Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 41,600	$ 58,590	$ 104,437	$ 86,640
Cumulative currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,244	(12,060)	(2,935)	(653)
Financial instruments
Change in the fair value of derivatives and marketable securities	2,266	5,389	4,793	(105)
Income tax benefit (expense) on derivative instruments	(803)	(1,875)	(1,942)	94
Financial instruments, net of tax	1,463	3,514	2,851	(11)
Postretirement benefit plans
Amortization of actuarial loss	12,469	11,620	24,948	23,403
Amortization of prior service credit	(142)	(172)	(284)	(528)
Actuarial gain from plan amendment		7,707		7,707
Pension curtailment gain		(7,460)		(7,460)
Income tax expense on postretirement benefit plans	(4,577)	(4,223)	(9,166)	(8,378)
Foreign currency translation effect	(392)	2,669	5,783	254
Postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	7,358	10,141	21,281	14,998
Other comprehensive income	12,065	1,595	21,197	14,334
Comprehensive income	53,665	60,185	125,634	100,974
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling shareholders' interests	6,062	5,167	14,622	13,953
Comprehensive income attributable to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company	$ 47,603	$ 55,018	$ 111,012	$ 87,021