Reportable Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Reportable segment information
Income before income taxes	$ 142,315	$ 94,713
Paint Stores Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	1,123,078	929,267
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	1,123,078	929,267
Segment profit	112,713	68,857
Income before income taxes	112,713	68,857
Consumer Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	320,373	294,930
Intersegment transfers	503,501	418,148
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	823,874	713,078
Segment profit	55,306	41,091
Income before income taxes	55,306	41,091
Global Finishes Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	483,075	435,317
Intersegment transfers	2,330	1,298
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	485,405	436,615
Segment profit	28,636	19,438
Income before income taxes	28,636	19,438
Latin America Coatings Group [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	208,594	194,849
Intersegment transfers	10,975	8,440
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	219,569	203,289
Segment profit	19,887	17,372
Income before income taxes	19,887	17,372
Administrative [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	1,224	1,223
Intersegment transfers	(516,806)	(427,886)
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	(515,582)	(426,663)
Interest expense	(10,337)	(10,675)
Administrative expenses and other	(63,890)	(41,370)
Income before income taxes	(74,227)	(52,045)
Consolidated Totals [Member]
Reportable segment information
Net external sales	2,136,344	1,855,586
Total net sales and intersegment transfers	2,136,344	1,855,586
Segment profit	216,542	146,758
Interest expense	(10,337)	(10,675)
Administrative expenses and other	(63,890)	(41,370)
Income before income taxes	$ 142,315	$ 94,713