Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,702,600	$ 2,696,819
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,375,175	1,369,394
Goodwill recognized during the year		19,066
Currency translation during the year	10,596	(13,285)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,713,196	2,702,600
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,385,771	1,375,175
Mohawk [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	199,132	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill recognized during the year		0
Currency translation during the year	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	199,132	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(199,132)	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	0	0
Dal-Tile [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,186,913	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(531,930)	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	654,983	654,983
Goodwill recognized during the year		0
Currency translation during the year	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,186,913	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	654,983	654,983
Unilin [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,316,555	1,310,774
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	720,192	714,411
Goodwill recognized during the year		19,066
Currency translation during the year	10,596	(13,285)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,327,151	1,316,555
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 730,788	$ 720,192