Earnings per share (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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc, As Reported	$ 119,068	$ 70,304	$ 254,135	$ 183,869
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 119,621	$ 70,304	$ 256,049	$ 183,869
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	72,575	69,010	71,467	68,952
Add weighted-average dilutive potential common shares-options and RSU's to purchase common shares, net	512	327	508	295
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	73,087	69,337	71,975	69,247
Basic earnings per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 1.65	$ 1.02	$ 3.59	$ 2.67
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 1.64	$ 1.01	$ 3.56	$ 2.66
Number of common stock options and unvested restricted shares not included in EPS (in shares)			0	948