Acquisition (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012 Temper Pedic International Inc [Member]	Apr. 02, 2012 POLAND	Jul. 05, 2012 BRAZIL
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Conversion price per share of Sealy common stock issued and outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 2.20
Total consideration payable	$ 1,300,000
Termination fee liability	25,000
Termination fees	90,000	40,000
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid			$ 1,669	$ 2,200