Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 2,702,600
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net	1,375,175
Currency translation during the year	(11,819)
Goodwill	2,690,781
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net	1,363,356
Mohawk [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net	0
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net	0
Dal-Tile [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net	654,983
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net	654,983
Unilin [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	1,316,555
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net	720,192
Currency translation during the year	(11,819)
Goodwill	1,304,736
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net	$ 708,373

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-Subparagraph l

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 34

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

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+ Details