Goodwill and intangible assets - Schedule of goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 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	3,006
Currency translation during the period	26,364
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	3,650,160
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	2,322,735
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 period	10,940
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,483,697
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	951,767
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 period	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	1,158
Currency translation during the period	15,424
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,296,699
Accumulated impairment losses	(452,441)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 844,258