Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable-net of allowances of $70,994 and $79,820, respectively Accrued And Other Liabilities Accrued And Other Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities 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 Accrued Expenses Other Balance Sheet Location [Member] Accrued Expenses Other Balance Sheet Location [Member] Accrued Expenses - Other [Member] Accrued Income Taxes Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes Noncurrent Long-term income taxes payable Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract] Accrued expenses: Accrued Royalties Current Royalties Accumulated Amortization Related To Other Assets Accumulated Amortization Related To Other Assets Total other assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital 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 Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Tax benefit derived from stock-based compensation Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 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 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Period Increase Decrease Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization expense for intangible assets Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Shares issuable under stock-based awards were not included in the diluted EPS calculation Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Asia Pacific Wholesale [Member] Asset Impairment Charges Impairment losses Impairment losses Assets Total assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Fair Value Disclosure Nonrecurring Specific Company-owned stores-net Assets Noncurrent Total long-term assets Assets Other [Member] Assets Other [Member] Other [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Australian Dollar [Member] Available For Sale Securities Current Securities available for sale Available For Sale Securities Fair Value Disclosure Investments in publicly traded equity securities Bank Of America, N.A. Seoul Branch [Member] Bank Of America N Seoul Branch [Member] Bank Of America, N.A. Seoul Branch [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Basis Of Presentation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Policy Policy [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] British Pound [Member] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition Assets And Liabilities Acquired Percentage Business Acquisition Assets And Liabilities Acquired Percentage Company Acquired Percent Of STP Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration At Fair Value Contingent Consideration Contingent consideration liability Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Shares Issuable Additional Common stock issued Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Business Acquisition, cash Amount of cash paid to acquire the entity net of cash acquired. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Net Of Cash Acquired Cash paid, net of cash acquired Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Equity Interests Issued And Issuable Value of common stock issued Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Total transaction consideration: Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Transaction Costs Acquisition related cost Business Acquisition Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable Value Assigned Common Stock Valued Business Acquisition Equity Interests Issued Or Issuable Number Of Shares Issued Common Stock number of shares issued The amortization period for finite lived intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Business Acquisition Intangible Amortization Period Business acquisition amortization period Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information [Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information The amount of patents recognized as of the acquisition date. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assumed Patents Patents Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Current liabilities The amount of identifiable customer lists recognized as of the acquisition date. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Customer List Customer lists Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Recorded goodwill related to acquisition Acquisitions Goodwill Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Non Compete Agreements Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Non Compete Agreements Noncompete agreement Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Noncontrolling Interest Business acquisitions Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Noncurrent Liabilities Long-term liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Noncurrent Assets Other long-term assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Total Purchase Price Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Total Purchase Price Acquisition amount The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to tradenames. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Trade Names Tradename Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income Loss Net income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue Net sales Business Combination Acquired Receivables Fair Value Accounts receivable-net of allowances Business Combination Contingent Consideration Arrangements Change In Amount Of Contingent Consideration Liability Contingent consideration liability remeasured and reduced Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] ACQUISITIONS AND GOODWILL Business Combination Indemnification Assets Amount As Of Acquisition Date Tax-related indemnification asset Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Inventory Inventories Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Net Total net assets acquired Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant & equipment and other long-term assets Business Combination Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Business, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Policy Policy [Text Block] Business Canadian Dollar [Member] Canadian Dollar [Member] Canadian Dollar [Member] Carrying Amount Of Long Lived Assets Held And Used Written Down To Fair Value Carrying Amount Of Long Lived Assets Held And Used Written Down To Fair Value Written down to fair value Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value End of period Beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents: Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy Restricted Cash Maximum percentage of cash flow hedge coverage as defined by policy Cash Flow Hedge Coverage Percentage Forecasted purchases to manage fluctuations 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 Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies 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 Shares of common stock forfeitures put to treasury. Common Stock Forfeitures Put To Treasury Value Common stock forfeitures put to treasury Common Stock Repurchase Activity Termination Date Common Stock Repurchase Activity Termination Date Dollar value authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Value Common stock, 61,310 and 68,370 shares issued at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to Fossil, Inc. Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk By Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Consolidated Leverage Ratio Consolidated Leverage Ratio Consolidated leverage ratio percentage Consolidated Leverage Ratio Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio Maximum Leverage ratio Consolidated [Member] Consolidated [Member] Consolidated [Member] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Contingencies And Commitments [Table] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Corporate [Member] Corporate [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold Cost of sales Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option One [Member] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option One [Member] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option One [Member] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option Two [Member] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option Two [Member] Credit Agreement Interest Rate Option Two [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer List And Other Intangibles [Member] Customer List And Other Intangibles [Member] Customer List And Other Intangibles [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Customer Lists [Member] Debt Current Short-term debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument Basis Spread Over Libor Debt Instrument Basis Spread Over Libor Debt Instrument Base Debt instrument increments in excess of minimum principal amount. Debt Instrument Increments In Excess Of Minimum Principal Amount Debt instrument increments in excess of minimum principal amount Debt Instrument Interest Rate At Period End Interest rate Debt instrument leverage ratio percentage. Debt Instrument Leverage Ratio Percentage LIBOR rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument Periodic Payment Principal Minimum principal amounts Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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] Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred income tax assets-net Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income tax liabilities Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Plan Assets Investment in publicly traded mutual funds Depreciation Amortization And Accretion Net Depreciation, amortization and accretion Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Cash flow hedging instruments, Asset Derivatives Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Cash flow hedging instruments, Liability Derivatives Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Foreign contract derivative net of taxes, gain Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Position Period [Axis] Derivative Position Period [Axis] Derivative Position Period [Axis] Derivative Position Period [Domain] Derivative Position Period [Domain] Derivative Position Period [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Direct To Consumer [Member] Direct To Consumer [Member] Direct To Consumer [Member] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions And Goodwill Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Proforma Financial Information) [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions And Goodwill Proforma Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Proforma Financial Information) [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions And Goodwill Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Schedule Of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) [Abstract] Disclosure Acquisitions And Goodwill Schedule Of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions And Goodwill (Schedule Of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed) [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitment And Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitment And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitment And Contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest (Summary Of Changes In Equity Attributable To Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest) [Abstract] Disclosure Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest Summary Of Changes In Equity Attributable To Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Disclosure - Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest (Summary Of Changes In Equity Attributable To Controlling And Noncontrolling Interest) [Abstract] Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Derivatives And Risk Management Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Effective Portion Of Gains And Losses On Derivative Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges) [Abstract] Disclosure Derivatives And Risk Management Schedule Of Effective Portion Of Gains And Losses On Derivative Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Effective Portion Of Gains And Losses On Derivative Instruments Designated And Qualifying As Cash Flow Hedges) [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Balance Sheet Derivatives) [Abstract] Disclosure Derivatives And Risk Management Schedule Of Fair Value Of Balance Sheet Derivatives [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Balance Sheet Derivatives) [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts) [Abstract] Disclosure Derivatives And Risk Management Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Foreign Currency Forward Hedge Contracts) [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In AOCI) [Abstract] Disclosure Derivatives And Risk Management Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In A O C I [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivatives And Risk Management (Schedule Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Recognized In AOCI) [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Statement Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Nonrecurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Statement Policies Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Nonrecurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Statement Policies Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Numerators And Denominators Used In The Computations Of Both Basic And Diluted EPS) [Abstract] Disclosure Financial Statement Policies Numerators And Denominators Used In The Computations Of Both Basic And Diluted E P S [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Statement Policies (Numerators And Denominators Used In The Computations Of Both Basic And Diluted EPS) [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Related Effective Rate) [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Related Effective Rate [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Tax Expense And Related Effective Rate) [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible And Other Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense For Intangible Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure Intangible And Other Assets Schedule Of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense For Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible And Other Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense For Intangible Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible And Other Assets (Schedule Of Intangible And Other Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure Intangible And Other Assets Schedule Of Intangible And Other Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible And Other Assets (Schedule Of Intangible And Other Assets) [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories Schedule Of Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) [Abstract] Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Text Block] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND BENEFIT PLANS Disclosure - Segment Information (Schedule Of Net Sales For Each Class Of Similar Products) [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Schedule Of Net Sales For Each Class Of Similar Products [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information (Schedule Of Net Sales For Each Class Of Similar Products) [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information (Summary Information By Operating Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Summary Information By Operating Segment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information (Summary Information By Operating Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information (Total Assets for Each Reporting Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Total Assets For Each Reporting Segment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information (Total Assets for Each Reporting Segment) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity And Benefit Plans Narrative [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Narrative) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchase Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity And Benefit Plans Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchase Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchase Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity And Benefit Plans Schedule Of Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Unit Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity And Benefit Plans Schedule Of Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Stock Option And Stock Appreciation Rights Activity) [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding And Exercisable) [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity And Benefit Plans Schedule Of Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding And Exercisable [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity And Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding And Exercisable) [Abstract] Disclosure - Warranty Reserve (Schedule Of Warranty Liability) [Abstract] Disclosure Warranty Reserve Schedule Of Warranty Liability [Abstract] Disclosure - Warranty Reserve (Schedule Of Warranty Liability) [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Basic EPS Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Diluted EPS Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Income tax rate Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 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] Employee Related Liabilities Current Compensation Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Method Investment Dividends Or Distributions Distribution from joint venture Equity Method Investments Investments Euro [Member] Euro [Member] Euro [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member] Europe Wholesale [Member]