Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Outsourcing of U.S. Decorating Business	Dec. 31, 2010 Outsourcing of U.S. Decorating Business	Dec. 31, 2011 Closing of Syracuse China Manufacturing and Mira Loma Distribution Facilities	Dec. 31, 2010 Closing of Syracuse China Manufacturing and Mira Loma Distribution Facilities	Dec. 31, 2009 Closing of Syracuse China Manufacturing and Mira Loma Distribution Facilities	Dec. 31, 2008 Closing of Syracuse China Manufacturing and Mira Loma Distribution Facilities	Dec. 31, 2010 Land Write-Down Closing of Syracuse China Manufacturing Facility	Dec. 31, 2012 Equipment and Furnishings Minimum	Dec. 31, 2012 Equipment and Furnishings Maximum	Dec. 31, 2012 Buildings and Improvements Minimum	Dec. 31, 2012 Buildings and Improvements Maximum	Dec. 31, 2012 Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life											3 years	14 years	10 years	40 years	5 years
Depreciation expense	$ 40,300,000	$ 40,900,000	$ 39,800,000
Equipment write-down	0	817,000	2,696,000		400,000
Equipment credit (note 5)	0	1,021,000	0
Restructuring charges	$ 0	$ (84,000)	$ 2,498,000	$ (135,000)		$ 51,000	$ 1,183,000	$ 3,800,000	$ 29,100,000	$ 600,000