Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,713,196
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,385,771
Goodwill recognized during the period	24,501
Currency translation during the year	(16,210)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,721,487
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,394,062
Mohawk [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	0
Goodwill recognized during the period	0
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, ending balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	0
Dal-Tile [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	654,983
Goodwill recognized during the period	0
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	654,983
Unilin [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,327,151
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	730,788
Goodwill recognized during the period	24,501
Currency translation during the year	(16,210)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,335,442
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 739,079