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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended
Dec. 27, 2014
Dec. 28, 2013
Dec. 29, 2012
Nov. 30, 2013
Long-lived assets        
Depreciation expense $ 73,395us-gaap_Depreciation $ 62,291us-gaap_Depreciation $ 55,559us-gaap_Depreciation  
Impairment loss 0vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment 12,161vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment    
Delta EMD, Ltd.        
Long-lived assets        
Impairment loss       $ 12,161vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= vmi_DeltaEMDLtdMember
Buildings and improvements | Minimum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 15 years      
Buildings and improvements | Maximum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 40 years      
Machinery and equipment | Minimum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 3 years      
Machinery and equipment | Maximum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 12 years      
Transportation equipment | Minimum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 3 years      
Transportation equipment | Maximum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 24 years      
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 3 years      
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum        
Long-lived assets        
Estimated useful lives 7 years