Goodwill and Other intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes to Goodwill [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 216.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(0.5)
Goodwill resulting from acquisition	549.3
Ending balance	764.9
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	813.5		105.0
Accumulated amortization	43.1		41.9
Net carrying amount	770.4		63.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Amortization expense relating to intangible assets	1.6	1.4
Contractual or Distributer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	91.1		0
Accumulated amortization	0.2		0
Net carrying amount	90.9		0
Useful life (in years)	10 years
Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	577.8		55.0
Accumulated amortization	0		0
Net carrying amount	577.8		55.0
Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	90.5		16.0
Accumulated amortization	16.0		16.0
Net carrying amount	74.5		0
Useful life (in years)	10 years
Patents & Other Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	29.6		12.9
Accumulated amortization	10.1		9.9
Net carrying amount	19.5		3.0
Patents & Other Trademarks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Patents & Other Trademarks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	20 years
Customer Database [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	8.7		4.9
Accumulated amortization	4.8		4.9
Net carrying amount	3.9		0
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Foam Formula [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	3.7		3.7
Accumulated amortization	3.7		3.7
Net carrying amount	0		0
Useful life (in years)	10 years
Reacquired Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	5.6		5.8
Accumulated amortization	5.6		5.3
Net carrying amount	0		0.5
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets, Combined Indefinite lived and Finite lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount total	6.5		6.7
Accumulated amortization	2.7		2.1
Net carrying amount	3.8		4.6
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Tempur North America [Member]
Changes to Goodwill [Abstract]
Beginning balance	108.9
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(0.4)
Ending balance	108.5
Tempur International [Member]
Changes to Goodwill [Abstract]
Beginning balance	107.2
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(0.1)
Ending balance	107.1
Sealy [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Increase in goodwill	549.3
Changes to Goodwill [Abstract]
Beginning balance	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Goodwill resulting from acquisition	549.3
Ending balance	$ 549.3