CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 43,442	$ 29,439	$ 77,613	$ 60,946
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	(2,296)	18,328	217	(39,850)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	19	19	38	37
Gain on cash flow hedges	0	751	0	1,045
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan		751		1,045
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,277)	19,098	255	(38,768)
Comprehensive income	41,165	48,537	77,868	22,178
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,787)	(1,968)	(4,114)	(641)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 39,378	$ 46,569	$ 73,754	$ 21,537