RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Summary of Activity Related to Rationalization Liabilities by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,276
Payments and other adjustments	(4,025)
Charged to expense	1,260
Balance at the end of the period	511
North America Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	466
Payments and other adjustments	(398)
Charged to expense	(68)
Balance at the end of the period	0
Europe Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,435
Payments and other adjustments	(2,854)
Charged to expense	930
Balance at the end of the period	511
Asia Pacific Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	375
Payments and other adjustments	(191)
Charged to expense	(184)
Balance at the end of the period	0
South America Welding [Member]
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	0
Payments and other adjustments	(582)
Charged to expense	582
Balance at the end of the period	$ 0