Product Warranties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Product Warranties [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 37,265		$ 66,545		$ 56,460
Warranty claims paid during the year	(57,163)		(77,017)		(167,053)
Pre-existing warranty accrual adjustment during the year	4,473	[1]	2,261	[1]	125,124	[1]
Warranty expense during the year	45,569		45,476		52,014
Balance at end of year	$ 30,144		$ 37,265		$ 66,545
Maximum period of product warrants (years)	50

[1] The higher warranty expense in 2009 relates primarily to certain commercial carpet tiles that were discontinued in early 2009.