SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 25, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 25, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories
Inventory valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market (as a percent)	39.00%		39.00%		40.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value	$ 48,562		$ 48,562		$ 49,536
Raw materials and purchased parts	220,974		220,974		202,953
Work-in-process	39,356		39,356		28,053
Finished goods and manufactured goods	229,528		229,528		212,312
Subtotal	489,858		489,858		443,318
Less: LIFO reserve	48,562		48,562		49,536
Net inventory	441,296		441,296		393,782
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States	68,132	36,203	130,827	62,320
Foreign	21,732	24,138	37,703	37,228
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	89,864	60,341	168,530	99,548
Stock Plans
Shares of common stock available for issuance	623,496		623,496
Stock option plans
Stock Plans
Compensation expense	1,245	1,215	2,490	2,467
Income tax benefits	$ 479	$ 468	$ 959	$ 950
Stock option plans | Minimum
Stock Plans
Vesting period of options (in years)			3 years
Expiration period of grant (in years)			P6Y
Stock option plans | Maximum
Stock Plans
Vesting period of options (in years)			6 years
Expiration period of grant (in years)			P10Y