Goodwill and Other intangible assets - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 759.6
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4.8
Ending balance	764.4
Tempur North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	107.7
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(0.7)
Ending balance	107.0
Tempur International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	107.3
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0.2
Ending balance	107.5
Sealy [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	544.6
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5.3
Ending balance	$ 549.9