GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes made to goodwill by reportable segment
Gross goodwill at the beginning of the period	$ 401,301	$ 397,324
Addition from acquisition	1,084	6,388
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,523	(2,411)
Gross goodwill at the end of the period	404,908	401,301
Accumulated impairment losses at the end of the period	(187,693)	(187,693)
Net goodwill at the end of the period	217,215	213,608
Chlorovinyls
Goodwill
Percentage by which estimated fair value exceeds carrying value of reporting unit	10.00%
Changes made to goodwill by reportable segment
Gross goodwill at the beginning of the period	242,855	245,266
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,523	(2,411)
Gross goodwill at the end of the period	245,378	242,855
Accumulated impairment losses at the end of the period	(55,487)	(55,487)
Net goodwill at the end of the period	189,891	187,368
Building Products
Goodwill
Percentage by which estimated fair value exceeds carrying value of reporting unit	10.00%
Changes made to goodwill by reportable segment
Gross goodwill at the beginning of the period	158,446	152,058
Addition from acquisition	1,084	6,388
Gross goodwill at the end of the period	159,530	158,446
Accumulated impairment losses at the end of the period	(132,206)	(132,206)
Net goodwill at the end of the period	$ 27,324	$ 26,240
Window and Door Profiles
Goodwill
Percentage decrease in the annual earnings before interest and tax margin assumption that could result in the carrying value exceeding the fair value	10.00%
Percentage decrease in terminal multiple assumption that could result in the carrying value exceeding the fair value	10.00%
Percentage by which estimated fair value exceeds carrying value of reporting unit	10.00%

Represents the percentage by which the fair value exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit.

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Represents the percentage decrease in annual earnings before interest and tax margin assumption used in cash flow models that could result in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of the reporting unit.

+ References

No definition available.

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Represents the percentage decrease in terminal multiple assumption used in cash flow models that could result in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of the reporting unit.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References

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Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable), in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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The accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill as of the balance sheet date.

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The increase (decrease) to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments.

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