Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,713,196
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net	1,713,883
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,385,771
Goodwill acquired during the period	321,482
Currency translation during the year	6,630
Goodwill, ending balance	3,041,308
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,713,883
Carpet Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net	0
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	911,621
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	654,983
Goodwill acquired during the period	261,124
Currency translation during the year	(4,486)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,443,551
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	911,621
Laminate and Wood Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,327,151
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net	802,262
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	730,788
Goodwill acquired during the period	60,358
Currency translation during the year	11,116
Goodwill, ending balance	1,398,625
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 802,262