Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc, As Reported	$ 84,572	$ 73,188	$ 135,067	$ 113,565
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	$ 85,933	$ 73,188	$ 136,428	$ 113,565
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	72,406	68,984	70,907	68,923
Add weighted-average dilutive potential common shares-options and RSU's to purchase common shares, net	461	275	498	281
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	72,867	69,259	71,405	69,204
Basic earnings per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 1.19	$ 1.06	$ 1.92	$ 1.65
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 1.18	$ 1.06	$ 1.91	$ 1.64
Number of Common Stock Options And Unvested Restritced Shares not included in EPS (in shares)			0	987