CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 419,996	$ 414,129
Receivables, net	503,933	515,902
Inventories	451,257	412,384
Prepaid expenses	33,555	25,144
Refundable and deferred income taxes	61,745	58,381
Total current assets	1,470,486	1,425,940
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,025,003	994,774
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	490,653	482,162
Net property, plant and equipment	534,350	512,612
Goodwill	339,818	330,791
Other intangible assets, net	171,764	172,270
Other assets	100,826	126,938
Total assets	2,617,244	2,568,551
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	189	224
Notes payable to banks	13,324	13,375
Accounts payable	211,572	212,424
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	78,112	101,905
Accrued expenses	85,504	78,503
Income taxes payable	16,061
Dividends payable	6,020	6,002
Total current liabilities	410,782	412,433
Deferred income taxes	86,591	88,300
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	472,249	472,593
Defined benefit pension liability	96,841	112,043
Deferred compensation	37,693	31,920
Other noncurrent liabilities	49,163	44,252
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock of $1 par value - Authorized 500,000 shares; none issued
Common stock of $1 par value - Authorized 75,000,000 shares; 27,900,000 issued	27,900	27,900
Retained earnings	1,372,737	1,300,529
Accumulated other comprehensive income	30,499	43,938
Treasury stock	(21,518)	(22,455)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,409,618	1,349,912
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	54,307	57,098
Total shareholders' equity	1,463,925	1,407,010
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,617,244	$ 2,568,551