Business Segments - Information on Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue goods net	$ 832,419	$ 1,095,626	$ 2,578,226	$ 3,138,366
Operating profit	27,908	129,603	193,738	272,727
Interest expense	(6,684)	(7,115)	(21,016)	(23,973)
Interest income	270	542	707	1,914
Other - income (expenses)	(348)	(315)	(587)	333
Income before income taxes	21,146	122,715	172,842	251,001
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue goods net	(65,076)	(131,887)	(239,029)	(380,550)
Operating profit	1,736	(3,163)	2,900	(7,009)
North American Tire Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue goods net	633,045	816,257	1,858,504	2,284,563
Operating profit	38,762	104,830	169,381	192,717
North American Tire Operations Segment [Member] | External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	618,840	795,976	1,812,791	2,212,657
North American Tire Operations Segment [Member] | Intercompany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,205	20,281	45,713	71,906
International Tire [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue goods net	264,450	411,256	958,751	1,234,353
Operating profit	3,083	35,506	62,322	111,381
International Tire [Member] | External Customers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	213,579	299,650	765,435	925,709
International Tire [Member] | Intercompany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	50,871	111,606	193,316	308,644
Unallocated Corporate Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ (15,673)	$ (7,570)	$ (40,865)	$ (24,362)