CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings	$ 280,460	$ 238,916	$ 237,226
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(71,698)	15,741	(21,976)
Realized loss on sale of foreign entity investment included in other expense	5,194		1,446
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary	8,559
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(57,945)	15,741	(20,530)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
Loss arising during the period			(3,568)
Amortization cost included in interest expense	400	400	233
Derivative adjustment	400	400	(3,335)
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($10,143) in 2013, ($12,377) in 2012, and $8,697 in 2011	(41,282)	(35,020)	22,365
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(98,827)	(18,879)	(1,500)
Comprehensive income	181,633	220,037	235,726
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9,174)	(6,079)	(7,011)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 172,459	$ 213,958	$ 228,715