Acquisitions Acquisitions (Pro Forma Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,961,536	$ 1,473,493	$ 5,424,650	$ 4,352,321
Pro forma, Net Sales	1,961,536	1,756,254	5,687,131	5,178,274
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc, As Reported	119,621	70,304	256,049	183,869
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc, Pro Forma	$ 129,533	$ 82,098	$ 288,683	$ 195,853
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc; As Reported	$ 1.65	$ 1.02	$ 3.59	$ 2.67
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc; Pro Forma	$ 1.78	$ 1.14	$ 3.99	$ 2.73
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc; As Reported	$ 1.64	$ 1.01	$ 3.56	$ 2.66
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc; Pro Forma	$ 1.77	$ 1.14	$ 3.96	$ 2.72

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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