Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 acquired during the period	322,971
Currency translation during the year	(18,120)
Goodwill, ending balance	3,018,047
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,690,622
Carpet Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	0
Goodwill acquired 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
Ceramic Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	654,983
Currency translation during the year	(6,772)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,442,754
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	910,824
Laminate and Wood Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,327,151
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	730,788
Goodwill acquired during the period	60,358
Currency translation during the year	(11,348)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,376,161
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 779,798