GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 132,903	$ 65,101
Additions and adjustments	43,419	66,697
Foreign currency translation	(1,607)	1,105
Balance at the end of the period	174,715	132,903
North America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	86,277	18,514
Additions and adjustments	44,446	67,740
Foreign currency translation	(284)	23
Balance at the end of the period	130,439	86,277
Europe Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	25,357	23,867
Additions and adjustments	0	66
Foreign currency translation	(927)	1,424
Balance at the end of the period	24,430	25,357
Asia Pacific Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,248	5,208
Additions and adjustments	0	0
Foreign currency translation	111	40
Balance at the end of the period	5,359	5,248
South America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	614	561
Additions and adjustments	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(52)	53
Balance at the end of the period	562	614
The Harris Products Group
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	15,407	16,951
Additions and adjustments	(1,027)	(1,109)
Foreign currency translation	(455)	(435)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 13,925	$ 15,407