| Cover Page | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cooper Tire & Rubber Company |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-04329 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 34-4297750 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 701 Lima Avenue, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Findlay, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 45840 |
| City Area Code | 419- |
| Local Phone Number | 423-1321 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | CTB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000024491 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
