CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2016	Mar. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 34,171	$ 31,507
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	2,513	(58,178)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	19	18
Gain on cash flow hedges	0	294
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan		294
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,532	(57,866)
Comprehensive income (loss)	36,703	(26,359)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,327)	1,327
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 34,376	$ (25,032)