Business Segments - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 02, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 314,391	$ 310,459	$ 527,345	$ 507,195
Vinyl windows segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	98,469	97,131	165,357	168,840
Vinyl siding products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	65,274	62,823	108,632	99,983
Metal products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	46,565	47,101	82,232	83,470
Third-party manufactured products segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	83,986	85,651	136,080	122,771
Other products and services segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 20,097	$ 17,753	$ 35,044	$ 32,131