Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$ 151,266	$ 119,621	$ 385,097	$ 256,049
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	72,864	72,575	72,814	71,467
Add weighted-average dilutive potential common shares-options and RSU's to purchase common shares, net (in shares)	512	512	518	508
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	73,376	73,087	73,332	71,975
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc, (in usd per share)	$ 2.08	$ 1.65	$ 5.29	$ 3.59
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc. (in usd per share)	$ 2.06	$ 1.64	$ 5.25	$ 3.56