| Cover | Aug. 04, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 4, 2021 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Entity File Number | 1-12162 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | BORGWARNER INC. |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 48326 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3850 Hamlin Road, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Auburn Hills, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MI |
| City Area Code | 248 |
| Local Phone Number | 754-9200 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000908255 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3404508 |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BWA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Senior Notes Due May 2031 | Senior Notes | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.00% Senior Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | BWA31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
