Goodwill and intangible assets - Schedule of goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	$ 3,620,790
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	2,293,365
Goodwill recognized or adjusted during the period	1,911
Currency translation during the year	44,245
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	3,666,946
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	2,339,521
Operating Segments [Member] | Global Ceramic Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	1,472,757
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	940,827
Goodwill recognized or adjusted during the period	0
Currency translation during the year	9,643
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,482,400
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	950,470
Operating Segments [Member] | Flooring NA Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	867,916
Accumulated impairment losses	(343,054)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	524,862
Goodwill recognized or adjusted during the period	1,848
Currency translation during the year	0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	869,764
Accumulated impairment losses	(343,054)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	526,710
Operating Segments [Member] | Flooring ROW Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	1,280,117
Accumulated impairment losses	(452,441)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	827,676
Goodwill recognized or adjusted during the period	63
Currency translation during the year	34,602
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,314,782
Accumulated impairment losses	(452,441)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 862,341