RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities	$ (75)	$ (3,629)	$ 282	$ (2,828)
Employee serverence			259
Asset impairments			23
Expected costs associated with previously initiated rationalization activities			The Entity does not expect any further material costs associated with previously initiated rationalization activities
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period			1,431
Payments			(322)
Charged to expense			259
Balance at the end of the period	1,368		1,368
Europe Welding
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities	34	1,169	188	1,709
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period			411
Payments			(118)
Charged to expense			166
Balance at the end of the period	459		459
Asia Pacific Welding
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities	94	(45)	93	216
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period			90
Payments			(183)
Charged to expense			93
Balance at the end of the period	0		0
The Harris Products Group
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period			930
Payments			(21)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 909		$ 909