Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 279,542	$ 174,954	$ (163,299)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60,284	60,248	68,731
Impairment charges			262,400
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net	(684)	(2,047)	457
Net loss on asset dispositions	1,944	2,114	1,255
LIFO liquidation income	(204)	(754)	(297)
Stock issued for employee benefit plans	1,138	3,719	3,954
Stock-based compensation expense	6,453	6,398	2,980
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(3,396)	(3,195)	(479)
Deferred income taxes	(10,574)	(8,756)	(8,227)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(88,380)	(43,845)	72,056
Inventories	(46,374)	(15,418)	67,498
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	88,933	36,705	(89,918)
Other assets and liabilities, net	11,129	(7,875)	(5,800)
Net cash provided by operating activities	299,811	202,248	211,311
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(55,688)	(33,039)	(42,766)
Net cash paid in business combinations	(196,373)	(12,142)	(81)
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	3,735	2,681	1,187
Other			(2)
Net cash used in investing activities	(248,326)	(42,500)	(41,662)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on short-term borrowings	(18,496)	(24,866)	(33,466)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	13,371	26,913	25,018
Principal payments on long-term debt	(330,108)	(82,808)	(231,725)
Proceeds from long-term debt	447,594	8,034	52,169
Proceeds from stock option exercises	7,514	19,565	3,751
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,396	3,195	479
Purchase of treasury stock	(132,607)	(49,400)	(867)
Debt issuance costs	(599)		(166)
Cash dividends paid	(10,384)	(10,499)	(2,608)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests	(18,806)
Other	(1,023)	(992)	(760)
Net cash used in financing activities	(40,148)	(110,858)	(188,175)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(13,107)	(1,597)	7,527
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,770)	47,293	(10,999)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	157,029	109,736	120,735
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 155,259	$ 157,029	$ 109,736