 20 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of 10 years or the remaining lease term at the date of acquisition of the leasehold improvement.
	Interest is capitalized during the preparation of facilities for product programs and is amortized over the estimated lives of the programs. Interest of $0.9 million, $1.4 million, and $1.5 million was capitalized in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and included in cost of sales. Spare parts are considered capital in nature when purchased during the initial investment of a fixed asset. Amounts relating to significant improvements, which extend the useful life or utility of the related asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the asset. Upon disposal or retirement of property, plant, and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is recognized in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Cost:
	Land		$	20,966		$	25,494
	Buildings and improvements			233,318			227,727
	Machinery and equipment			909,090			856,296
	Construction in progress			63,453			55,885
	Property, plant, and equipment, gross			1,226,827			1,165,402
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(677,222	)		(592,254	)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net		$	549,605		$	573,148
	g. Asset Retirement Obligations
	FASB ASC No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, requires the recognition of a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation to perform certain activities in connection with the retirement, disposal, or abandonment of tangible long-lived assets. The fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be recognized when incurred, generally upon acquisition, construction, or development and through the normal operation of the asset. Uncertainty about the timing or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement should be factored into the measurement of the liability. The liability is measured at discounted fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with renovating, upgrading, and returning leased property to the lessor, in accordance with the requirements of the lease.
	Asset retirement obligations are included in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table reconciles our asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Beginning balance		$	13,793		$	12,268
	Accretion expense			1,195			1,044
	Liabilities settled			(148	)		(347	)
	Change in estimate			1,337			828
	Ending balance		$	16,177		$	13,793
	h. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company monitors its long-lived assets for impairment on an ongoing basis in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. If an impairment indicator exists, the Company will perform the required analysis and record an impairment charge, if necessary. In conducting its impairment analysis, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from a long-lived asset to its net book value. If the net book value of an asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between net book value and fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon discounted cash flow analyses using cash flow projections based on recent sales data, and independent automotive production volume estimates, and customer commitments. Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in impairment of long-lived assets. Refer to Note 4 for a discussion regarding impairment charges for the periods presented.
	Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell.
	i. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but it is tested for impairment on, at a minimum, an annual basis. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, a two-step process is utilized in reviewing for impairment. The first step in the process requires the identification of reporting units and comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying value. The Company has identified its reporting units as Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, however, goodwill only exists at the Europe and South America units. If the carrying value of a unit is less than its fair value, no impairment is deemed to exist and step two is not necessary. If the carrying value of a unit is greater than its fair value, step two is required. The second step in the impairment review process requires the computation of impairment by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of its goodwill. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 350, which requires goodwill be tested for impairment annually and at the same time each year, the Company performs an annual impairment each year at year-end. The Company will also test goodwill for impairment when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is reasonably possible that impairment may exist.
	The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units. The income approach is based on the present value of projected debt free cash flow, discounted using factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. Fair value is estimated using automotive industry and specific platform production volume projections, which are based on internally-developed forecasts, as well as commercial, wage and benefit, inflation, and discount rate assumptions. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates, terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures, known restructuring actions, and changes in future working capital requirements. While there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to management’s application of these assumptions, the Company believes that the income approach is appropriate because it provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of its reporting units, which is based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term operating cash flow performance, and because it mitigates the impact of cyclical industry-related trends. Due to the inherent uncertainties that exist in making and applying these assumptions, they may differ significantly from actual results. In addition to the income approach, the Company also utilizes the market multiple approach to test the reasonableness of the fair value estimate determined using the income approach.
	The results of the Company’s 2013 and 2012 annual goodwill impairment analysis, completed as of year-end of each respective year, indicated that the carrying value of the Europe and South America reporting units was less than their respective fair values; thus, no impairment existed at either date.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is set forth below by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis (in thousands):
			International			Americas			Consolidated
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	60,725		$	3,258		$	63,983
	Currency translation adjustment			1,101			(291	)		810
	Balance at December 31, 2012			61,826			2,967			64,793
	Currency translation adjustment			2,577			(394	)		2,183
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	64,403		$	2,573		$	66,976
The Company has certain intangible assets that are related to customer relationships in Europe and Brazil. The Company also had a covenant not to compete agreement in North America, which expired in December 2012. The intangible assets in Europe and Brazil have definite lives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated lives of the related assets, which approximate the recognition of related revenues. Intangible assets are recorded in other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company anticipates amortization expense of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. No further amortization expense is anticipated to be incurred beyond 2014. The Company has incurred amortization expense of $2.8 million, $4.6 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The following table presents information about the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		Weighted Average			As of December 31, 2013					As of December 31, 2012
		Life			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible:
Europe			7 years		$	16,038		$	14,866	$	15,978		$	12,759
Brazil			7 years			5,443			5,078		5,532			4,392
Total					$	21,481		$	19,944	$	21,510		$	17,151
j. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants, at the measurement date (an exit price). The exit price is based upon the amount that the holder of the asset or liability would receive, or need to pay, in an actual transaction, or in a hypothetical transaction if an actual transaction does not exist, at the measurement date. In some circumstances, the entry and exit price may be the same; however, they are conceptually different.
The Company generally determines fair value based upon quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses valuation techniques that place greater reliance on observable inputs and less reliance on unobservable inputs. In measuring fair value, the Company may make adjustments for risks and uncertainties, if a market participant would include such an adjustment in its pricing.
FASB ASC No. 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based upon market data, referred to as observable inputs, and the Company’s assumptions, referred to as unobservable inputs. Determining where an asset or liability falls within that hierarchy depends on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either Level 1 or Level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls in a lower level in the hierarchy. The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:
Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2:  Inputs, other than Level 1 inputs, that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions that reflect those that market participants would use.
At December 31, 2013, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $492.6 million and $497.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $484.5 million and $529.1 million, respectively. The majority of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2013 was comprised of the Term Loan Credit Facility, which can be traded between financial institutions. Accordingly, this debt has been classified as Level 2. The fair value was determined based upon quoted values. The majority of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2012 was traded and was classified as a Level 2 measurement, based upon the pricing methodology and the limited trading of the securities. The fair value was determined based upon the quoted market values. The remainder of the Company’s debt, primarily consisting of foreign subsidiary indebtedness, is asset-backed and is classified as Level 3. As this debt carries variable rates and minimal credit risk, the book value approximates fair value.
The Company has foreign exchange hedges that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012. These hedges are recorded in prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other or accrued liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured using Level 2 observable inputs. The Company engages in foreign exchange hedges to limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations related to certain intercompany payments. These derivative financial instruments had an immaterial impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the periods presented.
The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
		Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable		Total gains/
		in active markets for						inputs		(losses)
		identical assets
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Long-lived assets held for sale			Not applicable			Not applicable		$	12	$	(10.5	)
For the year ended December 31, 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, & Equipment, long-lived assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $22.5 million were written down to their fair value of $12 million, resulting in a loss of $10.4 million, which was included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. Fair value of the assets was determined using a third party appraisal based on current market conditions.
The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
		Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs		Total gains/ (losses)
		in active markets for
		identical assets
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Long-lived assets held for sale			Not applicable			Not applicable		$	—	$	(0.6	)
For the year ended December 31, 2012, long-lived assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $0.6 million were written down to their fair value of $0 million, resulting in a loss of $0.6 million, which was included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The Company did not have any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrual liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
k. Derivative Financial Instruments
Periodically, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage the risk that changes in interest rates could have on the amount of future interest payments. Interest rate swap contracts are used to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. The Company is not a party to leveraged derivatives and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Under FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, all derivatives are recorded at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are immediately included in earnings. If a derivative qualifies as an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value are recognized as a component of AOCI until the underlying item being hedged is recognized in earnings. If a derivative is a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are offset against the changes in the fair value of the underlying item being hedged.
The Company formally documents hedge relationships, including the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Effective hedges are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value in other long-term liabilities or other long-term assets with a corresponding offset to AOCI. This includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges of specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments, or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses whether a derivative used in a hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at inception and on at least a quarterly basis, thereafter. When the Company determines that a derivative ceases to be an effective hedge, it will discontinue hedge accounting.
l. Revenue Recognition
In accordance with FASB ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition, the Company recognizes revenue once the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the Company’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.
The Company recognizes revenue when its products are shipped to its customers, at which time title and risk of loss pass to the customer. The Company participates in certain of its customers’ steel repurchase programs, under which it purchases steel directly from a customer’s designated steel supplier, for use in manufacturing products for that customer. The Company takes delivery and title to such steel and bears the risk of loss and obsolescence. The Company invoices its customers based upon annually negotiated selling prices, which inherently include a component for steel under such repurchase programs. Under guidance provided in FASB ASC No. 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, the Company has risks and rewards of a principal and therefore, for sales transactions in which the Company participates in a customer’s steel resale program, revenue is recognized on a gross basis for the entire amount of the sales, including the component for purchases under that customer’s steel resale program.
The Company enters into agreements to produce products for its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle program’s life. Once such agreements are entered into by the Company, it is obligated to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production period of the vehicle programs, which range from three to ten years, and generally, the Company has no provisions to terminate such contracts. Additionally, the Company monitors the aging of uncollected billings and adjusts its accounts receivable allowance on a quarterly basis, as necessary, based upon its evaluation of the probability of collection. The adjustments made by the Company due to the write-off of uncollectible amounts have been negligible for all periods presented.
m. Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the Consolidated Financial Statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. Valuation allowances have been recorded where it has been determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize the net deferred tax assets. Previously established valuation allowances are reversed into income when there is compelling evidence, typically three or more consecutive years of cumulative profit or other positive evidence, that the future tax profitability will be sufficient to utilize the deferred tax asset. Due to the significant judgment involved in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized, the ultimate resolution of these items may be materially different from the previously estimated outcome. Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across the Company’s global operations.
FASB ASC No. 740, Income Taxes, provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. ASC No. 740 also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
The Company recognizes tax liabilities in accordance with ASC No. 740 and adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
n. Segment Reporting
The Company determines its reportable segments based upon the guidance in FASB ASC No. 280, Segment Reporting. The Company defines its operating segments as components of its business where separate financial information is available. The Company is comprised of four operating segments that are routinely evaluated by management: Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Consistent with the aggregation criteria in FASB ASC No. 280, the Company aggregates its four operating segments into two reportable segments, based upon the segments having similar economic characteristics and sharing fundamental characteristics, including the nature of the products, production processes, customers, margins, and distribution channels. The Company’s two reportable segments include the Americas, which consists of North America and South America, and International, which consists of Europe and Asia. Refer to Note 12 for further discussion regarding our segments.
o. Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations is the local currency in which they operate. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable period-end exchange rates. Results of operations are translated at applicable average rates prevailing throughout the period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency translation are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments, a separate component of AOCI, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in net income/(loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were immaterial for all periods presented.
p. Exit or Disposal Activities
Costs to idle, consolidate, or close facilities and provide postemployment benefits to employees on an other than temporary basis are accrued based on management’s best estimate of the wage and benefit costs that will be incurred. Costs related to idling of employees that is expected to be temporary are expensed as incurred. Costs to terminate a contract without economic benefit to the Company are expensed at the time the contract is terminated. One-time termination benefits that are not subject to contractual arrangements, provided to employees who are involuntarily terminated, are recorded after management commits to a detailed plan of termination, communicates the plan to employees, and when actions required to complete the plan indicate that significant changes are not likely. If employees are required to render services until they are terminated in order to earn termination benefits, the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period.
q. Share-based Compensation
The Company measures compensation cost arising from the grant of share-based awards to employees at fair value. The Company recognizes such costs in income over the period during which the requisite service is provided, usually the vesting period. Refer to Note 10 for further discussion regarding share-based compensation.
r. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
Foreign currency translation		$	24,963		$	17,914
Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.7 million and $0 million			(12,833	)		(30,350	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on qualifying cash flow hedge, net			117			(48	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		$	12,247		$	(12,484	)
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gains/			Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Total
		(Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge
Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	(48	)	$	(30,350	)	$	17,914	$	(12,484	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			104			17,517			7,049		24,670
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			61			—			—		61
Net current-period other comprehensive			165			17,517			7,049		24,731
income
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	117		$	(12,833	)	$	24,963	$	12,247
s. Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures related to contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Generally, matters subject to estimation and judgment include amounts related to accounts receivable realization, fair value measurements, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, restructuring reserves, asset valuation reserves and accruals related to environmental remediation costs, asset retirement obligations, and income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions and changes in such estimates and assumptions may affect amounts reported in future periods.
t. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has adopted all accounting pronouncements affecting the Company.

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 4. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has executed various restructuring plans and may execute additional plans in the future to realign manufacturing capacity to prevailing global automotive production and to improve the utilization of remaining facilities. Estimates of restructuring charges are based on information available at the time such charges are recorded. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in estimating restructuring expenses, actual amounts paid for such activities may differ from amounts initially recorded. Accordingly, the Company may record revisions of previous estimates by adjusting previously established reserves.
	Restructuring Charges
	Net restructuring and asset impairment charges for each of the Company’s segments include the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	International	$	2,723		$	2,149		$	(179	)
	Americas		18,484			8,589			2,839
	Consolidated	$	21,207		$	10,738		$	2,660
	The following table sets forth the Company’s net restructuring and asset impairment charges by type for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Employee termination costs	$	2,299		$	2,586		$	1,414
	Other exit costs		7,672			7,577			1,246
	Asset impairments		11,236			575			—
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	$	21,207		$	10,738		$	2,660
	The charges incurred during 2013, 2012, and 2011 primarily related to the following actions:
	2013 Actions
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the charges incurred in the Americas segment related to the closure of Tower Defense & Aerospace, LLC (“TD&A”) (described below), the ongoing maintenance expense of facilities closed as a result of prior actions, and an impairment charge on a facility in Romulus, Michigan that the Company ceased using during the first quarter of 2013 and sold during the third quarter of 2013. The charges incurred in the International segment related to an impairment charge on the Bergisch facility, which was classified as held for sale during the second quarter of 2013 and was sold during the third quarter of 2013, relocation of a facility, and severance charges to reduce fixed costs.
	Tower Defense & Aerospace
	In April 2013, the Company announced the closing of the operations of TD&A. In June 2013, the Company received $9.1 million in cash proceeds for the sale of substantially all of TD&A’s assets. In connection with such closure, the Company incurred $11.5 million of restructuring charges, of which $8.2 million represents an impairment charge, $2.8 million represents other exit costs, and $0.5 million represents severance charges. With respect to TD&A, the Company did not incur additional restructuring charges during the second half of 2013 and it does not anticipate that it will incur additional restructuring charges in 2014.
	2012 Actions
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the charges incurred in the Americas segment related to the ongoing maintenance expense of facilities closed as a result of prior actions and the costs incurred to close two manufacturing facilities and relocate the operations to two of the Company’s existing manufacturing facilities. The charges incurred in the International segment related to severance charges in Europe to reduce fixed costs.
	2011 Actions
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the charges incurred in the Americas segment related to the ongoing maintenance of facilities closed as a result of prior actions and severance charges in Brazil related to improved manufacturing efficiencies, which were offset partially by the favorable adjustment of a liability pertaining to closed facilities.
	Restructuring Reserve
	The table below summarizes the activity in the restructuring reserve by segment, reflected in accrued liabilities, for the above-mentioned actions through December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		International			Americas			Consolidated
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	141		$	266		$	407
	Payments		(1,393	)		(554	)		(1,947	)
	Increase		2,149			1,061			3,210
	Adjustment		—			861			861
	Balance at December 31, 2012		897			1,634			2,531
	Payments		(1,267	)		(1,618	)		(2,885	)
	Increase		938			1,361			2,299
	Adjustment		—			(20	)		(20	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	568		$	1,357		$	1,925
	Except as disclosed in the table above, the Company does not anticipate incurring additional material cash charges associated with the actions described above. The increase in the liability above does not agree with the restructuring charges in the table above as certain items are expensed as incurred related to the actions described. The liability primarily relates to severance, with the exception of costs accrued resulting from the ceased use of a facility in North America.
	The liability decreased during the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to payments relating to prior accruals. The majority of the $1.9 million restructuring reserve accrued for as of December 31, 2013 is expected to be paid in 2014. The liability increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to an adjustment of the liability and severance accruals in Europe. The adjustment to the liability relates primarily to deferred rent credits pertaining to the Company’s facility located in Goodyear, Arizona that the Company ceased using during the first quarter of 2012.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred payments related to prior accruals in Europe of $1.3 million and in North America of $1.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred payments related to prior accruals in Europe of $1.4 million and in North America of $0.6 million.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 5. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
	On December 28, 2012, the Company’s subsidiaries, Tower Automotive Holdings Asia B.V., and Tower Automotive International Holdings B.V. (the “Sellers”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) with SJ Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of SECO (“Buyer”), and consummated the divestiture of its South Korean subsidiary, Seojin Industrial Company Ltd. (“Seojin”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Buyer assumed the outstanding debt and acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Seojin for a purchase price of fifty billion Korean Won (approximately $47 million USD), of which the Company received 50% on December 28, 2012, 40% on January 31, 2013, and the remaining 10% on December 30, 2013. In connection with the divestiture of Seojin, the Company received $23.4 million and paid transaction costs of $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Accordingly, Seojin has been presented as a discontinued operation in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 205, Discontinued Operations. In connection with the sale, accumulated foreign currency translation of $4 million was transferred out of AOCI and recognized in the gain from disposal during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following table discloses select financial information of the discontinued operation in our International Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
	Revenues	$	311,014		$	352,381
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes	$	(448	)	$	8,467
	Provision for income taxes		929			1,519
	Income/(loss) from operations		(1,377	)		6,948
	Gain from disposal, net of tax of $0		31,167			—
	Income from discontinued operations	$	29,790		$	6,948

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 6. Debt
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Term Loan Credit Facility (net of discount of $1,894 and $0)	$	416,009		$	—
	Senior Secured Notes (net of discount of $0 and $7,152)		—			354,840
	Amended Revolving Credit Facility		—			39,000
	Detroit Investment Fund indebtedness		—			476
	Other foreign subsidiary indebtedness		76,548			90,228
	Total debt		492,557			484,544
	Less: Current maturities		(38,484	)		(72,954	)
	Total long-term debt	$	454,073		$	411,590
	Current maturities do not include capital lease obligations of $1.2 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	38,484
	2015		23,224
	2016		11,907
	2017		15,980
	2018		5,659
	Thereafter		397,303
	Total	$	492,557
	Term Loan Credit Facility
	On April 23, 2013, the Company entered into a Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC (the “Term Loan Borrower”), the Company, Tower Automotive Holdings I, LLC (“Term Loan Holdco”), Tower Automotive Holdings II(a), LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(b), LLC, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (the credit facility evidenced by the Term Loan Credit Agreement and related documentation, the “Term Loan Credit Facility”).
	The Term Loan Credit Agreement provided for an initial term loan of $420 million and permitted the Term Loan Borrower to request, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Term Loan Credit Agreement (including the agreement of one or more lenders to make incremental loans, which agreement may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of any lender), future disbursements of incremental term loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to the greater of (i) $100 million and (ii) such other amount so long as Term Loan Holdco’s pro forma Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) does not exceed 2.00:1.00. The maturity date for the initial term loan disbursed under the Term Loan Credit Agreement was April 23, 2020.
	The proceeds of the initial term loan disbursed under the Term Loan Credit Agreement were used upon the closing of the Term Loan Credit Facility to redeem all of the outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “10.625% Senior Secured Notes” or the “notes”) previously issued pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of August 24, 2010, by and among the Term Loan Borrower and TA Holdings Finance, Inc., as issuers, the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust FSB as trustee, and to pay all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and related fees and expenses, including a tender premium, in connection with the tender offer described below.
	The initial term loans made under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at (i) an alternate base rate (the “Alternate Base Rate”) (which is the highest of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½% and the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as each such term is defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) for a one month interest period plus 1%) plus a margin of 3.50% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.25%) plus a margin of 4.50%.
	On July 29, 2013, the Company amended the Term Loan and Credit Agreement, by entering into the First Refinancing Term Loan Amendment to Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “First Term Loan Amendment”), dated as of July 29, 2013, by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC, as borrower, the Company, Tower Automotive Holdings I, LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(a), LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(b), LLC and the subsidiary guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, each of the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as lenders, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders.
	The purpose of the First Term Loan Amendment was to re-price the Term Loan Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Facility remains April 23, 2020. The Term Loan Credit Facility will bear interest at (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 2.75% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR rate by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.75%.
	In connection with the re-pricing described above, the Company incurred charges of approximately $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 that was recognized as other expense. These charges related to a premium paid by the Company and expenses associated with the re-pricing.
	The Term Loan Borrower’s obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company, on an unsecured basis, and Term Loan Holdco and certain of the Company's other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, on a secured basis (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by (i) a first priority security interest in certain assets of the Term Loan Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors, other than, inter alia, accounts, chattel paper, inventory, cash deposit accounts, securities accounts, machinery, equipment and real property and all contract rights, and records and proceeds relating to the foregoing and (ii) on a second priority basis to all other assets of the Term Loan Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantor which have been pledged on a first priority bases to the agent for the benefit of the lenders under the amended ABL Revolver described below.
	The Term Loan Credit Agreement includes customary events of default and amounts due there under may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company made principal payments of $2.1 million on the Term Loan Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2013, the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan Credit Facility was $416 million (net of a remaining $1.9 million original issue discount) and the effective interest rate was 4.75% per annum.
	Senior Secured Notes
	On August 24, 2010, the Company’s subsidiaries, Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC and TA Holdings Finance, Inc. (collectively, the “Issuers”), issued $430 million of 10.625% Senior Secured Notes (the “notes offering”). The notes were issued at an original issue discount of $12.8 million and bore an annual interest rate of 10.625%. The original issue discount was being amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximated the effective interest method, through interest expense over the term of the notes, which increased the effective annual interest rate to 11.25%. The notes were scheduled to mature on September 1, 2017.
	On March 30, 2011, the Issuers redeemed $17 million of the notes at 105% which resulted in a premium of $0.9 million that was recognized as other expense. In connection with the redemption, the Issuers accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount and associated debt issue costs by $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2011.
	On September 30, 2011, the Company reduced its outstanding debt by purchasing $17.5 million of the notes in the open market at 102%, which resulted in a premium of $0.4 million that was recognized as other expense. The notes purchased were immediately retired by the Company. In connection with the retirement, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount and associated debt issue costs by $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2011.
	On October 6, 2011, the Company reduced its outstanding debt by purchasing $7.5 million of the notes in the open market at 101.75%, which resulted in a premium of $0.1 million that was recognized as other expense. The notes purchased were immediately retired by the Company. In connection with the retirement, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount and associated debt issue costs by $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.
	On April 23, 2013, the Company completed a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase up to $276 million of the outstanding notes. An aggregate principal amount of $362 million of the notes was validly tendered in the Tender Offer and not validly withdrawn. The Company accepted for purchase $276 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes at an aggregate purchase price of 113.58% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, which resulted in a premium of $37.5 million and a tender fee of $0.7 million that were recognized as other expense. Because the maximum aggregate principal amount of $276 million for the notes was exceeded, the Company did not accept all of the notes tendered for purchase. The notes that were tendered but not accepted were promptly returned to the tendering parties. In connection with such repurchase, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount by $5.2 million and associated debt issue costs by $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2013. The accelerated amortization of the original issue discount and associated debt issue costs are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as interest expense.
	On May 24, 2013, the Company redeemed $43 million of the notes at 105% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which resulted in a premium of $2.2 million that was recognized as other expense. In connection with the redemption, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount by $0.8 million and associated debt issue costs by $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2013.
	On August 26, 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining $43 million of the notes at 105% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which resulted in a premium of $2.2 million that was recognized as other expense. In connection with the redemption, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount by $0.8 million and associated debt issue costs by $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. Per the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Company used the $45.2 million that was being held in an escrow account to cover this redemption and associated premium. As of December 31, 2013, the notes have been repaid in full and no balance remains outstanding.
	Amended Revolving Credit Facility
	On June 19, 2013, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement”) by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC (the “Borrower”), the Company, Tower Automotive Holdings I, LLC (“Holdco”), Tower Automotive Holdings II(a), LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(b), LLC, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC and each of the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Issuing Lender, as Swing Line Lender and as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”) for the Lenders.
	The Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement amended and restated, in its entirety, the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2011, by and among the Borrower, its domestic affiliate, and domestic subsidiary guarantors, named therein, and the lenders party thereto, and the Agent. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement provides for an asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Amended ABL Revolver”) in the aggregate amount of up to $150 million, subject to a borrowing base limitation. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50 million, provided that the total amount of credit (inclusive of revolving loans and letters of credit) extended under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement is subject to an overall cap, on any date, equal to the lesser of $150 million or the amount of the borrowing base on such date. The maturity date for the Amended ABL Revolver is June 19, 2018.
	Advances under the Amended ABL Revolver bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus a base rate margin or LIBOR plus a Eurodollar margin. The applicable margins are determined by the average availability under the Amended ABL Revolver over the preceding three consecutive full calendar months were 1.00% per annum and 2.00% per annum for base rate and LIBOR based borrowings, respectively.
	The Amended Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company, on an unsecured basis, and certain of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, on a secured basis. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility is secured by the same assets of the Borrower and the subsidiary guarantors that secured the obligations under the prior ABL revolving facility. The Borrower’s and each subsidiary guarantor’s pledge of such assets as security for the obligations under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility is evidenced by a Second Amended and Restated ABL Security Agreement dated as of June 19, 2013 among the Borrower, the guarantors party thereto and the Agent.
	The Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement contains customary covenants applicable to certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and includes customary events of default and amounts due thereunder may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
	In connection with the Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, the Company paid debt issue costs of $1.7 million and accelerated the amortization of the debt issue costs associated with the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement by $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2013. These costs are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as interest expense.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $150 million of borrowing availability under the Amended ABL Revolver, based on the value of the Company’s assets at November 30, 2013, of which no borrowings were outstanding and $11.5 million of letters of credit were outstanding.
	Letter of Credit Facility
	On June 13, 2011, the Company entered into a Letter of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of June 13, 2011 (the “Letter of Credit Facility Agreement”) by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC (the “L/C Borrower”), the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as participant in respect of letters of credit issued thereunder, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender.
	The Letter of Credit Facility Agreement originally provided for a letter of credit facility (the “Letter of Credit Facility”) for the issuance of up to $38 million of letters of credit with a sublimit for Euro dominated letters of credit (with an option to increase the Letter of Credit Facility to $44.5 million in the future). Upon a third party drawing on letters of credit issued under the Letter of Credit Facility, the L/C Borrower will become obligated to pay to the lenders the amounts so drawn. The maturity date of the Letter of Credit Facility is June 13, 2014.
	The Company has amended the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility on multiple occasions. In addition, on April 22, 2013, the Company amended the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement to, among other things, permit the incurrence of additional indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the granting of liens to secure such indebtedness. On June 20, 2013, the Company amended the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million (with an option to increase the Letter of Credit Facility to $44.5 million in the future). In connection with the reduction of the Letter of Credit Facility, the Company incurred a breakage fee of $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2013. This fee is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as other expense. The remaining terms of the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement have remained the same.
	As of December 31, 2013, the outstanding letters of credit under the Letter of Credit Facility were $8.5 million. As of December 31, 2013, an 8.5% per annum fee is due on the total amount of the facility. This fee is subject to change in the future based upon then current market conditions.
	The Letter of Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and certain of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries on an unsecured basis pursuant to a Guaranty entered into and made on June 13, 2011.
	The Letter of Credit Facility is unsecured and the Letter of Credit Facility Agreement contains customary covenants applicable to certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The Letter of Credit Facility Agreement also includes customary events of default and amounts due thereunder may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
	$27.5 million Letter of Credit Facility
	The $27.5 million Letter of Credit Facility was fully cash collateralized by third party deposit lenders for purposes of replacing or backstopping letters of credit outstanding. The $27.5 million Letter of Credit Facility was part of the First Lien Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement (the “First Lien Agreement”), dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC, Tower Automotive Holding Europe B.V., the guarantors named therein, the lenders, named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, but remained outstanding as it was not terminated when the First Lien Term Loan was paid off in August 2010. The cash collateral was deposited by such third party deposit lenders in a deposit account, and the Company had no right, title or interest in the deposit account.
	On June 13, 2011, the Company terminated the First Lien Agreement. At termination, Cerberus owned all of the $27.5 million Letter of Credit Facility. In connection with the termination of the First Lien Agreement, a $27.5 million deposit was returned to Cerberus in its capacity as a deposit lender.
	Detroit Investment Fund
	The Company assumed an unsecured debt instrument of $1 million owed to the Detroit Investment Fund, L.P. (“DIF”) upon the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of W Industries (refer to Note 13). The debt instrument requires monthly principal and interest payments with an annual interest rate of 8.5%. During the second quarter of 2013, the remaining balance on the debt instrument was repaid in full. As of December 31, 2013, no balance remained outstanding.
	Debt Issue Costs
	The Company incurred interest expense related to the amortization of debt issue costs of $6.5 million, $1.9 million, and $2.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Other Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness
As of December 31, 2013, other foreign subsidiary indebtedness of $76.6 million consisted primarily of borrowings in Brazil of $26.5 million, other indebtedness in Europe of $23.9 million, receivables factoring in Europe of $13.9 million, and borrowings in China of $12.3 million.
The change in foreign subsidiary indebtedness from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2012 is explained by the following (in thousands):
	Europe			Brazil			China
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	43,422		$	30,426		$	16,380
Maturities of indebtedness		(21,077	)		(20,141	)		(7,596	)
New/renewed indebtedness		20,474			20,217			3,303
Change in borrowings on credit facilities		(6,880	)		—			(224	)
Foreign exchange impact		1,810			(4,041	)		475
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	37,749		$	26,461		$	12,338
Generally, borrowings of foreign subsidiaries are made under credit agreements with commercial lenders and are used to fund working capital and other operating requirements.
Europe
As of December 31, 2013, the receivables factoring facilities balance available to the Company was $19.9 million (€14.5 million), of which $13.9 million (€10.1 million) was drawn. These are uncommitted demand facilities that are subject to termination at the discretion of the banks and bear interest rates based upon the average three month EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.75%. The effective annual interest rates as of December 31, 2013 ranged from 2.77% to 4.02%, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.2% per annum. Any receivables factoring under these facilities is with recourse and is secured by the accounts receivable factored. These receivables factoring transactions are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets in short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations.
As of December 31, 2013, the secured lines of credit balance available to the Company was $19.9 million (€14.5 million), of which $10.3 million (€7.5 million) was outstanding. The facilities bear an interest rate based on the EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.9% to 4.0% and have maturity dates ranging from October 2014 to April 2015. The effective annual interest rate as of December 31, 2013 was 4.22% per annum. The facilities are secured by certain accounts receivable related to customer funded tooling, mortgages over the land, certain buildings, and other assets and are subject to negotiated prepayments upon the receipt of funds from completed customer projects.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company obtained a term loan of $13.6 million (€9.9 million) with a maturity date of November 2017 and an interest rate of 6.25%. The Company also obtained an asset-based revolving credit facility of $25.7 million, of which no borrowings were outstanding as of December 31, 2013, with a maturity date of October 2017 and an interest rate based upon the one month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.0%. Availability on the credit facility is determined based upon the appraised value of certain machinery, equipment, and real estate, subject to a borrowing base availability limitation and customary covenants.
Brazil
As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary had borrowings of $26.5 million (R$62.5 million), which have annual interest rates ranging from 3.0% to 15.36% and maturity dates ranging from June 2014 to July 2022. As of December 31, 2013, the weighted average interest rate on the borrowings in Brazil was 11.36% per annum. The loans are provided through bilateral agreements with three local banks and are secured by certain fixed and current assets. Periodic interest and principal payments are required.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company obtained three term loans of $10.5 million (R$24.8 million) with maturity dates ranging from December 2016 to November 2018 and interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 15.36%.
China
As of December 31, 2013, the fixed rate secured lines of credit available to the Company was $6.6 million (Rmb 39.7 million), of which the entire amount was outstanding. The credit lines have maturity dates ranging from March 2014 to December 2017 and bear interest rates ranging from 5.99% to 7.68%. As of December 31, 2013, the variable rate secured line of credit available to the Company was $5.8 million (Rmb 35 million), of which the entire amount was outstanding. The credit line matures in June 2015. The fixed rate and variable rate secured lines of credit facilities are secured by machinery, equipment, and land rights.
The effective annual interest rate for all the credit lines in China as of December 31, 2013 was 7.16%.
Covenants
As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants that govern its credit agreements.
Capital Leases
The Company had capital lease obligations of $11.2 million and $12.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. These obligations expire in March 2018. Property under capital leases was $31.7 million and $30 million with $15 million and $12.7 million of accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 7. Income Taxes
	Tax Summary
	Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best assessments of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.
	The summary of income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(31,323	)	$	(6,028	)	$	(28,607	)
	Foreign		17,894			16,501			16,797
	Total	$	(13,429	)	$	10,473		$	(11,810	)
	The total provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Domestic – Federal	$	—		$	—		$	178
	Domestic – State		43			8			250
	Foreign		10,896			6,196			14,991
	Total		10,939			6,204			15,419
	Tax benefit with offset in OCI:
	Domestic – Federal		(9,897	)		—			—
	Domestic – State		(931	)		—			—
	Total		(10,828	)		—			—
	Deferred and Other:
	Domestic – Federal		—			—			—
	Domestic – State		—			—			(370	)
	Foreign		1,966			9,052			(1,757	)
	Total		1,966			9,052			(2,127	)
	Total provision for income taxes:	$	2,077		$	15,255		$	13,293
	A reconciliation of income tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations and the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense/(benefit) were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	(4,700	)	$	3,666		$	(4,134	)
	State tax expense/(benefit)		110			88			(120	)
	Valuation allowance		19,841			13,985			13,982
	Regional production tax – Italy		433			509			776
	Foreign withholding taxes		4,014			1,099			598
	Tax benefit in OCI		(10,828	)		—			—
	Foreign tax rate differential		(3,621	)		(2,576	)		565
	Increase/(decrease) in uncertain tax positions		1,161			(2,455	)		536
	Inflation adjustment – Mexico		(1,075	)		(1,109	)		(748	)
	Audit Adjustments		(2,352	)		(280	)		—
	Tax benefit from Italian law change		(1,152	)		—			—
	Permanent differences		246			2,328			1,838
	Total income tax expense	$	2,077		$	15,255		$	13,293
	Deferred income taxes are primarily provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The tax effects of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets are attributable to:
	Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits	$	168,769		$	148,507
	Accrued pension and postretirement benefit obligations		19,629			37,494
	Non-deductible reserves and other accruals		39,254			33,750
	Capitalized Leases		9,435			9,889
	MRO inventory reserves		10,760			8,537
	Total gross deferred assets		247,847			238,176
	Less: Valuation allowance		(219,421	)		(207,659	)
	Net deferred income tax assets		28,426			30,517
	Deferred tax liabilities are attributable to:
	Deferred cancellation of indebtedness income		(18,672	)		(16,310	)
	Long lived assets		(13,179	)		(14,327	)
	Total gross deferred liabilities		(31,851	)		(30,638	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	(3,425	)	$	(121	)
	As of December 31, 2013, the amount of valuation allowance that existed was $219.4 million. The valuation allowance increased $11.8 million during 2013 primarily as a result of the Company recording a new valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in Italy and not recognizing tax benefits from the increases in U.S. net operating losses. The Company continually monitors all available evidence to determine if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. Based on this assessment, the Company continues to record a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the U.S. and certain international jurisdictions, primarily Mexico, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Italy. If the Company’s operating performance and automotive production volumes remain stable in the U.S., it is reasonably possible that U.S. valuation allowances in excess of $100 million could be released in 2015. The current amount of valuation allowance is approximately 72% domestic and 28% international. As of December 31, 2013, there is not any amount of the valuation allowance for which subsequently recognized benefits will be allocated to reduce goodwill or other intangible assets.
	As of December 31, 2012, the amount of valuation allowance that existed was $207.7 million. The valuation allowance increased $19.4 million during 2012 primarily as a result of the Company recording a new valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in Brazil and not recognizing tax benefits from the increases in U.S. net operating losses.
	The Company has U.S. net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $234.3 million that expire during the years 2027 through 2033, state NOL carryforwards of $102.9 million, and state credit carryforwards of $23.4 million that expire during the years 2013 through 2033. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $82 million and $30.6 million related to federal NOL carryforwards and state NOL and credit carryforwards, respectively. During 2013, the Company had an ownership change that limits the annual utilization of the Federal and some state net operating losses. The annual Federal limitation is based on the value of the Company at the time of the change times the long-term tax exempt rate, plus additional adjustments for unrealized built in gains like deferred cancellation of indebtedness that are realized after the change. The Company does not expect the annual limitation will have a material effect on U.S. Federal and state current tax expense and payments in the next several years.
The Company’s international subsidiaries have NOL carryforwards of $258.4 million and other local income tax NOL carryforwards of $25.5 million at December 31, 2013, many of which are unlimited, while others expire as soon as 2016. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $56.2 million related to the foreign NOL and credit carryforwards.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has not provided for U.S. deferred income taxes and foreign withholding tax on the unremitted earnings of the Company’s international subsidiaries because such earnings are considered permanently reinvested and it is not practical to estimate the amount of income taxes that may be payable upon distribution. The Company has recorded a deferred income tax liability of $3 million for the expected future taxes primarily relating to periodic distributions, in the form of dividends, from the Company’s Chinese subsidiaries to its European holding company.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Unrecognized tax benefit – January 1	$	19,242		$	20,503		$	10,096
Increase in prior year tax positions		0			172			11,107
Decrease in prior year tax positions		(567	)		(558	)		(2,300	)
Increase in current year tax positions		2,656			917			2,634
Audit settlements		(3,336	)		(1,789	)		(12	)
Lapse in statute of limitations		(198	)		(302	)		(679	)
Foreign currency translation		426			299			(343	)
Total	$	18,223		$	19,242		$	20,503
The increase in prior year tax positions for 2011 includes increases that did not affect income tax expense in 2011. These unrecognized tax benefits were recorded in other balance sheet accounts or offset by NOLs in prior years.
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are $17.5 million, $18.9 million, and $19.5 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. These amounts are primarily associated with international tax issues such as the deductibility of interest expenses and the qualification of a Chinese joint venture for a lower tax rate than the statutory tax rate. Also included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are $0.7 million, $0.3 million, and $1 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts, primarily deferred taxes.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company accrued for the payment of income tax related interest and penalties of $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The amount of interest and penalty expense/(benefit) was ($0.1) million, $(1.7) million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The $0.1 million decrease in interest and penalties for the year ended December 31, 2012 is the result of an Italian law change, which increased the Company’s NOL, thus reducing the amount of penalties.
The Company is currently under IRS audit for the 2011 tax year. The Company is not currently under U.S. state income tax examination for any tax year. The U.S. statute of limitation extends to the 2007 tax year. The Company is under examination in some international jurisdictions for tax years 2007 – 2009. The Company has appealed German audit assessments for tax years 2004 and 2005. The Company believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding tax issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company sponsors a pension and various other postretirement benefit plans for its employees.
	In accordance with FASB ASC No. 805, Business Combinations, on August 1, 2007, the Company recorded a liability for the total projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets for the Tower International Consolidated Pension Plan (“Pension Plan”) and a liability for the total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets for other postretirement benefit plans and for postretirement benefit settlement agreements, which were approved by the Bankruptcy Court and assumed by the Company.
	Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
	The Pension Plan provides benefits for certain current and former U.S. employees. Benefits under the Pension Plan are based on years of service and compensation, as well as other factors. Effective October 1, 2006, the Pension Plan was frozen and the Company ceased accruing any additional benefits. Contributions by the Company are intended to fund benefits that accrued through October 1, 2006.
	The Company’s funding policy is to annually contribute amounts to the Pension Plan’s related trust, sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). The Company expects minimum contribution requirements to the Pension Plan of $16.6 million during 2014. Benefit payments under the Pension Plan are estimated to be $19.2 million, $18.4 million, $18 million, $17.1 million, and $16.9 million for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively, for a total of $89.6 million during that five-year period. Aggregate benefit payments under the Pension Plan for the years 2019 through 2023 are estimated to be $85.6 million.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of Pension Plan of assets and the change in the projected benefit obligation (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Reconciliation of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	189,472		$	173,239
	Actual return			14,607			20,197
	Employer contributions			15,005			17,108
	Expenses paid from Pension Plan assets			(1,248	)		(1,383	)
	Benefits paid			(18,793	)		(19,689	)
	Fair value, end of period		$	199,043		$	189,472
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	290,252		$	269,462
	Service cost			53			44
	Interest cost			10,126			11,690
	Actuarial (gain)/loss			(25,635	)		28,745
	Benefits paid			(18,793	)		(19,689	)
	Plan amendments*			(2,045	)		—
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period		$	253,958		$	290,252
	Funded status of the Pension Plan		$	(54,915	)	$	(100,780	)
		*	The Company transferred certain benefits from the Pension Plan to the Company's life insurance plan.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the funded status of the Pension Plan is recorded as pension liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At the December 31, 2013 and 2012 measurement dates, the accumulated benefit obligation of the Pension Plan was approximately $253 million and $290 million, respectively.
	The following table presents the components of the net periodic pension benefit cost of the Pension Plan (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost		$	53		$	44		$	30
	Interest cost			10,126			11,690			12,601
	Expected return on plan assets			(12,305	)		(11,215	)		(11,259	)
	Actuarial loss			—			19,157			33,223
	Net periodic benefit cost/(income)		$	(2,126	)	$	19,676		$	34,595
	Pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 consist of the following (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Unrecognized gain/(loss)		$	26,689		$	(1,989	)	$	(1,514	)
	New prior service credit			2,045			—			—
	Amount recognized		$	28,734		$	(1,989	)	$	(1,514	)
	The following table summarizes the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, related to the Pension Plan:
			As of December 31,
			2013			2012
	Unrecognized loss		$	(427	)	$	(27,116	)
	New prior service credit			2,045			—
	Deferred tax impact			(13,132	)		(2,912	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(11,514	)	$	(30,028	)
	The significant assumptions used in measuring the Company’s projected benefit obligation at the December 31, 2013 and 2012 measurement dates are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.5	%		3.65	%
	Annual rate of increase in compensation			4.5	%		4.5	%
	The assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost are shown below:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate			3.65	%		4.5	%		5.25	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets			7.4	%		7.4	%		7.4	%
	Annual rate of increase in compensation			4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
	The present value of the Company’s projected benefit obligation is calculated annually by a third party. The discount rates used in the calculations are established based upon the results of a yield curve analysis, which calculates a yield to maturity that mirrors the timing and amounts of future benefit payments.
	The Company invests the assets of the Pension Plan in a diversified portfolio, which consists of an array of asset classes and attempts to maximize returns while minimizing volatility. The allocation of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, as well as the Company’s 2013 target allocations, are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2013 Target
Fixed income investments			45	%		47	%		45	%
Equity securities			33	%		31	%		30	%
Non-equity investments			19	%		22	%		20	%
Real estate			3	%		0	%		5	%
Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
The expected long-term rate of return on the Pension Plan’s assets assumptions are based upon modeling studies completed with the assistance of the Company’s actuaries and investment consultants. The models take into account inflation, asset class returns, and bond yields for both domestic and foreign markets. These studies, along with the history of returns for the Pension Plan’s, indicate that expected future returns, weighted by asset allocation, supported an expected long-term asset return assumption of 7.4% for 2013 and 2012.
The Company’s investment goals are to achieve returns in excess of the Pension Plan’s actuarial assumptions, commensurate with the Pension Plan’s risk tolerance; to invest in a prudent manner in accordance with fiduciary requirements of ERISA and to ensure that Pension Plan assets will meet the obligations of the Pension Plan as they come due.
Investment management of the Pension Plan is delegated to a professional investment management firm that must adhere to policy guidelines and objectives. An independent investment consultant is used to measure and report on investment performance, perform asset/liability modeling studies, recommend changes to objectives, guidelines, managers, or asset class structure, and keep the Company informed of current investment trends and issues.
The investment policy, as established by the Company’s Benefit Plans Committee (the “Committee”), allows for effective supervision, monitoring, and evaluating of the investment of the Company’s retirement plan assets. This includes setting forth an investment structure for managing assets and providing guidelines for each portfolio to control the level of overall risk and liquidity. The cash inflows and outflows of the Pension Plan will be deployed in a manner consistent with the above target allocations. If the Committee determines cash flows to be insufficient within the strategic allocation target ranges, the Committee shall decide whether to effect transactions to bring the strategic allocation within the threshold ranges. Pension Plan assets do not include equity securities of the Company.
Based on consideration of the Pension Plan’s projected benefit obligation, the Pension Plan’s ability to tolerate risk is in the moderate range. Asset allocation is consistent with this level of risk, with assets being a mix of equities and fixed income. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. Minimum and maximum ranges are established for each asset class to control risk and maximize the effectiveness of the Pension Plan’s asset allocation strategy. Asset allocation is reviewed quarterly and rebalanced if necessary. Specific investment guidelines, restrictions, and investment return objectives exist for each asset class and corresponding investment manager.
Pension Plan assets are recorded at fair value. Fixed income and equity securities may each be combined into commingled fund investments, which are valued to reflect the Company’s interest in the fund, based upon the reported year-end net asset value. The estimated fair values of debt securities held are based upon quoted market prices and/or market data for the same or comparable instruments. Because of the nature of these pricing fixed income securities and commingled fixed income funds, some of these instruments are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 investments within the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 3. Fair value estimates for publicly-traded equity securities are based upon quoted market prices and/or other market data for the same or comparable instruments. Collective trusts that hold securities directly are stated at fair value of the underlying securities, as determined by the administrator, based on readily determinable market values and as such, are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 investments. Non-equity investments include investments in hedge funds and are valued based upon their year-end reported net asset values. The funded status of the Pension Plan represents the difference between the Company’s projected benefit obligation and fair value of Pension Plan assets and is presented as pension liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table summarizes the Pension Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in millions). Refer to Note 3 for definitions of Level 1, 2, and 3 financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of marketable securities.
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
Asset Classes		Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
					Identical Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash		$	4		$	4		$	—		$	—
Equity securities			15			15			—			—
Mutual funds(a)			87			76			11			—
Corporate bonds			41			—			41			—
Equity long/short hedge funds(b)			45			—			—			45
Real estate investment funds			7			—			—			7
Total		$	199		$	95		$	52		$	52
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
Asset Classes		Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
								(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Cash		$	7		$	7		$	—		$	—
Equity securities			13			13			—			—
Mutual funds(a)			79			67			12			—
Corporate bonds			43			—			43			—
Equity long/short hedge funds(b)			47			—			—			47
Total		$	189		$	87		$	55		$	47
	(a)	This category consists of mutual fund investments that are focused on fixed income and international equity securities.
	(b)	This category includes hedge funds that invest both long and short in a variety of U.S. and international equities and currencies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position.
For Pension Plan assets with fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), reconciliations of beginning and ending balances are as follows (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Equity Long/
		Short Hedge Funds
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	47
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date			3
Purchases			2
Redemptions			(5	)
Balance at December 31, 2012			47
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date			2
Purchases			1
Redemptions			(5	)
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	45
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Real Estate Investment Funds
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—
Actual return on plan assets:
Purchases			7
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	7
Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors various qualified defined contribution retirement plans. Each plan serves a defined group of employees and has varying levels of Company contributions. The Company’s contributions to certain plans may be required by the terms of the Company’s collective bargaining agreements. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company contributed $4.6 million, $4.4 million, and $3.8 million, respectively, to its defined contribution retirement plans.
Retirement Plans of Non-U.S. Operations
The Company has no defined benefit pension plans associated with its non-U.S. operations. In certain circumstances, the Company may provide severance benefits to employees whose employment is terminated under a written agreement. The amount of benefits depends upon the length of service of the employee and whether the termination was voluntary or at the request of the Company. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recorded expenses associated with these non-U.S. plans of $1.6 million, $1.6 million, and $1.8 million, respectively.
Other Postretirement Plans
Defined-Dollar Capped Medical Plans
For the retirees of the Company’s former Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Greenville, Michigan facilities, separate Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (“VEBA”) Trusts were established. The Milwaukee VEBA Trust began administering medical insurance benefits for retirees and their dependents on July 1, 2006. The Greenville VEBA Trust began administering benefits for retirees and their dependents beginning September 1, 2006.
As of July 31, 2007, the Company assumed the liabilities of the VEBA Trusts, described above, and future benefit payments were capped at specified amounts to be paid through 2011. As a result, the Company determined that these arrangements represent defined benefit postretirement plans and defined-dollar capped plans, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits. The Company recorded the accretion of interest costs until settlement, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 715, in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Benefit payments during the year ended December 31, 2011 were $0.6 million. Interest accretion during the year ended December 31, 2011 was less than $0.1 million. At December 31, 2011, no further benefit payments remained and no further interest accretion was recorded.
Life Insurance Plans
As of July 31, 2007, the Company assumed life insurance benefits for certain U.S. retirees and the benefit plans pursuant to which such life insurance benefits are provided. Expected future life insurance benefit payments amount to $0.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $1 million for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively, for a total of $3.8 million during the five-year period. Aggregate expected benefit payments for the years 2019 through 2023 are $4.9 million.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligation and funded status of the Company’s life insurance plans (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
Reconciliation of fair value of life insurance plan assets:
Fair value of assets, beginning of period		$	—		$	—
Employer contributions			431			408
Benefits paid			(431	)		(408	)
Fair value of assets, end of period		$	—		$	—
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	14,648		$	15,020
Plan amendments*			1,974			—
Interest cost			541			650
Actuarial loss/(gain)			(1,588	)		(614	)
Benefits paid			(431	)		(408	)
Benefit obligation, end of period		$	15,144		$	14,648
Funded status of life insurance plans		$	(15,144	)	$	(14,648	)
	*	The Company transferred certain benefits to the Company's life insurance plan from the Pension Plan.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the funded status of the Company’s life insurance plans is recorded as accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s life insurance plans (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011(a)
Service cost		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost			541			650			716
Expected return on plan assets			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost		$	541		$	650		$	716
	(a)	Excludes defined-dollar capped plans described above.
Pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
Net actuarial gain/(loss)		$	1,588		$	614		$	(802	)
New prior service cost			(1,974	)		—			—
Amount recognized		$	(386	)	$	614		$	(802	)
The following table summarizes the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, related to the Company’s other postretirement plans:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
Unrecognized gain/(loss)		$	1,263		$	(325	)
New prior service cost			(1,974	)		—
Deferred tax impact			(608	)		—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(1,319	)	$	(325	)
The present value of the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation is calculated annually by a third party. The discount rates used in the calculations are established based upon the results of a yield curve analysis, which calculates a yield to maturity that mirrors the timing and amounts of future benefit payments. The discount rates used to measure the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation in 2013 and 2012 was 4.7% and 3.75%, respectively. The discount rates used to determine the net periodic benefit cost was 3.75%, 4.5%, and 5.25% in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The measurement dates of the Company’s post retirement plans are December 31 of each year.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS

Earnings per Share ("EPS")	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Note 9. Earnings per Share (“EPS”)
	Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
	The share count for diluted earnings/(loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effects of dilutive common stock equivalents (“CSEs”) outstanding during the period. CSEs, which are securities that may entitle the holder to obtain common stock, include outstanding stock options and restricted stock units. When the average price of the common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of a stock option, the options are considered potentially dilutive CSEs. When there is a loss from continuing operations, potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
	The Company excluded 1.5 million, 1 million, and 1.8 million of potentially anti-dilutive shares for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	A summary of the information used to compute basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share attributable to Tower International, Inc. is shown below (in thousands — except share and per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(16,064	)	$	(4,782	)	$	(25,103	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			29,790			6,948
	Net income/(loss)		(16,064	)		25,008			(18,155	)
	Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests		4,211			6,976			5,109
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$	(20,275	)	$	18,032		$	(23,264	)
	Basic earnings per share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.99	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(1.56	)
	Discontinued operations		—			1.48			0.36
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.		(0.99	)		0.9			(1.20	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		20,387,168			20,080,839			19,364,433
	Diluted earnings per share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.99	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(1.56	)
	Discontinued operations		—			1.46			0.36
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.		(0.99	)		0.88			(1.20	)
	Diluted weighted average		20,387,168			20,447,072			19,364,433
	shares outstanding

ShareBased_and_LongTerm_Compen

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	Note 10. Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation
	2010 Equity Incentive Plan
	The Company adopted an equity incentive plan in connection with the IPO that allows for the grants of stock options, restricted stock awards, other equity-based awards, and certain cash-based awards to be made pursuant to the plan. The eligibility requirements and terms governing the allocation of any common stock, and the receipt of other consideration under the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, are determined by the Board of Directors and/or its Compensation Committee. The number of shares of common stock that may be issued or delivered may not exceed, in the aggregate, 4.6 million shares. Cash settled awards do not count against the maximum aggregate number.
	The primary objectives of the Company’s compensation programs are to (i) attract, motivate, and retain the best executive officers with the skills necessary to successfully manage the business and (ii) align the interests of the executive officers with stockholders by rewarding them for strong Company performance.
	Share-Based Compensation
	At December 31, 2013, 1,160,273 shares were available for future grants of options and other types of awards under the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. Forfeited shares may be re-issued under the plan up to the maximum amount to be issued, as defined by the plan.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s award activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		Options					Restricted Stock Units
	Outstanding at:	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average
										Grant Date
										Fair Value
	31-Dec-10		457,098		$	13		1,763,625		$	13
	Granted		22,805			15.63		600,894			11.3
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		—			—		(881,815	)		13
	Forfeited		(50,463	)		13		(76,680	)		13.42
	31-Dec-11		429,440			13.14		1,406,024			12.25
	Granted		615,804			11.75		135,911			11.75
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		—			—		(847,022	)		13.14
	Forfeited		(71,499	)		12.58		(12,498	)		14.63
	31-Dec-12		973,745			12.3		682,415			11
	Granted		—			—		120,873			13
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		(178,744	)		12.44		(69,858	)		13.68
	Forfeited		(52,617	)		12.13		(13,526	)		13.15
	31-Dec-13		742,384		$	12.28		719,904		$	11.04
	Stock options
	The exercise price of each stock option equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded at the grant date fair value and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods. The Company’s stock options generally vest over three years, with a maximum term of ten years.
	The Company calculates the weighted average grant date fair value of each option granted using a Black-Scholes valuation model. No options were granted during 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized an expense related to the options of $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit related to this compensation expense. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has $1.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense associated with these stock options that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the next ten months on a weighted average basis.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has an aggregate of 742,384 stock options that have been granted, but have not yet been exercised. As of December 31, 2013, the remaining average contractual life for the options is approximately eight years. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 178,744 options were exercised, which had an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.3 million. As of December 31, 2013, 276,342 stock options were exercisable, which had an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 52,617 stock options were forfeited.
	Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
	The grant date fair value of each RSU equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recorded at the grant date fair value, less an estimated forfeiture amount, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized an expense of $3 million, $2.5 million, and $0.5 million, respectively, relating to all of the RSUs granted thus far, excluding the RSUs granted in connection with the Company’s IPO. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit related to this compensation expense. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense associated with these RSUs that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the next 14 months on a weighted average basis. The Company’s RSUs generally vest over a three year period.
	The Company did not recognize an expense relating to the RSUs granted in connection with the Company’s IPO during the year ended December 31, 2013. However, during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized an expense of $5.5 million and $13.9 million, respectively. The Company did not recognize any expense related to these RSUs during the year ended December 31, 2013 because all compensation expense associated with these RSUs had been recorded as of April 30, 2012. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit related to this compensation expense.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has an aggregate of 719,904 RSUs that have been granted, but have not yet vested. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 13,526 RSUs were forfeited.
	On July 20, 2011, one half of the RSUs granted at the time of the Company's IPO vested, resulting in the issuance of 881,815 shares at a fair value of $15.1 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 581,444 shares of common stock were issued in connection with this initial vesting. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for the employee’s minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $5.1 million to acquire 300,371 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes. Compensation expense associated with the unvested RSUs was recognized through the final vesting on April 20, 2012.
	On March 1, 2012, one third of the RSUs granted on March 3, 2011 vested, resulting in the issuance of 31,878 shares at a fair value of $0.4 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 25,384 shares of common stock were issued in connection with this initial vesting. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for certain executive’s minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $0.1 million to acquire 6,494 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes.
	On April 20, 2012, the second half of the RSUs granted at the time of the Company's IPO vested, resulting in the issuance of 814,035 shares at a fair value of $9.1 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 537,970 shares of common stock were issued in connection with this vesting. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for the employee’s minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $3.1 million to acquire 276,065 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes.
	On March 1, 2013, one third of the RSUs granted on March 3, 2011 vested, resulting in the issuance of 26,837 shares at a fair value of $0.3 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 17,934 shares of common stock were issued in connection with this vesting. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for certain executives’ minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $0.1 million to acquire 8,903 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes.
	On March 6, 2013, one third of the RSUs granted on March 6, 2012 vested resulting in the issuance of 40,305 shares at a fair value of $0.5 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 27,164 shares of common stock were issued in connection with this vesting. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for certain executives’ minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $0.2 million to acquire 13,141 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes.
	Long-Term Compensation
	Performance Award Agreements
	On March 5, 2013, the Company granted certain awards pursuant to Performance Award Agreements to approximately 80 executives under the provisions of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. The purpose of the awards is to provide the executives an incentive to participate in the long-term success and growth of the Company. The Performance Award Agreements provide for cash-based awards that vest upon payment and will be paid after December 31, 2015, if certain performance conditions are met. These awards are also subject to payment upon a change in control or termination of employment, if certain criteria are met. One half of the awards will be based on the Company's Adjusted EPS Growth Rate, which is defined as the Company’s cumulative Adjusted EPS for the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015 (the “Performance Period”), stated in terms of a percentage growth rate. The Company's earnings per share will be adjusted to exclude the effect of extraordinary, unusual, and/or nonrecurring items and then will be divided by the number of fiscal years in the specified period, stated in terms of a percentage growth rate. The remaining half of the awards will be based on the Company's percentile ranking of total shareholder return, compared to a peer group of companies (“TSR Percentile”), for the Performance Period. The awards represent unfunded, unsecured obligations of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an expense of $0.9 million related to these awards. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a liability of $0.9 million related to these awards. This liability is presented as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Supplemental Value Creation Program
	The Supplemental Value Creation Program was created in 2010 and provided a $7.5 million cash bonus to approximately 70 executives, subject to vesting requirements of nine and 18 months, upon the retirement of the Company’s First Lien Term Loan in full. The Company began recording a liability related to this program in August 2010 when the First Lien Term Loan was retired. The Company did not record an expense related to this program during the year ended December 31, 2013; however, the Company recorded an expense of $0.7 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company paid $3.3 million upon the nine month vesting of this Program during the second quarter of 2011 and paid an additional $3.1 million upon the 18 month vesting of this Program during the first quarter of 2012. There was no remaining liability as of the year ended December 31, 2012.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 11. Related Party Transactions
	The Company sells certain products from its Asian operations to our joint venture partners, FAW-VW and Chery. The sales of these products to FAW-VW and FAW were $66.2 million, $122.8 million, and $110 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The sales of these products to Chery were $47.5 million, $24.4 million, and $31.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s accounts receivable with FAW-VW and FAW at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $4.1 million and $4 million, respectively. The Company’s accounts receivable with Chery at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $11 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 12. Segment Information
	The Company defines its operating segments as components of its business where separate financial information is available. The Company’s operating segments are routinely evaluated by management. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer.
	The Company produces engineered structural metal components and assemblies primarily serving the global automotive industry. The Company’s operations have similar economic characteristics and share fundamental characteristics, including the nature of the products, production processes, margins, customers, and distribution channels. The Company’s products include body structures stampings, chassis structures (including frames), and complex welded assemblies for small and large cars, crossovers, pickups, and SUVs. The Company is comprised of four operating segments: Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. These operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments. The International segment consists of Europe and Asia while the Americas segment consists of North and South America.
	The Company measures segment operating performance based on Adjusted EBITDA. The Company uses segment Adjusted EBITDA as the basis for the CODM to evaluate the performance of each of the Company’s reportable segments.
	The following is a summary of select data for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
		International			Americas			Total
	2013:00:00
	Revenues	$	951,019		$	1,151,000		$	2,102,019
	Adjusted EBITDA		79,090			133,204			212,294
	Capital expenditures		44,380			49,255			93,635
	Total assets	$	736,272		$	446,721		$	1,182,993
	2012:00:00
	Revenues	$	945,905		$	1,139,009		$	2,084,914
	Adjusted EBITDA		85,423			112,463			197,886
	Capital expenditures		63,501			45,637			109,138
	Total assets	$	769,321		$	468,801		$	1,238,122
	2011:00:00
	Revenues	$	981,652		$	1,072,056		$	2,053,708
	Adjusted EBITDA		96,481			106,105			202,586
	Capital expenditures		52,027			51,799			103,826
	Total assets	$	905,482		$	491,896		$	1,397,378
	Inter-segment sales are not significant for any period presented. Capital expenditures do not equal cash disbursed for purchases of property, plant, and equipment, as presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as capital expenditures above include amounts paid and accrued during the periods presented.
	The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in loss of joint venture (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	212,294		$	197,886		$	202,586
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net		(21,207	)		(10,738	)		(2,660	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(94,837	)		(92,856	)		(102,583	)
	Acquisition costs and other		(907	)		(431	)		(1,554	)
	Long-term compensation expense		(6,630	)		(10,416	)		(19,538	)
	Interest expense, net		(50,859	)		(53,815	)		(53,507	)
	Other expense		(48,448	)		—			(1,331	)
	Pension actuarial loss		—			(19,157	)		(33,223	)
	Closure of Tower Defense & Aerospace		(2,835	)		—			—
	Income/(loss) before provision for income
	taxes and equity in loss of joint venture	$	(13,429	)	$	10,473		$	(11,810	)
	The following is a summary of revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location (in thousands):
		Years Ended and End of Year December 31,
		2013						2012					2011
		Revenues			Long-Lived Assets			Revenues			Long-Lived Assets		Revenues			Long-Lived Assets
	Germany	$	338,712		$	71,696		$	358,736		$	68,632	$	402,946		$	78,616
	Belgium		188,932			30,314			148,026			30,430		154,503			28,890
	Slovakia		181,421			72,158			208,865			79,443		155,286			75,308
	Italy		90,541			32,765			101,887			33,026		142,812			37,581
	Other Europe		68,989			13,856			51,094			17,154		59,194			8,652
	China		189,231			98,641			187,511			84,200		155,005			44,942
	South Korea		—			—			—			—		—			123,817
	U.S.		958,009			173,848			925,677			208,605		852,446			220,028
	Brazil		193,469			59,440			215,471			52,625		219,753			51,447
	Intercompany eliminations		(107,285	)		—			(112,353	)		—		(88,237	)		—
	Total	$	2,102,019		$	552,718		$	2,084,914		$	574,115	$	2,053,708		$	669,281
	Revenues are attributed to geographic locations based on the location of specific production. Long-lived assets consist of net property, plant, and equipment and company-owned tooling.
	The following is a summary of the approximate composition of the Company’s revenues, by product category (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Body structures and assemblies	$	1,144,715		$	1,142,365		$	1,115,509
	Complex body-in-white assemblies		533,454			494,784			453,454
	Chassis, lower vehicle systems, and suspension components		423,850			447,765			484,745
	Total	$	2,102,019		$	2,084,914		$	2,053,708
	The Company sells its products directly to automotive manufacturers. The following table presents a summary of customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in any of the three years ended December 31, 2013:
		2013			2012			2011
	Ford		22	%		21	%		20	%
	VW		19	%		23	%		20	%
Chrysler		10	%		9	%		7	%
All customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues from the table above are customers in the automotive industry; therefore, the Company is subject to a concentration of credit risk.

Acquisitions_and_Joint_Venture

Acquisitions and Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 13. Acquisitions and Joint Ventures
	Ningbo Joint Venture
	In February 2012, a foreign subsidiary of the Company reached an agreement with Ningbo Beilun Ditong Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Ditong Automotive Products Co., Ltd.) and Zhejiang Jirun Automobile Co. Ltd. (a subsidiary of Geely Automobile Co., Ltd.) to form a joint venture (“Ningbo”) located in Ningbo, China. At inception, the joint venture partners contributed a facility and associated land rights located in Ningbo, China in exchange for 64% ownership, which resulted in a $12.1 million noncontrolling interest for the Company.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company reached an agreement with the parties to the Ningbo joint venture, whereby the Company agreed to acquire an additional 6% equity interest in Ningbo for $0.8 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has an accrual of $0.8 million recorded and it expects to make the payment to acquire the additional 6% interest during the first quarter of 2014. In addition, certain other agreements were modified, which resulted in the Company no longer having the ability to exert control over the operating and financial affairs of Ningbo. Accordingly, the financial results of Ningbo are no longer consolidated within the Company's financial statements; rather, the Company's proportionate share of the earnings of the joint venture have been presented net of tax as equity in earnings of joint venture in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the de-consolidation, the Company recognized a gain of $1.5 million in accordance with FASB ASC No. 810, Consolidation, which is recorded in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also incurred direct costs of $0.4 million in relation to the revised agreements, which have been recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
	Xiangtan Joint Venture
	In July 2011, a foreign subsidiary of the Company reached an agreement with Xiangtan Ditong Automotive Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd. (“DIT”) to form a joint venture, in which the Company exercises control, which was approved by the Chinese government in September 2011. At inception, the joint venture partner contributed its facility located in Xiangtan, Hunan Province, China in exchange for 50% ownership, which resulted in a $5.9 million noncontrolling interest for the Company. As part of the original transaction, the Company contributed additional capital to the joint venture in March 2012, resulting in an accumulated ownership of 51%. The joint venture is included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements because the Company exercises control.
	W Industries
	On April 11, 2011, TD&A, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired substantially all of the assets of W Industries, Inc. located in Detroit, Michigan. The Company exchanged its ownership in the W Industries secured debt acquired during the first quarter of 2011 (fair value of $11.3 million) and cash for substantially all of the assets of W Industries and agreed to assume certain liabilities. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase under the acquisition method in accordance with FASB ASC No. 805, Business Combinations. The total purchase price was approximately $22.3 million, which did not include direct acquisition costs of approximately $1.1 million. The acquisition was recorded by allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. There was no goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition. Supplemental pro forma disclosures are not included as the amounts are deemed immaterial. Revenues and earnings of TD&A since the acquisition date are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and are immaterial for all periods presented.
	In April 2013 the Company announced the closing of the operations of TD&A and in June 2013, the sale of substantially all of the assets of TD&A were sold. Refer to Note 4 for further information regarding the closure of TD&A.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company leases office space, manufacturing space, and certain equipment under non-cancelable lease agreements, which require the Company to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes, and other expenses, in addition to rental payments. The Company has entered into leasing commitments with lease terms expiring between the years 2014 and 2021. The Company has options to extend the terms of certain leases in future periods. The properties covered under these leases include manufacturing and office equipment and facilities. Rent expense for all operating leases totaled $21.6 million, $22.3 million, and $21.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum capital and operating lease payments at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	24,597	$	1,786
	2015		19,844		1,765
	2016		16,675		1,693
	2017		14,270		1,621
	2018		13,203		6,479
	Thereafter		22,943		—
	Total future lease payments	$	111,532		13,344
	Less: amount representing interest				(2,111	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments			$	11,233
	Purchase Commitments
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was obligated under executory purchase orders for approximately $57.9 million of tooling, $34.8 million of capital expenditures, and $7.7 million of other expenditures.
	Environmental Matters
	The Company owns properties which have been affected by environmental releases. The Company is actively involved in investigation and/or remediation at several of these locations. Total costs and liabilities associated with environmental contamination could be substantial and may have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The established liability for environmental matters is based upon management’s best estimates of expected investigation/remediation costs related to environmental contamination. It is possible that actual costs associated with these matters will exceed the environmental reserves established by the Company. Inherent uncertainties exist in the estimates, primarily due to unknown environmental conditions, changing governmental regulations, and legal standards regarding liability and evolving technologies for handling site remediation and restoration. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $1.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, accrued for environmental matters.
	Contingent Matters
	The Company will establish an accrual for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. These types of matters may involve additional claims that, if granted, could require the Company to pay penalties or make other expenditures in amounts that will not be estimable at the time of discovery of the matter. In these cases, a liability will be recorded at the low end of the range if no amount within the range is a better estimate in accordance with FASB ASC No. 450, Accounting for Contingencies.
	Litigation
	The Company is subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to its business, including potential lawsuits with customers or suppliers. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and the outcome of individual litigated matters is not probable or estimable. After discussions with counsel litigating these matters, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of such matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Change_in_Working_Capital_and_

Change in Working Capital and Other Operating Items	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Change In Working Capital And Other Operating Items [Abstract]	'
Change In Working Capital And Other Operating Items [Text Block]	'
	Note 15. Change in Working Capital and Other Operating Items
	The following table summarizes the sources/(uses) of cash provided by changes in working capital and other operating items (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	10,465		$	38,410		$	(27,893	)
	Inventories		58			(4,832	)		(10,382	)
	Prepaid tooling and other current assets		51,453			(44,682	)		4,152
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(11,758	)		(45,000	)		20,078
	Other assets and liabilities		(14,075	)		47,603			(7,958	)
	Change in working capital	$	36,143		$	(8,501	)	$	(22,003	)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	Note 16. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table summarizes select quarterly financial data (in thousands):
	Quarter		Net Sales		Gross Profit		Net Income/			Net Income/			Diluted
							(Loss)			(Loss)			Earnings/
										Attributable to Tower			(Loss) per
										International, Inc.			Share
	2013
	1st		$	534,140	$	58,060	$	4,534		$	2,548		$	0.12
	2nd			555,878		69,467		(45,348	)(a)		(45,111	)(a)		(2.22	)(a)
	3rd			495,197		55,975		4,216			3,318			0.16
	4th			516,804		59,964		20,534			18,970			0.9
	Full Year		$	2,102,019	$	243,466	$	(16,064	)	$	(20,275	)	$	(0.99	)
	2012
	1st		$	529,691	$	56,497	$	2,060		$	626		$	0.03
	2nd			554,952		70,463		9,258			7,658			0.38
	3rd			492,127		53,328		(2,382	)		(3,975	)		(0.20	)
	4th			508,144		33,336		16,072			13,723			0.67
	Full Year		$	2,084,914	$	213,624	$	25,008		$	18,032		$	0.88
		(a)	The Company recorded $40.9 million of other expense related to the premium paid and tender fee on the notes repurchase in connection with the Tender Offer ($38.1 million), the premium paid in connection with the $43 million notes redemption in May 2013 ($2.2 million), and the breakage fee incurred to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million ($0.6 million).

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Note 17. Subsequent Events
	On January 31, 2014, the Company amended the Term Loan Credit Agreement pursuant to the Second Refinancing Term Loan Amendment and Additional Term Loan Amendment (the “Second Term Loan Amendment”), by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC, as borrower, Tower International, Inc., Tower Automotive Holdings I, LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(a), LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(b), LLC and the subsidiary guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, each of the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as lenders, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders, pursuant to which, among other things, the outstanding term loans under the Term Loan Credit Agreement were refinanced in full, and additional term loans in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $33 million (the “Additional Term Loans”) were disbursed. After giving effect to the disbursement of the Additional Term Loans, there are term loans (the “Term Loans”) in the aggregate principal amount of $450 million outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.
	The purpose of the Second Term Loan Amendment was to re-price the Term Loan Credit Facility. The maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Facility remains April 23, 2020. The Term Loans will bear interest at (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 2.00% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR rate by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.00%.

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_FINANCIAL

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	TOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	SCHEDULE 1 — CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	ASSETS
	Intercompany receivables	$	167,957		$	161,652
	Total assets	$	167,957		$	161,652
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Intercompany payables	$	86,347		$	85,862
	Loss in excess of investment in subsidiaries		7,235			12,543
	Total liabilities		93,582			98,405
	Stockholders' equity:
	Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized and 0 issued and outstanding		—			—
	Common stock, $0.01 par value, 350,000,000 authorized, 21,079,027 issued and 20,472,637 outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 20,830,425 issued and 20,247,134 outstanding at December 31, 2012		211			208
	Additional paid in capital		327,998			321,032
	Treasury stock, at cost, 606,390 and 583,291 shares as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012		(8,594	)		(8,297	)
	Accumulated deficit		(257,487	)		(237,212	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		12,247			(12,484	)
	Total stockholders' equity		74,375			63,247
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	167,957		$	161,652
	TOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	SCHEDULE 1 — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	OPERATING EXPENSES
	General and administrative expenses	$	(4,743	)	$	(9,627	)	$	(15,112	)
	Total operating expenses		(4,743	)		(9,627	)		(15,112	)
	OTHER INCOME
	Intercompany interest income		3,891			4,442			3,785
	Total other income		3,891			4,442			3,785
	Equity income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(19,423	)		23,217			(11,937	)
	Income/(loss) available to common shareholders	$	(20,275	)	$	18,032		$	(23,264	)
	TOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	SCHEDULE 1 — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net income/(loss)	$	(20,275	)	$	18,032		$	(23,264	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax		24,731			(1,234	)		(14,144	)
	Comprehensive income/(loss)	$	4,456		$	16,798		$	(37,408	)
	TOWER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	SCHEDULE 1 — CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income/(loss)	$	(20,275	)	$	18,032		$	(23,264	)
	Adjustments required to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
	Non-cash share-based compensation		4,743			9,613			15,174
	Equity (income)/loss of subsidiaries		19,423			(23,217	)		11,937
	Change in working capital and other operating		(5,818	)		(1,261	)		1,283
	items
	Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(1,927	)	$	3,167		$	5,130
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Purchase of treasury stock	$	(297	)	$	(3,167	)	$	(5,130	)
	Proceeds from stock options exercised		2,224			—			—
	Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	$	1,927		$	(3,167	)	$	(5,130	)
	NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	$	—		$	—		$	—
	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
	Beginning of period	$	—		$	—		$	—
	End of period	$	—		$	—		$	—

Basis_of_presentation

Basis of presentation (Parent Company [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	'
		1	Basis of presentation
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company’s investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries.

Restricted_net_assets

Restricted net assets (Parent Company [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Parent Company [Member]	'
Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
		2	Restricted net assets
	Schedule I of Article 5-04 of Regulation S-X requires the condensed financial information of a registrant be filed when the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. For purposes of the above test, restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries shall mean that amount of the registrant’s proportionate share of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries (after intercompany eliminations) which as of the end of the most recent fiscal year may not be transferred to the parent company by subsidiaries in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of a third party (i.e., lender, regulatory agency, foreign government, etc.).
	The condensed parent company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X as the restricted net assets of the subsidiaries of Tower International, Inc. exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of Tower International, Inc. The ability of the Company's Chinese subsidiaries to pay dividends may be restricted because dividends are subject to approval by the Company's joint venture partners and the Chinese government. As a result, we may be unable to distribute any dividends outside of China. However, the Company has been able to remit dividends from its Chinese subsidiaries in 2013 and in prior periods and plans to do so in the future at certain locations.
	As of December 31, 2013, the amount of the Company’s restricted net assets was $63.5 million.

SCHEDULE_II_Valuation_and_Qual

SCHEDULE II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE II
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands)
	Column A		Column B		Column C					Column D			Column E
					Additions
	Description		Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts			Deductions			Balance
													at End
													of Year
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	4,105	$	600	$	—		$	(2,634	)(a)	$	2,071
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance			207,659		19,841		(8,079	)		—			219,421
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	3,612	$	1,919	$	—		$	(1,425	)(a)	$	4,105
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance			188,336		13,985		5,338			—			207,659
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,674	$	3,182	$	—		$	(1,244	)(a)	$	3,612
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance			180,395		13,982		(6,041	)		—			188,336
		(a)	Write off of uncollectible accounts and collections of past due accounts.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	a. Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. The Company’s share of earnings or losses of nonconsolidated affiliates are included in the consolidated operating results using the equity method of accounting when the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of the affiliates. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	b. Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	c. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, which represents its estimate of losses inherent in trade receivables. The Company provides an allowance for specific customer accounts where collection is doubtful based on historical collection and write-off experience. The Company will also take into consideration unique factors and provide an allowance for specific accounts, if necessary. Bad debt expense is not material for any period presented.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	d. Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Maintenance, repair, and non-productive inventory, which are considered consumables, are expensed when acquired and included in cost of sales. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Raw materials		$	36,139		$	32,781
	Work in process			19,650			22,735
	Finished goods			25,489			25,820
	Total inventory		$	81,278		$	81,336
Tooling [Policy Text Block]	'
	e. Tooling
	Tooling represents costs incurred by the Company in the development of new tooling used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. All pre-production tooling costs incurred for tools that the Company will not own and that will be used in producing products supplied under long-term supply agreements are expensed as incurred, unless the supply agreement provides the Company with the non-cancelable right to use the tools or the reimbursement of such costs is contractually guaranteed by the customer. Generally, the customer agrees to reimburse the Company for certain of its tooling costs at the time the customer awards a contract to the Company.
	When the part for which tooling has been developed reaches a production-ready status, the Company is reimbursed by its customer for the cost of the tooling, at which time the tooling becomes the property of the customer. The Company has certain other tooling costs, related to tools the Company has the contractual right to use during the life of the supply arrangement, which are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related product program. Customer-owned tooling is included in prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other and company-owned tooling is included in other assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The components of capitalized tooling costs are as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Customer-owned tooling, net		$	13,111		$	33,308
	Company-owned tooling			3,113			967
	Total tooling, net		$	16,224		$	34,275
	Any gain recognized, which is defined as the excess of reimbursement over cost, is amortized over the life of the program. If estimated costs are expected to be in excess of reimbursement, a loss is recorded in the period in which the loss is estimated.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	f. Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense was $92 million, $88.3 million, and $98 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of assets:
	Buildings and improvements			32 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment			3 to 20 years
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of 10 years or the remaining lease term at the date of acquisition of the leasehold improvement.
	Interest is capitalized during the preparation of facilities for product programs and is amortized over the estimated lives of the programs. Interest of $0.9 million, $1.4 million, and $1.5 million was capitalized in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and included in cost of sales. Spare parts are considered capital in nature when purchased during the initial investment of a fixed asset. Amounts relating to significant improvements, which extend the useful life or utility of the related asset, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the asset. Upon disposal or retirement of property, plant, and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is recognized in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Cost:
	Land		$	20,966		$	25,494
	Buildings and improvements			233,318			227,727
	Machinery and equipment			909,090			856,296
	Construction in progress			63,453			55,885
	Property, plant, and equipment, gross			1,226,827			1,165,402
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(677,222	)		(592,254	)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net		$	549,605		$	573,148
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	g. Asset Retirement Obligations
	FASB ASC No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, requires the recognition of a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. An asset retirement obligation is a legal obligation to perform certain activities in connection with the retirement, disposal, or abandonment of tangible long-lived assets. The fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be recognized when incurred, generally upon acquisition, construction, or development and through the normal operation of the asset. Uncertainty about the timing or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement should be factored into the measurement of the liability. The liability is measured at discounted fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with renovating, upgrading, and returning leased property to the lessor, in accordance with the requirements of the lease.
	Asset retirement obligations are included in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table reconciles our asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Beginning balance		$	13,793		$	12,268
	Accretion expense			1,195			1,044
	Liabilities settled			(148	)		(347	)
	Change in estimate			1,337			828
	Ending balance		$	16,177		$	13,793
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	h. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company monitors its long-lived assets for impairment on an ongoing basis in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. If an impairment indicator exists, the Company will perform the required analysis and record an impairment charge, if necessary. In conducting its impairment analysis, the Company compares the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from a long-lived asset to its net book value. If the net book value of an asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between net book value and fair value. Fair value is estimated based upon discounted cash flow analyses using cash flow projections based on recent sales data, and independent automotive production volume estimates, and customer commitments. Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in impairment of long-lived assets. Refer to Note 4 for a discussion regarding impairment charges for the periods presented.
	Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	i. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but it is tested for impairment on, at a minimum, an annual basis. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, a two-step process is utilized in reviewing for impairment. The first step in the process requires the identification of reporting units and comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying value. The Company has identified its reporting units as Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, however, goodwill only exists at the Europe and South America units. If the carrying value of a unit is less than its fair value, no impairment is deemed to exist and step two is not necessary. If the carrying value of a unit is greater than its fair value, step two is required. The second step in the impairment review process requires the computation of impairment by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of its goodwill. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 350, which requires goodwill be tested for impairment annually and at the same time each year, the Company performs an annual impairment each year at year-end. The Company will also test goodwill for impairment when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is reasonably possible that impairment may exist.
	The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units. The income approach is based on the present value of projected debt free cash flow, discounted using factors that consider the timing and risk of cash flows. Fair value is estimated using automotive industry and specific platform production volume projections, which are based on internally-developed forecasts, as well as commercial, wage and benefit, inflation, and discount rate assumptions. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates, terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures, known restructuring actions, and changes in future working capital requirements. While there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used and to management’s application of these assumptions, the Company believes that the income approach is appropriate because it provides a reasonable estimate of the fair value of its reporting units, which is based upon the reporting units’ expected long-term operating cash flow performance, and because it mitigates the impact of cyclical industry-related trends. Due to the inherent uncertainties that exist in making and applying these assumptions, they may differ significantly from actual results. In addition to the income approach, the Company also utilizes the market multiple approach to test the reasonableness of the fair value estimate determined using the income approach.
	The results of the Company’s 2013 and 2012 annual goodwill impairment analysis, completed as of year-end of each respective year, indicated that the carrying value of the Europe and South America reporting units was less than their respective fair values; thus, no impairment existed at either date.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is set forth below by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis (in thousands):
			International			Americas			Consolidated
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	60,725		$	3,258		$	63,983
	Currency translation adjustment			1,101			(291	)		810
	Balance at December 31, 2012			61,826			2,967			64,793
	Currency translation adjustment			2,577			(394	)		2,183
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	64,403		$	2,573		$	66,976
	The Company has certain intangible assets that are related to customer relationships in Europe and Brazil. The Company also had a covenant not to compete agreement in North America, which expired in December 2012. The intangible assets in Europe and Brazil have definite lives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated lives of the related assets, which approximate the recognition of related revenues. Intangible assets are recorded in other assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company anticipates amortization expense of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. No further amortization expense is anticipated to be incurred beyond 2014. The Company has incurred amortization expense of $2.8 million, $4.6 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The following table presents information about the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
			Weighted Average			As of December 31, 2013					As of December 31, 2012
			Life			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible:
	Europe			7 years		$	16,038		$	14,866	$	15,978		$	12,759
	Brazil			7 years			5,443			5,078		5,532			4,392
	Total					$	21,481		$	19,944	$	21,510		$	17,151
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	j. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	FASB ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants, at the measurement date (an exit price). The exit price is based upon the amount that the holder of the asset or liability would receive, or need to pay, in an actual transaction, or in a hypothetical transaction if an actual transaction does not exist, at the measurement date. In some circumstances, the entry and exit price may be the same; however, they are conceptually different.
	The Company generally determines fair value based upon quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses valuation techniques that place greater reliance on observable inputs and less reliance on unobservable inputs. In measuring fair value, the Company may make adjustments for risks and uncertainties, if a market participant would include such an adjustment in its pricing.
	FASB ASC No. 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based upon market data, referred to as observable inputs, and the Company’s assumptions, referred to as unobservable inputs. Determining where an asset or liability falls within that hierarchy depends on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either Level 1 or Level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls in a lower level in the hierarchy. The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:
	Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2:  Inputs, other than Level 1 inputs, that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
		Level 3:	Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions that reflect those that market participants would use.
	At December 31, 2013, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $492.6 million and $497.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $484.5 million and $529.1 million, respectively. The majority of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2013 was comprised of the Term Loan Credit Facility, which can be traded between financial institutions. Accordingly, this debt has been classified as Level 2. The fair value was determined based upon quoted values. The majority of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2012 was traded and was classified as a Level 2 measurement, based upon the pricing methodology and the limited trading of the securities. The fair value was determined based upon the quoted market values. The remainder of the Company’s debt, primarily consisting of foreign subsidiary indebtedness, is asset-backed and is classified as Level 3. As this debt carries variable rates and minimal credit risk, the book value approximates fair value.
	The Company has foreign exchange hedges that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 and 2012. These hedges are recorded in prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other or accrued liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured using Level 2 observable inputs. The Company engages in foreign exchange hedges to limit exposure to foreign currency fluctuations related to certain intercompany payments. These derivative financial instruments had an immaterial impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the periods presented.
	The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
			Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable		Total gains/
			in active markets for						inputs		(losses)
			identical assets
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Long-lived assets held for sale			Not applicable			Not applicable		$	12	$	(10.5	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, & Equipment, long-lived assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $22.5 million were written down to their fair value of $12 million, resulting in a loss of $10.4 million, which was included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. Fair value of the assets was determined using a third party appraisal based on current market conditions.
	The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
			Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs		Total gains/ (losses)
			in active markets for
			identical assets
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Long-lived assets held for sale			Not applicable			Not applicable		$	—	$	(0.6	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, long-lived assets held for sale with a carrying amount of $0.6 million were written down to their fair value of $0 million, resulting in a loss of $0.6 million, which was included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The Company did not have any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011.
	The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrual liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block]	'
	k. Derivative Financial Instruments
	Periodically, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage the risk that changes in interest rates could have on the amount of future interest payments. Interest rate swap contracts are used to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. The Company is not a party to leveraged derivatives and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Under FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, all derivatives are recorded at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are immediately included in earnings. If a derivative qualifies as an effective cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value are recognized as a component of AOCI until the underlying item being hedged is recognized in earnings. If a derivative is a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are offset against the changes in the fair value of the underlying item being hedged.
	The Company formally documents hedge relationships, including the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Effective hedges are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value in other long-term liabilities or other long-term assets with a corresponding offset to AOCI. This includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges of specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments, or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses whether a derivative used in a hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at inception and on at least a quarterly basis, thereafter. When the Company determines that a derivative ceases to be an effective hedge, it will discontinue hedge accounting.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	l. Revenue Recognition
	In accordance with FASB ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition, the Company recognizes revenue once the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the Company’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.
	The Company recognizes revenue when its products are shipped to its customers, at which time title and risk of loss pass to the customer. The Company participates in certain of its customers’ steel repurchase programs, under which it purchases steel directly from a customer’s designated steel supplier, for use in manufacturing products for that customer. The Company takes delivery and title to such steel and bears the risk of loss and obsolescence. The Company invoices its customers based upon annually negotiated selling prices, which inherently include a component for steel under such repurchase programs. Under guidance provided in FASB ASC No. 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations, the Company has risks and rewards of a principal and therefore, for sales transactions in which the Company participates in a customer’s steel resale program, revenue is recognized on a gross basis for the entire amount of the sales, including the component for purchases under that customer’s steel resale program.
	The Company enters into agreements to produce products for its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle program's life. Once such agreements are entered into by the Company, it is obligated to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production period of the vehicle programs, which range from three to ten years, and generally, the Company has no provisions to terminate such contracts. Additionally, the Company monitors the aging of uncollected billings and adjusts its accounts receivable allowance on a quarterly basis, as necessary, based upon its evaluation of the probability of collection. The adjustments made by the Company due to the write-off of uncollectible amounts have been negligible for all periods presented.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	m. Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the Consolidated Financial Statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes that these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. Valuation allowances have been recorded where it has been determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize the net deferred tax assets. Previously established valuation allowances are reversed into income when there is compelling evidence, typically three or more consecutive years of cumulative profit or other positive evidence, that the future tax profitability will be sufficient to utilize the deferred tax asset.  Due to the significant judgment involved in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized, the ultimate resolution of these items may be materially different from the previously estimated outcome.
	Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
	The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across the Company’s global operations.
	FASB ASC No. 740, Income Taxes, provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. ASC No. 740 also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
	The Company recognizes tax liabilities in accordance with ASC No. 740 and adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the Company’s current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	n. Segment Reporting
	The Company determines its reportable segments based upon the guidance in FASB ASC No. 280, Segment Reporting. The Company defines its operating segments as components of its business where separate financial information is available. The Company is comprised of four operating segments that are routinely evaluated by management: Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Consistent with the aggregation criteria in FASB ASC No. 280, the Company aggregates its four operating segments into two reportable segments, based upon the segments having similar economic characteristics and sharing fundamental characteristics, including the nature of the products, production processes, customers, margins, and distribution channels. The Company’s two reportable segments include the Americas, which consists of North America and South America, and International, which consists of Europe and Asia. Refer to Note 12 for further discussion regarding our segments.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	o. Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations is the local currency in which they operate. Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable period-end exchange rates. Results of operations are translated at applicable average rates prevailing throughout the period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency translation are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments, a separate component of AOCI, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in net income/(loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were immaterial for all periods presented.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	p. Exit or Disposal Activities
	Costs to idle, consolidate, or close facilities and provide postemployment benefits to employees on an other than temporary basis are accrued based on management’s best estimate of the wage and benefit costs that will be incurred. Costs related to idling of employees that is expected to be temporary are expensed as incurred. Costs to terminate a contract without economic benefit to the Company are expensed at the time the contract is terminated. One-time termination benefits that are not subject to contractual arrangements, provided to employees who are involuntarily terminated, are recorded after management commits to a detailed plan of termination, communicates the plan to employees, and when actions required to complete the plan indicate that significant changes are not likely. If employees are required to render services until they are terminated in order to earn termination benefits, the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	q. Share-based Compensation
	The Company measures compensation cost arising from the grant of share-based awards to employees at fair value. The Company recognizes such costs in income over the period during which the requisite service is provided, usually the vesting period. Refer to Note 10 for further discussion regarding share-based compensation.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Policy Text Block]	'
	r. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (in thousands):
			As of December 31,
			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation		$	24,963		$	17,914
	Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.7 million and $0 million			(12,833	)		(30,350	)
	Unrealized gain/(loss) on qualifying cash flow hedge, net			117			(48	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		$	12,247		$	(12,484	)
	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Unrealized Gains/			Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Total
			(Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	(48	)	$	(30,350	)	$	17,914	$	(12,484	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			104			17,517			7,049		24,670
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			61			—			—		61
	Net current-period other comprehensive			165			17,517			7,049		24,731
	income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	117		$	(12,833	)	$	24,963	$	12,247
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	s. Estimates
	The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures related to contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Generally, matters subject to estimation and judgment include amounts related to accounts receivable realization, fair value measurements, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, restructuring reserves, asset valuation reserves and accruals related to environmental remediation costs, asset retirement obligations, and income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions and changes in such estimates and assumptions may affect amounts reported in future periods.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	t. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has adopted all accounting pronouncements affecting the Company.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Maintenance, repair, and non-productive inventory, which are considered consumables, are expensed when acquired and included in cost of sales. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Raw materials	$	36,139		$	32,781
	Work in process		19,650			22,735
	Finished goods		25,489			25,820
	Total inventory	$	81,278		$	81,336
Schedule of Capitalized Tooling Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of capitalized tooling costs are as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Customer-owned tooling, net	$	13,111		$	33,308
	Company-owned tooling		3,113			967
	Total tooling, net	$	16,224		$	34,275
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of assets:
	Buildings and improvements		32 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment		3 to 20 years
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Cost:
	Land	$	20,966		$	25,494
	Buildings and improvements		233,318			227,727
	Machinery and equipment		909,090			856,296
	Construction in progress		63,453			55,885
	Property, plant, and equipment, gross		1,226,827			1,165,402
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(677,222	)		(592,254	)
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	549,605		$	573,148
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	Asset retirement obligations are included in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table reconciles our asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Beginning balance	$	13,793		$	12,268
	Accretion expense		1,195			1,044
	Liabilities settled		(148	)		(347	)
	Change in estimate		1,337			828
	Ending balance	$	16,177		$	13,793
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is set forth below by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis (in thousands):
		International			Americas			Consolidated
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	60,725		$	3,258		$	63,983
	Currency translation adjustment		1,101			(291	)		810
	Balance at December 31, 2012		61,826			2,967			64,793
	Currency translation adjustment		2,577			(394	)		2,183
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	64,403		$	2,573		$	66,976
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information about the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		Weighted Average			As of December 31, 2013					As of December 31, 2012
		Life			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible:
	Europe		7 years		$	16,038		$	14,866	$	15,978		$	12,759
	Brazil		7 years			5,443			5,078		5,532			4,392
	Total				$	21,481		$	19,944	$	21,510		$	17,151
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
		Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable		Total gains/
		in active markets for						inputs		(losses)
		identical assets
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Long-lived assets held for sale		Not applicable			Not applicable		$	12	$	(10.5	)
	The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012 (in millions):
		Quoted prices			Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs		Total gains/ (losses)
		in active markets for
		identical assets
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Long-lived assets held for sale		Not applicable			Not applicable		$	—	$	(0.6	)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation	$	24,963		$	17,914
	Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.7 million and $0 million		(12,833	)		(30,350	)
	Unrealized gain/(loss) on qualifying cash flow hedge, net		117			(48	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	12,247		$	(12,484	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component for the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gains/			Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Total
		(Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(48	)	$	(30,350	)	$	17,914	$	(12,484	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		104			17,517			7,049		24,670
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		61			—			—		61
	Net current-period other comprehensive		165			17,517			7,049		24,731
	income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	117		$	(12,833	)	$	24,963	$	12,247

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair1

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Net restructuring and asset impairment charges for each of the Company’s segments include the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	International	$	2,723		$	2,149		$	(179	)
	Americas		18,484			8,589			2,839
	Consolidated	$	21,207		$	10,738		$	2,660
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the Company’s net restructuring and asset impairment charges by type for the periods presented (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Employee termination costs	$	2,299		$	2,586		$	1,414
	Other exit costs		7,672			7,577			1,246
	Asset impairments		11,236			575			—
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	$	21,207		$	10,738		$	2,660
Schedule of Restructuring Liability by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below summarizes the activity in the restructuring reserve by segment, reflected in accrued liabilities, for the above-mentioned actions through December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		International			Americas			Consolidated
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	141		$	266		$	407
	Payments		(1,393	)		(554	)		(1,947	)
	Increase		2,149			1,061			3,210
	Adjustment		—			861			861
	Balance at December 31, 2012		897			1,634			2,531
	Payments		(1,267	)		(1,618	)		(2,885	)
	Increase		938			1,361			2,299
	Adjustment		—			(20	)		(20	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	568		$	1,357		$	1,925

Discontinued_Operations_and_As1

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table discloses select financial information of the discontinued operation in our International Segment (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2012			2011
	Revenues	$	311,014		$	352,381
	Income from discontinued operations:
	Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes	$	(448	)	$	8,467
	Provision for income taxes		929			1,519
	Income/(loss) from operations		(1,377	)		6,948
	Gain from disposal, net of tax of $0		31,167			—
	Income from discontinued operations	$	29,790		$	6,948

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Term Loan Credit Facility (net of discount of $1,894 and $0)	$	416,009		$	—
	Senior Secured Notes (net of discount of $0 and $7,152)		—			354,840
	Amended Revolving Credit Facility		—			39,000
	Detroit Investment Fund indebtedness		—			476
	Other foreign subsidiary indebtedness		76,548			90,228
	Total debt		492,557			484,544
	Less: Current maturities		(38,484	)		(72,954	)
	Total long-term debt	$	454,073		$	411,590
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	38,484
	2015		23,224
	2016		11,907
	2017		15,980
	2018		5,659
	Thereafter		397,303
	Total	$	492,557
Schedule of Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness [Table Text Block]	'
	The change in foreign subsidiary indebtedness from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2012 is explained by the following (in thousands):
		Europe			Brazil			China
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	43,422		$	30,426		$	16,380
	Maturities of indebtedness		(21,077	)		(20,141	)		(7,596	)
	New/renewed indebtedness		20,474			20,217			3,303
	Change in borrowings on credit facilities		(6,880	)		—			(224	)
	Foreign exchange impact		1,810			(4,041	)		475
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	37,749		$	26,461		$	12,338

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	The summary of income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and noncontrolling interests consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Domestic	$	(31,323	)	$	(6,028	)	$	(28,607	)
	Foreign		17,894			16,501			16,797
	Total	$	(13,429	)	$	10,473		$	(11,810	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The total provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Domestic – Federal	$	—		$	—		$	178
	Domestic – State		43			8			250
	Foreign		10,896			6,196			14,991
	Total		10,939			6,204			15,419
	Tax benefit with offset in OCI:
	Domestic – Federal		(9,897	)		—			—
	Domestic – State		(931	)		—			—
	Total		(10,828	)		—			—
	Deferred and Other:
	Domestic – Federal		—			—			—
	Domestic – State		—			—			(370	)
	Foreign		1,966			9,052			(1,757	)
	Total		1,966			9,052			(2,127	)
	Total provision for income taxes:	$	2,077		$	15,255		$	13,293
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of income tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations and the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense/(benefit) were as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Taxes at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	(4,700	)	$	3,666		$	(4,134	)
	State tax expense/(benefit)		110			88			(120	)
	Valuation allowance		19,841			13,985			13,982
	Regional production tax – Italy		433			509			776
	Foreign withholding taxes		4,014			1,099			598
	Tax benefit in OCI		(10,828	)		—			—
	Foreign tax rate differential		(3,621	)		(2,576	)		565
	Increase/(decrease) in uncertain tax positions		1,161			(2,455	)		536
	Inflation adjustment – Mexico		(1,075	)		(1,109	)		(748	)
	Audit Adjustments		(2,352	)		(280	)		—
	Tax benefit from Italian law change		(1,152	)		—			—
	Permanent differences		246			2,328			1,838
	Total income tax expense	$	2,077		$	15,255		$	13,293
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The tax effects of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets are attributable to:
	Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits	$	168,769		$	148,507
	Accrued pension and postretirement benefit obligations		19,629			37,494
	Non-deductible reserves and other accruals		39,254			33,750
	Capitalized Leases		9,435			9,889
	MRO inventory reserves		10,760			8,537
	Total gross deferred assets		247,847			238,176
	Less: Valuation allowance		(219,421	)		(207,659	)
	Net deferred income tax assets		28,426			30,517
	Deferred tax liabilities are attributable to:
	Deferred cancellation of indebtedness income		(18,672	)		(16,310	)
	Long lived assets		(13,179	)		(14,327	)
	Total gross deferred liabilities		(31,851	)		(30,638	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	(3,425	)	$	(121	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Income Before Income Tax Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Unrecognized tax benefit – January 1	$	19,242		$	20,503		$	10,096
	Increase in prior year tax positions		0			172			11,107
	Decrease in prior year tax positions		(567	)		(558	)		(2,300	)
	Increase in current year tax positions		2,656			917			2,634
	Audit settlements		(3,336	)		(1,789	)		(12	)
	Lapse in statute of limitations		(198	)		(302	)		(679	)
	Foreign currency translation		426			299			(343	)
	Total	$	18,223		$	19,242		$	20,503

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of Pension Plan of assets and the change in the projected benefit obligation (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Reconciliation of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:
	Fair value, beginning of period		$	189,472		$	173,239
	Actual return			14,607			20,197
	Employer contributions			15,005			17,108
	Expenses paid from Pension Plan assets			(1,248	)		(1,383	)
	Benefits paid			(18,793	)		(19,689	)
	Fair value, end of period		$	199,043		$	189,472
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	290,252		$	269,462
	Service cost			53			44
	Interest cost			10,126			11,690
	Actuarial (gain)/loss			(25,635	)		28,745
	Benefits paid			(18,793	)		(19,689	)
	Plan amendments*			(2,045	)		—
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period		$	253,958		$	290,252
	Funded status of the Pension Plan		$	(54,915	)	$	(100,780	)
		*	The Company transferred certain benefits from the Pension Plan to the Company's life insurance plan.
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of the net periodic pension benefit cost of the Pension Plan (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost		$	53		$	44		$	30
	Interest cost			10,126			11,690			12,601
	Expected return on plan assets			(12,305	)		(11,215	)		(11,259	)
	Actuarial loss			—			19,157			33,223
	Net periodic benefit cost/(income)		$	(2,126	)	$	19,676		$	34,595
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 consist of the following (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Unrecognized gain/(loss)		$	26,689		$	(1,989	)	$	(1,514	)
	New prior service credit			2,045			—			—
	Amount recognized		$	28,734		$	(1,989	)	$	(1,514	)
Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, related to the Pension Plan:
			As of December 31,
			2013			2012
	Unrecognized loss		$	(427	)	$	(27,116	)
	New prior service credit			2,045			—
	Deferred tax impact			(13,132	)		(2,912	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(11,514	)	$	(30,028	)
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	'
	The significant assumptions used in measuring the Company’s projected benefit obligation at the December 31, 2013 and 2012 measurement dates are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.5	%		3.65	%
	Annual rate of increase in compensation			4.5	%		4.5	%
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost are shown below:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate			3.65	%		4.5	%		5.25	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets			7.4	%		7.4	%		7.4	%
	Annual rate of increase in compensation			4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The allocation of Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, as well as the Company’s 2013 target allocations, are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2013 Target
	Fixed income investments			45	%		47	%		45	%
	Equity securities			33	%		31	%		30	%
	Non-equity investments			19	%		22	%		20	%
	Real estate			3	%		0	%		5	%
	Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Pension Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in millions). Refer to Note 3 for definitions of Level 1, 2, and 3 financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of marketable securities.
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
	Asset Classes		Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						Identical Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash		$	4		$	4		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities			15			15			—			—
	Mutual funds(a)			87			76			11			—
	Corporate bonds			41			—			41			—
	Equity long/short hedge funds(b)			45			—			—			45
	Real estate investment funds			7			—			—			7
	Total		$	199		$	95		$	52		$	52
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Asset Classes		Total			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
									(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Cash		$	7		$	7		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities			13			13			—			—
	Mutual funds(a)			79			67			12			—
	Corporate bonds			43			—			43			—
	Equity long/short hedge funds(b)			47			—			—			47
	Total		$	189		$	87		$	55		$	47
		(a)	This category consists of mutual fund investments that are focused on fixed income and international equity securities.
		(b)	This category includes hedge funds that invest both long and short in a variety of U.S. and international equities and currencies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position.
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	For Pension Plan assets with fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), reconciliations of beginning and ending balances are as follows (in millions):
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
	Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Equity Long/
			Short Hedge Funds
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	47
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date			3
	Purchases			2
	Redemptions			(5	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012			47
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date			2
	Purchases			1
	Redemptions			(5	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	45
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
	Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
			Real Estate Investment Funds
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Purchases			7
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	7
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligation and funded status of the Company’s life insurance plans (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Reconciliation of fair value of life insurance plan assets:
	Fair value of assets, beginning of period		$	—		$	—
	Employer contributions			431			408
	Benefits paid			(431	)		(408	)
	Fair value of assets, end of period		$	—		$	—
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	14,648		$	15,020
	Plan amendments*			1,974			—
	Interest cost			541			650
	Actuarial loss/(gain)			(1,588	)		(614	)
	Benefits paid			(431	)		(408	)
	Benefit obligation, end of period		$	15,144		$	14,648
	Funded status of life insurance plans		$	(15,144	)	$	(14,648	)
		*	The Company transferred certain benefits to the Company's life insurance plan from the Pension Plan.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides the components of the net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s life insurance plans (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011(a)
	Service cost		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost			541			650			716
	Expected return on plan assets			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	541		$	650		$	716
		(a)	Excludes defined-dollar capped plans described above.
Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Pre Tax [Table Text Block]	'
	Pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following (in thousands):
			2013			2012			2011
	Net actuarial gain/(loss)		$	1,588		$	614		$	(802	)
	New prior service cost			(1,974	)		—			—
	Amount recognized		$	(386	)	$	614		$	(802	)
Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, related to the Company’s other postretirement plans:
			As of December 31,
			2013			2012
	Unrecognized gain/(loss)		$	1,263		$	(325	)
	New prior service cost			(1,974	)		—
	Deferred tax impact			(608	)		—
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	(1,319	)	$	(325	)

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the information used to compute basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share attributable to Tower International, Inc. is shown below (in thousands — except share and per share amounts):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(16,064	)	$	(4,782	)	$	(25,103	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			29,790			6,948
	Net income/(loss)		(16,064	)		25,008			(18,155	)
	Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests		4,211			6,976			5,109
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$	(20,275	)	$	18,032		$	(23,264	)
	Basic earnings per share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.99	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(1.56	)
	Discontinued operations		—			1.48			0.36
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.		(0.99	)		0.9			(1.20	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		20,387,168			20,080,839			19,364,433
	Diluted earnings per share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.99	)	$	(0.58	)	$	(1.56	)
	Discontinued operations		—			1.46			0.36
	Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.		(0.99	)		0.88			(1.20	)
	Diluted weighted average		20,387,168			20,447,072			19,364,433
	shares outstanding

ShareBased_and_LongTerm_Compen1

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s award activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		Options					Restricted Stock Units
	Outstanding at:	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares			Weighted Average
										Grant Date
										Fair Value
	31-Dec-10		457,098		$	13		1,763,625		$	13
	Granted		22,805			15.63		600,894			11.3
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		—			—		(881,815	)		13
	Forfeited		(50,463	)		13		(76,680	)		13.42
	31-Dec-11		429,440			13.14		1,406,024			12.25
	Granted		615,804			11.75		135,911			11.75
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		—			—		(847,022	)		13.14
	Forfeited		(71,499	)		12.58		(12,498	)		14.63
	31-Dec-12		973,745			12.3		682,415			11
	Granted		—			—		120,873			13
	Options exercised or RSUs vested		(178,744	)		12.44		(69,858	)		13.68
	Forfeited		(52,617	)		12.13		(13,526	)		13.15
	31-Dec-13		742,384		$	12.28		719,904		$	11.04

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of select data for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
		International			Americas			Total
	2013:00:00
	Revenues	$	951,019		$	1,151,000		$	2,102,019
	Adjusted EBITDA		79,090			133,204			212,294
	Capital expenditures		44,380			49,255			93,635
	Total assets	$	736,272		$	446,721		$	1,182,993
	2012:00:00
	Revenues	$	945,905		$	1,139,009		$	2,084,914
	Adjusted EBITDA		85,423			112,463			197,886
	Capital expenditures		63,501			45,637			109,138
	Total assets	$	769,321		$	468,801		$	1,238,122
	2011:00:00
	Revenues	$	981,652		$	1,072,056		$	2,053,708
	Adjusted EBITDA		96,481			106,105			202,586
	Capital expenditures		52,027			51,799			103,826
	Total assets	$	905,482		$	491,896		$	1,397,378
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Income (loss) Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in loss of joint venture (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	212,294		$	197,886		$	202,586
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net		(21,207	)		(10,738	)		(2,660	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(94,837	)		(92,856	)		(102,583	)
	Acquisition costs and other		(907	)		(431	)		(1,554	)
	Long-term compensation expense		(6,630	)		(10,416	)		(19,538	)
	Interest expense, net		(50,859	)		(53,815	)		(53,507	)
	Other expense		(48,448	)		—			(1,331	)
	Pension actuarial loss		—			(19,157	)		(33,223	)
	Closure of Tower Defense & Aerospace		(2,835	)		—			—
	Income/(loss) before provision for income
	taxes and equity in loss of joint venture	$	(13,429	)	$	10,473		$	(11,810	)
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of revenues and long-lived assets by geographic location (in thousands):
		Years Ended and End of Year December 31,
		2013						2012					2011
		Revenues			Long-Lived Assets			Revenues			Long-Lived Assets		Revenues			Long-Lived Assets
	Germany	$	338,712		$	71,696		$	358,736		$	68,632	$	402,946		$	78,616
	Belgium		188,932			30,314			148,026			30,430		154,503			28,890
	Slovakia		181,421			72,158			208,865			79,443		155,286			75,308
	Italy		90,541			32,765			101,887			33,026		142,812			37,581
	Other Europe		68,989			13,856			51,094			17,154		59,194			8,652
	China		189,231			98,641			187,511			84,200		155,005			44,942
	South Korea		—			—			—			—		—			123,817
	U.S.		958,009			173,848			925,677			208,605		852,446			220,028
	Brazil		193,469			59,440			215,471			52,625		219,753			51,447
	Intercompany eliminations		(107,285	)		—			(112,353	)		—		(88,237	)		—
	Total	$	2,102,019		$	552,718		$	2,084,914		$	574,115	$	2,053,708		$	669,281
Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the approximate composition of the Company’s revenues, by product category (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Body structures and assemblies	$	1,144,715		$	1,142,365		$	1,115,509
	Complex body-in-white assemblies		533,454			494,784			453,454
	Chassis, lower vehicle systems, and suspension components		423,850			447,765			484,745
	Total	$	2,102,019		$	2,084,914		$	2,053,708
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents a summary of customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in any of the three years ended December 31, 2013:
		2013			2012			2011
	Ford		22	%		21	%		20	%
	VW		19	%		23	%		20	%
	Chrysler		10	%		9	%		7	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	Future minimum capital and operating lease payments at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year	Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	24,597	$	1,786
	2015		19,844		1,765
	2016		16,675		1,693
	2017		14,270		1,621
	2018		13,203		6,479
	Thereafter		22,943		—
	Total future lease payments	$	111,532		13,344
	Less: amount representing interest				(2,111	)
	Present value of minimum lease payments			$	11,233

Change_in_Working_Capital_and_1

Change in Working Capital and Other Operating Items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Change In Working Capital And Other Operating Items [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Operating Capital [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the sources/(uses) of cash provided by changes in working capital and other operating items (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Accounts receivable	$	10,465		$	38,410		$	(27,893	)
	Inventories		58			(4,832	)		(10,382	)
	Prepaid tooling and other current assets		51,453			(44,682	)		4,152
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(11,758	)		(45,000	)		20,078
	Other assets and liabilities		(14,075	)		47,603			(7,958	)
	Change in working capital	$	36,143		$	(8,501	)	$	(22,003	)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes select quarterly financial data (in thousands):
	Quarter		Net Sales		Gross Profit		Net Income/			Net Income/			Diluted
							(Loss)			(Loss)			Earnings/
										Attributable to Tower			(Loss) per
										International, Inc.			Share
	2013
	1st		$	534,140	$	58,060	$	4,534		$	2,548		$	0.12
	2nd			555,878		69,467		(45,348	)(a)		(45,111	)(a)		(2.22	)(a)
	3rd			495,197		55,975		4,216			3,318			0.16
	4th			516,804		59,964		20,534			18,970			0.9
	Full Year		$	2,102,019	$	243,466	$	(16,064	)	$	(20,275	)	$	(0.99	)
	2012
	1st		$	529,691	$	56,497	$	2,060		$	626		$	0.03
	2nd			554,952		70,463		9,258			7,658			0.38
	3rd			492,127		53,328		(2,382	)		(3,975	)		(0.20	)
	4th			508,144		33,336		16,072			13,723			0.67
	Full Year		$	2,084,914	$	213,624	$	25,008		$	18,032		$	0.88
		(a)	The Company recorded $40.9 million of other expense related to the premium paid and tender fee on the notes repurchase in connection with the Tender Offer ($38.1 million), the premium paid in connection with the $43 million notes redemption in May 2013 ($2.2 million), and the breakage fee incurred to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million ($0.6 million).

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Orga1

Basis of Presentation and Organizational History (Details Textual) (Common Stock [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 08, 2010	Oct. 20, 2010
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Basis Of Presentation And Organizational History [Line Items]	'	'
Net proceeds from initial public offering	$4.60	$75.60
Initial public offering (in shares)	383,722	6,250,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$36,139	$32,781
Work in process	19,650	22,735
Finished goods	25,489	25,820
Total	$81,278	$81,336

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Customer-owned tooling, net	$13,111	$33,308
Company-owned tooling	3,113	967
Total tooling, net	$16,224	$34,275

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Buildings and improvements (Member) | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'40 years
Buildings and improvements (Member) | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'32 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost	'	'
Land	$20,966	$25,494
Buildings and improvements	233,318	227,727
Machinery and equipment	909,090	856,296
Construction in progress	63,453	55,885
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	1,226,827	1,165,402
Less: accumulated depreciation	-677,222	-592,254
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$549,605	$573,148

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$13,793	$12,268
Accretion expense	1,195	1,044
Liabilities settled	-148	-347
Change in estimate	1,337	828
Ending balance	$16,177	$13,793

Significant_Accounting_Policie8

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	$64,793	$63,983
Currency translation adjustment	2,183	810
Balance	66,976	64,793
International [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	61,826	60,725
Currency translation adjustment	2,577	1,101
Balance	64,403	61,826
Americas [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	2,967	3,258
Currency translation adjustment	-394	-291
Balance	$2,573	$2,967

Significant_Accounting_Policie9

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortized intangible:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount (in dollars)	$21,481	$21,510
Accumulated Amortization (in dollars)	19,944	17,151
Europe [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible:	'	'
Weighted Average Life	'7 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount (in dollars)	16,038	15,978
Accumulated Amortization (in dollars)	14,866	12,759
Brazil [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible:	'	'
Weighted Average Life	'7 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount (in dollars)	5,443	5,532
Accumulated Amortization (in dollars)	$5,078	$4,392

Recovered_Sheet1

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total Gains / (losses)	($10.50)	($0.60)
Long-lived assets held for sale	0	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets held for sale	$12	$0

Recovered_Sheet2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency translation	$24,963	$17,914
Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.7 million and $0 million	-12,833	-30,350
Unrealized gain/(loss) on qualifying cash flow hedge, net	117	-48
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$12,247	($12,484)

Recovered_Sheet3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrealized Gains / (Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge, Beginning Balance	($48)	'	'
Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge, Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	165	-60	267
Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	61	'	'
Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge, Net current-period other comprehensive income	165	'	'
Unrealized Gains / (Losses) on Qualifying Cash Flow Hedge, Ending balance	117	-48	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	-30,350	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax, Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	17,517	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax, Net current-period other comprehensive income	17,517	-1,375	-2,316
Defined Benefit Plan, Net of Tax, Ending balance	-12,833	-30,350	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Beginning Balance	17,914	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	7,049	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Net current-period other comprehensive income	7,049	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Ending balance	24,963	17,914	'
Beginning Balance	-12,484	'	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	24,670	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	61	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	26,629	-137	-12,001
Ending balance	$12,247	($12,484)	'

Recovered_Sheet4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation	$92,000,000	$88,300,000	$98,000,000
Interest Costs Capitalized	900,000	1,400,000	1,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	1,500,000	'	'
Amortization Of Intangible Assets	2,793,000	4,579,000	4,589,000
Long-term Debt, Total	492,557,000	484,544,000	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	497,800,000	529,100,000	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Property, Plant and Equipment	22,500,000	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment Fair Value	12,000,000	'	'
Property Plant And Equipment Impairment Charge	10,400,000	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Total	600,000	'	'
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	600,000	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$13,700,000	$0	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10 Years	'	'

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair2

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	$21,207	$10,738	$2,660
International [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	2,723	2,149	-179
Americas [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	$18,484	$8,589	$2,839

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair3

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee termination costs	$2,299	$2,586	$1,414
Other exit costs	7,672	7,577	1,246
Asset impairments	11,236	575	0
Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	$21,207	$10,738	$2,660

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair4

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$2,531	$407
Payments	-2,885	-1,947
Increase	2,299	3,210
Adjustment	-20	861
Ending balance	1,925	2,531
International [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	897	141
Payments	-1,267	-1,393
Increase	938	2,149
Adjustment	0	0
Ending balance	568	897
Americas [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	1,634	266
Payments	-1,618	-554
Increase	1,361	1,061
Adjustment	-20	861
Ending balance	$1,357	$1,634

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair5

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
				Tower Defense & Aerospace, LLC [Member]	Tower Defense & Aerospace, LLC [Member]	International [Member]	International [Member]	International [Member]	Americas [Member]	Americas [Member]	Americas [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	$12,040,000	$0	$0	'	$9,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	1,925,000	2,531,000	407,000	'	'	568,000	897,000	141,000	1,357,000	1,634,000	266,000
Payments for Restructuring	2,885,000	1,947,000	'	'	'	1,267,000	1,393,000	'	1,618,000	554,000	'
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	21,207,000	10,738,000	2,660,000	8,200,000	'	2,723,000	2,149,000	-179,000	18,484,000	8,589,000	2,839,000
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	11,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Restructuring Costs	7,672,000	7,577,000	1,246,000	2,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Severance Costs	$2,299,000	$2,586,000	$1,414,000	$500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_and_As2

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	$311,014	$352,381
Income from discontinued operations:	'	'	'
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes	'	-448	8,467
Provision for income taxes	'	929	1,519
Income/(loss) from operations	'	-1,377	6,948
Gain from disposal, net of tax of $0	'	31,167	0
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$29,790	$6,948

Discontinued_Operations_and_As3

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
			SJ Holdings, Inc [Member]	SJ Holdings, Inc [Member]	SJ Holdings, Inc [Member]
			Stock Purchase Agreement [Member]	Stock Purchase Agreement [Member]	Stock Purchase Agreement [Member]
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase Price of Outstanding Capital	$47	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Purchase Price Received	'	'	40.00%	50.00%	10.00%
Date of Purchase Price	'	'	'January 31, 2013	'December 28, 2012	'December 30, 2013
Proceeds from sale of interest in subsidiary	'	'	'	'	23.4
Transaction Costs Paid	'	'	'	'	2.9
Accumulated Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax	'	$4	'	'	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	$492,557	$484,544
Less: Current maturities	-38,484	-72,954
Total long-term debt	454,073	411,590
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	416,009	0
Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	0	354,840
Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	0	39,000
Detroit Investment Fund indebtedness [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	0	476
Other foreign subsidiary indebtedness [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	$76,548	$90,228

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$38,484	'
2015	23,224	'
2016	11,907	'
2017	15,980	'
2018	5,659	'
Thereafter	397,303	'
Total	$492,557	$484,544

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Europe Subsidiary [Member]	'
Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness [Line Items]	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$43,422
Maturities of indebtedness	-21,077
New/renewed indebtedness	20,474
Change in borrowings on credit facilities	-6,880
Foreign exchange impact	1,810
Balance as of December 31, 2013	37,749
Brazil Subsidiary [Member]	'
Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness [Line Items]	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	30,426
Maturities of indebtedness	-20,141
New/renewed indebtedness	20,217
Change in borrowings on credit facilities	0
Foreign exchange impact	-4,041
Balance as of December 31, 2013	26,461
China Subsidiary [Member]	'
Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness [Line Items]	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	16,380
Maturities of indebtedness	-7,596
New/renewed indebtedness	3,303
Change in borrowings on credit facilities	-224
Foreign exchange impact	475
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$12,338

Debt_Details_Textual

Debt (Details Textual)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24-May-13

Oct. 06, 2011

Aug. 26, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Sep. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 13, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 24, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 13, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 13, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 20, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]

Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member]

Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member]

Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member]

Tender Offer [Member]

Tender Offer [Member]

Tender Offer [Member]

Tender Offer [Member]

Tender Offer [Member]

Brazil Subsidiary [Member]

Brazil Subsidiary [Member]

Brazil Subsidiary [Member]

Brazil Subsidiary [Member]

Europe [Member]

Europe [Member]

Europe [Member]

Europe [Member]

Europe [Member]

China Subsidiary [Member]

China Subsidiary [Member]

Other Foreign Subsidiary [Member]

Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement [Member]

Amended ABL [Member]

Amended ABL [Member]

Detroit Investment Fund [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Factoring Finance [Member]

Factoring Finance [Member]

Factoring Finance [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

USD ($)

BRL

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

USD ($)

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Europe [Member]

Europe [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Lease Obligations, Current

'

'

'

$1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,200,000

$1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Initial Term Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

420,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Aggregate Principal Amount

43,000,000

'

43,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

276,000,000

'

276,000,000

'

362,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.63%

'

'

4.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

430,000,000

'

'

'

276,000,000

'

276,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,800,000

'

'

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)

800,000

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Sep-17

'

23-Apr-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13-Jun-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of Notes Price, Percentage of Principal, Two

105.00%

'

105.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,900,000

10,100,000

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,900,000

14,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Alternate Base Rate Interest, Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Advances under the Amended ABL Revolver bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus a base rate margin or LIBOR plus a Eurodollar margin. The applicable margins are determined by the average availability under the Amended ABL Revolver over the preceding three consecutive full calendar months were 1.00% per annum and 2.00% per annum for base rate and LIBOR based borrowings, respectively.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

416,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,300,000

7,500,000

'

'

6,600,000

39,700,000

'

'

'

11,500,000

'

'

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Debt Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current

'

'

'

45,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Future Increase in Borrowing Limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,500,000

'

'

44,500,000

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19-Jun-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Before Amended Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amended Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

Interest Expenses, Related to Amortization of Debt Issue Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,500,000

1,900,000

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

'

'

'

492,557,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

492,557,000

484,544,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,500,000

62,500,000

10,500,000

24,800,000

23,900,000

'

'

13,600,000

9,900,000

12,300,000

'

76,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,900,000

19,900,000

14,500,000

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.36%

11.36%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate on Borrowings Range, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

3.00%

3.50%

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate on Borrowings Range, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.36%

15.36%

15.36%

15.36%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, New Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,800,000

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

27,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Basis for Effective Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.16%

7.16%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.99%

5.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.77%

2.77%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.68%

7.68%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.02%

4.02%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.22%

4.22%

6.25%

6.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.20%

3.20%

Capital Lease Obligations

'

'

'

11,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,200,000

12,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Covenant Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Term Loan Holdcos pro forma Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) does not exceed 2.00:1.00. The maturity date for the initial term loan disbursed under the Term Loan Credit Agreement was April 23, 2020

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at (i) an alternate base rate (the Alternate Base Rate) (which is the highest of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus % and the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as each such term is defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) for a one month interest period plus 1%) plus a margin of 3.50% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.25%) plus a margin of 4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Term Loan Credit Facility will bear interest at (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 2.75% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR rate by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'interest rate based on the EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.9% to 4.0% and have maturity dates ranging from October 2014 to April 2015

'interest rate based on the EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.9% to 4.0% and have maturity dates ranging from October 2014 to April 2015

'interest rate based upon the one month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.0%.

'interest rate based upon the one month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.0%.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'interest rates based upon the average three month EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.75%

'interest rates based upon the average three month EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.75%

Debt Instrument, Aggregate Purchase Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

113.58%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Cost

'

'

'

'

500,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Debt Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of Financing Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Breakage Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

Premium on RePricing of Term Loan B and Other Fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early Repayment of Senior Debt

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,000,000

17,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of Notes at Premium Percentage

'

101.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

105.00%

102.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption Premium

2,200,000

100,000

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

800,000

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

'

'

'

549,605,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

549,605,000

573,148,000

'

'

31,700,000

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment

'

'

'

677,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

677,222,000

592,254,000

'

'

15,000,000

12,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Loan Originations

'

'

'

$13,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	($13,429)	$10,473	($11,810)
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	-31,323	-6,028	-28,607
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$17,894	$16,501	$16,797

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Domestic - Federal	$0	$0	$178
Domestic - State	43	8	250
Foreign	10,896	6,196	14,991
Total	10,939	6,204	15,419
Tax benefit with offset in OCI:	'	'	'
Domestic - Federal	-9,897	0	0
Domestic - State	-931	0	0
Total	-10,828	0	0
Deferred and Other:	'	'	'
Domestic - Federal	0	0	0
Domestic - State	0	0	-370
Foreign	1,966	9,052	-1,757
Total	-8,862	9,052	-2,127
Total provision/(benefit) for income taxes:	$2,077	$15,255	$13,293

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Taxes at U.S. federal statutory rate	($4,700)	$3,666	($4,134)
State tax expense/(benefit)	110	88	-120
Valuation allowance	19,841	13,985	13,982
Regional production tax - Italy	433	509	776
Foreign withholding taxes	4,014	1,099	598
Tax expense/(benefit) expense in OCI	-10,828	0	0
Foreign tax rate differential	-3,621	-2,576	565
Increase/(decrease) in uncertain tax positions	1,161	-2,455	536
Inflation adjustment - Mexico	-1,075	-1,109	-748
Audit Adjustments	-2,352	-280	0
Tax expense/(benefit) expense from Italian law change	-1,152	0	0
Permanent differences	246	2,328	1,838
Total income tax expense	$2,077	$15,255	$13,293

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets are attributable to:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits	$168,769	$148,507
Accrued pension and postretirement benefit obligations	19,629	37,494
Non-deductible reserves and other accruals	39,254	33,750
Capitalized Leases	9,435	9,889
MRO inventory reserves	10,760	8,537
Total gross deferred assets	247,847	238,176
Less: Valuation allowance	-219,421	-207,659
Net deferred income tax assets	28,426	30,517
Deferred tax liabilities are attributable to:	'	'
Deferred cancellation of indebtedness income	-18,672	-16,310
Long lived assets	-13,179	-14,327
Total gross deferred liabilities	-31,851	-30,638
Net deferred tax asset	($3,425)	($121)

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefit - January 1	$19,242	$20,503	$10,096
Increase in prior year tax positions	0	172	11,107
Decrease in prior year tax positions	-567	-558	-2,300
Increase in current year tax positions	2,656	917	2,634
Audit settlements	-3,336	-1,789	-12
Lapse in statute of limitations	-198	-302	-679
Foreign currency translation	426	299	-343
Total	$18,223	$19,242	$20,503

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Amounts Applied	$219,400,000	'	'
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	11,800,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	234,300,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Date One	'expire during the years 2027 through 2033	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	168,769,000	148,507,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	3,000,000	'	'
Expected Recognized Tax Benefits	7,000,000	300,000	1,000,000
Increase (Decrease) of Interest and Penalty	'	100,000	'
Valuation Allowances In Excess	100,000,000	'	'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Valuation Allowance	72.00%	'	'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Valuation Allowance	28.00%	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Real Estate Owned, Valuation Allowance, Amounts Applied	'	207,700,000	'
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	'	19,400,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	17,500,000	18,900,000	19,500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,400,000	1,500,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	-100,000	-1,700,000	200,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	102,900,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Date One	'expire during the years 2013 through 2033	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	23,400,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	82,000,000	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset	30,600,000	'	'
Other Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	258,400,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Date One	'others expire as soon as 2016	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	25,500,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	$56,200,000	'	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:	'		'		'
Fair value, end of period	$199,000		$189,000		'
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'		'		'
Reconciliation of Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets:	'		'		'
Fair value, beginning of period	189,472		173,239		'
Actual return	14,607		20,197		'
Employer contributions	15,005		17,108		'
Expenses paid from Pension Plan assets	-1,248		-1,383		'
Benefits paid	-18,793		-19,689		'
Fair value, end of period	199,043		189,472		173,239
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:	'		'		'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	290,252		269,462		'
Service cost	53		44		30
Interest cost	10,126		11,690		12,601
Actuarial (gain)/loss	-25,635		28,745		'
Benefits paid	-18,793		-19,689		'
Plan amendments*	-2,045	[1]	0	[1]	'
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	253,958		290,252		269,462
Funded status of the Pension Plan	($54,915)		($100,780)		'
[1]	The Company transferred certain benefits to the Company's life insurance plan from the Pension Plan.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Actuarial loss	$0	$19,157	$33,223
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	53	44	30
Interest cost	10,126	11,690	12,601
Expected return on plan assets	-12,305	-11,215	-11,259
Actuarial loss	0	19,157	33,223
Net periodic benefit cost/(income)	($2,126)	$19,676	$34,595

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized (gain) / loss	$26,689	($1,989)	($1,514)
New prior service credit	2,045	0	0
Amount recognized	$28,734	($1,989)	($1,514)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized gain	($427)	($27,116)
New prior service credit	2,045	0
Deferred tax impact	-13,132	-2,912
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($11,514)	($30,028)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details4

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	4.50%	3.65%
Annual rate of increase in compensation	4.50%	4.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.65%	4.50%	5.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.40%	7.40%	7.40%
Annual rate of increase in compensation	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 6)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	'
Fixed Income Funds [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	45.00%	47.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	45.00%	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	33.00%	31.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	30.00%	'
Non Equity Investment [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	19.00%	22.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	20.00%	'
Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	3.00%	0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	5.00%	'

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details7

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 7) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$199,000		$189,000		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	95,000		87,000		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	52,000		55,000		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	52,000		47,000		'
Equity long/short hedge funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	45,000	[1]	47,000	[1]	'
Equity long/short hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Equity long/short hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Equity long/short hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	45,000	[1]	47,000	[1]	47,000
Real estate investment funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	7,000		'		'
Real estate investment funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		'		'
Real estate investment funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		'		'
Real estate investment funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	7,000		0		'
Mutual Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	87,000	[2]	79,000	[2]	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	76,000	[2]	67,000	[2]	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	11,000	[2]	12,000	[2]	'
Mutual Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	15,000		13,000		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	15,000		13,000		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	41,000		43,000		'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	41,000		43,000		'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Cash [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	4,000		7,000		'
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	4,000		7,000		'
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Cash [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$0		$0		'
[1]	This category includes hedge funds that invest both long and short in a variety of U.S. and international equities and currencies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position.
[2]	This category consists of mutual fund investments that are focused on fixed income and international equity securities.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details8

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 8) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, end of period	$199,000,000		$189,000,000
Real estate investment funds [Member]	'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, end of period	7,000,000		'
Equity Long/ Short Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, end of period	45,000,000	[1]	47,000,000	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, end of period	52,000,000		47,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real estate investment funds [Member]	'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, beginning of period	0		'
Purchases	7,000,000		'
Fair value, end of period	7,000,000		'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Long/ Short Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'
Fair value of plan assets	'		'
Fair value, beginning of period	47,000,000	[1]	47,000,000
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	2,000,000		3,000,000
Purchases	1,000,000		2,000,000
Redemptions	-5,000,000		-5,000,000
Fair value, end of period	$45,000,000	[1]	$47,000,000	[1]
[1]	This category includes hedge funds that invest both long and short in a variety of U.S. and international equities and currencies. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization stocks, and from a net long position to a net short position.

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details9

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of fair value of life insurance plan assets:	'		'
Fair value, end of period	$199,000		$189,000
Life Insurance Plans [Member]	'		'
Reconciliation of fair value of life insurance plan assets:	'		'
Fair value, beginning of period	0		0
Employer contributions	431		408
Benefits paid	-431		-408
Fair value, end of period	0		0
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:	'		'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	14,648		15,020
Plan amendments*	1,974	[1]	0	[1]
Interest cost	541		650
Actuarial loss/(gain)	-1,588		-614
Benefits paid	-431		-408
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	15,144		14,648
Funded status of life insurance plans	($15,144)		($14,648)
[1]	The Company transferred certain benefits to the Company's life insurance plan from the Pension Plan.

Recovered_Sheet5

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 10) (Life Insurance Plans [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Life Insurance Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$0	$0	[1]
Interest cost	541	650	716	[1]
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	[1]
Net periodic benefit cost	$541	$650	$716	[1]
[1]	Excludes defined-dollar capped plans described above.

Recovered_Sheet6

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 11) (Life Insurance Plans [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Life Insurance Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain/(loss)	$1,588	$614	($802)
New prior service cost	-1,974	0	0
Amount recognized	($386)	$614	($802)

Recovered_Sheet7

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 12) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized gain	$1,263	($325)
New prior service cost	-1,974	0
Deferred tax impact	-608	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($1,319)	($325)

Recovered_Sheet8

Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.40%	7.40%	7.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.50%	3.65%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.65%	4.50%	5.25%
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.70%	3.75%	'
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	16,600,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	19,200,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	18,400,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	18,000,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	17,100,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	16,900,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	85,600,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments Next Five Fiscal Years Aggregate	89,600,000	'	'
Accumulated Plan Benefit Obligations	253,000,000	290,000,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-18,793,000	-19,689,000	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	10,126,000	11,690,000	12,601,000
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	4,600,000	4,400,000	3,800,000
Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	1,600,000	1,600,000	1,800,000
Defined Dollar Capped Medical Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	'	'	600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	'	'	100,000
Life Insurance Benefits For United States Retirees [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	500,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	500,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	900,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	900,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	1,000,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	4,900,000	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments Next Five Fiscal Years Aggregate	3,800,000	'	'

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Details

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($16,064)

($4,782)

($25,103)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

29,790

6,948

Net income/(loss)

20,534

4,216

-45,348

[1]

4,534

16,072

-2,382

9,258

2,060

-16,064

25,008

-18,155

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,211

6,976

5,109

Net income/(loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.

$18,970

$3,318

($45,111)

[1]

$2,548

$13,723

($3,975)

$7,658

$626

($20,275)

$18,032

($23,264)

Basic earnings per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.99)

($0.58)

($1.56)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$1.48

$0.36

Net income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.99)

$0.90

($1.20)

Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,387,168

20,080,839

19,364,433

Diluted earnings per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Continuing operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.99)

($0.58)

($1.56)

Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$1.46

$0.36

Net income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc. (in dollars per share)

$0.90

$0.16

($2.22)

[1]

$0.12

$0.67

($0.20)

$0.38

$0.03

($0.99)

$0.88

($1.20)

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,387,168

20,447,072

19,364,433

[1]

The Company recorded $40.9 million of other expense related to the premium paid and tender fee on the notes repurchase in connection with the Tender Offer ($38.1 million), the premium paid in connection with the $43 million notes redemption in May 2013 ($2.2 million), and the breakage fee incurred to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million ($0.6 million).

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Details1

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1.5	1	1.8

ShareBased_and_LongTerm_Compen2

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options, Outstanding, Beginning (in shares)	973,745	429,440	457,098
Options, Granted (in shares)	0	615,804	22,805
Options, Options exercised or RSUs vested (in shares)	-178,744	0	0
Options, Forfeited (in shares)	-52,617	-71,499	-50,463
Options, Outstanding, Ending (in shares)	742,384	973,745	429,440
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share)	$12.30	$13.14	$13
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$0	$11.75	$15.63
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised or RSUs vested (in dollars per share)	$12.44	$0	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$12.13	$12.58	$13
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Ending (in dollars per share)	$12.28	$12.30	$13.14
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Beginning (in shares)	682,415	1,406,024	1,763,625
Restricted Stock Units, Granted (in shares)	120,873	135,911	600,894
Restricted Stock Units, Options exercised or RSUs vested (in shares)	-69,858	-847,022	-881,815
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited (in shares)	-13,526	-12,498	-76,680
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Ending (in shares)	719,904	682,415	1,406,024
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share)	$11	$12.25	$13
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)	$13	$11.75	$11.30
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Options exercised or RSUs vested (in dollars per share)	$13.68	$13.14	$13
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$13.15	$14.63	$13.42
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending (in dollars per share)	$11.04	$11	$12.25

ShareBased_and_LongTerm_Compen3

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Mar. 06, 2013

Mar. 01, 2013

Apr. 20, 2012

Mar. 01, 2012

Jul. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Performance Award Agreements [Member]

Supplemental Value Creation Program [Member]

Supplemental Value Creation Program [Member]

Supplemental Value Creation Program [Member]

Supplemental Value Creation Program [Member]

Supplemental Value Creation Program [Member]

IPO [Member]

IPO [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)

1,160,273

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense

$1.80

$1.70

$0.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.90

'

$0.70

$4.20

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

1.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'10 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'14 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in shares)

742,384

973,745

429,440

457,098

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period (in shares)

178,744

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value

1.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number

276,342

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value

2.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period

52,617

71,499

50,463

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Stock or Unit Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

2.5

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.5

13.9

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number

719,904

682,415

1,406,024

1,763,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period

13,526

12,498

76,680

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Description

'

'

'

'

'one third of the RSUs granted on March 6, 2012 vested

'one third of the RSUs granted on March 3, 2011 vested

'the second half of the RSUs granted at the time of the Company's IPO vested

'one third of the RSUs granted on March 3, 2011 vested

'one half of the RSUs granted at the time of the Company's IPO vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

69,858

847,022

881,815

'

40,305

26,837

814,035

31,878

881,815

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value

'

'

'

'

0.5

0.3

9.1

0.4

15.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised Net of Offsets for Withholding Taxes (in shares)

'

'

'

'

27,164

17,934

537,970

25,384

581,444

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Vested Shares

'

'

'

'

0.2

0.1

3.1

0.1

5.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested Shares Acquired to Cover Minimum Withholding Taxes One (in shares)

'

'

'

'

13,141

8,903

276,065

6,494

300,371

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

Awards Granted to Executives Under Performance Award Agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'approximately 80 executives

'approximately 70 executives

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share-based Liabilities Paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.90

'

'

'

$3.10

$3.30

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'nine and 18 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'18 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (Asian Operations [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Faw Vw [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$66.20	$122.80	$110
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties	4.1	4	'
Chery [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	47.5	24.4	31.7
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties	$11	$7.20	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$516,804	$495,197	$555,878	$534,140	$508,144	$492,127	$554,952	$529,691	$2,102,019	$2,084,914	$2,053,708
Adjusted EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	212,294	197,886	202,586
Capital Expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	93,635	109,138	103,826
Total assets	1,182,993	'	'	'	1,238,122	'	'	'	1,182,993	1,238,122	1,397,378
International [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	951,019	945,905	981,652
Adjusted EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79,090	85,423	96,481
Capital Expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,380	63,501	52,027
Total assets	736,272	'	'	'	769,321	'	'	'	736,272	769,321	905,482
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,151,000	1,139,009	1,072,056
Adjusted EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	133,204	112,463	106,105
Capital Expenditures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,255	45,637	51,799
Total assets	$446,721	'	'	'	$468,801	'	'	'	$446,721	$468,801	$491,896

Segment_Information_Details_1

Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Adjusted EBITDA	$212,294	$197,886	$202,586
Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	-21,207	-10,738	-2,660
Depreciation and amortization	-94,837	-92,856	-102,583
Acquisition costs and other	-907	-431	-1,554
Long-term compensation expense	-6,630	-10,416	-19,538
Interest expense, net	-50,859	-53,815	-53,507
Other expense	-48,448	0	-1,331
Pension actuarial loss	0	-19,157	-33,223
Closure of Tower Defense & Aerospace	-2,835	0	0
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in loss of joint venture	($13,429)	$10,473	($11,810)

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$516,804	$495,197	$555,878	$534,140	$508,144	$492,127	$554,952	$529,691	$2,102,019	$2,084,914	$2,053,708
Long-Lived Assets	552,718	'	'	'	574,115	'	'	'	552,718	574,115	669,281
GERMANY	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	338,712	358,736	402,946
Long-Lived Assets	71,696	'	'	'	68,632	'	'	'	71,696	68,632	78,616
BELGIUM	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	188,932	148,026	154,503
Long-Lived Assets	30,314	'	'	'	30,430	'	'	'	30,314	30,430	28,890
SLOVAKIA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	181,421	208,865	155,286
Long-Lived Assets	72,158	'	'	'	79,443	'	'	'	72,158	79,443	75,308
ITALY	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,541	101,887	142,812
Long-Lived Assets	32,765	'	'	'	33,026	'	'	'	32,765	33,026	37,581
OTHER EUROPE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	68,989	51,094	59,194
Long-Lived Assets	13,856	'	'	'	17,154	'	'	'	13,856	17,154	8,652
CHINA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	189,231	187,511	155,005
Long-Lived Assets	98,641	'	'	'	84,200	'	'	'	98,641	84,200	44,942
SOUTH KOREA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Long-Lived Assets	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	123,817
UNITED STATES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	958,009	925,677	852,446
Long-Lived Assets	173,848	'	'	'	208,605	'	'	'	173,848	208,605	220,028
BRAZIL	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	193,469	215,471	219,753
Long-Lived Assets	59,440	'	'	'	52,625	'	'	'	59,440	52,625	51,447
INTERCOMPANY ELIMINATIONS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-107,285	-112,353	-88,237
Long-Lived Assets	$0	'	'	'	$0	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

Segment_Information_Details_3

Segment Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$516,804	$495,197	$555,878	$534,140	$508,144	$492,127	$554,952	$529,691	$2,102,019	$2,084,914	$2,053,708
Body Structures And Assemblies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,144,715	1,142,365	1,115,509
Complex Body In White Assemblies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	533,454	494,784	453,454
Chassis Lower Vehicle Systems And Suspension Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$423,850	$447,765	$484,745

Segment_Information_Details_4

Segment Information (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Customer	'All customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues	'	'
Ford [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	22.00%	21.00%	20.00%
Vw [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%	23.00%	20.00%
Chrysler [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	9.00%	7.00%

Acquisitions_and_Joint_Venture1

Acquisitions and Joint Ventures (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 01, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
	W Industries [Member]	W Industries [Member]	Ningbo [Member]	Ningbo [Member]	Ningbo [Member]	Ningbo [Member]	Xiangtan [Member]	Xiangtan [Member]
			Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]	Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]	Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]	Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]	Xiangtan Joint Venture [Member]	Xiangtan Joint Venture [Member]
						Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership Percentage Of Subsidiary	'	'	64.00%	'	'	'	51.00%	50.00%
Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures	'	'	$12.10	'	'	'	'	$5.90
Fair Value Of Debt Acquired	11.3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net	'	22.3	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct Acquisition Cost Assets Acquired	'	1.1	'	'	'	'	'	'
Additional Ownership Percentage In Subsidiary	'	'	'	6.00%	'	6.00%	'	'
Equity Method Investment Agreed Contribution Amount	'	'	'	0.8	'	'	'	'
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount	'	'	'	'	1.5	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment Accrual Amount	'	'	'	'	0.8	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment Direct Cost	'	'	'	'	$0.40	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Operating Leases 2014	$24,597
Operating Leases 2015	19,844
Operating Leases 2016	16,675
Operating Leases 2017	14,270
Operating Leases 2018	13,203
Operating Leases Thereafter	22,943
Total future lease payments for operating leases	111,532
Capital Leases 2014	1,786
Capital Leases 2015	1,765
Capital Leases 2016	1,693
Capital Leases 2017	1,621
Capital Leases 2018	6,479
Capital Leases Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments for capital leases	13,344
Less: amount representing interest for capital leases	-2,111
Present value of minimum lease payments for capital leases	$11,233

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Environmental Exit Costs, Costs Accrued to Date	$1.70	$2.30	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	21.6	22.3	21.3
Executory Purchase Capital Expenditures	34.8	'	'
Tooling Expenditures	57.9	'	'
Executory Purchase Other Expenditures	$7.70	'	'

Change_in_Working_Capital_and_2

Change in Working Capital and Other Operating Items (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change In Working Capital And Other Operating Items [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	$10,465	$38,410	($27,893)
Inventories	58	-4,832	-10,382
Prepaid tooling and other current assets	51,453	-44,682	4,152
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-11,758	-45,000	20,078
Other assets and liabilities	-14,075	47,603	-7,958
Change in working capital	$36,143	($8,501)	($22,003)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$516,804	$495,197	$555,878		$534,140	$508,144	$492,127	$554,952	$529,691	$2,102,019	$2,084,914	$2,053,708
Gross Profit	59,964	55,975	69,467		58,060	33,336	53,328	70,463	56,497	243,466	213,624	201,830
Net Income/ (Loss)	20,534	4,216	-45,348	[1]	4,534	16,072	-2,382	9,258	2,060	-16,064	25,008	-18,155
Net Income/ (Loss) Attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$18,970	$3,318	($45,111)	[1]	$2,548	$13,723	($3,975)	$7,658	$626	($20,275)	$18,032	($23,264)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share	$0.90	$0.16	($2.22)	[1]	$0.12	$0.67	($0.20)	$0.38	$0.03	($0.99)	$0.88	($1.20)
[1]	The Company recorded $40.9 million of other expense related to the premium paid and tender fee on the notes repurchase in connection with the Tender Offer ($38.1 million), the premium paid in connection with the $43 million notes redemption in May 2013 ($2.2 million), and the breakage fee incurred to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million ($0.6 million).

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	31-May-13	Apr. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					Tender Offer [Member]	Tender Offer [Member]	Letter Of Credit [Member]
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Expenses	$40,900,000	'	'	'	$700,000	'	'
Tender Fee	'	'	'	'	'	38,100,000	'
Premium Paid on Redemption of Notes and Other Fees	43,078,000	0	0	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Premium Paid	'	'	'	2,200,000	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Before Amended Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amended Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,500,000
Breakage Fee	'	'	'	'	'	'	$600,000

Subsequent_Events_Details_Text

Subsequent Events (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
		Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]	January 31 2014 [Member]	January 31 2014 [Member]
			Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]	Additional Term Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	'Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at (i) an alternate base rate (the Alternate Base Rate) (which is the highest of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus % and the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as each such term is defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) for a one month interest period plus 1%) plus a margin of 3.50% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.25%) plus a margin of 4.50%	'(i) the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 2.00% or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (calculated by multiplying the applicable LIBOR rate by a statutory reserve rate, with a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.00%	'	'
Long-term Debt, Gross	'	'	$450	$33

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_BALANCE_S

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	$255,674	$266,138	'	'
Total assets	1,182,993	1,238,122	1,397,378	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payables	262,425	264,897	'	'
Total liabilities	1,046,124	1,097,248	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized and 0 issued and outstanding	0	0	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 350,000,000 authorized, 21,079,027 issued and 20,472,637 outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 20,830,425 issued and 20,247,134 outstanding at December 31, 2012	211	208	'	'
Additional paid in capital	327,998	321,032	'	'
Treasury stock, at cost, 606,390 and 583,291 shares as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	8,594	8,297	'	'
Accumulated deficit	-257,487	-237,212	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	12,247	-12,484	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	136,869	140,874	97,460	111,626
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,182,993	1,238,122	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Intercompany receivables	167,957	161,652	'	'
Total assets	167,957	161,652	'	'
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payables	86,347	85,862	'	'
Loss in excess of investment in subsidiaries	7,235	12,543	'	'
Total liabilities	93,582	98,405	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized and 0 issued and outstanding	0	0	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 350,000,000 authorized, 21,079,027 issued and 20,472,637 outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 20,830,425 issued and 20,247,134 outstanding at December 31, 2012	211	208	'	'
Additional paid in capital	327,998	321,032	'	'
Treasury stock, at cost, 606,390 and 583,291 shares as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	-8,594	-8,297	'	'
Accumulated deficit	-257,487	-237,212	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	12,247	-12,484	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	74,375	63,247	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$167,957	$161,652	'	'

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_BALANCE_S1

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	21,079,027	20,830,425
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,472,637	20,247,134
Treasury Stock, Shares	606,390	583,291
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Preferred Stock, No Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	21,079,027	20,830,425
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,472,637	20,247,134
Treasury Stock, Shares	606,390	583,291

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OTHER INCOME	'	'	'
Intercompany interest income	$1,209	$942	$749
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'
General and administrative expenses	-4,743	-9,627	-15,112
Total operating expenses	-4,743	-9,627	-15,112
OTHER INCOME	'	'	'
Intercompany interest income	3,891	4,442	3,785
Total other income	3,891	4,442	3,785
Equity income/(loss) of subsidiaries	-19,423	23,217	-11,937
Income/(loss) available to common shareholders	($20,275)	$18,032	($23,264)

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_STATEMENT1

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Net income/(loss)

$18,970

$3,318

($45,111)

[1]

$2,548

$13,723

($3,975)

$7,658

$626

($20,275)

$18,032

($23,264)

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,629

-137

-12,001

Comprehensive income/(loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,565

24,871

-30,156

Parent Company [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income/(loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,275

18,032

-23,264

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,731

-1,234

-14,144

Comprehensive income/(loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,456

$16,798

($37,408)

[1]

The Company recorded $40.9 million of other expense related to the premium paid and tender fee on the notes repurchase in connection with the Tender Offer ($38.1 million), the premium paid in connection with the $43 million notes redemption in May 2013 ($2.2 million), and the breakage fee incurred to reduce the Letter of Credit Facility from $22.5 million to $8.5 million ($0.6 million).

SCHEDULE_1_CONDENSED_STATEMENT2

SCHEDULE 1 - CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	($20,275)	$18,032	($23,264)
Adjustments required to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Non-cash share-based compensation	21,207	10,738	2,660
Change in working capital and other operating items	36,143	-8,501	-22,003
Net cash provided by operating activities	153,350	101,381	86,860
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-297	-3,167	-5,130
Proceeds from stock options exercised	2,224	0	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-65,586	9,832	27,062
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	20,937	-21,041	-15,361
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'	'
Beginning of period	113,943	134,984	150,345
End of period	134,880	113,943	134,984
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income/(loss)	-20,275	18,032	-23,264
Adjustments required to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Non-cash share-based compensation	4,743	9,613	15,174
Equity (income)/loss of subsidiaries	19,423	-23,217	11,937
Change in working capital and other operating items	-5,818	-1,261	1,283
Net cash provided by operating activities	-1,927	3,167	5,130
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-297	-3,167	-5,130
Proceeds from stock options exercised	2,224	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	1,927	-3,167	-5,130
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'	'
Beginning of period	0	0	0
End of period	$0	$0	$0

SCHEDULE_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

SCHEDULE II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$4,105		$3,612		$1,674
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	600		1,919		3,182
Additions Charged to other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	-2,634	[1]	-1,425	[1]	-1,244	[1]
Balance at End of Year	2,071		4,105		3,612
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance at Beginning of Year	207,659		188,336		180,395
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	19,841		13,985		13,982
Additions Charged to other Accounts	-8,079		5,338		-6,041
Deductions	0		0		0
Balance at End of Year	$219,421		$207,659		$188,336
[1]	Write off of uncollectible accounts and collections of past due accounts.