Goodwill and intangible assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,702,600
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,375,175
Currency translation during the year	(3,681)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,698,919
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,371,494
Mohawk [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	0
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, ending balance	199,132
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(199,132)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	0
Dal-Tile [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	654,983
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,186,913
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	654,983
Unilin [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,316,555
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	720,192
Currency translation during the year	(3,681)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,312,874
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 716,511