Name:	leco_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAfterTaxAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the minimum percentage of every standard work week for which the Company will provide work to employees covered under the guaranteed continuous employment plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	leco_GuaranteedContinuousEmploymentPlanMinimumPercentageOfEveryStandardWorkWeekForWhichCompanyWillProvideWorkToEmployees
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the hours in a standard work week under Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	leco_GuaranteedContinuousEmploymentPlanStandardHoursInWorkWeek
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the minimum notice period prior to the end of calendar year for termination of Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan by the entity at the end of the year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	leco_GuaranteedContinuousEmploymentPlanTerminationNoticePeriodMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	leco_OtherBenefitsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	leco_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	leco_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accumulated Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503844

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

After tax net amount of gain (loss) that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income as they arise.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount related to after tax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

After tax amount of transition assets (obligations), as of the date FAS 87 or 106 was initially applied, that has not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTransitionAssetsObligationsAfterTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to gains and losses that are not recognized immediately and are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (s)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph s

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to prior service cost or credit expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position presented.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetPriorServiceCostCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to transition assets (obligations), origination from the adoption of FAS 87 and 106, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year that follows the most recent annual statement of financial position presented.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetTransitionAssetObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph E1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Target allocation maximum percentage of investments of this type to total plan assets presented on a weighted average basis.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Target allocation minimum percentage of investments of this type to total plan assets presented on a weighted average basis.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of contributions made to multiemployer plans by the employer. A multiemployer plan is a pension or postretirement benefit plan to which two or more unrelated employers contribute where assets contributed by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14450570&loc=SL14450702-114947

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14450570&loc=SL14450691-114947

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 80

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (e)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14450570&loc=SL14450657-114947

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MultiemployerPlanPeriodContributions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MultiemployerPlansAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitContributionsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of pension benefit costs recognized during the period for (1) defined benefit plans and (2) defined contribution plans. For defined benefit plans, pension expense includes the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss) on plan assets, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments. For defined contribution plans, the pension expense generally equals the firm's contribution to employees' accounts (if the firm contributes) during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph h

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (h)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5, 11

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 70

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414718&loc=d3e28014-114942

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PensionExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount provided for estimated restructuring charges, remediation costs, and asset impairment loss during an accounting period. Generally, these items are either unusual or infrequent, but not both (in which case they would be extraordinary items).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Textual) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 hours	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Retirement Annuity and Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plans
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)	$ 5,037	$ 3,059	$ 1,258	$ 9,354	$ 282	$ (384)
After-tax amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized actuarial net loss	264,514			264,514
Unrecognized prior service credits	(2,690)			(2,690)
Unrecognized transition obligations	20			20
Pre-tax amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year
Unrecognized actuarial net loss				32,314
Unrecognized prior service credits				(615)
Unrecognized transition obligations				4
Total accumulated benefit obligation for all plans	976,033			976,033	949,489
Contributions to Plans
Expected contribution to the plans during the next fiscal year	103,000			103,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Total net pension costs				36,258	26,370	29,123
Projected benefit obligation	1,033,725			1,033,725	991,979	851,948
Multi-Employer Plans
Annual pension costs of multi-employer plans for operations in Europe				972	966	1,052
Other Benefits
Minimum percentage of every standard work week for which, the Company will provide work to employees in Cleveland, Ohio, area operations, covered under the guaranteed continuous employment plan (as a percent)				75.00%
Hours in a standard work week under Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan (hours)				40
Minimum notice period for the termination of Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan (in months)				6 months
Supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Total net pension costs				2,254	2,110	2,118
Projected benefit obligation	25,646			25,646	23,930	21,412
Equity Securities
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum				60.00%
Target plan asset allocations range maximum				70.00%
Debt Securities
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum				30.00%
Target plan asset allocations range maximum				40.00%
Australia Plan
Retirement Annuity and Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plans
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)				$ 742