GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 65,101	$ 45,952
Additions and adjustments	66,697	21,774
Foreign currency translation	1,105	(2,625)
Balance at the end of the period	132,903	65,101
North America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,514	5,069
Additions and adjustments	67,740	13,478
Foreign currency translation	23	(33)
Balance at the end of the period	86,277	18,514
Europe Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	23,867	16,379
Additions and adjustments	66	9,543
Foreign currency translation	1,424	(2,055)
Balance at the end of the period	25,357	23,867
Asia Pacific Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,208	5,030
Additions and adjustments	0	0
Foreign currency translation	40	178
Balance at the end of the period	5,248	5,208
South America Welding
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	561	565
Additions and adjustments	0	0
Foreign currency translation	53	(4)
Balance at the end of the period	614	561
The Harris Products Group
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	16,951	18,909
Additions and adjustments	(1,109)	(1,247)
Foreign currency translation	(435)	(711)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 15,407	$ 16,951