Commitments, contingencies and other (Restructuring activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 14,845
Cash payments	(5,665)
Non-cash items	(4,466)
Ending balance	12,940
Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	10,956
Cash payments	(1,743)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	9,213
Asset Write-downs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Non-cash items	(4,466)
Ending balance	0
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,378
Cash payments	(3,497)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	2,199
Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,511
Cash payments	(425)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	1,528
Unilin Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	844
Unilin Segment [Member] | Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	0
Unilin Segment [Member] | Asset Write-downs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	138
Unilin Segment [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	668
Unilin Segment [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	38
Mohawk Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	7,382
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	0
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Asset Write-downs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	4,328
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	2,650
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	$ 404