Commitments, contingencies and other (Restructuring activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 14,845
Cash payments	(8,564)
Non-cash items	(6,825)
Ending balance	11,911
Lease Impairments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	10,956
Cash payments	(2,795)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	8,161
Asset Write-downs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Cash payments	0
Non-cash items	(6,825)
Ending balance	0
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,378
Cash payments	(4,996)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	3,226
Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,511
Cash payments	(773)
Non-cash items	0
Ending balance	524
Unilin Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	1,951
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	1,775
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	10,504
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	6,687
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	4,069
Mohawk Segment [Member] | Other Restructuring Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Provision	$ (252)