Information on Operating Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues:
Net sales	$ 1,095,626	$ 1,048,602	$ 3,138,366	$ 2,869,134
Segment profit (loss):
Operating profit	129,603	47,212	272,727	103,648
Interest expense	7,115	8,953	23,973	27,603
Interest income	542	829	1,914	2,399
Other income (expense)	(315)	(124)	333	5,524
Income before income taxes	122,715	38,964	251,001	83,968
North American Tire [Member]
Revenues:
External customers	795,976	735,001	2,212,657	1,989,274
Intercompany	20,281	24,779	71,906	77,629
Net sales	816,257	759,780	2,284,563	2,066,903
Segment profit (loss):
Operating profit	104,830	17,340	192,717	42,544
International Tire [Member]
Revenues:
External customers	299,650	313,601	925,709	879,860
Intercompany	111,606	108,246	308,644	301,029
Net sales	411,256	421,847	1,234,353	1,180,889
Segment profit (loss):
Operating profit	35,506	30,442	111,381	73,814
Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Net sales	(131,887)	(133,025)	(380,550)	(378,658)
Segment profit (loss):
Operating profit	(3,163)	356	(7,009)	(2,377)
Unallocated corporate charges [Member]
Segment profit (loss):
Operating profit	$ (7,570)	$ (926)	$ (24,362)	$ (10,333)