RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Summary of Activity Related to Rationalization Liabilities by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,057	$ 255
Payments and other adjustments	(3,439)	(4,813)
Charged to expense	3,658	7,615
Balance at the end of the period	3,276	3,057
North America Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	0
Payments and other adjustments	(586)	(827)
Charged to expense	1,052	827
Balance at the end of the period	466	0
Europe Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,013	173
Payments and other adjustments	(1,343)	(1,797)
Charged to expense	1,765	3,637
Balance at the end of the period	2,435	2,013
Asia Pacific Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,044	0
Payments and other adjustments	(1,510)	(2,107)
Charged to expense	841	3,151	93
Balance at the end of the period	375	1,044	0
The Harris Products Group
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	82
Payments and other adjustments	0	(82)
Charged to expense	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 0	$ 0