Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,642,258	[1]	$ 5,319,072	[1]	$ 5,344,024	[1]
Cost of sales	4,225,379		3,916,472		4,111,794
Gross profit	1,416,879		1,402,600		1,232,230
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,101,337		1,088,431		1,188,500
Operating income	315,542		314,169		43,730
Interest expense	101,617		133,151		127,031
Other expense (income)	14,051		(11,630)		(5,588)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	199,874		192,648		(77,713)
Income tax expense (benefit)	21,649		2,713		(76,694)
Net earnings (loss)	178,225		189,935		(1,019)
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,303		4,464		4,480
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 173,922		$ 185,471		$ (5,499)
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 2.53		$ 2.66		$ (0.08)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 2.52		$ 2.65		$ (0.08)

[1] The Soft surface product category includes carpets, rugs, carpet pad and resilient. The Tile product category includes ceramic tile, porcelain tile and natural stone. The Wood product category includes laminate, hardwood, roofing panels and wood-based panels.