Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Cash and cash equivalents End of period Beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Securities available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Current, Total Accounts receivable - net Accounts receivable-net of allowances of $79,512 and $80,659, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts receivable - net of allowances of $74,749 and $79,820, respectively Inventories - net Inventories Inventories Deferred income tax assets - net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred income tax assets-net Net current deferred income tax assets Deferred income tax assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Total current assets Equity Method Investments Investments Approximate amount of equity method investment balance Property, plant and equipment - net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment-net of accumulated depreciation of $213,185 and $205,312, respectively Property, plant and equipment - net Property, plant and equipment - net of accumulated depreciation of $228,061 and $217,245, respectively Goodwill Balance at March 31, 2012 Balance at December 31, 2011 Goodwill, Total Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Also includes the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year. Intangible Assets And Other Assets Noncurrent Intangible and other assets-net Total intangible and other assets-net Total long-term assets Total long-term assets Long-lived Assets Total assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts payable Short-term debt ,,, Debt, Current, Total Short-term debt Accrued expenses: Compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Royalties Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for cooperative advertising arrangements. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued Cooperative Advertising Current Co-op advertising Taxes Payable, Current Transaction taxes Taxes Payable, Current, Total Other Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term income taxes payable Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Total deferred income tax liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Total deferred income tax liabilities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Total Total long-term borrowings outstanding Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Total long-term liabilities Total long-term liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Stockholders' equity: Common stock, XXXXX and 67,882 shares issued for April 2, 2011 and January 1, 2010, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, 61,811 and 68,370 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Treasury Stock, at cost, 1,210 shares at October 2, 2010 Treasury stock, at cost, 6,215 shares at December 31, 2011 Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Common stock repurchased, value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Foreign contract derivative net of tax, loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Fossil, Inc. stockholders' equity Total Fossil, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Total stockholders' equity Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Balance at end of year, cash flow hedges Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible and valuation allowance for the amount of products sold that the entity expects to be returned by the purchaser. Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable And Sales Returns Current Accounts receivable, allowances Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Common stock, shares issued Ending Balance, shares Beginning Balance, shares Common Stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net sales Total, Net Sales Sales Revenue, Net, Total Net Sales Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold, Total Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit Operating expenses: Selling and distribution Selling and Marketing Expense, Total General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Operating expenses Operating income External customers, Operating Income Operating income Direct to Consumer Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Other income (expense) - net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Other income (expense)-net Other income (expense) - net Equity investment income reported in Other income (expense) - net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Income tax expense Provision for income taxes Net income Net income Net income Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Net income Net income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes: Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes: Currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Currency translation adjustments Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale Unrealized gain on securities available for sale Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale Forward contracts hedging intercompany foreign currency payments-change in fair values Forward contracts hedging intercompany foreign currency payments - change in fair values Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Comprehensive income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Earnings per share: Earnings per share, Basic Basic EPS Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic Earnings per share, Diluted Diluted EPS Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Diluted Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net, Total Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Stock-based compensation Increase (decrease) in allowance for returns - net of inventory in transit Increase in allowance for returns-net of inventory in transit Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Decrease in allowance for returns - net of inventory in transit Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment Loss on disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment, Total Equity in (income) loss of joint venture Equity in income of joint venture Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Equity in the earnings of joint venture, net of tax Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity investment income reported in Other income (expense) - net Provision for Doubtful Accounts Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts (Decrease) increase in allowance for doubtful accounts Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Tax expense derived from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes and other Deferred income taxes and other Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Accounts payable Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes Payable Income taxes payable Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Payments to acquire intangible and other assets. Payments To Acquire Intangible And Other Assets Increase in intangible and other assets Purchase of securities available for sale Purchase of securities available for sale Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Total Sales/maturities of securities available for sale Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Net change in restricted cash Net Change in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Restricted Cash Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Financing Activities: Acquisition of treasury stock Acquisition of common stock Repurchase of common stock Acquisition of common stock Payments Of Dividends Minority Interest Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Tax benefit derived from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Borrowings on notes payable Proceeds from Notes Payable, Total Payments on notes payable Payments on notes payable Proceeds from exercise of stock options Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights Net cash used in financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents: Financial Statement Policies [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Statement Policies Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure Text Block Inventories Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Stockholders' Equity and Benefit Plans [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans [Abstract] Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Text Block DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Segment Information Major Customer, Segment And Geographic Information Derivatives And Risk Management [Abstract] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure Text Block Derivatives And Risk Management Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest Abstract Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure Text Block. Stockholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure Text Block Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest Intangible And Other Assets [Abstract] Intangible And Other Assets [Abstract] Intangible And Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible And Other Assets Disclosure Text Block Intangible And Other Assets Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Text Block Subsequent Events Basis Of Presentation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Business, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Foreign Currency Hedging Instruments [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Hedging Instruments [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Hedging Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy Fair Value Measurements Earnings Per Share, Policy [Text Block] Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Numerators And Denominators Used In The Computations Of Both Basic And Diluted EPS Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule Of Goodwill Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Schedule of Inventory [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Inventories Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Related Effective Rate Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Related Effective Rate Schedule of Common Stock Repurchase Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Common Stock Repurchase Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchase Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding And Exercisable Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Text Block] Schedule of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Text Block] Schedule Of Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Activity Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Summary Information By Operating Segment Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Sales For Each Class Of Similar Products Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In O C I [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In O C I [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In AOCI Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Text Block] Schedule Of Effective Portion Of Gains And Losses On Derivative Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Balance Sheet Derivatives Schedule Of Stockholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure Table Text Block. Schedule Of Stockholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure Table Text Block Summary Of Changes In Equity Attributable To Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Intangible and Other Assets Schedule of Intangible and Other Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Intangible And Other Assets Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense For Intangible Assets Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Foreign contract derivative net of taxes, gain Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net, Total Foreign contract derivative net of tax, loss Tax benefit or expense of changes in fair value of hedging activities Tax Benefit Or Expense Of Changes In Fair Value Of Hedging Activities Tax expense of changes in fair value of hedging activities Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Long term restricted cash, Carrying Amount Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Long term restricted cash, Carrying Amount Cash pledged as collateral to secure bank guarantees Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted average shares issuable under stock-based awards were not included in the diluted EPS calculation Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Securities available for sale Investments in publicly traded equity securities Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange forward contracts Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance Deferred compensation plan assets Investment in publicly traded mutual funds Total Total Assets Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Foreign exchange forward contracts Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Total Liabilities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] North America Wholesale [Member] North America Wholesale [Member] North America Wholesale [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member] Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Direct To Consumer [Member] Direct To Consumer [Member] Direct To Consumer [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency changes Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total Currency Inventory, Raw Materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Total Components and parts Inventory, Work in Process Work-in-process Other Inventory, in Transit Inventory purchases in transit Inventory, Finished Goods Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Amount of deferred income tax liabilities released into income during the period due to a change in management's plans to reinvest the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Released Deferred income tax liabilities associated with change in management's plans Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance at end of year Balance at beginning of year Unrecognized tax benefits Penalties accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties Unrecognized tax benefits that could be settled within the next twelve months Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Accrued income tax-related interest expense Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total Accrued income tax-related interest expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Penalties accrued Penalties in the consolidated balance sheet Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Total amount of accrued income tax-related interest Accrued interest expense Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Income tax rate Provision for income taxes Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock under repurchase programs, value Common stock repurchased, value Dollar value repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Retirement of Common Stock, shares Common stock repurchased and retired during period, shares Retirement of Common Stock, shares Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Dollar value authorized Common stock authorized amount, value Common stock decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased. Common Stock Decreased By Effective Retirement Of Common Stock Repurchased Common stock decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased Additional paid in capital decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased. Additional Paid In Capital Decreased By Effective Retirement Of Common Stock Repurchased Additional paid in capital decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased Retained earnings decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased. Retained Earnings Decreased By Effective Retirement Of Common Stock Repurchased Retained earnings decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased Treasury stock decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased. Treasury Stock Decreased By Effective Retirement Of Common Stock Repurchased Treasury stock decreased by effective retirement of common stock repurchased Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Period Authorized Fiscal Year Two Thousand Ten With No Termination Date [Member] Period Authorized Fiscal Year Two Thousand Ten With No Termination Date [Member] Period Authorized Fiscal Year 2010 No Termination Date [Member] Period Authorized Fiscal Year Two Thousand Ten With Termination Date December Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] Period Authorized Fiscal Year Two Thousand Ten With Termination Date December Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] Period Authorized Fiscal Year 2010 Termination Date December 2013 [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Repurchase of common stock, shares Number of shares repurchased Repurchase of common stock, shares Common Stock Repurchase Activity Termination Date Common Stock Repurchase Activity Termination Date Common stock repurchase activity Termination date Common stock repurchase activity termination date Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding, Number Of Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2012, Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Shares Outstanding option awards Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Contractual Term (Years) Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Weighted-Average Contractual Term (Years) Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at March 31, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2011, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at October 2, 2010 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, shares Exercised, Shares Exercised, number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Forfeited or expired, Shares Forfeited or expired, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Total Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Exercisable, Number Of Shares Exercisable at March 31, 2012, Shares Outstanding at July 3, 2010 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at October 2, 2101 Exercisable at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Contractual Term (Years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at March 31, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Number Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Number Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Contractual Term (Years) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Aggregate Intrinsic Value As of the balance sheet date, the number of shares into which expected to vest stock options outstanding can be converted under the option plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Number Expected to vest, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price The weighted-average period between the balance sheet date and expiration date for expected to vest options outstanding, which may be expressed in a decimal value for number of years. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Expected to vest, Weighted-Average Contractual Term (Years) As of the balance sheet date, the total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of expected to vest options outstanding. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Price [Table] Price [Table] Price [Axis] Price [Axis] Price [Domain] Price [Domain] Price [Domain] Eleven Dollars And Sixty Six Cents To Thirteen Dollars And fifteen Cents [Member] Eleven Dollars And Sixty Six Cents To Thirteen Dollars And Fifteen Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $11.66 - $13.15 [Member] Thirteen Dollars And fifteen Cents To Twenty Six Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents [Member] Thirteen Dollars And Fifteen Cents To Twenty Six Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $13.15 - $26.29 [Member] Thirty Nine Dollars And Forty Four Cents To Fifty Two Dollars And Fifty Eight Cents [Member] Thirty Nine Dollars And Forty Four Cents To Fifty Two Dollars And Fifty Eight Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $39.44 - $52.58 [Member] Sixty Five Dollars And Seventy Three Cents To Seventy Eight Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents [Member] Sixty Five Dollars And Seventy Three Cents To Seventy Eight Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $65.73 - $78.88 [Member] Seventy Eight Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents To Ninety Two Dollars And Two Cents [Member] Seventy Eight Dollars And Eighty Eight Cents To Ninety Two Dollars And Two Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $78.88 - $92.02 [Member] Ninety Two Dollars And Two Cents To One Hundred And Five Dollars And Seventeen Cents [Member] Ninety Two Dollars And Two Cents To One Hundred And Five Dollars And Seventeen Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $92.02 - $105.17 [Member] One Hundred And Eighteen Dollars And Thirty One Cents To One Hundred And Thirty One Dollars And Forty Six Cents [Member] One Hundred And Eighteen Dollars And Thirty One Cents To One Hundred And Thirty One Dollars And Forty Six Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $118.31 - $131.46 [Member] Twenty Six Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents To Thirty Nine Dollars And Forty Four Cents [Member] Twenty Six Dollars And Twenty Nine Cents To Thirty Nine Dollars And Forty Four Cents [Member] Range Of Exercise Prices $26.29 - $39.44 [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding, lower range Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding, upper range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Number of Shares Nonvested at December 31, 2011, Number of Shares Outstanding awards Nonvested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested, Number of Shares Vested, number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited, Number of Shares Restricted shares forfeited Forfeited, number of shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Expected To Vest Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Expected To Vest Expected to vest, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at March 31, 2012, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2011, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected To Vest Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected To Vest Expected to vest, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units, vested Intersegment Items [Member] Intersegment Items [Member] Intersegment Items [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate [Member] Consolidated [Member] Consolidated [Member] Consolidated [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue Intersegment, Net Sales Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue Product Line [Member] Sales Revenue, Products Line Items [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Watches [Member] Watches [Member] Watches [Member] Leathers [Member] Leathers [Member] Leathers [Member] Jewelry [Member] Jewelry [Member] Jewelry [Member] Represents other types of products. Represents Other Types Of Products [Member] Other [Member] Percentage Of Product Revenue To Total Sales Revenue Percentage Of Product Revenue To Total Sales Revenue Percentage of Total Derivative [Table] Foreign Currency [Axis] Foreign Currency [Axis] Foreign Currency [Domain] Foreign Currency [Domain] Foreign Currency [Domain] Euro [Member] Euro [Member] Euro [Member] British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] Japanese Yen [Member] Japanese Yen [Member] Japanese Yen [Member] Mexican Peso [Member] Mexican Peso [Member] Mexican Peso [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Canadian Dollar [Member] Canadian Dollar [Member] Canadian Dollar [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Functional Currency, Amount Maximum percentage of cash flow hedge coverage as defined by policy Cash Flow Hedge Coverage Percentage Forecasted purchases to manage fluctuations Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Plus change in fair value associated with current period hedging activities, net of taxes of $00, $2,482, ($23), respectively Foreign exchange contracts Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net Total gain/(loss) reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes into income, net of taxes Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Reclassified to Earnings, Net, Total Total Investment Type [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] Accrued Expenses Other Balance Sheet Location [Member] Accrued Expenses Other Balance Sheet Location [Member] Accrued Expenses - Other [Member] Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Balance Sheets Location [Member] Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Balance Sheet Location [Member] Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Intangible And Other Assets Balance Sheet Location [Member] Intangible And Other Assets Balance Sheet Location [Member] Intangible And Other Assets - Net [Member] Other Long Term Liabilities Balance Sheet Location [Member] Other Long Term Liabilities Balance Sheet Location [Member] Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] Derivative Asset Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Cash flow hedging instruments, Asset Derivatives Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset, Total Forward contracts Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability, Total Cash flow hedging instruments, Liability Derivatives Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Existing gains or losses expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Fossil, Inc. Stockholders' Equity [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Including Noncontrolling Interest Period Increase Decrease. Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Including Noncontrolling Interest Period Increase Decrease Currency translation adjustments Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, value Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, value Tax benefit derived from stock-based compensation Tax benefit derived from stock-based compensation Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings Shares of common stock forfeitures put to treasury. Common Stock Forfeitures Put To Treasury Value Common stock forfeitures put to treasury Common stock forfeiture put to treasury, value Finite and indefinite lived intangible and other asset [Table]. Finite and indefinite lived intangible and other asset [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Key money deposits [Member] Key Money Deposits [Member] Key Money Deposits [Member] Other deposits [Member] Other Deposits [Member] Other Deposits [Member] Deferred compensation plan assets [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member] Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Deferred Tax Asset - Net [Member] Restricted Cash [Member] Restricted Cash [Member] Restricted Cash [Member] Assets Other [Member] Assets Other [Member] Other [Member] Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible And Other Assets [Line Items]. Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible And Other Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Useful Lives (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Useful Lives, Minimum (years) Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets estimated useful life, Minimum Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Useful Lives, Maximum (years) Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets estimated useful life, Maximum Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Total intangibles-subject to amortization, Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Total intangibles-subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization Indefinite-Lived Trade Names Total intangibles-not subject to amortization, Carrying Amount Other Assets Other Assets, Total Total other assets, Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Related To Other Assets Accumulated Amortization Related To Other Assets Total other assets, Accumulated Amortization Total Intangibles And Other Assets Total Intangibles And Other Assets Total intangible and other assets, Carrying Amount The cumulative amount of amortization (related to Intangible And Other Assets) that has been recognized in the income statement. Intangible and other assets, accumulated amortization Total intangible and other assets, Accumulated Amortization Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2012 (remaining) Future Amortization Expense, Year One For the twelve months ending December 31, 2011 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two For the twelve months ending December 29, 2012 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three For the twelve months ending December 28, 2013 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four For the twelve months ending January 3, 2015 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five For the twelve months ending January 2, 2016 2017 Amortization Expense For Intangibles And Other Assets Amortization Expense For Intangibles And Other Assets Amortization expense for intangible assets, key money deposits Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Potential acquisition cash payment Business acquisition, cash payment Potential acquisition cash payment Potential common stock to be issued Potential common stock to be issued Shares of common stock issued in business acquisition Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Value of common stock issued in business acquisition Potential shares issued based on sales Potential shares issued based on sales Common stock to be received if the net sales exceed certain thresholds Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Transaction Costs Approximate amount of acquisition-related expenses for legal, accounting and valuation services Debt Instrument, Face Amount Revolving credit loans, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Revolving credit loans, maximum current borrowing capacity Available borrowings under the Revolver Increase in maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility. Increase In Line Of Credit Facility Uncommitted incremental revolving credit commitment Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings Borrowings under Revolver Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Credit Facility, interest rate Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments Credit Facility, outstanding amount Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Credit Facility, amount renewed Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks [Member] Trademarks [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Other Intangibles [Member] Other Intangibles [Member] Other Intangibles [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Swingline [Member] Swingline [Member] Swingline [Member]