Goodwill and intangible assets - Schedule of goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 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	35,450
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	3,659,246
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,327,425)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	2,331,821
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	12,417
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,485,174
Accumulated impairment losses	(531,930)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	953,244
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
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	23,033
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	1,304,308
Accumulated impairment losses	(452,441)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 851,867