GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 45,952	$ 39,554
Additions and adjustments	21,774	6,224
Foreign currency translation	(2,625)	174
Balance at the end of the period	65,101	45,952
North America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,069	4,993
Additions and adjustments	13,478	(3)
Foreign currency translation	(33)	79
Balance at the end of the period	18,514	5,069
Europe Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	16,379	9,292
Additions and adjustments	9,543	7,473
Foreign currency translation	(2,055)	(386)
Balance at the end of the period	23,867	16,379
Asia Pacific Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,030	4,914
Foreign currency translation	178	116
Balance at the end of the period	5,208	5,030
South America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	565	531
Foreign currency translation	(4)	34
Balance at the end of the period	561	565
The Harris Products Group
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,909	19,824
Additions and adjustments	(1,247)	(1,246)
Foreign currency translation	(711)	331
Balance at the end of the period	$ 16,951	$ 18,909