Transactions between the Company and Related Parties - Related Party Transactions (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Sales $ 70 $ 191 $ 53
Inventory [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Purchases 5,639 5,408 5,523
Bridgeview Facility [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Rent paid [1] 256 256 251
SL Industries, Ltd [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Sales 60 6 43
SL Industries, Ltd [Member] | Inventory [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Purchases 4,470 5,364 5,337
BGI USA, Inc. [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Sales 3    
BGI USA, Inc. [Member] | Inventory [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Purchases 7 43 165
LiftMaster [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Sales [2] 7 185 10
LiftMaster [Member] | Inventory [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Purchases [2] 46 $ 1 $ 21
Lift Ventures LLC [Member]      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Total Purchases $ 1,116    
[1] The Company leases its 40,000 sq. ft. Bridgeview facility from an entity controlled by Mr. David Langevin, the Company’s Chairman and CEO. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, the Company makes monthly lease payments of $22. The Company is also responsible for all the associated operations expenses, including insurance, property taxes, and repairs. The lease will expire on June 30, 2020 and has a provision for six one year extension periods. The lease contains a rental escalation clause under which annual rent is increased during the initial lease term by the lesser of the increase in the Consumer Price Increase or 2.0%. Rent for any extension period shall however, be the then-market rate for similar industrial buildings within the market area. The Company has the option, to purchase the building by giving the Landlord written notice at any time prior to the date that is 180 days prior to the expiration of the lease or any extension period. The Landlord can require the Company to purchase the building if a change of Control Event, as defined in the agreement occurs by giving written notice to the Company at any time prior to the date that is 180 days prior to the expiration of the lease or any extension period. The purchase price regardless whether the purchase is initiated by the Company or the landlord will be the Fair Market Value as of the closing date of said sale
[2] The Company provides parts and services to LiftMaster, Inc. LiftMaster is a rental company that rents and services rough terrain forklifts. LiftMaster is owned by a relative of an Officer of Manitex Liftking, ULC