Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Sales and Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,927,158	$ 3,360,984	$ 2,778,990
North American Tire [Member]
Net Sales and Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales [Abstract]
Net sales	2,856,926	2,423,808	2,006,183
North American Tire [Member] | TBC/Treadways [Member]
Net Sales and Percentage of Consolidated Net Sales [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 475,586	$ 424,051	$ 331,898
Consolidated Net Sales	12.00%	13.00%	12.00%