CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings	$ 189,318us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 280,460us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 238,916us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(82,275)	(71,698)	15,741
Realized loss on sale of foreign entity investment included in other expense		5,194
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary		8,559
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(82,275)	(57,945)	15,741
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
Loss arising during the period	983
Gain (deferred) on cash flow hedges	4,837
Amortization cost included in interest expense	594	400	400
Derivative adjustment	6,414	400	400
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($3,450) in 2014, ($10,143) in 2013, and ($12,377) in 2012	(13,709)	(41,282)	(35,020)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(89,570)	(98,827)	(18,879)
Comprehensive income	99,748	181,633	220,037
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,520)	(9,174)	(6,079)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 97,228us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 172,459us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 213,958us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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