Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013 Carpet Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Carpet Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Ceramic Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Ceramic Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Laminate and Wood Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Laminate and Wood Segment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Pergo [Member]	Jan. 10, 2013 Pergo [Member]	Apr. 03, 2013 Marrazzi Group [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Spano Invest NV [Member]	May 03, 2013 Spano Invest NV [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 2,713,196	$ 2,702,600	$ 199,132	$ 199,132	$ 1,186,913	$ 1,186,913	$ 1,327,151	$ 1,316,555
Accumulated impairments losses, beginning balance	(1,327,425)	(1,327,425)	(199,132)	(199,132)	(531,930)	(531,930)	(596,363)	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,385,771	1,375,175	0	0	654,983	654,983	730,788	720,192	18,456	18,456	279,083	36,639	36,639
Goodwill recognized during the year	334,178		0		279,083		55,095
Currency translation during the year	16,143	10,596	0	0	(6,184)	0	22,327	10,596
Goodwill, ending balance	3,063,517	2,713,196	199,132	199,132	1,459,812	1,186,913	1,404,573	1,327,151
Accumulated impairments losses, ending balance	(1,327,425)	(1,327,425)	(199,132)	(199,132)	(531,930)	(531,930)	(596,363)	(596,363)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 1,736,092	$ 1,385,771	$ 0	$ 0	$ 927,882	$ 654,983	$ 808,210	$ 730,788	$ 18,456	$ 18,456	$ 279,083	$ 36,639	$ 36,639