Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 5,787,980	[1]	$ 5,642,258	[1]	$ 5,319,072	[1]
Cost of sales	4,297,922		4,225,379		3,916,472
Gross profit	1,490,058		1,416,879		1,402,600
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,110,550		1,101,337		1,088,431
Operating income	379,508		315,542		314,169
Interest expense	74,713		101,617		133,151
Other expense (income)	303		14,051		(11,630)
Earnings before income taxes	304,492		199,874		192,648
Income tax expense	53,599		21,649		2,713
Net earnings	250,893		178,225		189,935
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	635		4,303		4,464
Net earnings attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 250,258		$ 173,922		$ 185,471
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 3.63		$ 2.53		$ 2.66
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 3.61		$ 2.52		$ 2.65

[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, wood-based panels and licensing.