GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Webforge
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 17,501	$ 16,659
Newmark
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	11,111	11,111
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	9,237	8,792
Donhad
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	6,968	6,633
PiRod
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	1,750	1,750
Industrial Galvanizers
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	4,051	3,856
Other
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	7,290	7,224
Trade names
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 57,908	$ 56,025