RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Summary of Activity Related to Rationalization Liabilities by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 255	$ 1,431
Payments and other adjustments	(4,813)	(1,435)
Charged to expense	7,615	259
Balance at the end of the period	3,057	255
North America Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	0
Payments and other adjustments	(827)
Charged to expense	827
Balance at the end of the period	0
Europe Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	173	411
Payments and other adjustments	(1,797)	(404)
Charged to expense	3,637	166
Balance at the end of the period	2,013	173
Asia Pacific Welding
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	90
Payments and other adjustments	(2,107)	(183)
Charged to expense	3,151	93
Balance at the end of the period	1,044	0
The Harris Products Group
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	82	930
Payments and other adjustments	(82)	(848)
Charged to expense	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 0	$ 82