Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Guarantor Financial Statements - Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 6,997	$ (5,934)
Currency Translation Adjustment	(6,159)	7,874
Pension Liability Adjustment	1,885	(891)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,723	1,049
GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES [Member]
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	5,963
Currency Translation Adjustment	(7)
Pension Liability Adjustment	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5,956
NON-GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES [Member]
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	6,797
Currency Translation Adjustment	(6,314)
Pension Liability Adjustment	1,812
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,295
INTERFACE, INC. (PARENT CORPORATION) [Member]
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	6,997
Currency Translation Adjustment	162
Pension Liability Adjustment	73
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	7,232
CONSOLIDATION AND ELIMINATION ENTRIES [Member]
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	(12,760)
Currency Translation Adjustment	0
Pension Liability Adjustment	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(12,760)
CONSOLIDATED TOTALS [Member]
Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss)	6,997
Currency Translation Adjustment	(6,159)
Pension Liability Adjustment	1,885
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 2,723