Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2013	$ 3,063,517
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2013	1,736,092
Goodwill recognized during the period	12
Currency translation during the year	(14,312)
Goodwill, gross, as of March 29, 2014	3,049,217
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, as of March 29, 2014	1,721,792
Carpet Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2013	199,132
Accumulated impairment losses	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2013	0
Goodwill recognized during the period	0
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, gross, as of March 29, 2014	199,132
Accumulated impairment losses	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, as of March 29, 2014	0
Ceramic Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2013	1,459,812
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2013	927,882
Goodwill recognized during the period	(2,497)
Currency translation during the year	(12,767)
Goodwill, gross, as of March 29, 2014	1,444,548
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, as of March 29, 2014	912,618
Laminate and Wood Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2013	1,404,573
Accumulated impairment losses	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2013	808,210
Goodwill recognized during the period	2,509
Currency translation during the year	(1,545)
Goodwill, gross, as of March 29, 2014	1,405,537
Accumulated impairment losses	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, as of March 29, 2014	$ 809,174