Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

(a) Basis of Presentation

Mohawk Industries, Inc. ("Mohawk" or the "Company"), a term which includes the Company and its subsidiaries, including its primary operating subsidiaries, Mohawk Carpet, LLC, Dal-Tile Corporation and Unilin BVBA, is a leading producer of floor covering products for residential and commercial applications in the United States ("U.S.") and residential applications in Europe. The Company is the second largest carpet and rug manufacturer and one of the largest manufacturers, marketers and distributors of ceramic tile, natural stone and hardwood flooring in the U.S., as well as a leading producer of laminate flooring in the U.S. and Europe.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash And Cash Equivalents And Restricted Cash

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had invested cash of $266,488 in money market AAA rated cash investments of which $6,497 was in North America and Mexico and $259,991 was in Europe. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had restricted cash of $27,954.

Accounts Receivable And Revenue Recognition

(c) Accounts Receivable and Revenue Recognition

The Company is principally a carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate and hardwood flooring manufacturer and sells carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, natural stone, hardwood, resilient and laminate flooring products in the U.S. principally for residential and commercial use. In addition, the Company manufactures laminate and sells carpet, rugs, hardwood and laminate flooring products in Europe principally for residential and commercial use. The Company grants credit to customers, most of whom are retail-flooring, dealers, home centers and commercial end users, under credit terms that the Company believes are customary in the industry.

Revenues, which are recorded net of taxes collected from customers, are recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, the price has been fixed or is determinable, and collectability can be reasonably assured. The Company provides allowances for expected cash discounts, returns, claims, sales allowances and doubtful accounts based upon historical bad debt and claims experience and periodic evaluations of specific customer accounts and the aging of accounts receivable. Licensing revenues received from third parties for patents are recognized based on contractual agreements.

Inventories

(d) Inventories

The Company accounts for all inventories on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Cost has been determined using the FIFO method. Costs included in inventory include raw materials, direct and indirect labor and employee benefits, depreciation, general manufacturing overhead and various other costs of manufacturing. Market, with respect to all inventories, is replacement cost or net realizable value. Inventories on hand are compared against anticipated future usage, which is a function of historical usage, anticipated future selling price, expected sales below cost, excessive quantities and an evaluation for obsolescence. Actual results could differ from assumptions used to value obsolete inventory, excessive inventory or inventory expected to be sold below cost and additional reserves may be required.

Property, Plant And Equipment

(e) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, including capitalized interest. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining useful lives, which are 25-35 years for buildings and improvements, 5-15 years for machinery and equipment, the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements and 3-7 years for furniture and fixtures.

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

(f) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," the Company tests goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter (or on an interim basis if an event occurs that might reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value). The Company considers the relationship between its market capitalization and its book value, among other factors, when reviewing for indicators of impairment. The goodwill impairment tests are based on determining the fair value of the specified reporting units based on management's judgments and assumptions using the discounted cash flows and comparable company market valuation approaches. The Company has identified Mohawk, Dal-Tile, Unilin Flooring, Unilin Chipboard and Melamine, and Unilin Roofing as its reporting units for the purposes of allocating goodwill and intangibles as well as assessing impairments. The valuation approaches are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"), and comparable company market multiples.

When developing these key judgments and assumptions, the Company considers economic, operational and market conditions that could impact the fair value of the reporting unit. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only management's reasonable expectations regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Should a significant or prolonged deterioration in economic conditions occur, such as continued declines in spending for new construction, remodeling and replacement activities; the inability to pass increases in the costs of raw materials and fuel on to customers; or a decline in comparable company market multiples, then key judgments and assumptions could be impacted.

The impairment evaluation for indefinite lived intangible assets, which for the Company are its trademarks, is conducted during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. The determination of fair value used in the impairment evaluation is based on discounted estimates of future sales projections attributable to ownership of the trademarks. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis include assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, royalty rates, WACC and the amount of expected future cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with past performance and are also consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the trademarks. Estimated cash flows are sensitive to changes in the economy among other things. The impairment test for indefinite lived intangible assets involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets are determined using a discounted cash flows valuation. Significant judgments inherent in this analysis include assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, royalty rates, WACC and the amount of expected future cash flows. These judgments and assumptions are subject to the variability discussed above.

Intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized based on average lives, which range from 7-16 years.

Income Taxes

(g) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest and penalties in income tax expense (benefit).

Financial Instruments

(h) Financial Instruments

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and long-term debt. The carrying amount of receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates its fair value because of the short-term maturity of such instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's floating rate debt approximates its fair value based upon level two fair value hierarchy. Interest rates that are currently available to the Company for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of the Company's long-term debt.

Advertising Costs And Vendor Consideration

(i) Advertising Costs and Vendor Consideration

Advertising and promotion expenses are charged to earnings during the period in which they are incurred. Advertising and promotion expenses included in selling, general, and administrative expenses were $35,847 in 2011, $38,553 in 2010 and $43,752 in 2009.

Vendor consideration, generally cash, is classified as a reduction of net sales, unless specific criteria are met regarding goods or services that the vendor may receive in return for this consideration. The Company makes various payments to customers, including slotting fees, advertising allowances, buy-downs and co-op advertising. All of these payments reduce gross sales with the exception of co-op advertising. Co-op advertising is classified as a selling, general and administrative expense in accordance with ASC 605-50. Co-op advertising expenses, a component of advertising and promotion expenses, were $3,520 in 2011, $4,660 in 2010 and $3,809 in 2009.

Product Warranties

(j) Product Warranties

The Company warrants certain qualitative attributes of its flooring products. The Company has recorded a provision for estimated warranty and related costs, based on historical experience and periodically adjusts these provisions to reflect actual experience.

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets

(k) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived asset groups, which include intangible assets subject to amortization, which for the Company are its patents and customer relationships, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset groups may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of long-lived assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by these asset groups. If such asset groups are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs of disposal and are no longer depreciated.

Foreign Currency Translation

(l) Foreign Currency Translation

The Company's subsidiaries that operate outside the United States use their local currency as the functional currency, with the exception of operations carried out in Canada and Mexico, in which case the functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Other than Canada and Mexico, the functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using the month end rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and average exchange rate for revenue and expense accounts for each respective period. The translation adjustments are deferred as a separate component of stockholders' equity, within other comprehensive income. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in other income or expense, within the consolidated statements of operations. The assets and liabilities of the Company's Canada and Mexico operations are re-measured using a month end rate, except for non-monetary assets and liabilities, which are re-measured using the historical exchange rate. Income and expense accounts are re-measured using an average monthly rate for the period, except for expenses related to those balance sheet accounts that are re-measured using historical exchange rates. The resulting re-measurement adjustment is reported in the consolidated statements of operations when incurred.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

(m) Earnings per Share ("EPS")

Basic net earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated using net earnings available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.

Dilutive common stock options are included in the diluted EPS calculation using the treasury stock method. Common stock options and unvested restricted shares (units) that were not included in the diluted EPS computation because the price was greater than the average market price of the common shares for the periods presented were 1,180, 1,203 and 1,413 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. For 2009, all outstanding common stock options to purchase common shares and unvested restricted shares (units) were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect on net loss per common share was anti-dilutive.

Computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are presented in the following table:

	2011		2010			2009
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Mohawk Industries, Inc.	$	173,922		185,471			(5,499	)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest (1)		—		(3,244	)		—
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders	$	173,922		182,227			(5,499	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic and diluted:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic		68,736		68,578			68,452
Add weighted-average dilutive potential common shares - options and RSU's to purchase common shares, net		228		206			—
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted		68,964		68,784			68,452
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) Amount represents the adjustment to fair value of a redeemable noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

Stock-Based Compensation

(n) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments granted based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with ASC 718-10, formerly SFAS No 123R, "Stock Compensation". Compensation expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the award's estimated lives for fixed awards with ratable vesting provisions.

Comprehensive Income

(o) Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, effects of exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term nature and pensions. The Company does not provide income taxes on currency translation adjustments, as earnings from foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested.

Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statements of Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

	Foreign translation adjustment			Pensions			Total
December 31, 2009	$	296,182			735			296,917
2010 activity		(119,200	)		380			(118,820	)
December 31, 2010		176,982			1,115			178,097
2011 activity		(42,006	)		(452	)		(42,458	)
December 31, 2011	$	134,976			663			135,639

The Company identified and corrected an immaterial error in its 2010 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income. The error related to the classification of accretion for the redemption feature of the redeemable noncontrolling interest within comprehensive income. The error previously resulted in an understatement of comprehensive income of $3,244 in 2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

(p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2011-05"). This update requires that the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income be presented as a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. The option of presenting other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders' equity is eliminated. This update also requires the presentation on the face of the financial statements of reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. In November 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 that defers the effective date of the requirement to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. The deferral is temporary until the Board reconsiders the operational concerns and needs of financial statement users. The Board has not yet established a timetable for its reconsideration. The requirements to present other comprehensive income in a continuous statement or two consecutive statements and other requirements of ASU 2011-05, as amended by ASU 2011-12, is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. 

Fiscal Year

(q) Fiscal Year

The Company ends its fiscal year on December 31. Each of the first three quarters in the fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the calendar quarter end.