Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, without par value
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Tax Identification Number	34-1860551
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC
Entity Address, Address Line One	22801 St. Clair Avenue
City Area Code	216
Local Phone Number	481-8100
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000059527
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-1402
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	59,366,551
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	LECO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	44117
Entity Address, City or Town	Cleveland
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false