Tower International (TOWR) 10-Q 2 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 27, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	Tower International, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,485,469
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	towr
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,339,114

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,216		$ 121,594
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $797 and $1,277	242,338		223,735
Inventories (Note 3)	77,402		66,648
Assets held for sale (Note 4)	104,482		113,664
Prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other	134,089		68,242
Total current assets	605,527		593,883
Property, plant, and equipment, net	452,541		427,887
Goodwill (Note 6)	60,215		59,340
Deferred tax asset	119,584		127,207
Other assets, net	8,867		7,180
Total assets	1,246,734	[1]	1,215,497
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations (Note 8)	35,380		29,492
Accounts payable	292,224		268,008
Accrued liabilities	110,918		100,529
Liabilities held for sale (Note 4)	51,355		44,157
Total current liabilities	489,877		442,186
Long-term debt, net of current maturities (Note 8)	399,052		409,116
Obligations under capital leases, net of current maturities (Note 8)	5,445		5,984
Deferred tax liability	6,586		6,167
Pension liability (Note 11)	57,773		65,621
Other non-current liabilities	78,448		79,704
Total non-current liabilities	547,304		566,592
Total liabilities	1,037,181		1,008,778
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Tower International, Inc.'s 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, 22,087,367 issued and 20,383,138 outstanding at September 30, 2016, and 22,003,820 issued and 21,111,610 outstanding at December 31, 2015	221		220
Additional paid in capital	339,477		337,864
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,704,229 and 892,210 shares as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015	(34,600)		(16,067)
Accumulated deficit	(28,670)		(44,030)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 12)	(73,926)		(80,492)
Total Tower International, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	202,502		197,495
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (Note 12)	7,051		9,224
Total stockholders' equity	209,553		206,719
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,246,734		$ 1,215,497
[1]	As of September 30, 2016, total assets include assets held for sale

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 797	$ 1,277
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	22,087,367	22,003,820
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,383,138	21,111,610
Treasury stock, shares	1,704,229	892,210

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 457,042	$ 442,190	$ 1,451,367	$ 1,341,181
Cost of sales	396,806	388,989	1,271,900	1,171,682
Gross profit	60,236	53,201	179,467	169,499
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	31,223	30,869	96,125	90,602
Amortization expense (Note 6)	112	249	344	249
Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net (Note 7)	1,196	784	2,782	6,984
Operating income	27,705	21,299	80,216	71,664
Interest expense	5,598	6,223	18,167	17,821
Interest income	40	6	108	16
Other expense	0		6,481
Income before provision for income taxes, and income / (loss) from discontinued operations	22,147	15,082	55,676	53,859
Provision for income taxes (Note 10)	4,239	1,456	13,770	5,287
Income from continuing operations	17,908	13,626	41,906	48,572
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4)	367	3,246	(19,999)	1,560
Net income	18,275	16,872	21,907	50,132
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	118	589	213	1,162
Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$ 18,157	$ 16,283	$ 21,694	$ 48,970
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	20,830,203	21,107,477	21,039,305	21,087,691
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	21,182,149	21,422,859	21,372,875	21,395,797
Basic income per share attributable to Tower International, Inc.:
Income per share from continuing operations (Note 13)	$ 0.85	$ 0.62	$ 1.98	$ 2.25
Income / (loss) per share from discontinued operations (Note 13)	0.02	0.15	(0.95)	0.07
Income per share (Note 13)	0.87	0.77	1.03	2.32
Diluted income per share attributable to Tower International, Inc.:
Income per share from continuing operations (Note 13)	0.84	0.61	1.95	2.22
Income / (loss) per share from discontinued operations (Note 13)	0.02	0.15	(0.93)	0.07
Income per share (Note 13)	0.86	$ 0.76	1.02	$ 2.29
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.10		$ 0.30

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 18,275	$ 16,872	$ 21,907	$ 50,132
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) of ($1.1 million), ($0 million), ($2.1 million), and ($0 million)	(100)	(13,002)	6,344	(22,171)
Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax:	(100)	(13,002)	6,344	(22,171)
Comprehensive income	18,175	3,870	28,251	27,961
Less: Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	89	(902)	(9)	(357)
Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$ 18,086	$ 4,772	$ 28,260	$ 28,318

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax (benefit)	$ (1.1)	$ 0	$ (2.1)	$ 0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 21,907	$ 50,132
Less: Income / (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(19,999)	1,560
Income from continuing operations	41,906	48,572
Adjustments required to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by / (used in) continuing operating activities:
Deferred income tax provision	10,251	(238)
Depreciation and amortization	53,383	54,227
Non-cash share-based compensation	1,545	1,814
Pension income, net of contributions	(7,851)	(10,267)
Change in working capital and other operating items	(66,876)	(55,620)
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	32,358	38,488
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash disbursed for purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net	(73,536)	(56,438)
Proceeds from disposition of China JVs, net		9,947
Acquisition, net of cash		(21,740)
Net cash used in continuing investing activities	(73,536)	(68,231)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings	458,752	93,952
Repayments of borrowings	(417,664)	(95,834)
Repayments on Term Loan Credit Facility	(50,000)	(25,000)
Proceeds from termination of cross currency swaps		32,377
Dividend payments to Tower shareholders	(6,334)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	68	160
Purchase of treasury stock	(18,533)	(6,551)
Net cash used in continuing financing activities	(33,711)	(896)
Discontinued operations:
Net cash from discontinued operating activities	3,714	21,551
Net cash from discontinued investing activities	(2,110)	(8,953)
Net cash from discontinued financing activities	(2,899)	(9,650)
Net cash from/(used in) discontinued operations	(1,295)	2,948
Effect of exchange rate changes on continuing cash and cash equivalents	1,806	(3,719)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(74,378)	(31,410)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	121,594	132,684
End of period	47,216	101,274
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	14,351	15,357
Income taxes paid	3,567	3,156
Non-cash Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures in liabilities for purchases of property, plant, and equipment	$ 13,525	$ 13,233

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation Tower International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company” or “Tower International”), is a leading integrated global manufacturer of engineered automotive structural metal components and assemblies, primarily serving original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), including Ford, Volkswagen Group, Chrysler, Volvo, Nissan, Fiat, Daimler, Toyota, BMW, and Honda. Products include body structures, assemblies and other chassis, structures, and 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, Mexico, and the Czech Republic, supported by engineering and sales locations in the United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, China, and India. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The information furnished in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of such financial statements. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited year-end financial statements and the notes thereto included in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the SEC. The interim results for the periods presented may not be indicative of the Company’s actual annual results. Principles of Consolidation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. 

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This ASU outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to utilize to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that will be received in exchange for the goods and services. Additional disclosures will also be required to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this standards update to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-11, and ASU 2016-12, all of which amend the implementation guidance and illustrations in the Board’s new revenue standard. The Company is currently evaluating significant contracts and assessing any impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost, to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This ASU is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The Company is assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not expect a material financial statement impact related to the adoption of this ASU. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Lease Accounting . This ASU introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet. Further, the standard also aligns certain of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in ASU 2014-09. This new ASU on leases is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating significant contracts and assessing any impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 3. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Maintenance, repair, and non-productive inventory, which are considered consumables, are expensed when acquired and included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as cost of sales. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Raw materials $ 35,291 $ 32,553  Work in process 16,856 12,911  Finished goods 25,255 21,184  Total inventory $ 77,402 $ 66,648  

Discontinued Operations and Ass

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	Note 4. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale During the second quarter of 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to sell the Company’s remaining business operations in Brazil and China. At September 30, 2016, all of the Brazilian and Chinese business operations are considered held for sale in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and presented as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 205, Discontinued Operations . The following table discloses select financial information of the discontinued operations of the Company’s Brazilian and Chinese business operations (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 28,536 $ 52,654 $ 78,619 $ 195,013  Income / (loss) from discontinued operations:  Income / (loss) before provision for income taxes and  equity in income / (loss) of joint venture 637 3,359 (18,747) 2,905  Provision for income taxes 270 256 1,252 1,299  Equity in income / (loss) of joint venture, net of tax - (143) - 46  Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ 367 $ 3,246 $ (19,999) $ 1,560  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the discontinued operations included results from two of the Company’s China joint ventures and an operation in Brazil that were sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. The assets and liabilities held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and are summarized by category in the following table (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   ASSETS  Current assets $ 60,390 $ 55,474  Property, plant, and equipment, net 48,309 45,272  Other assets, net 13,883 12,918  Fair value adjustment (18,100) -  Total assets held for sale $ 104,482 $ 113,664   LIABILITIES  Short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations $ 1,323 $ 886  Accounts payable 43,871 37,039  Total current liabilities 45,194 37,925   Long-term debt, net of current maturities 2,732 3,102  Other non-current liabilities 3,429 3,130  Total non-current liabilities 6,161 6,232  Total liabilities held for sale $ 51,355 $ 44,157  During the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a fair value adjustment of $18.1 million related to the planned sale of the Company’s remaining Brazil and China operations. Of that amount, $15 million represents the cumulative translation adjustment related to Brazil and $3.1 million reflects a fair value adjustment to the Ningbo joint venture in China.  In the period ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a $4.1 million gain on the sale of a joint venture in China (Xiangtan DIT Automotive Products Co.).

Tooling

Tooling	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Tooling [Abstract]
Tooling	Note 5. 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 noncancellable 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. After 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 the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in prepaid tooling, notes receivable, and other, while company-owned and other tooling is included in other assets, net. The components of capitalized tooling costs are as follows (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Customer-owned tooling, net $ 107,205 $ 58,801  Company-owned tooling 2 16  Total tooling, net $ 107,207 $ 58,817 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.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is set forth below by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis (in thousands):    Europe North America Consolidated  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 50,890 $ 8,450 $ 59,340  Currency translation adjustment 1,776 (901) 875  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 52,666 $ 7,549 $ 60,215 Intangibles In the North America segment, an intangible asset of $3.5 million related to customer relationships was recorded in 2015, as part of the acquisition of a facility in Mexico. This intangible asset has a definite life and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years, the estimated life of the related asset, which approximates the recognition of related revenues. The Company incurred amortization expense of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company incurred amortization expense of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Restructuring and Asset Impairm

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges	Note 7. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges As of September 30, 2016, the Company has executed various restructuring plans and may execute additional plans in the future to reduce corporate overhead, to realign manufacturing capacity to prevailing global automotive production levels, 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 and Asset Impairment Charges Net restructuring and asset impairment charges for each of the Company’s segments include the following (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Europe $ - $ 143 $ 117 $ 227  North America 1,196 641 2,665 6,757  Consolidated $ 1,196 $ 784 $ 2,782 $ 6,984 The following table sets forth the Company’s net restructuring and asset impairment charges by type for the periods presented (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Employee termination costs $ 361 $ 143 $ 493 $ 328  Other exit costs 835 641 2,289 2,098  Asset impairment - - - 4,558  Total restructuring expense $ 1,196 $ 784 $ 2,782 $ 6,984 The charges incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 related primarily to the following actions: 2016 Actions During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the charges incurred in the North America segment related to ongoing maintenance expense of facilities closed as a result of prior actions and severance charges to reduce fixed costs. The charges incurred in the Europe segment related to severance charges to reduce fixed costs.  2015 Actions During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the charges incurred in the North America segment related to a liability established to reflect a change in estimated future rents on a previously closed facility, ongoing maintenance expense of facilities closed as a result of prior actions and severance charges to reduce fixed costs. The charges incurred in the Europe segment related to severance charges to reduce fixed costs and a revision of a previous estimate. Restructuring Reserve The table below summarizes the activity in the restructuring reserve by segment, reflected in accrued liabilities, for the above-mentioned actions through September 30, 2016 (in thousands):    Europe North America Consolidated  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 99 $ 213 $ 312  Payments (118) (2,674) (2,792)  Increase in liability 117 2,665 2,782  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 98 $ 204 $ 302 Except as disclosed in the table above, the Company does not anticipate incurring additional material cash charges associated with the actions described above. The changes in the restructuring reserve s et forth in the table above do not agree with the restructuring charges for the period, as certain items are expensed as incurred related to the actions described. The restructuring reserve decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting primarily payments of other exit costs related to prior accruals, offset partially by accruals for severance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred payments related to prior accruals in Europe of $0.1 million and in North America of $ 2. 7 million.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	Note 8. Debt Short-Term Debt Short-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases) $ 34,382 $ 28,528  Current maturities of capital leases 998 964  Total short-term debt $ 35,380 $ 29,492 Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Term Loan Credit Facility (net of discount of $889 and $1,222 ) $ 362,861 $ 415,903  Amended Revolving Credit Facility 41,500 -  Other foreign subsidiary indebtedness 35,737 30,703  Debt issue costs (6,664) (8,962)  Total debt 433,434 437,644  Less: Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases) (34,382) (28,528)  Total long-term debt $ 399,052 $ 409,116 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”). On January 31, 2014, the Company amended the Term Loan Credit Agreement by entering into the Second Refinancing Term Loan Amendment and Additional Term Loan Amendment (“Second Term Loan Amendment”), 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, resulting in an increase in cash and cash equivalents. After giving effect to the disbursement of the Additional Term Loans, there were term loans (the “Term Loans”) in the aggregate principal amount of $450 million outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. The maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Facility remains April 23, 2020 and the Term Loans 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% . The Term Loan Borrower’s obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company on an unsecured basis and guaranteed by 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 basis to the agent for the benefit of the lenders under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility described below. The Term Loan Credit Agreement includes customary covenants applicable to certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and includes customary events of default and amounts due there under may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default. On January 15, 2016, the Company made a $50 million voluntary repayment on its Term Loan Credit Facility. In connection with this prepayment, the Company accelerated the amortization of the original issue discount and the associated debt issue costs by $0.7 million. As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan Credit Facility was $362. 9 million (net of a remaining $0.9 million original issue discount) and the effective interest rate was 4.00% per annum. Amended Revolving Credit Facility  On September 17, 2014, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement (“Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement”), by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC, the Company, Tower Automotive Holdings I, LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(a), LLC, Tower Automotive Holdings II(b), LLC, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, the 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 for the Lenders. The Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement amended and restated, in its entirety, the Second Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2013, by and among Tower Automotive Holdings USA, LLC (“the Borrower”), its domestic affiliate and domestic subsidiary guarantors named therein, and the lenders party thereto, and the Agent. The Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement provides for a cash flow revolving credit facility (the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $200 million. The Third 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 Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement is subject to an overall cap, on any date, of $200 million. The Company may request the issuance of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars or Euros. The expiration date for the Amended Revolving Credit Facility is September 17, 2019 . Advances under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at an alternate base rate plus a base rate margin or LIBOR plus a Eurodollar margin. The applicable margins are determined by the Company’s Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility Agreement). As of September 30, 2016, the applicable margins were 1.50% per annum and 2.50% per annum for base rate and LIBOR based borrowings, respectively, resulting in a weighted average interest rate of 3.6% . The Company will pay a commitment fee at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum on the average daily unused total revolving credit commitment. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company on an unsecured basis and is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries on a secured basis. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility is secured (i) by a first priority security interest in certain assets of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors, including accounts, inventory, chattel paper, 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 Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors. 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 Revolving Credit Security Agreement dated as of September 17, 2014, among the Borrower, the guarantors party thereto, and the Agent. The Third 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 there under may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default. As of September 30, 2016, there was $148.4 million of unutilized borrowing availability under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility . AT that date, there were $41.5 million of borrowings and $10.1 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility . Other Foreign Subsidiary Indebtedness  As of September 30, 2016, other foreign subsidiary indebtedness of $35.7 million consisted primarily of receivables factoring in Europe of $28.5 million and other indebtedness in Europe of $7.3 million.  The change in foreign subsidiary indebtedness from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016 is explained by the following (in thousands):    Europe  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30,704  Maturities of indebtedness (1,054)  Change in borrowings on credit facilities, net 5,015  Foreign exchange impact 1,072  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 35,737 Generally, borrowings of foreign subsidiaries are made under credit agreements with commercial lenders and are used to fund working capital and other operating requirements. As of September 30, 2016, the receivables factoring facilities balance available to the Company was $28.5 million (€ 25.3 million), of which the entire amount was drawn. These are uncommitted, demand facilities which are subject to termination at the discretion of the banks and bear interest rates based on the average three month EURIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.50% to 3.00% . The effective annual interest rates as of September 30, 2016 ranged from 2.20% to 2.70% , with a weighted average interest rate of 2.49% 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2016, the secured line of credit balance available to the Company was $9.4 million (€ 8.4 million) , of which no borrowings were outstanding . The facility bears an interest rate based on the EURIBOR plus a spread of 2.15% and has a maturity date of October 2016 . The effective annual interest rate as of September 30, 2016 was 1.78% per annum. The facilities are secured by certain accounts receivable related to customer funded tooling, real estate, and other assets, and are subject to negotiated prepayments upon the receipt of funds from completed customer projects. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s European subsidiaries had borrowings of $7.3 million (€ 6.5 million), which had an annual interest rate of 6.25% and a maturity date of November 2017 . This term loan is secured by certain machinery and equipment. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s European subsidiaries had an asset-based revolving credit facility balance available to the Company of $32.7 million, of which no borrowings were outstanding. This facility bears an interest rate based upon the one month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.00% and has a maturity date of October 2017 . 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. Covenants As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants that govern its credit agreements. Capital Leases The Company had the following capital lease obligations as of the dates presented (in thousands). These capital lease obligations expire in March 2018:    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Current maturities of capital leases $ 998 $ 964  Non-current maturities of capital leases 5,445 5,984  Total capital leases $ 6,443 $ 6,948 Debt Issue Costs The Company had debt issuance costs, net of amortization, of $6.7 million and $9 .0 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These amounts are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from long-term debt, net of current maturities, rather than as an asset, in accordance with ASU No. 2015-03. The Company incurred interest expense related to the amortization of debt issue costs of $0.5 million and $2.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company incurred interest expense related to the amortization of debt issue costs of $0.5 million and $1.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Derivative Financial Instruments[Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Note 9. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company’s derivative financial instruments include interest rate and cross currency swaps. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. On an on-going basis, the Company monitors counterparty credit ratings. The Company considers credit non-performance risk to be low because the Company enters into agreements with commercial institutions that have at least an S&P, or equivalent, investment grade credit rating. On October 17, 2014, the Company entered into a $200 million variable rate to fixed rate interest rate swap for a portion of the Company’s Term Loan and a € 157.1 million cross currency swap based on the U.S. dollar / Euro exchange spot rate of $1.2733 which was the prevailing rate at the time of the transaction. The maturity date for both swap instruments was April 16, 2020 . On January 23, 2015, the Company terminated the cross currency swap entered into on October 17, 2014 and received $21.9 million in cash proceeds. The Company then entered into a new cross currency swap to hedge its net investment in Europe (U.S. dollar / Euro exchange spot rate was $1.1265 ). The Euro notional amount was increased from €157.1 million to €178 million and the interest rate was lowered from 3.97% to 3.70% per annum. Using the proceeds received from the swap termination transaction, the Company made a $25 million voluntary repayment on its Term Loan Credit Facility on February 2, 2015. On March 13, 2015, the Company terminated the cross currency swap entered into on January 23, 2015 and received $10.5 million in cash proceeds. The Company then entered into a new cross currency swap to hedge its net investment in Europe (U.S. dollar / Euro exchange spot rate was $1.0480 ). The Euro notional amount of €178 million remained the same but the interest rate was lowered from 3.70% to 3.40% per annum. On April 16, 2015, the Company reduced the U.S. dollar notional amount on the interest rate swap from $200 million to $186.1 million, but the 5.09% interest rate per annum and the maturity date of April 16, 2020 remained the same. The interest rate is fixed at 5.09% per annum, but the fair value of the swap will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the U.S. dollar / Euro exchange spot rate was $1.1240 and $1.0906 , respectively. The following amounts were recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as being payable to counterparties under FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging (in thousands):    Location September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Net investment hedge Other non-current liabilities $ 15,270 $ 9,005  Interest rate swap Other non-current liabilities 5,340 2,592 All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. Effectiveness for net investment and cash flow hedges is initially assessed at the inception of the hedging relationship and on a quarterly basis thereafter. To the extent that derivative instruments are deemed to be effective, changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and to the extent they are ineffective or were not designated as part of a hedge transaction, they are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as interest expense, net. The cross currency swap qualifies as a net investment hedge of the Company’s European subsidiaries and is accounted for under FASB ASC No. 815. The interest rate swap was not designated as part of a hedge transaction; therefore all changes in fair value are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as interest expense, net. The following table presents the deferred gain reported in AOCI at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Deferred gain in AOCI  September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Net investment hedge $ 23,538 $ 29,139  Derivative instruments held during the period resulted in the following (income) / expense recorded in income (in thousands):    (Income) / expense recognized (Income) / expense recognized  (ineffective portion) (ineffective portion)  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Net investment hedge $ 1,293 $ (465) $ 663 $ (1,001)  Interest rate swap (663) (1,166) 2,749 1,274  Total $ 630 $ (1,631) $ 3,412 $ 273  

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 10. Income Taxes  During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $4.2 million on $22.1 million of pre-tax profit from continuing operations – for a consolidated effective tax rate of 19% . Included in the $4.2 million of consolidated tax expense was $3.1 million of deferred tax expense attributable to U.S. operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $13. 8 million on $55.7 million of pre-tax profit from continuing operations – for a consolidated effective tax rate of 24.8% . Included in the $13.8 million of consolidated tax expense was $9 million of deferred tax expense attributable to U.S operations. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company released the U.S. valuation allowance on its U.S. deferred tax assets. Going forward the Company will book tax expense on its U.S. profits – but this expense will primarily be deferred tax expense until the Company fully utilizes its US tax attributes – mainly net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credits. The Company does not expect to incur material U.S. current (cash ) tax expense until 2020 .

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Note 11. Retirement Plans The Company sponsors a pension and various other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. 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. The following tables provide the components of net periodic pension benefit cost and other post-retirement benefit cost (in thousands):    Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 5 $ 8 $ 2 $ 2  Interest cost 1,927 2,375 136 160  Expected return on plan assets (a) (2,579) (3,087) - -  Amortization of prior service credit (24) (24) 33 33  Net periodic benefit cost / (income) $ (671) $ (728) $ 171 $ 195    Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 16 $ 24 $ 6 $ 6  Interest cost 5,821 7,125 408 480  Expected return on plan assets (a) (7,670) (9,261) - -  Amortization of prior service credit (71) (72) 99 99  Net periodic benefit cost / (income) $ (1,904) $ (2,184) $ 513 $ 585  (a) Expected rate of return on plan assets is 7.40% for 2016 and was 7.40% for 2015 The Company expects its minimum pension funding requirements to be $7.6 million during 2016. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company made contributions of $2.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company contributed $1.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, to its defined contribution retirement plans.

Stockholders' Equity and Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	 Note 12. Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests The table below provides a reconciliation of the carrying amount of total stockholders’ equity, including stockholders’ equity attributable to Tower International, Inc. (“Tower”) and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Tower NCI Total Tower NCI Total  Stockholders' equity beginning balance $ 197,495 $ 9,224 $ 206,719 $ 43,151 $ 56,627 $ 99,778  Net income 21,694 213 21,907 48,970 1,162 50,132  Other comprehensive income / (loss): - - - - - -  Foreign currency translation adjustments 6,566 (222) 6,344 (20,652) (1,519) (22,171)  Total comprehensive income / (loss) 28,260 (9) 28,251 28,318 (357) 27,961  Vesting of RSUs 1 - 1 6 - 6  Treasury stock (18,533) - (18,533) (6,551) - (6,551)  Share based compensation expense 1,545 - 1,545 1,814 - 1,814  Proceeds from stock options exercised 68 - 68 160 - 160  Dividend paid (6,334) - (6,334) - - -  Noncontrolling interest sold - - - - - -  Noncontrolling interest dividends - Wuhu - (2,164) (2,164) - - -  Stockholders' equity ending balance $ 202,502 $ 7,051 $ 209,553 $ 66,898 $ 56,270 $ 123,168 On June 17, 2016, the Company announced its Board of Directors’ authorization to repurchase up to $100 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock from time to time in the open market, or in privately negotiated transactions (the “Repurchase Program”). As of September 30, 2016, 785,624 shares have been purchased for $17.9 million under the Repurchase Program. The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands):     As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Change  Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $5.5 million and $7.8 million $ (33,924) $ (40,490) $ 6,566  Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.5 million and $13.5 million (40,002) (40,002) -  Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (73,926) $ (80,492) $ 6,566  The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the three months ended September 30, 2016:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,853) $ (73,855)  Other comprehensive income before reclassification - (71) (71)  Net current-period other comprehensive income - (71) (71)  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,924) $ (73,926) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the three months ended September 30, 2015:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at June 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (16,364) $ (56,054)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification - (11,512) (11,512)  Net current-period other comprehensive loss - (11,512) (11,512)  Balance at September 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (27,876) $ (67,566) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (40,002) $ (40,490) $ (80,492)  Other comprehensive income before reclassification - 6,566 6,566  Net current-period other comprehensive income - 6,566 6,566  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,924) $ (73,926) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (39,690) $ (7,224) $ (46,914)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification - (20,652) (20,652)  Net current-period other comprehensive loss - (20,652) (20,652)  Balance at September 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (27,876) $ (67,566)  The Company did not reclassify any material items out of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or September 30, 2015, respectively.

Earnings per Share ("EPS")

Earnings per Share ("EPS")	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings per Share (“EPS”) [Abstract]
Earnings per Share (“EPS”)	Note 13. Earnings per Share (“EPS”) Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The share count for diluted earnings 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 included the effects of all dilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. A summary of the information used to compute basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Tower International, Inc. is shown below (in thousands – except share and per share amounts):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Income from continuing operations $ 17,908 $ 13,626 $ 41,906 $ 48,572  Income / (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 367 3,246 (19,999) 1,560  Net income 18,275 16,872 21,907 50,132  Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests 118 589 213 1,162  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. $ 18,157 $ 16,283 $ 21,694 $ 48,970   Basic income / (loss) per share:  Continuing operations $ 0.85 $ 0.62 $ 1.98 $ 2.25  Discontinued operations 0.02 0.15 (0.95) 0.07  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. 0.87 0.77 1.03 2.32  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 20,830,203 21,107,477 21,039,305 21,087,691   Diluted income / (loss) per share:  Continuing operations $ 0.84 $ 0.61 $ 1.95 $ 2.22  Discontinued operations 0.02 0.15 (0.93) 0.07  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. 0.86 0.76 1.02 2.29  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 21,182,149 21,422,859 21,372,875 21,395,797 

Share-Based and Long-Term Compe

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation	Note 14. Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation Share-Based Compensation 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (“the Plan”) The Company adopted an equity incentive plan in connection with its 2010 initial public offering that allows for the grant 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 Plan are determined by the Board of Directors and/or its Compensation Committee. At September 30, 2016, 876,111 shares were available for future grants of options and other types of awards under the Plan.  The following table summarizes the Company’s award activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2016:    Options Restricted Stock Units  Weighted Weighted  Average Average Grant  Outstanding at: Shares Exercise Price Shares Date Fair Value  December 31, 2015 500,138 $ 12.17 187,498 $ 23.59  Granted - - 101,810 23.26  Options exercised or RSUs issued (5,701) 11.95 (77,310) 19.88  Forfeited - - (2,142) 25.17  September 30, 2016 494,437 $ 12.17 209,856 $ 24.78 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 . During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company did no t recognize any expense relating to the options. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized expense relating to the options of $0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The Company did no t recognize any tax benefit related to the compensation expense during any of the periods presented. As of March 31, 2015, all of the expense associated with these stock options had been fully recognized. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had an aggregate of 494,437 stock options that had been granted, but had not yet been exercised. As of September 30, 2016, the remaining average contractual life for these options is approximately 5 years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 5,701 options were exercised, which had an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.1 million . As of September 30, 2016, 494,437 stock options were exercisable, which had an aggregate intrinsic value of $5.9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, no stock options were granted, forfeited, or expired. Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) The grant date fair value of each RSU equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on its 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. The Company’s RSUs generally vest over a three year period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized expense relating to the RSUs of $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized expense relating to the RSUs of $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The Company did no t recognize any tax benefit related to this compensation expense. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense associated with these RSUs, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the next 17 months, on a weighted average basis. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had an aggregate of 209,856 RSUs that had been granted, but had not yet vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, 101,810 RSUs were granted and 2,142 RSUs were forfeited or expired. During the first nine months of 2016, a total of 103,117 RSUs vested, resulting in the issuance of 77,310 shares. The fair value of these shares was $1.8 million. After offsets for withholding taxes, a total of 50,897 shares of common stock were issued. This total is net of shares repurchased to provide payment for certain individuals’ minimum statutory withholding tax. The Company paid $0.6 million to acquire 26,413 vested shares to cover the minimum statutory withholding taxes. Long-Term Compensation  Amended and Restated CEO Employment Agreement  On July 28, 2014, Mark M. Malcolm, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, entered into an amended and restated employment agreement (the “Agreement”), by which Mr. Malcolm’s employment was extended through December 31, 2016 (the “Retirement Date”). The Agreement provides for a $3 million transition bonus, for the successful delivery to Tower’s Board of Directors of a comprehensive chief executive officer succession and transition plan, and a $3 million retention bonus. These bonus awards, if earned, will be paid in cash on January 16, 2017 , and fall under the guidance of FASB ASC No. 450, Contingencies . Per ASC No. 450, a liability should be recorded when a future event is both probable and the amount of the commitment is reasonably estimable. The Agreement also provides for a stock appreciation bonus payable in cash or shares of common stock, as determined by the Company, if certain price targets related to the per share closing price of the Company’s common stock are achieved during the term of the Agreement. The minimum price of the Company’s common stock per share needed to achieve the bonus is $40.59 per share which would result in a payment of $5 million. The maximum bonus of $20 million would be achieved if the share price of the Company’s common stock exceeded $55.58 per share. This stock appreciation bonus falls under the scope of FASB ASC No. 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation , because it is a share-based payment transaction in which the Company acquires Mr. Malcolm’s services by incurring a liability to Mr. Malcolm and because the amount of the award is based upon the price of the Company’s common stock. The Company utilizes the assistance of a third party valuation firm to perform a valuation of the award which is used to adjust the current and future expense based on changes in the fair value of the obligation, accordingly. The retention bonus and stock appreciation bonus awards are also subject to payment upon a change in control or termination of employment, if certain criteria are met. The transition bonus would not be paid upon a change in control that is consummated prior to the Retirement Date, but is subject to payment upon a termination of employment, if certain conditions are met. Each of these bonus awards are being accrued and expensed ratably through the Retirement Date.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded expense of $0.6 million and $0.7 million related to these awards, respectively. In June of 2016, the Company recorded a $1.4 million adjustment with respect to the fair value of the stock appreciation bonus. As a result of this adjustment, the Company recorded $0.7 million of income in the second quarter of 2016 related to these awards. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded an expense related to these awards of $0.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. At September 30, 2016, the Company had a liability of $5.4 million related to these awards. This liability is presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as other current liabilities.  Performance Award Agreements  Under the provisions of the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company granted certain awards pursuant to Performance Award Agreements to approximately 80 executives on March 5, 2013. Additional awards were granted on March 6, 2014, March 6, 2015, and March 4, 2016. These awards were designed to provide the executives with 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. Pursuant to meeting the performance conditions set forth in the Performance Award Agreements, each award will be paid three years after it is granted. These awards are also subject to payment upon a change in control or termination of employment, if certain criteria are met. These awards represent unfunded, unsecured obligations of the Company. 2013, 2014, and 2015 Awards  One half of the awards granted on March 5, 2013, March 6, 2014, and March 6, 2015 will be based upon the Company's Adjusted EPS Growth Rate, which is defined as the Company’s cumulative Adjusted EPS for the performance period of the awards, stated in terms of a percentage growth rate. The Company's EPS will be adjusted to exclude the effect of 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 other half of the awards will be based upon the Company's percentile ranking of total shareholder return, compared to a peer group of companies, for the performance period.  Pursuant to meeting the performance conditions set forth in the Performance Award Agreements, the awards granted on March 5, 2013 were paid in the first quarter of 2016. The performance period of the awards granted on March 6, 2014, is January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016, the performance period of the awards granted on March 6, 2015, is January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. 2016 Awards  One half of the awards granted on March 4, 2016 will be based upon the Company’s Adjusted EBIT Growth Rate, which is defined as the Company’s cumulative Adjusted EBIT for the performance period of the awards, stated in terms of a percentage growth rate. The Company's EBIT 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 other half of the awards will be based upon the Company's percentile ranking of total shareholder return, compared to a peer group of companies, for the performance period. The performance period of the awards granted on March 4, 2016 is January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded expense related to all performance awards of $1.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded expense related to all performance awards of $1.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively. At September 30, 2016, the Company had a liability of $9.2 million related to these awards, of which $6.7 million is payable in March 2017 and is presented as other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, while the remaining $2.5 million is presented as other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 15. 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 two operating and reportable segments: Europe and North America. In periods prior to the second quarter of 2016, the Company was comprised of four operating segments: Europe, China, North America, and South America. These operating segments were aggregated into two reportable segments. The International segment consisted of Europe and China and the Americas segment consisted of North America and South America. The Company’s remaining operations in China and Brazil are currently considered as Discontinued Operations, the former International segment only contains Europe, and the former Americas segment only contains North 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):    Europe North America Total  Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:  Revenues $ 147,964 $ 309,078 $ 457,042  Adjusted EBITDA 12,084 38,039 50,123  Capital Expenditures 10,512 (4,704) 5,808  Total Assets (a) 479,381 767,353 1,246,734   Three Months Ended September 30, 2015:  Revenues $ 154,900 $ 287,290 $ 442,190  Adjusted EBITDA 12,983 30,847 43,830  Capital Expenditures 6,328 24,412 30,740   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:  Revenues $ 484,064 $ 967,303 $ 1,451,367  Adjusted EBITDA 37,307 108,170 145,477  Capital Expenditures 24,559 44,605 69,164   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015:  Revenues $ 496,001 $ 845,180 $ 1,341,181  Adjusted EBITDA 41,194 101,249 142,443  Capital Expenditures 15,347 50,379 65,726 (a) As of September 30, 2016, total assets include assets held for sale 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 Condensed 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 before provision for income taxes, and income / (loss) from discontinued operations (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,123 $ 43,830 $ 145,477 $ 142,443  Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net (1,196) (784) (2,782) (6,984)  Depreciation and amortization (17,900) (18,381) (53,383) (54,227)  Acquisition costs and other (47) (436) (318) (675)  Long-term compensation expense (3,275) (2,870) (8,778) (8,870)  Interest expense, net (5,558) (6,277) (18,059) (17,828)  Other expense 0 - (6,481) -  Income before provision for income taxes  and income / (loss) from discontinued operations $ 22,147 $ 15,082 $ 55,676 $ 53,859  

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Note 16. 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 under current market conditions (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.  Fair value is generally determined based upon quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. If quoted market prices are not available, we use valuation techniques that place greater reliance on observable inputs and less reliance on unobservable inputs. In measuring fair value, we 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 September 30, 2016, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $440.1 million and $441.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s total debt was $446.6 million and $430.2 million, respectively. The majority of the Company’s debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 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 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 values approximate the fair values. The Company has foreign currency exchange hedges and an interest rate swap that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. These instruments are recorded in other assets, net or other non-current liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value is measured using Level 2 observable inputs such as foreign currency exchange rates, swap rates, cross currency basis swap spreads and interest rate spreads. At September 30, 2016, the foreign currency exchange hedge (net investment hedge of the Company’s European subsidiaries) and the interest rate swap (not designated for hedge accounting) had liability fair values of $15.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in millions):    Quoted prices in active Significant other Significant  markets for identical observable unobservable  assets inputs inputs  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total gains / (losses)  Long-lived assets held for sale Not applicable Not applicable $ 4.6 $ (3.1)  Long-lived assets held for sale Not applicable Not applicable 18.6 (15.0) In accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, & Equipment , the long-lived assets held for sale related to the Ningbo joint venture in China, with a carrying amount of $7.7 million were written down to their fair value of $4.6 million, resulting in a loss of $3.1 million, which was included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as loss on discontinued operations, net. The fair value of the assets was determined based upon consideration of the negotiated sales price in the sales agreement. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 360, Property, Plant, & Equipment , the long-lived assets held for sale related to the Company’s remaining Brazilian operations, with a carrying amount of $33.6 million were written down to their fair value of $18.6 million, resulting in a loss of $15 million, which was included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as loss on discontinued operations, net. This fair value adjustment of $15 million reflects that upon the sale of the Brazil operations, the cumulative translation adjustment will need to be reclassified to earnings . The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases The Company leases office space, manufacturing space, and certain equipment under non-cancellable 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 2018 and 2026. 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 $5.6 million and $17.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Rent expense for all operating leases totaled $6.5 million and $18.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Future minimum operating lease payments at September 30, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):    Year Operating Leases  2016 $7,041  2017 27,206  2018 26,940  2019 22,935  2020 16,969  Thereafter 30,378  Total future lease payments $ 131,469  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. 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, on an undiscounted basis, 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $1.4 million 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.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 18. Subsequent Events  During October 2016 the Company entered into agreements in principal to sell its two remaining joint ventures in China: Tower Automotive (Wuhu) Company, Ltd. and Tower (Ningbo) DIT Automotive Products Co., Ltd. The sale agreements provided for purchase of the Company’s equity in the joint ventures for approxi mately $25 million, net of tax. Both agreements are subject to Chinese government approval. Proceeds from these sa les are expected to be received during 2017. No material gain or loss on sale is expected to be recorded except for the impairment loss of $3.1 million recorded in period ended June 30, 2016 related to Ningbo.  

Organization and Basis of Pre26

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This ASU outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to utilize to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that will be received in exchange for the goods and services. Additional disclosures will also be required to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this standards update to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. In 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-11, and ASU 2016-12, all of which amend the implementation guidance and illustrations in the Board’s new revenue standard. The Company is currently evaluating significant contracts and assessing any impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Inventory	Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost, to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This ASU is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The Company is assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not expect a material financial statement impact related to the adoption of this ASU.
Leases	Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Lease Accounting . This ASU introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet. Further, the standard also aligns certain of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in ASU 2014-09. This new ASU on leases is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating significant contracts and assessing any impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Raw materials $ 35,291 $ 32,553  Work in process 16,856 12,911  Finished goods 25,255 21,184  Total inventory $ 77,402 $ 66,648 

Discontinued Operations and A29

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Financial Information of the Discontinued Operations	The following table discloses select financial information of the discontinued operations of the Company’s Brazilian and Chinese business operations (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Revenues $ 28,536 $ 52,654 $ 78,619 $ 195,013  Income / (loss) from discontinued operations:  Income / (loss) before provision for income taxes and  equity in income / (loss) of joint venture 637 3,359 (18,747) 2,905  Provision for income taxes 270 256 1,252 1,299  Equity in income / (loss) of joint venture, net of tax - (143) - 46  Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ 367 $ 3,246 $ (19,999) $ 1,560  
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale	The assets and liabilities held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and are summarized by category in the following table (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015   ASSETS  Current assets $ 60,390 $ 55,474  Property, plant, and equipment, net 48,309 45,272  Other assets, net 13,883 12,918  Fair value adjustment (18,100) -  Total assets held for sale $ 104,482 $ 113,664   LIABILITIES  Short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations $ 1,323 $ 886  Accounts payable 43,871 37,039  Total current liabilities 45,194 37,925   Long-term debt, net of current maturities 2,732 3,102  Other non-current liabilities 3,429 3,130  Total non-current liabilities 6,161 6,232  Total liabilities held for sale $ 51,355 $ 44,157 

Tooling (Tables)

Tooling (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Tooling [Abstract]
Components of Capitalized Tooling Costs	The components of capitalized tooling costs are as follows (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Customer-owned tooling, net $ 107,205 $ 58,801  Company-owned tooling 2 16  Total tooling, net $ 107,207 $ 58,817 

Goodwill and Other Intangible31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is set forth below by reportable segment and on a consolidated basis (in thousands):    Europe North America Consolidated  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 50,890 $ 8,450 $ 59,340  Currency translation adjustment 1,776 (901) 875  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 52,666 $ 7,549 $ 60,215 

Restructuring and Asset Impai32

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	Net restructuring and asset impairment charges for each of the Company’s segments include the following (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Europe $ - $ 143 $ 117 $ 227  North America 1,196 641 2,665 6,757  Consolidated $ 1,196 $ 784 $ 2,782 $ 6,984 
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairment Charges	The following table sets forth the Company’s net restructuring and asset impairment charges by type for the periods presented (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Employee termination costs $ 361 $ 143 $ 493 $ 328  Other exit costs 835 641 2,289 2,098  Asset impairment - - - 4,558  Total restructuring expense $ 1,196 $ 784 $ 2,782 $ 6,984 
Schedule of Restructuring Liability by Segment	The table below summarizes the activity in the restructuring reserve by segment, reflected in accrued liabilities, for the above-mentioned actions through September 30, 2016 (in thousands):    Europe North America Consolidated  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 99 $ 213 $ 312  Payments (118) (2,674) (2,792)  Increase in liability 117 2,665 2,782  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 98 $ 204 $ 302 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Short-term Debt	Short-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases) $ 34,382 $ 28,528  Current maturities of capital leases 998 964  Total short-term debt $ 35,380 $ 29,492 
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Term Loan Credit Facility (net of discount of $889 and $1,222 ) $ 362,861 $ 415,903  Amended Revolving Credit Facility 41,500 -  Other foreign subsidiary indebtedness 35,737 30,703  Debt issue costs (6,664) (8,962)  Total debt 433,434 437,644  Less: Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases) (34,382) (28,528)  Total long-term debt $ 399,052 $ 409,116 
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	The Company had the following capital lease obligations as of the dates presented (in thousands). These capital lease obligations expire in March 2018:    September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Current maturities of capital leases $ 998 $ 964  Non-current maturities of capital leases 5,445 5,984  Total capital leases $ 6,443 $ 6,948 
Subsidiaries [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	The change in foreign subsidiary indebtedness from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016 is explained by the following (in thousands):    Europe  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30,704  Maturities of indebtedness (1,054)  Change in borrowings on credit facilities, net 5,015  Foreign exchange impact 1,072  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 35,737 

Derivative Financial Instrume34

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Derivative Financial Instruments[Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the U.S. dollar / Euro exchange spot rate was $1.1240 and $1.0906 , respectively. The following amounts were recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as being payable to counterparties under FASB ASC No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging (in thousands):    Location September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Net investment hedge Other non-current liabilities $ 15,270 $ 9,005  Interest rate swap Other non-current liabilities 5,340 2,592 
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following table presents the deferred gain reported in AOCI at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):    Deferred gain in AOCI  September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015  Net investment hedge $ 23,538 $ 29,139  Derivative instruments held during the period resulted in the following (income) / expense recorded in income (in thousands):    (Income) / expense recognized (Income) / expense recognized  (ineffective portion) (ineffective portion)  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Net investment hedge $ 1,293 $ (465) $ 663 $ (1,001)  Interest rate swap (663) (1,166) 2,749 1,274  Total $ 630 $ (1,631) $ 3,412 $ 273 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs	The following tables provide the components of net periodic pension benefit cost and other post-retirement benefit cost (in thousands):    Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 5 $ 8 $ 2 $ 2  Interest cost 1,927 2,375 136 160  Expected return on plan assets (a) (2,579) (3,087) - -  Amortization of prior service credit (24) (24) 33 33  Net periodic benefit cost / (income) $ (671) $ (728) $ 171 $ 195    Pension Benefits Other Benefits  Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Service cost $ 16 $ 24 $ 6 $ 6  Interest cost 5,821 7,125 408 480  Expected return on plan assets (a) (7,670) (9,261) - -  Amortization of prior service credit (71) (72) 99 99  Net periodic benefit cost / (income) $ (1,904) $ (2,184) $ 513 $ 585  (a) Expected rate of return on plan assets is 7.40% for 2016 and was 7.40% for 2015

Stockholders' Equity and Nonc36

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity	The table below provides a reconciliation of the carrying amount of total stockholders’ equity, including stockholders’ equity attributable to Tower International, Inc. (“Tower”) and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) (in thousands):    Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015  Tower NCI Total Tower NCI Total  Stockholders' equity beginning balance $ 197,495 $ 9,224 $ 206,719 $ 43,151 $ 56,627 $ 99,778  Net income 21,694 213 21,907 48,970 1,162 50,132  Other comprehensive income / (loss): - - - - - -  Foreign currency translation adjustments 6,566 (222) 6,344 (20,652) (1,519) (22,171)  Total comprehensive income / (loss) 28,260 (9) 28,251 28,318 (357) 27,961  Vesting of RSUs 1 - 1 6 - 6  Treasury stock (18,533) - (18,533) (6,551) - (6,551)  Share based compensation expense 1,545 - 1,545 1,814 - 1,814  Proceeds from stock options exercised 68 - 68 160 - 160  Dividend paid (6,334) - (6,334) - - -  Noncontrolling interest sold - - - - - -  Noncontrolling interest dividends - Wuhu - (2,164) (2,164) - - -  Stockholders' equity ending balance $ 202,502 $ 7,051 $ 209,553 $ 66,898 $ 56,270 $ 123,168 
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands):     As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Change  Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $5.5 million and $7.8 million $ (33,924) $ (40,490) $ 6,566  Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.5 million and $13.5 million (40,002) (40,002) -  Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (73,926) $ (80,492) $ 6,566 
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the three months ended September 30, 2016:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,853) $ (73,855)  Other comprehensive income before reclassification - (71) (71)  Net current-period other comprehensive income - (71) (71)  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,924) $ (73,926) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the three months ended September 30, 2015:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at June 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (16,364) $ (56,054)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification - (11,512) (11,512)  Net current-period other comprehensive loss - (11,512) (11,512)  Balance at September 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (27,876) $ (67,566) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (40,002) $ (40,490) $ (80,492)  Other comprehensive income before reclassification - 6,566 6,566  Net current-period other comprehensive income - 6,566 6,566  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (40,002) $ (33,924) $ (73,926) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:    Foreign Currency  Defined Benefit Translation  Plan, Net of Tax Adjustments Total  Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (39,690) $ (7,224) $ (46,914)  Other comprehensive loss before reclassification - (20,652) (20,652)  Net current-period other comprehensive loss - (20,652) (20,652)  Balance at September 30, 2015 $ (39,690) $ (27,876) $ (67,566) 

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tab

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings per Share (“EPS”) [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	A summary of the information used to compute basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Tower International, Inc. is shown below (in thousands – except share and per share amounts):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Income from continuing operations $ 17,908 $ 13,626 $ 41,906 $ 48,572  Income / (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 367 3,246 (19,999) 1,560  Net income 18,275 16,872 21,907 50,132  Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests 118 589 213 1,162  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. $ 18,157 $ 16,283 $ 21,694 $ 48,970   Basic income / (loss) per share:  Continuing operations $ 0.85 $ 0.62 $ 1.98 $ 2.25  Discontinued operations 0.02 0.15 (0.95) 0.07  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. 0.87 0.77 1.03 2.32  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 20,830,203 21,107,477 21,039,305 21,087,691   Diluted income / (loss) per share:  Continuing operations $ 0.84 $ 0.61 $ 1.95 $ 2.22  Discontinued operations 0.02 0.15 (0.93) 0.07  Net income attributable to Tower International, Inc. 0.86 0.76 1.02 2.29  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 21,182,149 21,422,859 21,372,875 21,395,797 

Share-Based and Long-Term Com38

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation [Abstract]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award	 The following table summarizes the Company’s award activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2016:    Options Restricted Stock Units  Weighted Weighted  Average Average Grant  Outstanding at: Shares Exercise Price Shares Date Fair Value  December 31, 2015 500,138 $ 12.17 187,498 $ 23.59  Granted - - 101,810 23.26  Options exercised or RSUs issued (5,701) 11.95 (77,310) 19.88  Forfeited - - (2,142) 25.17  September 30, 2016 494,437 $ 12.17 209,856 $ 24.78 

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following is a summary of select data for each of the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):    Europe North America Total  Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:  Revenues $ 147,964 $ 309,078 $ 457,042  Adjusted EBITDA 12,084 38,039 50,123  Capital Expenditures 10,512 (4,704) 5,808  Total Assets (a) 479,381 767,353 1,246,734   Three Months Ended September 30, 2015:  Revenues $ 154,900 $ 287,290 $ 442,190  Adjusted EBITDA 12,983 30,847 43,830  Capital Expenditures 6,328 24,412 30,740   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:  Revenues $ 484,064 $ 967,303 $ 1,451,367  Adjusted EBITDA 37,307 108,170 145,477  Capital Expenditures 24,559 44,605 69,164   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015:  Revenues $ 496,001 $ 845,180 $ 1,341,181  Adjusted EBITDA 41,194 101,249 142,443  Capital Expenditures 15,347 50,379 65,726 (a) As of September 30, 2016, total assets include assets held for sale
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Income loss Before Income Taxes	The following is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income before provision for income taxes, and income / (loss) from discontinued operations (in thousands):    Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  2016 2015 2016 2015  Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,123 $ 43,830 $ 145,477 $ 142,443  Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net (1,196) (784) (2,782) (6,984)  Depreciation and amortization (17,900) (18,381) (53,383) (54,227)  Acquisition costs and other (47) (436) (318) (675)  Long-term compensation expense (3,275) (2,870) (8,778) (8,870)  Interest expense, net (5,558) (6,277) (18,059) (17,828)  Other expense 0 - (6,481) -  Income before provision for income taxes  and income / (loss) from discontinued operations $ 22,147 $ 15,082 $ 55,676 $ 53,859 

Fair Value of Financial Instr40

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	The following table provides each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in millions):    Quoted prices in active Significant other Significant  markets for identical observable unobservable  assets inputs inputs  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total gains / (losses)  Long-lived assets held for sale Not applicable Not applicable $ 4.6 $ (3.1)  Long-lived assets held for sale Not applicable Not applicable 18.6 (15.0) 

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	Future minimum operating lease payments at September 30, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):    Year Operating Leases  2016 $7,041  2017 27,206  2018 26,940  2019 22,935  2020 16,969  Thereafter 30,378  Total future lease payments $ 131,469 

Inventories (Schedule of Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 35,291	$ 32,553
Work in process	16,856	12,911
Finished goods	25,255	21,184
Total inventory	$ 77,402	$ 66,648

Discontinued Operations and A43

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments		$ 18,100
Brazilian and Chinese [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments			$ 18,100
Brazil Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments			15,000
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments			$ 3,100
Xiangtan [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of joint venture	$ 4,100

Discontinued Operations and A44

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Financial Information of the Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 367	$ 3,246	$ (19,999)	$ 1,560
Brazilian and Chinese [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	28,536	52,654	78,619	195,013
Income / (loss) from discontinued operations:
Income / (loss) before provision for income taxes and equity in income / (loss) of joint venture	637	3,359	(18,747)	2,905
Provision for income taxes	270	256	1,252	1,299
Equity in income / (loss) of joint venture, net of tax		(143)		46
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 367	$ 3,246	$ (19,999)	$ 1,560

Discontinued Operations and A45

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets	$ 60,390	$ 55,474
Property, plant, and equipment, net	48,309	45,272
Other assets, net	13,883	12,918
Fair value adjustment	(18,100)
Total assets held for sale	104,482	113,664
LIABILITIES
Short-term debt and current maturities of capital lease obligations	1,323	886
Accounts payable	43,871	37,039
Total current liabilities	45,194	37,925
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	2,732	3,102
Other non-current liabilities	3,429	3,130
Total non-current liabilities	6,161	6,232
Total liabilities held for sale	$ 51,355	$ 44,157

Tooling (Components of Capitali

Tooling (Components of Capitalized Tooling Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Tooling [Abstract]
Customer-owned tooling, net	$ 107,205	$ 58,801
Company-owned tooling	2	16
Total tooling, net	$ 107,207	$ 58,817

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 112	$ 249	$ 344	$ 249
North America [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 100		$ 300
North America [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life			7 years
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired					$ 3,500

Goodwill and Other Intangible48

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$ 59,340
Balance ending	60,215
Corporate Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	59,340
Currency translation adjustment	875
Balance ending	60,215
Corporate Segment [Member] | North America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	8,450
Currency translation adjustment	(901)
Balance ending	7,549
Corporate Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	50,890
Currency translation adjustment	1,776
Balance ending	$ 52,666

Restructuring and Asset Impai49

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Narrative) (Details) - Corporate Segment [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for restructuring	$ 2,792
Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for restructuring	118
North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for restructuring	$ 2,674

Restructuring and Asset Impai50

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	$ 1,196	$ 784	$ 2,782	$ 6,984
Corporate Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	1,196	784	2,782	6,984
Corporate Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments		143	117	227
Corporate Segment [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges and asset impairments	$ 1,196	$ 641	$ 2,665	$ 6,757

Restructuring and Asset Impai51

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairment Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Employee termination costs	$ 361	$ 143	$ 493	$ 328
Other exit costs	835	641	2,289	2,098
Asset impairments				4,558
Total restructuring expense	$ 1,196	$ 784	$ 2,782	$ 6,984

Restructuring and Asset Impai52

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges (Schedule of Restructuring Liability by Segment) (Details) - Corporate Segment [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 312
Payments	(2,792)
Increase in liability	2,782
Ending Balance	302
Europe [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	99
Payments	(118)
Increase in liability	117
Ending Balance	98
North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	213
Payments	(2,674)
Increase in liability	2,665
Ending Balance	$ 204

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 17, 2014USD ($)
Debt [Line Items]
Repayments of debt					$ 50,000	$ 25,000
Line of credit facility, covenant compliance					the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants that govern its credit agreements.
Interest expenses, related to amortization of debt issue cost			$ 500	$ 500	$ 2,000	$ 1,900
Deferred Finance Costs, Net			6,664		6,664			$ 8,962
Long-term Debt			433,434		$ 433,434			437,644
Term Loans [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 450,000
Term Loans [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		2.00%
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date					Apr. 23, 2020
Statutory reserve rate, floor		1.00%
Debt instrument, interest rate terms					the Term Loans 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%.
Repayments of debt	$ 50,000
Payments of debt issuance costs	$ 700
Debt instrument, unamortized discount			$ 889		$ 889			1,222
Debt instrument, interest rate, basis for effective rate			4.00%		4.00%		4.00%
Long-term Debt			$ 362,861		$ 362,861			415,903
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate		3.00%
Additional Term Loan [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 33,000
Factoring Finance [Member] | Europe [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 28,500		$ 28,500		€ 25.3
Debt, weighted average interest rate			2.49%		2.49%		2.49%
Long-term line of credit			$ 28,500		$ 28,500
Factoring Finance [Member] | Europe [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, basis for effective rate			2.20%		2.20%		2.20%
Factoring Finance [Member] | Europe [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					2.50%
Factoring Finance [Member] | Europe [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, basis for effective rate			2.70%		2.70%		2.70%
Factoring Finance [Member] | Europe [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					3.00%
Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility and Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity									$ 200,000
Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date					Sep. 17, 2019
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity									200,000
Line of credit facility, applicable margin			1.50%		1.50%		1.50%
Debt, weighted average interest rate			3.60%		3.60%		3.60%
Long-term line of credit			$ 41,500		$ 41,500
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity			$ 148,400		$ 148,400
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage					0.50%
Third Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate and London Interbank Offered Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, applicable margin			2.50%		2.50%		2.50%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity									$ 50,000
Long-term line of credit			$ 10,100		$ 10,100
Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Europe [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date					Oct. 31, 2016
Debt instrument, interest rate, basis for effective rate			1.78%		1.78%		1.78%
Long-term line of credit			$ 0		$ 0
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity			9,400		$ 9,400		€ 8.4
Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Europe [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					2.15%
Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Other Europe Subsidiary [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit			7,300		$ 7,300
Subsidiaries [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Europe [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit			35,737		35,737			30,704
Long-term Debt			35,737		$ 35,737			$ 30,703
Subsidiaries [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Europe [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date					Oct. 31, 2017
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate					4.00%
Long-term line of credit			0		$ 0
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity			$ 32,700		$ 32,700
Subsidiaries [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Europe [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date					Nov. 30, 2017
Debt instrument, interest rate, basis for effective rate			6.25%		6.25%		6.25%
Long-term line of credit			$ 7,300		$ 7,300		€ 6.5

Debt (Schedule of Short-term De

Debt (Schedule of Short-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases)	$ 34,382	$ 28,528
Current maturities of capital leases	998	964
Total short-term debt	$ 35,380	$ 29,492

Debt (Schedule of Long-terem De

Debt (Schedule of Long-terem Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 433,434	$ 437,644
Less: Current maturities of debts (excluding capital leases)	(34,382)	(28,528)
Total long-term debt	399,052	409,116
Debt issue costs	(6,664)	(8,962)
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	362,861	415,903
Debt instrument, unamortized discount	889	1,222
Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	41,500
Europe [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 35,737	$ 30,703

Debt (Schedule of Debt - Other

Debt (Schedule of Debt - Other Foreign Subsidiary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Foreign exchange impact	$ (71)	$ (11,512)	$ 6,566	$ (20,652)
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance at September 30, 2016	10,100		10,100
Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] | Europe [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015			30,704
Maturities of indebtedness			(1,054)
Change in borrowings on credit facilities, net			5,015
Foreign exchange impact			1,072
Balance at September 30, 2016	$ 35,737		$ 35,737

Debt (Schedule of Capital Lease

Debt (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital leases:
Current maturities of capital leases	$ 998	$ 964
Non-current maturities of capital leases	5,445	5,984
Total capital leases	$ 6,443	$ 6,948

Derivative Financial Instrume58

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 23, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 16, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2015EUR (€)	Jan. 23, 2015EUR (€)	Oct. 17, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 17, 2014EUR (€)
Proceeds from hedge, financing activities						$ 32,377
Repayments of debt					$ 50,000	$ 25,000
Foreign currency exchange rate, remeasurement					1.1240		1.0906
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 186,100			$ 200,000
Derivative, maturity date					Apr. 16, 2020
Derivative, fixed interest rate											5.09%	5.09%
Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative, notional amount | €									€ 178	€ 178		€ 157.1
Derivative, forward exchange rate									1.0480	1.1265	1.2733	1.2733
Derivative, maturity date					Apr. 16, 2020
Proceeds from hedge, financing activities		$ 10,500		$ 21,900
Derivative, fixed interest rate									3.40%	3.70%	3.97%	3.97%
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member]
Repayments of debt	$ 50,000
Term Loan Credit Facility [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Repayments of debt			$ 25,000

Derivative Financial Instrume59

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value) (Details) - Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 5,340	$ 2,592
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 15,270	$ 9,005

Derivative Financial Instrume60

Derivative Financial Instruments (Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) -Deferred Gain in AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Net investment hedge	$ 23,538	$ 29,139

Derivative Financial Instrume61

Derivative Financial Instruments (Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income / (expense) recognized (ineffective portion)	$ 630	$ (1,631)	$ 3,412	$ 273
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Income / (expense) recognized (ineffective portion)	1,293	(465)	663	(1,001)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Income / (expense) recognized (ineffective portion)	$ (663)	$ (1,166)	$ 2,749	$ 1,274

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 4,239	$ 1,456	$ 13,770	$ 5,287
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity method investments, income taxes, noncontrolling interest	$ 22,147	$ 15,082	$ 55,676	$ 53,859
Effective worldwide tax rate	19.00%		24.80%
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)	$ 3,100		$ 9,000

Retirement Plans (Narrative ) (

Retirement Plans (Narrative ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension contributions	$ 2.7	$ 5.9
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary contribution amount	$ 1.4	$ 4.2
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Pension contributions			$ 7.6

Retirement Plans (Components of

Retirement Plans (Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit and Other Post-retirement Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
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%	7.40%
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		$ 5	$ 8	$ 16	$ 24
Interest cost		1,927	2,375	5,821	7,125
Expected return on plan assets	[1]	(2,579)	(3,087)	(7,670)	(9,261)
Amortization of prior service credit		(24)	(24)	(71)	(72)
Net periodic benefit cost / (income)		(671)	(728)	(1,904)	(2,184)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		2	2	6	6
Interest cost		136	160	408	480
Amortization of prior service credit		33	33	99	99
Net periodic benefit cost / (income)		$ 171	$ 195	$ 513	$ 585
[1]	Expected rate of return on plan assets is 7.40% for 2016 and was 7.40% for 2015

Stockholders' Equity and Nonc65

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 17, 2016
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 100
Treasury stock, shares, acquired	785,624
Treasury stock, carrying basis	$ 17.9

Stockholders' Equity and Nonc66

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Schedule of Stockholders Equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity beginning balance			$ 206,719	$ 99,778
Net income	$ 18,275	$ 16,872	21,907	50,132
Other comprehensive income / (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(100)	(13,002)	6,344	(22,171)
Total comprehensive income / (loss)	18,175	3,870	28,251	27,961
Vesting of RSUs			1	6
Treasury stock			(18,533)	(6,551)
Share based compensation expense			1,545	1,814
Proceeds from stock options exercised			68	160
Dividend paid			(6,334)
Noncontrolling interest dividends			(2,164)
Stockholders' equity ending balance	209,553	123,168	209,553	123,168
Tower International [Member]
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity beginning balance			197,495	43,151
Net income			21,694	48,970
Other comprehensive income / (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments			6,566	(20,652)
Total comprehensive income / (loss)			28,260	28,318
Vesting of RSUs			1	6
Treasury stock			(18,533)	(6,551)
Share based compensation expense			1,545	1,814
Proceeds from stock options exercised			68	160
Dividend paid			(6,334)
Stockholders' equity ending balance	202,502	66,898	202,502	66,898
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity beginning balance			9,224	56,627
Net income			213	1,162
Other comprehensive income / (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(222)	(1,519)
Total comprehensive income / (loss)			(9)	(357)
Noncontrolling interest dividends			(2,164)
Stockholders' equity ending balance	$ 7,051	$ 56,270	$ 7,051	$ 56,270

Stockholders' Equity and Nonc67

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $5.5 million and $7.8 million	$ (33,924)	$ (27,876)	$ (33,924)	$ (27,876)	$ (40,490)	$ (33,853)	$ (16,364)	$ (7,224)
Defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.5 million and $13.5 million	(40,002)	(39,690)	(40,002)	(39,690)	(40,002)	(40,002)	(39,690)	(39,690)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(73,926)	(67,566)	(73,926)	(67,566)	(80,492)	$ (73,855)	$ (56,054)	$ (46,914)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Tower, foreign currency translation adjustments			6,566
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Tower, defined benefit plans, net of tax of $13.5 million and $13.5 million			0
Other comprehensive loss attributable to Tower, accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (71)	$ (11,512)	6,566	$ (20,652)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax			5,500		7,800
Defined benefit plans, net of tax			$ 13,500		$ 13,500

Stockholders' Equity and Nonc68

Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net, beginning balance	$ (40,002)	$ (39,690)	$ (40,002)	$ (39,690)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net, ending balance	(40,002)	(39,690)	(40,002)	(39,690)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, beginning balance	(33,853)	(16,364)	(40,490)	(7,224)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Other comprehensive income / (loss) before reclassification	(71)	(11,512)	6,566	(20,652)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(71)	(11,512)	6,566	(20,652)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, ending balance	(33,924)	(27,876)	(33,924)	(27,876)
Beginning Balance	(73,855)	(56,054)	(80,492)	(46,914)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	(71)	(11,512)	6,566	(20,652)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(71)	(11,512)	6,566	(20,652)
Ending balance	$ (73,926)	$ (67,566)	$ (73,926)	$ (67,566)

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Sch

Earnings per Share ("EPS") (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings per Share (“EPS”) [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 17,908	$ 13,626	$ 41,906	$ 48,572
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	367	3,246	(19,999)	1,560
Net income / (loss)	18,275	16,872	21,907	50,132
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	118	589	213	1,162
Net income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$ 18,157	$ 16,283	$ 21,694	$ 48,970
Basic income / (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$ 0.85	$ 0.62	$ 1.98	$ 2.25
Discontinued operations	0.02	0.15	(0.95)	0.07
Net income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$ 0.87	$ 0.77	$ 1.03	$ 2.32
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	20,830,203	21,107,477	21,039,305	21,087,691
Diluted income / (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$ 0.84	$ 0.61	$ 1.95	$ 2.22
Discontinued operations	0.02	0.15	(0.93)	0.07
Net income / (loss) attributable to Tower International, Inc.	$ 0.86	$ 0.76	$ 1.02	$ 2.29
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	21,182,149	21,422,859	21,372,875	21,395,797

Share-Based and Long-Term Com70

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Other liabilities, noncurrent		$ 78,448			$ 78,448		$ 79,704
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.01			$ 0.01		$ 0.01
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, description					employment was extended through December 31, 2016 (the "Retirement Date"). The Agreement provides for a $3 million transition bonus, for the successful delivery to Tower's Board of Directors of a comprehensive chief executive officer succession and transition plan, and a $3 million retention bonus. These bonus awards, if earned, will be paid in cash on January 16, 2017
Other liabilities, current		$ 5,400			$ 5,400
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, threshold stock price					$ 40.59
Deferred compensation, if threshold per share price is met					$ 5,000
Deferred compensation, income			$ 700
Deferred compensation, expense		600		$ 900	700	$ 2,800
Fair value adjustments for stock appreciation bonus	$ 1,400
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Transition Bonus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, cash amount		3,000			3,000
President and Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Retention Bonus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, cash amount		$ 3,000			$ 3,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		876,111			876,111
Maximum [Member] | President and Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, threshold stock price					$ 55.58
Deferred compensation, if threshold per share price is met					$ 20,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					3 years
Expiration period					10 years
Weighted average grant date fair value, model used					Black-Scholes valuation model
Stock or unit option plan expense		$ 0		0	$ 0	200
Tax benefit related to compensation expense		$ 0		0	$ 0	0
Options outstanding		494,437			494,437		500,138
Options, remaining average contractual life					5 years
Options, excercised					5,701
Options, excercised, intrisic value					$ 100
Options, exercisable, intrinsic value		$ 5,900			$ 5,900
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		5,900			$ 5,900
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to compensation expense		0		0	$ 0	0
Vesting period, other than options					3 years
Restricted stock or unit expense		500		500	$ 1,500	1,800
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 2,700			$ 2,700
Unrecognized compensation expense, period of recognition					17 months
Other than options, nonvested		209,856			209,856		187,498
Other than option, granted					101,810
Other than options, forfeited					2,142
Other than options, vested					103,117
Other than options, issued					77,310
Other than options, issued, value					$ 1,800
Restricted stock, shares issued net of shares for tax withholdings					50,897
Stock repurchased during period, value					$ 600
Stock repurchased during period, shares					26,413
Performance Award [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					3 years
Deferred compensation, expense		$ 1,700		$ 1,100	$ 5,300	$ 3,200
Other liabilities, current		6,700			6,700
Other liabilities		9,200			9,200
Other liabilities, noncurrent		$ 2,500			$ 2,500

Share-Based and Long-Term Com71

Share-Based and Long-Term Compensation (Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Shares, Outstanding, Beginning | shares	500,138
Options Shares, Granted | shares
Options Shares, Options exercised or RSUs issued | shares	(5,701)
Options Shares, Forfeited | shares
Options Shares, Outstanding, Ending | shares	494,437
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.17
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised or RSUs issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	11.95
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Ending (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.17
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Beginning | shares	187,498
Other than option, granted | shares	101,810
Restricted Stock Units, Options exercised or RSUs issued | shares	(77,310)
Restricted Stock Units, Forfeited | shares	(2,142)
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Ending | shares	209,856
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 23.59
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	23.26
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Options exercised or RSUs issued (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	19.88
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	25.17
Restricted Stock Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.78

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	4	2
Number of reportable segments	4	2

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 457,042		$ 442,190	$ 1,451,367		$ 1,341,181
Adjusted EBITDA		50,123		43,830	145,477		142,443
Capital Expenditures		5,808		30,740	69,164		65,726
Total assets		1,246,734	[1]		1,246,734	[1]		$ 1,215,497
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		147,964		154,900	484,064		496,001
Adjusted EBITDA		12,084		12,983	37,307		41,194
Capital Expenditures		10,512		6,328	24,559		15,347
Total assets	[1]	479,381			479,381
North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		309,078		287,290	967,303		845,180
Adjusted EBITDA		38,039		30,847	108,170		101,249
Capital Expenditures		(4,704)		$ 24,412	44,605		$ 50,379
Total assets	[1]	$ 767,353			$ 767,353
[1]	As of September 30, 2016, total assets include assets held for sale

Segment Information (Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Income loss Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 50,123	$ 43,830	$ 145,477	$ 142,443
Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net	(1,196)	(784)	(2,782)	(6,984)
Depreciation and amortization	(17,900)	(18,381)	(53,383)	(54,227)
Acquisition costs and other	(47)	(436)	(318)	(675)
Long-term compensation expense	(3,275)	(2,870)	(8,778)	(8,870)
Interest expense, net	(5,558)	(6,277)	(18,059)	(17,828)
Other expense	0		(6,481)
Income before provision for income taxes, equity in profit of joint venture, and loss from discontinued operations	$ 22,147	$ 15,082	$ 55,676	$ 53,859

Fair Value of Financial Instr75

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long term debt, outstanding	$ 440.1	$ 446.6
Long-term debt, fair value	441.5	$ 430.2
Currency Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial liabilities fair value disclosure	5.3
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial liabilities fair value disclosure	15.3
Brazil Operations [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying amount, long-lived assets held for sale	33.6
Brazil Operations [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property plant equipment	(15)
Brazil Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	18.6
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying amount, long-lived assets held for sale	7.7
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property plant equipment	(3.1)
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	4.6
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	$ 4.6

Fair Value of Financial Instr76

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Brazil Operations [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property plant equipment	$ (15)
Brazil Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	18.6
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property plant equipment	(3.1)
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	4.6
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held-for-sale, long lived, fair value disclosure	$ 4.6

Commitments and Contingencies77

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Environmental exit costs, costs accrued to date	$ 1.4		$ 1.4		$ 1.4
Operating leases, rent expense, net	$ 5.6	$ 6.5	$ 17.6	$ 18.8

Commitments and Contingencies78

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
2,016	$ 7,041
2,017	27,206
2,018	26,940
2,019	22,935
2,020	16,969
Thereafter	30,378
Total future lease payments	$ 131,469

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture		$ 9,947
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments			$ 18,100
Brazilian and Chinese [Member]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments				$ 18,100
Brazil Operations [Member]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments				15,000
Two Remaining China Joint Ventures [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture	$ 25,000
Ningbo Joint Venture [Member]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Adjustments				$ 3,100