Business Segments - Information on Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 884,126	$ 1,058,482	$ 1,745,807	$ 2,042,740
Operating profit	69,166	95,414	165,830	143,124
Interest expense	(7,231)	(8,383)	(14,332)	(16,858)
Interest income	141	721	437	1,372
Other - income (expenses)	(834)	183	(239)	648
Income before income taxes	61,242	87,935	151,696	128,286
North American Tire [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External customers	607,075	746,651	1,193,951	1,416,681
Intercompany	16,110	24,148	31,508	51,625
Revenues	623,185	770,799	1,225,459	1,468,306
Operating profit	59,213	65,047	130,619	87,887
International Tire [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External customers	277,052	311,830	551,856	626,059
Intercompany	76,218	106,805	142,445	197,038
Revenues	353,270	418,635	694,301	823,097
Operating profit	29,229	43,235	59,239	75,875
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	(92,329)	(130,952)	(173,953)	(248,663)
Operating profit	117	(3,322)	1,164	(3,846)
Unallocated Corporate Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	$ (19,393)	$ (9,546)	$ (25,192)	$ (16,792)