Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 62,660	$ 50,479	$ 137,865	$ 180,602
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,675	(10,946)	38,247	(36,137)
Financial instruments
Change in the fair value of derivatives	(290)	1,173	(3,367)	(4,578)
Income tax benefit (provision) on derivative instruments	95	(420)	1,206	1,743
Financial instruments, net of tax	(195)	753	(2,161)	(2,835)
Postretirement benefit plans
Amortization of actuarial loss	10,665	10,820	31,887	32,690
Amortization of prior service credit	(141)	(141)	(424)	(424)
Actuarial loss	0	(26,494)	0	(26,494)
Pension settlement charge	0	11,462	0	11,462
Income tax (provision) benefit on postretirement benefit plans	(3,731)	6,314	(11,175)	(1,366)
Foreign currency translation effect	(2,437)	2,513	(7,004)	9,748
Postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	4,356	4,474	13,284	25,616
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,836	(5,719)	49,370	(13,356)
Comprehensive income	75,496	44,760	187,235	167,246
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling shareholders' interests	1,467	(144)	4,980	(1,571)
Comprehensive income attributable to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company	$ 74,029	$ 44,904	$ 182,255	$ 168,817