RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities	$ 269	$ 282	$ (2,559)
Employee severance		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		(1,348)
Charged to expense		259
Balance at the end of the period		342
Europe Welding
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities	370	188	2,079
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		411
Payments		(320)
Charged to expense		166
Balance at the end of the period		257
Asia Pacific Welding
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
Net charge related to rationalization activities		93	333
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		90
Payments		(183)
Charged to expense		93
The Harris Products Group
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		930
Payments		(845)
Balance at the end of the period		$ 85