Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 208,984	$ 212,954
Vinyl Windows [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	67,635	66,888
Vinyl Siding Products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	39,737	43,358
Metal Products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	31,861	35,667
Third-Party Payor [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	51,016	52,094
Other Products and Services [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 18,735	$ 14,947