SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 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)	38.00%		38.00%		40.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value	$ 47,406		$ 47,406		$ 49,536
Raw materials and purchased parts	218,177		218,177		202,953
Work-in-process	40,298		40,298		28,053
Finished goods and manufactured goods	221,620		221,620		212,312
Subtotal	480,095		480,095		443,318
Less: LIFO reserve	47,406		47,406		49,536
Net inventory	432,689		432,689		393,782
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States	48,524	33,005	179,351	95,325
Foreign	36,829	32,828	74,532	70,056
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	85,353	65,833	253,883	165,381
Stock Plans
Shares of common stock available for issuance	623,496		623,496
Stock option plans
Stock Plans
Compensation expense	1,245	1,265	3,735	3,732
Income tax benefits	$ 479	$ 487	$ 1,438	$ 1,437
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