Business Segments - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 325,034	$ 349,201	$ 852,379	$ 856,396
Vinyl windows segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	95,844	97,814	261,201	266,654
Vinyl siding products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	66,708	69,618	175,340	169,601
Metal products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	51,691	53,684	133,923	137,154
Third-party manufactured products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	87,714	107,512	223,794	230,283
Other products and services segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 23,077	$ 20,573	$ 58,121	$ 52,704