10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period endedJune 30, 2014

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number:  0-1402

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio	34-1860551
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio	44117
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(216) 481-8100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.                                                            Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o  No x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares as of June 30, 2014 was 79,466,202.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1. Financial Statements		3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)		3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)		4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)		5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)		6
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		33
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		33
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		34
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		34
Item 1A. Risk Factors		34
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		34
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		35
Item 6. Exhibits		35
Signatures		36
EX-31.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
EX-31.2	Certification of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
EX-32.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
EX-101	Instance Document
EX-101	Schema Document
EX-101	Calculation Linkbase Document
EX-101	Label Linkbase Document
EX-101	Presentation Linkbase Document
EX-101	Definition Linkbase Document

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net sales	$	728,531		$	727,432		$	1,413,593		$	1,446,005
Cost of goods sold	478,264			487,094			936,990			979,095
Gross profit	250,267			240,338			476,603			466,910
Selling, general & administrative expenses	137,156			135,215			283,071			272,106
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	836			851			819			1,902
Operating income	112,275			104,272			192,713			192,902
Other income (expense):
Interest income	924			890			1,838			1,916
Equity earnings in affiliates	1,575			1,258			3,136			2,517
Other income	1,078			913			2,161			1,627
Interest expense	(986		)	(799		)	(2,556		)	(1,749		)
Total other income	2,591			2,262			4,579			4,311
Income before income taxes	114,866			106,534			197,292			197,213
Income taxes	37,577			34,007			63,579			57,843
Net income including non-controlling interests	77,289			72,527			133,713			139,370
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(43		)	(79		)	(72		)	(42		)
Net income	$	77,332		$	72,606		$	133,785		$	139,412
Basic earnings per share	$	0.97		$	0.88		$	1.67		$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.96		$	0.87		$	1.65		$	1.67
Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.23		$	0.20		$	0.46		$	0.40

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

3

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net income including non-controlling interests	$	77,289		$	72,527		$	133,713		$	139,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $90 and $184 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014; $(217) and $(331) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013	(176		)	(15		)	(597		)	587
Defined benefit pension plan activity, net of tax of $1,423 and $3,261 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014; $3,114 and $6,182 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013	2,536			4,972			5,080			10,077
Currency translation adjustment	12,130			(20,861		)	(228		)	(35,100		)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	14,490			(15,904		)	4,255			(24,436		)
Comprehensive income	91,779			56,623			137,968			114,934
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(19		)	(241		)	633			(91		)
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$	91,798		$	56,864		$	137,335		$	115,025

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

4

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(UNAUDITED)			(NOTE 1)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	204,285		$	299,825
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,598 in 2014; $8,398 in 2013)	407,223			367,134
Inventories:
Raw materials	105,733			112,478
Work-in-process	42,756			38,963
Finished goods	219,538			198,522
Total inventory	368,027			349,963
Other current assets	126,204			113,853
Total Current Assets	1,105,739			1,130,775
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	48,861			48,369
Buildings	371,828			373,373
Machinery and equipment	735,424			723,715
	1,156,113			1,145,457
Less accumulated depreciation	674,252			661,452
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	481,861			484,005
Non-current assets	557,239			537,087
TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,144,839		$	2,151,867
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Amounts due banks	$	4,996		$	14,581
Trade accounts payable	196,929			212,799
Other current liabilities	260,652			228,822
Current portion of long-term debt	1,912			715
Total Current Liabilities	464,489			456,917
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,159			3,791
Accrued pensions	22,901			26,999
Other long-term liabilities	134,817			133,472
Total Long-Term Liabilities	158,877			164,262
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares	9,858			9,858
Additional paid-in capital	248,499			240,519
Retained earnings	2,005,468			1,908,462
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(148,391		)	(151,941		)
Treasury shares	(597,898		)	(480,296		)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,517,536			1,526,602
Non-controlling interests	3,937			4,086
Total Equity	1,521,473			1,530,688
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	2,144,839		$	2,151,867

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

5

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	133,785		$	139,412
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(72		)	(42		)
Net income including non-controlling interests	133,713			139,370
Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash    provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	859			354
Depreciation and amortization	35,900			34,555
Equity earnings in affiliates, net	(1,497		)	(882		)
Deferred income taxes	(326		)	19,704
Stock-based compensation	4,585			4,979
Pension expense	5,476			14,935
Pension contributions and payments	(24,164		)	(81,351		)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	21,157			(1,362		)
Other, net	(4,757		)	1,015
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(43,341		)	(43,367		)
Increase in inventories	(17,455		)	(12,308		)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets	(15,847		)	6,209
Decrease in trade accounts payable	(15,449		)	(11,840		)
Increase in other current liabilities	43,227			19,412
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities	(3,476		)	(2,372		)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	118,605			87,051
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(39,947		)	(31,048		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(892		)	(4,676		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	5,509			592
Other investing activities	778			(4,217		)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(34,552		)	(39,349		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,151			514
Payments on short-term borrowings	(9,914		)	(1,653		)
Amounts due banks, net	71			(1,392		)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	57			—
Payments on long-term borrowings	(1,508		)	(224		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,010			13,204
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,478			5,465
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333		)	(69,677		)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(37,119		)	(16,580		)
Transactions with non-controlling interests	(2,330		)	(2,809		)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(162,437		)	(73,152		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents	(17,156		)	(4,625		)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(95,540		)	(30,075		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	299,825			286,464
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	204,285		$	256,389

6

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

As used in this report, the term “Company,” except as otherwise indicated by the context, means Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest.  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  However, in the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods.  Operating results for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications.

Venezuela — Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under GAAP.  As a result, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010.  Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings.  On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Effective February 13, 2013, the official rate moved from 4.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. The devaluation of the bolivar resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $8,081 in Selling, general & administrative expenses and higher Cost of goods sold of $1,579 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate.

In January 2014, the Venezuela government announced the formation of the National Center of Foreign Trade (“CENCOEX”) to replace the Commission for the Administration of Currency Exchange (“CADIVI”). Effective January 24, 2014, the exchange rate applicable to the settlement of certain transactions through CENCOEX, including payments of dividends and royalties, changed to utilize the Complementary System of Foreign Currency Administration ("SICAD") auction-based exchange rate (the "SICAD I rate") as opposed to the official rate. In February 2014, the government announced a new market based foreign exchange system, the SICAD II. The exchange rate established through SICAD II fluctuates daily and is significantly higher than both the official rate and the SICAD I rate.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company determined that the rate used in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars would change to the SICAD I rate as future remittances for dividend payments could be transacted at the SICAD I rate. As of March 31, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a remeasurement loss on the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position of $17,665 which was recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company incurred higher Cost of goods sold of $3,468 during the second quarter of 2014 related to the adoption of the SICAD I rate. The SICAD I rate is determined by periodic auctions which may result in additional losses or gains on a remeasurement of the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position. While there remains considerable uncertainty as to the nature and volume of transactions that will flow through the various currency exchange mechanisms, the Company has determined that the SICAD I rate remains the most appropriate exchange rate for the Company to utilize in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars. As of June 30, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.6 bolivars to the U.S dollar.

Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon the applied currency exchange mechanisms, the movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuelan operation’s balance sheet.  The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $23,973 at June 30, 2014, including $16,028 of cash and cash equivalents and $38,633 at December 31, 2013, including $50,642 of cash and cash equivalents.  

7

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 2 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Numerator:
Net income	$	77,332	$	72,606	$	133,785	$	139,412
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	79,873		82,419		80,260		82,569
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards	900		992		934		1,037
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	80,773		83,411		81,194		83,606
Basic earnings per share	$	0.97	$	0.88	$	1.67	$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.96	$	0.87	$	1.65	$	1.67

For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 261,725 and 418,407, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 263,363 and 420,770, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 3 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards Adopted:

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with limited exceptions. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-11 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014 and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment ("CTA") under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the CTA into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related CTA into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-05 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted:

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." ASU 2014-12 requires a performance target which affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition by applying existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions. The amendment also specifies the period over which compensation costs should be recognized. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements.

8

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, the amendment provides five steps that an entity should apply when recognizing revenue. The amendment also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. An entity can either adopt this amendment retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of initial application. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements.

NOTE 4 — ACQUISITIONS

During 2014, the Company acquired the remaining interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Harris Soldas Especiais S.A. The purchase price was not material.

During November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Robolution GmbH ("Robolution").  Robolution, based outside of Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European provider of robotic arc welding systems. The acquisition added to the Company's growing automation business and will enable the Company to support automation customers across three continents.

During November 2013, the Company acquired an ownership interest in Burlington Automation Corporation ("Burlington"). Burlington, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design and manufacture of 3D robotic plasma cutting systems whose products are sold under the brand name Python X^®. The acquisition broadens the Company's portfolio of automated cutting and welding process solutions.

Combined revenues for Robolution and Burlington in 2013 were approximately $35,000. The Company acquired Robolution and Burlington for approximately $54,261 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt and an $18,943 liability to acquire the remaining financial interest in Burlington. The fair value of net assets acquired was $30,310, resulting in goodwill of $42,894. The purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. In addition, during 2013 the Company acquired a greater interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Lincoln Electric Heli (Zhengzhou) Welding Materials Company Ltd. The purchase price was not material.

Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is not material.  Acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

NOTE 5 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products.  The Company also has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company’s worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives.  The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group.  The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.  The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively.  The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company’s global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States.

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”), as adjusted.  Segment EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.

9

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Financial information for the reportable segments follows:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding		Asia Pacific Welding			South America Welding			The Harris Products Group		Corporate / Eliminations			Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	429,490		$	115,574	$	66,997		$	39,051		$	77,419	$	—		$	728,531
Inter-segment sales	33,360			5,494		3,600			35			2,262		(44,751		)	—
Total	$	462,850		$	121,068	$	70,597		$	39,086		$	79,681	$	(44,751	)	$	728,531
EBIT, as adjusted	$	91,195		$	14,899	$	365		$	4,995		$	7,178	$	600		$	119,232
Special items (gain) charge	(21		)	965		(108		)	3,468			—		—			4,304
EBIT	$	91,216		$	13,934	$	473		$	1,527		$	7,178	$	600		$	114,928
Interest income																	924
Interest expense																	(986		)
Income before income taxes																	$	114,866
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	419,069		$	108,661	$	69,239		$	44,503		$	85,960	$	—		$	727,432
Inter-segment sales	35,529			4,330		4,374			51			2,674		(46,958		)	—
Total	$	454,598		$	112,991	$	73,613		$	44,554		$	88,634	$	(46,958	)	$	727,432
EBIT, as adjusted	$	82,777		$	9,532	$	653		$	11,065		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	109,832
Special items (gain) charge	266			75		510			2,538			—		—			3,389
EBIT	$	82,511		$	9,457	$	143		$	8,527		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	106,443
Interest income																	890
Interest expense																	(799		)
Income before income taxes																	$	106,534
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	831,396		$	220,980	$	128,283		$	83,044		$	149,890	$	—		$	1,413,593
Inter-segment sales	66,303			11,354		8,049			64			4,380		(90,150		)	—
Total	$	897,699		$	232,334	$	136,332		$	83,108		$	154,270	$	(90,150	)	$	1,413,593
EBIT, as adjusted	$	162,559		$	24,191	$	(275	)	$	16,760		$	13,236	$	3,491		$	219,962
Special items (gain) charge	(68		)	1,004		(117		)	21,133			—		—			21,952
EBIT	$	162,627		$	23,187	$	(158	)	$	(4,373	)	$	13,236	$	3,491		$	198,010
Interest income																	1,838
Interest expense																	(2,556		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,292
Total assets	$	1,150,833		$	418,283	$	319,965		$	149,430		$	172,781	$	(66,453	)	$	2,144,839
Six months ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	838,623		$	219,152	$	139,278		$	80,877		$	168,075	$	—		$	1,446,005
Inter-segment sales	64,514			8,609		8,758			71			4,898		(86,850		)	—
Total	$	903,137		$	227,761	$	148,036		$	80,948		$	172,973	$	(86,850	)	$	1,446,005
EBIT, as adjusted	$	159,437		$	20,233	$	2,946		$	16,177		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	211,146
Special items (gain) charge	1,126			69		707			12,198			—		—			14,100
EBIT	$	158,311		$	20,164	$	2,239		$	3,979		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	197,046
Interest income																	1,916
Interest expense																	(1,749		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,213
Total assets	$	1,000,724		$	446,142	$	339,657		$	124,841		$	187,475	$	(38,722	)	$	2,060,117

10

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

In the second quarter 2014, special items include net gains of $21 and $108 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and a net charge of $965 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $3,468, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the second quarter 2013, special items include net charges of $266, $75 and $510 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $2,538, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

In the six months ended June 30, 2014, special items include net gains of $68 and $117 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and a net charge of $1,004 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations.  The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $21,133, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the six months ended June 30, 2013, special items include net charges of $1,126, $69 and $707 in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $12,198, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

NOTE 6 — RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

The Company recorded net rationalization charges of $819 for the six months endedJune 30, 2014. The net charges include $729 primarily related to employee severance and $125 in asset impairments, offset by gains of $35 related to the sale and disposal of assets.  A description of each restructuring plan and the related costs follows:

North America Welding Plans:

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the North America Welding segment. Plans for the segment include consolidating its Oceanside, California operations and its Reno, Nevada operations to another facility in Reno, Nevada and consolidating its Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing operations into its current manufacturing operations in Cleveland, Ohio.  During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded gains of $68 related to these actions. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $53 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

Europe Welding Plans:

During 2014, the Company initiated a rationalization plan within the Europe Welding segment. The plan includes headcount restructuring to better align the cost structure with current economic conditions and operating needs. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded charges of $849, which represent employee severance costs. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $749 was recognized in Other current liabilities. The Company expects additional charges up to $270 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

During 2013, the Company initiated a rationalization plan within the Europe Welding segment to consolidate certain consumable manufacturing operations. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net charges of $253, which primarily represents employee severance and other related costs. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $88 was recognized in Other current liabilities. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the Europe Welding segment. Plans for the segment include the consolidation of manufacturing facilities in Russia, relocation of its Italian machine manufacturing operations to current facilities in Poland and headcount restructuring at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net gains of $98 related to these activities.  At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $144 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014.  Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

11

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Asia Pacific Welding Plans:

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the Asia Pacific Welding segment. Plans for the segment include the rationalization of its Australian manufacturing operations and headcount restructuring at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net gains of $101, which primarily represent a net reversal of $214 of previously accrued costs and $125 in asset impairment charges. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $35 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014.  Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

The Company continues evaluating its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods.

The following tables summarize the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment for the six months endedJune 30, 2014:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding			Asia Pacific Welding			Consolidated
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	466		$	2,435		$	375		$	3,276
Payments and other adjustments	(345		)	(2,465		)	(126		)	(2,936		)
Charged (credited) to expense	(68		)	1,011			(214		)	729
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	53		$	981		$	35		$	1,069

NOTE 7 — COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had a share repurchase program for up to 45 million of the Company’s common shares.  At management’s discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors.  During the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased an aggregate of 1,009,353 and 1,695,745 common shares in the open market under this program.  As of June 30, 2014, there remained 13,975,014 common shares available for repurchase under this program.  The repurchased common shares remain in treasury and have not been retired.

12

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 8 — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ("AOCI")

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(52	)		$	(158,149	)		$	(4,656	)		$	(162,857	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(173		)		—				12,106			3	11,933
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(3		)	1	2,536			2	—				2,533
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(176		)		2,536				12,106				14,466
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	682			$	(256,739	)		$	12,012			$	(244,045	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(4		)		—				(20,699		)	3	(20,703		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(11		)	1	4,972			2	—				4,961
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(15		)		4,972				(20,699		)		(15,742		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(82) (net of tax of $(10)) and Cost of goods sold of $79 (net of tax of $19); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $201 (net of tax of $32) and Cost of goods sold of $212 (net of tax of $73). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,423 and $3,114 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $24 and $(162) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

13

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	369			$	(160,693	)		$	8,383			$	(151,941	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	(883		)		—				(933		)	3	(1,816		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	286			1	5,080			2	—				5,366
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(597		)		5,080				(933		)		3,550
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	80			$	(261,844	)		$	26,364			$	(235,400	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	1,078				—				(35,051		)	3	(33,973		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(491		)	1	10,077			2	—				9,586
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	587				10,077				(35,051		)		(24,387		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $50 (net of tax of $10) and Cost of goods sold of $236 (net of tax of $105); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $302 (net of tax of $49) and Cost of goods sold of $793 (net of tax of $203). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $3,261 and $6,182 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $705 and $(49) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

14

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 9 — EQUITY

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,526,602		$	4,086		$	1,530,688
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	133,785			(72		)	133,713
Other comprehensive income	3,550			705			4,255
Total comprehensive income	137,335			633			137,968
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share	(36,779		)	—			(36,779		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	11,195			—			11,195
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333		)	—			(119,333		)
Transactions with non-controlling interests	(1,484		)	(782		)	(2,266		)
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	1,517,536		$	3,937		$	1,521,473

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	1,342,373		$	15,948		$	1,358,321
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	139,412			(42		)	139,370
Other comprehensive loss	(24,387		)	(49		)	(24,436		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	115,025			(91		)	114,934
Cash dividends declared - $0.40 per share	(33,030		)	—			(33,030		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	23,907			—			23,907
Purchase of shares for treasury	(69,677		)	—			(69,677		)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	1,378,598		$	15,857		$	1,394,455

NOTE 10 — INVENTORY VALUATION

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs.  For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time.  Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs.  Actual year-end costs and inventory levels may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations.  The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $73,077 and $70,882 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

15

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 11 — ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS

Other current liabilities at June 30, 2014 and 2013 include accruals for year-end bonuses and related payroll taxes of $69,615 and $73,179, respectively, related to the Company’s employees worldwide.  The payment of bonuses is discretionary and subject to approval by the Board of Directors.  A majority of annual bonuses are paid in December, resulting in an increasing bonus accrual during the Company’s fiscal year. 

NOTE 12 — CONTINGENCIES

The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced illnesses.  The claimants in the asbestos cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified amounts.  The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to contest such suits vigorously.

The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. If an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible but not probable, or if the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure is provided for material claims or litigation. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the validity or ultimate disposition of such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as facts and circumstances change and related management assessments of the underlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims. Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves.

Based on the Company's historical experience in litigating product liability claims, including a significant number of dismissals, summary judgments and defense verdicts in many cases and immaterial settlement amounts, as well as the Company's current assessment of the underlying merits of the claims and applicable insurance, the Company believes resolution of these claims and proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 13 — PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service.  Warranty services are generally provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale.  The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities.

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	15,180		$	15,304
Accruals for warranties	6,200			5,777
Settlements	(5,787		)	(6,306		)
Foreign currency translation	25			(190		)
Balance at end of period	$	15,618		$	14,585

16

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 14—DEBT

The Company has a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was entered into on July 26, 2012.  The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000.  The interest rate on borrowings is based on either LIBOR or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election.

NOTE 15—RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The components of total pension cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Service cost	$	5,081		$	5,744		$	10,144		$	11,419
Interest cost	10,615			9,508			21,277			18,898
Expected return on plan assets	(17,048		)	(15,860		)	(34,069		)	(31,264		)
Amortization of prior service cost	(152		)	(153		)	(307		)	(306		)
Amortization of net loss	4,209			8,106			8,431			16,217
Defined benefit plans	2,705			7,345			5,476			14,964
Multi-employer plans	267			226			531			465
Defined contribution plans	2,819			2,603			5,653			5,192
Total pension cost	$	5,791		$	10,174		$	11,660		$	20,621

The Company voluntarily contributed $20,000 to its defined benefit plans in the United States during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The amortization of net loss decreased due to greater actuarial gains during 2013, attributable to a higher discount rate and higher actual return on plan assets compared with the expected return on assets.

NOTE 16 — INCOME TAXES

The Company recognized $63,579 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $197,292, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 32.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, U.S. tax deductions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

The effective income tax rate of 29.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets more-likely-than-not to be realized, U.S. tax credits and deductions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $21,907 of unrecognized tax benefits.  If recognized, approximately $11,920 would be reflected as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.  The Company is currently subject to various U.S. state audits and non-U.S. income tax audits. 

17

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted for changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits and closing of statutes of limitations.  Based on information currently available, management believes that additional audit activity could be completed and/or statutes of limitations may close relating to existing unrecognized tax benefits.  It is reasonably possible there could be a reduction of $3,930 in previously unrecognized tax benefits by the end of the second quarter2015.

In July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends.  These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $58,651 plus approximately $15,974 of interest, net of tax.  The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit.  The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA.  The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge.  Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. A deposit was made and is recorded as a non-current asset valued at $83,880 as of June 30, 2014.  Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company’s U.S. federal tax return.  The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carry-back and carry-forward periods.  Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.

The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position.  In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment.  An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements in the period in which a judgment is reached.

NOTE 17 — DERIVATIVES

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business.  Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt.  The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.  The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges.  Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable.  If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued.  The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments.  Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions.  The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty.  None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at June 30, 2014.  The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Cash Flow Hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts were qualified and designated as cash flow hedges.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $29,344 and $36,880 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these cash flow hedges are recognized in AOCI and subsequently reclassified to Cost of goods sold or Sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, as the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings.

18

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges.  These derivatives are held as economic hedges of certain balance sheet exposures.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $218,577 and $186,158 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The fair value gains or losses from these contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged.

The Company had short-term silver and copper forward contracts with notional amounts of 295,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at June 30, 2014.  The notional amount of short-term silver and copper forward contracts was 290,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at December 31, 2013.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in Costs of goods sold.

Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets follow:

	June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
Derivatives by hedge designation	Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	124	$	437	$	706	$	219
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	884		610		766		228
Commodity contracts	—		499		262		47
Total derivatives	$	1,008	$	1,546	$	1,734	$	494

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives by hedge designation	Classification of gain (loss)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Not designated as hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts	Selling, general & administrative expenses	$	1,259		$	(2,803	)	$	1,298		$	(3,201	)
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	(505		)	2,650			(501		)	3,256

The effects of designated hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(228	)	$	369

		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivative type	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to:	2014			2013		2014		2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Sales	$	(82	)	$	201	$	50	$	302
	Cost of goods sold	79			212		236		793

The Company expects a loss of $228 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized. 

19

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 18 - FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs used to measure fair value:

Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2014, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of June 30, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Total assets	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,047	$	—	$	1,047	$	—
Commodity contracts	499		—		499		—
Contingent consideration	5,632		—		—		5,632
Forward contract	20,218		—		—		20,218
Deferred compensation	22,393		—		22,393		—
Total liabilities	$	49,789	$	—	$	23,939	$	25,850

20

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,472	$	—	$	1,472	$	—
Commodity contracts	262		—		262		—
Total assets	$	1,734	$	—	$	1,734	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	447	$	—	$	447	$	—
Commodity contracts	47		—		47		—
Contingent consideration	5,375		—		—		5,375
Forward contract	16,974		—		—		16,974
Deferred compensation	20,132		—		20,132		—
Total liabilities	$	42,975	$	—	$	20,626	$	22,349

The Company’s derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach.  The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts and net investment contracts using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets.  The Company measures the fair value of commodity contracts using Level 2 inputs through observable market transactions in active markets provided by financial institutions.  During the six months ended June 30, 2014, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3.

In connection with an acquisition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration fair valued at $5,632 as of June 30, 2014, which reflects a $257increase in the liability from December 31, 2013.  The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period.  The fair value of the contingent consideration is a Level 3 valuation and fair valued using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis. 

In connection with an acquisition, the Company obtained a controlling financial interest in the acquired entity and at the same time entered into a contract to obtain the remaining financial interest in the entity over a three-year period. The amount to be paid to obtain the remaining financial interest will be based upon actual financial results of the entity. A liability was recorded for the forward contract at a fair value of $20,218 as of June 30, 2014, which reflects a $1,448increase in the liability from the valuation date. The change in liability is recognized in interest expense in the six months endedJune 30, 2014. The fair value of the contract is a Level 3 valuation and is based on the present value of the expected future payments. The expected future payments are based on a multiple of forecast earnings and cash flows over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016, present valued utilizing a risk based discount rate. The present value calculations utilized discount rates of 3.5% reflective of the Company's cost of debt and 15.9% as a risk adjusted cost of capital and annual earnings before interest and taxes with growth rates ranging from 10.6% to 16.8%.

The deferred compensation liability is the Company’s obligation under its executive deferred compensation plan.  The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the market values of the participants’ underlying investment fund elections.

The fair value of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable,” “Amounts due banks” and “Trade accounts payable” approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The fair value of long-term debt at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, including the current portion, was approximately $2,979 and $4,212, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment.  The carrying value of this debt at such dates was $3,071 and $4,506, respectively.  Since considerable judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.

21

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

General

The Company is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products.  Welding products include arc welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes and fluxes.  The Company’s product offering also includes computer numeric controlled plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing.  In addition, the Company has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

The Company’s products are sold in both domestic and international markets.  In North America, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and also directly to users of welding products.  Outside of North America, the Company has an international sales organization comprised of Company employees and agents who sell products from the Company’s various manufacturing sites to distributors and product users. 

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2014					2013					Change
	Amount			% of Sales		Amount			% of Sales		Amount			%
Net sales	$	728,531		100.0	%	$	727,432		100.0	%	$	1,099		0.2	%
Cost of goods sold	478,264			65.6	%	487,094			67.0	%	(8,830		)	(1.8	%)
Gross profit	250,267			34.4	%	240,338			33.0	%	9,929			4.1	%
Selling, general & administrative expenses	137,156			18.8	%	135,215			18.6	%	1,941			1.4	%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	836			0.1	%	851			0.1	%	(15		)	(1.8	%)
Operating income	112,275			15.4	%	104,272			14.3	%	8,003			7.7	%
Interest income	924			0.1	%	890			0.1	%	34			3.8	%
Equity earnings in affiliates	1,575			0.2	%	1,258			0.2	%	317			25.2	%
Other income	1,078			0.1	%	913			0.1	%	165			18.1	%
Interest expense	(986		)	(0.1	%)	(799		)	(0.1	%)	(187		)	(23.4	%)
Income before income taxes	114,866			15.8	%	106,534			14.6	%	8,332			7.8	%
Income taxes	37,577			5.2	%	34,007			4.7	%	3,570			10.5	%
Net income including non-controlling interests	77,289			10.6	%	72,527			10.0	%	4,762			6.6	%
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(43		)	—		(79		)	—		36			45.6	%
Net income	$	77,332		10.6	%	$	72,606		10.0	%	$	4,726		6.5	%

Net Sales:  Net sales for the second quarter of 2014increased0.2% from the second quarter2013.  The sales increase reflects volume decreases of 1.4%, price increases of 2.3%, increases from acquisitions of 1.2% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 1.9%.  Sales volumes decreased primarily as a result of softer demand in the South America Welding segment. Product pricing increased from prior year levels reflecting the highly inflationary environment in Venezuela offset by pricing declines in The Harris Products Group segment due to significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper.

Gross Profit:  Gross profit increased4.1% to $250,267 for the second quarter2014 compared with $240,338 in the second quarter2013.  As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 34.4% in the second quarter2014 from 33.0% in the second quarter2013.  The increase was the result of geographic mix and operational improvements.  The current period includes a gain of $3,946 from an insurance settlement. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $9,249 unfavorable impact in the second quarter2014, which includes $3,468 related to the liquidation of Venezuelan inventory valued at a historical exchange rate.

22

Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses:  SG&A expenses were higher by $1,941, or 1.4%, in the second quarter2014 compared with the second quarter of 2013.  As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A expenses were 18.8% and 18.6% in the second quarter2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase in SG&A expenses was predominantly due to higher foreign exchange transaction losses of $2,982 and increased SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $1,745, partially offset by lower foreign currency translation of $3,471.

Equity Earnings in Affiliates:  Equity earnings in affiliates were $1,575 in the second quarter2014 compared with earnings of $1,258 in the second quarter of 2013.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in earnings in Turkey.

Interest Expense:  Interest expense increased to $986 in the second quarter2014 from $799 in the second quarter of 2013. The increase was due to the accretion of interest expense from a liability to acquire additional ownership interests in a majority-owned subsidiary.

Income Taxes:  The Company recognized $37,577 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $114,866, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 32.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared with an effective income tax rate of 31.9% in the second quarter of 2013. The higher effective income tax rate in the current period reflects a change in the mix of geographic earnings and the impact of losses incurred at certain non-U.S. entities for which no tax benefit was provided.

Net Income:  Net income for the second quarter2014 was $77,332 compared with Net income of $72,606 in the second quarter of 2013.  Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter2014 were $0.96 compared with $0.87 in the second quarter of 2013.  Foreign currency exchange rates had a $4,725 unfavorable impact in the second quarter2014, which includes $3,468 related to the liquidation of Venezuelan inventory valued at a historical exchange rate.

Segment Results

Net Sales:  The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2014:

			Change in Net Sales due to:
	Net Sales 2013		Volume			Acquisitions			Price			Foreign Exchange			Net Sales 2014
Operating Segments
North America Welding	$	419,069	$	(794	)	$	8,462		$	4,435		$	(1,682	)	$	429,490
Europe Welding	108,661		3,410			—			(212		)	3,715			115,574
Asia Pacific Welding	69,239		(264		)	—			370			(2,348		)	66,997
South America Welding	44,503		(8,770		)	—			16,709			(13,391		)	39,051
The Harris Products Group	85,960		(3,984		)	—			(4,571		)	14			77,419
Consolidated	$	727,432	$	(10,402	)	$	8,462		$	16,731		$	(13,692	)	$	728,531
% Change
North America Welding			(0.2		%)	2.0		%	1.1		%	(0.4		%)	2.5		%
Europe Welding			3.1		%	—			(0.2		%)	3.4		%	6.4		%
Asia Pacific Welding			(0.4		%)	—			0.5		%	(3.4		%)	(3.2		%)
South America Welding			(19.7		%)	—			37.5		%	(30.1		%)	(12.3		%)
The Harris Products Group			(4.6		%)	—			(5.3		%)	—			(9.9		%)
Consolidated			(1.4		%)	1.2		%	2.3		%	(1.9		%)	0.2		%

Net sales volumes for the second quarter of 2014 decreased for all operating segments except for the Europe Welding segment as a result of lower demand in the South America Welding and Harris Products Group segments.  Net sales volumes in the Europe Welding segment increased as a result of increased equipment sales. Product pricing in the North America Welding segment increased due to the realization of price increases. Product pricing in the South America Welding segment reflects a highly inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela, and pricing increases in Brazil and Argentina. Product pricing decreased for The Harris Products Group segment because of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the prior year period.  The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was due to the acquisitions of Robolution GmbH ("Robolution") and Burlington Automation Corporation ("Burlington") in November 2013 (see the "Acquisitions" section below for additional information regarding the acquisitions). With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments, except for the Europe Welding and The Harris Products Group segments, decreased due to a stronger U.S. dollar. The Europe Welding segment increased primarily due to a stronger euro, British pound and Polish zloty.

23

Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“EBIT”), as Adjusted:  Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted.  The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for the three months ended June 30, 2014 by segment compared with the comparable period in 2013:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			$ Change		% Change
North America Welding:
Net sales	$	429,490		$	419,069		10,421		2.5	%
Inter-segment sales	33,360			35,529			(2,169	)	(6.1	%)
Total Sales	$	462,850		$	454,598		8,252		1.8	%
EBIT, as adjusted	$	91,195		$	82,777		8,418		10.2	%
As a percent of total sales	19.7		%	18.2		%			1.5	%
Europe Welding:
Net sales	$	115,574		$	108,661		6,913		6.4	%
Inter-segment sales	5,494			4,330			1,164		26.9	%
Total Sales	$	121,068		$	112,991		8,077		7.1	%
EBIT, as adjusted	$	14,899		$	9,532		5,367		56.3	%
As a percent of total sales	12.3		%	8.4		%			3.9	%
Asia Pacific Welding:
Net sales	$	66,997		$	69,239		(2,242	)	(3.2	%)
Inter-segment sales	3,600			4,374			(774	)	(17.7	%)
Total Sales	$	70,597		$	73,613		(3,016	)	(4.1	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	365		$	653		(288	)	(44.1	%)
As a percent of total sales	0.5		%	0.9		%			(0.4	%)
South America Welding:
Net sales	$	39,051		$	44,503		(5,452	)	(12.3	%)
Inter-segment sales	35			51			(16	)	(31.4	%)
Total Sales	$	39,086		$	44,554		(5,468	)	(12.3	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	4,995		$	11,065		(6,070	)	(54.9	%)
As a percent of total sales	12.8		%	24.8		%			(12.0	%)
The Harris Products Group:
Net sales	$	77,419		$	85,960		(8,541	)	(9.9	%)
Inter-segment sales	2,262			2,674			(412	)	(15.4	%)
Total Sales	$	79,681		$	88,634		(8,953	)	(10.1	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	7,178		$	7,343		(165	)	(2.2	%)
As a percent of total sales	9.0		%	8.3		%			0.7	%

EBIT, as adjusted as a percent of total sales increased for the North America Welding segment in the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared with the same period of the prior year primarily due to operational improvements, lower pension expense and a gain of $3,946 from an insurance settlement, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. The increase in the Europe Welding segment is primarily due to volume increases of 3.1% and improved product mix. The South America Welding segment decrease was a result of lower volumes in Venezuela and higher SG&A expenses due to the foreign exchange losses in Venezuela.

24

In the three months ended June 30, 2014, special items include net gains of $21 and $108 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively and a net charge of $965 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $3,468, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the three months ended June 30, 2013, special items include net charges of $266, $75 and $510 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $2,538, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

Six Months EndedJune 30, 2014 Compared with Six Months EndedJune 30, 2013

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014					2013					Change
	Amount			% of Sales		Amount			% of Sales		Amount			%
Net sales	$	1,413,593		100.0	%	$	1,446,005		100.0	%	$	(32,412	)	(2.2	%)
Cost of goods sold	936,990			66.3	%	979,095			67.7	%	(42,105		)	(4.3	%)
Gross profit	476,603			33.7	%	466,910			32.3	%	9,693			2.1	%
Selling, general & administrative expenses	283,071			20.0	%	272,106			18.8	%	10,965			4.0	%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	819			0.1	%	1,902			0.1	%	(1,083		)	(56.9	%)
Operating income	192,713			13.6	%	192,902			13.3	%	(189		)	(0.1	%)
Interest income	1,838			0.1	%	1,916			0.1	%	(78		)	(4.1	%)
Equity earnings in affiliates	3,136			0.2	%	2,517			0.2	%	619			24.6	%
Other income	2,161			0.2	%	1,627			0.1	%	534			32.8	%
Interest expense	(2,556		)	(0.2	%)	(1,749		)	(0.1	%)	(807		)	(46.1	%)
Income before income taxes	197,292			14.0	%	197,213			13.6	%	79			—
Income taxes	63,579			4.5	%	57,843			4.0	%	5,736			9.9	%
Net income including non-controlling interests	133,713			9.5	%	139,370			9.6	%	(5,657		)	(4.1	%)
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(72		)	—		(42		)	—		(30		)	(71.4	%)
Net income	$	133,785		9.5	%	$	139,412		9.6	%	$	(5,627	)	(4.0	%)

Net Sales:  Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2014decreased2.2% from the comparable period in 2013.  The sales decrease reflects volume decreases of 3.2%, price increases of 1.4%, increases from acquisitions of 1.1% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 1.6%.  Sales volumes decreased as a result of soft demand in international markets. Product pricing increased from prior year levels reflecting the highly inflationary environment in Venezuela offset by pricing declines in The Harris Products Group segment due to significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper.

Gross Profit:  Gross profit increased2.1% to $476,603 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with $466,910 in the comparable period in 2013.  As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 33.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 32.3% in the comparable period in 2013.  The increase was the result of geographic mix and operational improvements. The current period includes gains of $3,946 from an insurance settlement. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $12,325 unfavorable translation impact in the six months ended June 30, 2014, which includes $3,468 related to the liquidation of Venezuelan inventory valued at a historical exchange rate.

Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses:  SG&A expenses were higher by $10,965, or 4.0%, in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with the comparable period in 2013.  As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A expenses were 20.0% and 18.8% in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase in SG&A expenses was predominantly due to higher foreign exchange transaction losses of $12,656, which includes a charge of $17,665 in the current period relating to a Venezuelan remeasurement loss compared with a charge of $8,081 in the prior year period due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and higher general and administrative spending of $4,406, primarily related to additional employee compensation costs and the inflationary environment in Venezuela, partially offset by lower foreign currency translation of $5,133.

25

Equity Earnings in Affiliates:  Equity earnings in affiliates were $3,136 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with earnings of $2,517 in the comparable period in 2013.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in earnings in Turkey.

Interest Expense:  Interest expense increased to $2,556 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $1,749 in the comparable period in 2013. The increase was due to the accretion of interest expense from a liability to acquire additional ownership interests in a majority-owned subsidiary.

Income Taxes:  The Company recognized $63,579 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $197,292, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 32.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared with an effective income tax rate of 29.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The effective income tax rate was higher in the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013 due to a change in the mix of geographic earnings and the 2012 U.S. research and development credit that was recognized in the first quarter 2013.

Net Income:  Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $133,785 compared with Net income of $139,412 in the six months ended June 30, 2013.  Diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $1.65 compared with $1.67 in the comparable period in 2013.  Foreign currency exchange rates had a $5,588 unfavorable impact in the the six months ended June 30, 2014, which includes $3,468 related to the liquidation of Venezuelan inventory valued at a historical exchange rate.

Segment Results

Net Sales:  The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2014:

			Change in Net Sales due to:
	Net Sales 2013		Volume			Acquisitions			Price			Foreign Exchange			Net Sales 2014
Operating Segments
North America Welding	$	838,623	$	(24,204	)	$	16,331		$	5,675		$	(5,029	)	$	831,396
Europe Welding	219,152		(2,077		)	—			(1,762		)	5,667			220,980
Asia Pacific Welding	139,278		(5,650		)	—			45			(5,390		)	128,283
South America Welding	80,877		(10,796		)	—			30,410			(17,447		)	83,044
The Harris Products Group	168,075		(3,584		)	—			(13,775		)	(826		)	149,890
Consolidated	$	1,446,005	$	(46,311	)	$	16,331		$	20,593		$	(23,025	)	$	1,413,593
% Change
North America Welding			(2.9		%)	1.9		%	0.7		%	(0.6		%)	(0.9		%)
Europe Welding			(0.9		%)	—			(0.8		%)	2.6		%	0.8		%
Asia Pacific Welding			(4.1		%)	—			—			(3.9		%)	(7.9		%)
South America Welding			(13.3		%)	—			37.6		%	(21.6		%)	2.7		%
The Harris Products Group			(2.1		%)	—			(8.2		%)	(0.5		%)	(10.8		%)
Consolidated			(3.2		%)	1.1		%	1.4		%	(1.6		%)	(2.2		%)

26

Net sales volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased for all operating segments as a result of soft demand in international markets.  Product pricing in the North America Welding segment increased slightly due to the realization of price increases. Product pricing in the Europe Welding segment decreased due to declining raw material costs. Product pricing in the South America Welding segment reflects a highly inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela, and pricing increases in Brazil.  Product pricing decreased for The Harris Products Group segment because of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the prior year period.  The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was due to the acquisitions of Robolution and Burlington in November 2013 (see the "Acquisitions" section below for additional information regarding the acquisitions). With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments, except for the Europe Welding segment, decreased due to a stronger U.S. dollar. The Europe Welding segment increased primarily due to a stronger euro, British pound and Polish zloty.

EBIT, as Adjusted:  Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted.  The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for the six months ended June 30, 2014 by segment compared with the comparable period in 2013:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			$ Change		% Change
North America Welding:
Net sales	$	831,396		$	838,623		(7,227	)	(0.9	%)
Inter-segment sales	66,303			64,514			1,789		2.8	%
Total Sales	$	897,699		$	903,137		(5,438	)	(0.6	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	162,559		$	159,437		3,122		2.0	%
As a percent of total sales	18.1		%	17.7		%			0.4	%
Europe Welding:
Net sales	$	220,980		$	219,152		1,828		0.8	%
Inter-segment sales	11,354			8,609			2,745		31.9	%
Total Sales	$	232,334		$	227,761		4,573		2.0	%
EBIT, as adjusted	$	24,191		$	20,233		3,958		19.6	%
As a percent of total sales	10.4		%	8.9		%			1.5	%
Asia Pacific Welding:
Net sales	$	128,283		$	139,278		(10,995	)	(7.9	%)
Inter-segment sales	8,049			8,758			(709	)	(8.1	%)
Total Sales	$	136,332		$	148,036		(11,704	)	(7.9	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	(275	)	$	2,946		(3,221	)	(109.3	%)
As a percent of total sales	(0.2		%)	2.0		%			(2.2	%)
South America Welding:
Net sales	$	83,044		$	80,877		2,167		2.7	%
Inter-segment sales	64			71			(7	)	(9.9	%)
Total Sales	$	83,108		$	80,948		2,160		2.7	%
EBIT, as adjusted	$	16,760		$	16,177		583		3.6	%
As a percent of total sales	20.2		%	20.0		%			0.2	%
The Harris Products Group:
Net sales	$	149,890		$	168,075		(18,185	)	(10.8	%)
Inter-segment sales	4,380			4,898			(518	)	(10.6	%)
Total Sales	$	154,270		$	172,973		(18,703	)	(10.8	%)
EBIT, as adjusted	$	13,236		$	14,494		(1,258	)	(8.7	%)
As a percent of total sales	8.6		%	8.4		%			0.2	%

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EBIT, as adjusted as a percent of total sales increased for the North America Welding segment in the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared with the same period of the prior year due to operational improvements, lower pension expense and a gain of $3,946 from an insurance settlement, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses. The increase in the Europe Welding segment is primarily due to higher production volumes and improved product mix.  The Asia Pacific Welding segment decrease is due to lower profitability in China due to weaker demand.

In the six months ended June 30, 2014, special items include net gains of $68 and $117 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and a net charge of $1,004 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations.  The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $21,133, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the six months ended June 30, 2013, special items include net charges of $1,126, $69 and $707 in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $12,198, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, all non-GAAP financial measures, in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance.  These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on the Company’s reported financial results.  Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") financial measures, as non-GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Operating income as reported	$	112,275	$	104,272	$	192,713	$	192,902
Special items (pre-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	836		851		819		1,902
Venezuela foreign exchange losses	3,468		2,538		21,133		12,198
Adjusted operating income	$	116,579	$	107,661	$	214,665	$	207,002

Special items included in Operating income during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $836 and $819, respectively, related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and Venezuelan remeasurement losses of $3,468 and $21,133, respectively, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

Special items included in Operating income during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $851 and $1,902, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and charges of $2,538 and $12,198, respectively, related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency. 

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The following table presents reconciliations of Net income and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Net income as reported	$	77,332	$	72,606	$	133,785	$	139,412
Special items (after-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	698		579		691		1,252
Venezuela foreign exchange losses	3,468		2,538		21,133		12,198
Adjusted net income	$	81,498	$	75,723	$	155,609	$	152,862
Diluted earnings per share as reported	$	0.96	$	0.87	$	1.65	$	1.67
Special items	0.05		0.04		0.27		0.16
Adjusted diluted earnings per share	$	1.01	$	0.91	$	1.92	$	1.83

Special items included in Net income during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $698 and $691, respectively, related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and Venezuelan remeasurement losses of $3,468 and $21,133, respectively, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

Special items included in Net income during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $579 and $1,252, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and charges of $2,538 and $12,198, respectively, related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash flow from operations can be cyclical.  Operational cash flow is a key driver of liquidity, providing cash and access to capital markets.  In assessing liquidity, the Company reviews working capital measurements to define areas for improvement.  Management anticipates the Company will be able to satisfy cash requirements for its ongoing businesses for the foreseeable future primarily with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, borrowings under its existing credit facilities.

The Company continues to expand globally and periodically looks at transactions that would involve significant investments.  The Company can fund its global expansion plans with operational cash flow, but a significant acquisition may require access to capital markets, in particular, the long-term debt market, as well as the syndicated bank loan market.  The Company’s financing strategy is to fund itself at the lowest after-tax cost of funding.  Where possible, the Company utilizes operational cash flows and raises capital in the most efficient market, usually the United States, and then lends funds to the specific subsidiary that requires funding.  If additional acquisitions providing appropriate financial benefits become available, additional expenditures may be made.

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The following table reflects changes in key cash flow measures: 

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			Change
Cash provided by operating activities	$	118,605		$	87,051		$	31,554
Cash used by investing activities	(34,552		)	(39,349		)	4,797
Capital expenditures	(39,947		)	(31,048		)	(8,899		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(892		)	(4,676		)	3,784
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	5,509			592			4,917
Other investing activities	778			(4,217		)	4,995
Cash used by financing activities	(162,437		)	(73,152		)	(89,285		)
Payments on short-term borrowings, net	(8,692		)	(2,531		)	(6,161		)
Payments on long-term borrowings, net	(1,451		)	(224		)	(1,227		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,010			13,204			(9,194		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,478			5,465			(2,987		)
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333		)	(69,677		)	(49,656		)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(37,119		)	(16,580		)	(20,539		)
Transactions with non-controlling interests	(2,330		)	(2,809		)	479
Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents	(95,540		)	(30,075		)

Cash and cash equivalents decreased31.9% or $95,540 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $204,285 from $299,825 as of December 31, 2013.  This decrease was predominantly due to cash provided by operating activities of $118,605 offset by capital expenditures of $39,947, payments on short-term borrowings of $8,692, purchase of treasury stock of $119,333 and cash dividends paid to shareholders of $37,119. The decrease in Cash and cash equivalents during the six months ended June 30, 2014 compares to a decrease of 10.5% or $30,075 to $256,389 during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $31,554 for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2013.  The increase was predominantly due to less pension contributions and payments of $57,187 in the six months ended June 30, 2014. Net operating working capital is defined as the sum of Accounts receivable and Total inventory less Trade accounts payable.  Net operating working capital to sales, defined as net operating working capital divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales, increased to 19.8% at June 30, 2014 compared with 17.6% at December 31, 2013 and 19.5% at June 30, 2013.  Days sales in inventory increased to 95.8 days at June 30, 2014 from 93.2 days at December 31, 2013 and 94.1 days at June 30, 2013.  Accounts receivable days increased to 53.4 days at June 30, 2014 from 50.3 days at December 31, 2013 and 52.4 days at June 30, 2013.  Average days in accounts payable decreased to 41.4 days at June 30, 2014 from 45.5 days at December 31, 2013 and increased from 40.3 days at June 30, 2013.

Cash used by investing activities decreased by $4,797 for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2013.  The decrease is predominantly due to a decrease in business acquisitions of $3,784 and an increase in proceeds from property, plant and equipment of $4,917. The Company currently anticipates capital expenditures of $70,000 to $80,000 in 2014.  Anticipated capital expenditures reflect investments for capital maintenance and to improve operational effectiveness.  Management critically evaluates all proposed capital expenditures and requires each project to increase efficiency, reduce costs, promote business growth, or improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company’s facilities.

Cash used by financing activities increased by $89,285 to $162,437 in the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2013.  The increase was predominantly due to higher net payments of short-term borrowings of $6,161, higher cash dividends paid to shareholders of $20,539 and higher purchases of common shares for treasury of $49,656. The Company currently anticipates share repurchases of approximately $250,000 in 2014.

The Company’s debt levels decreased from $19,087 at December 31, 2013 to $8,067 at June 30, 2014.  Debt to total invested capital decreased to 0.5% at June 30, 2014 from 1.2% at December 31, 2013. 

In July 2014, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.23 per share, or $18,276 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2014.  

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Canada — Notice of Reassessment

As discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, in July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the "CRA") for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends.  These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $58,651 plus approximately $15,974 of interest, net of tax.  The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit.  The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA.  The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge.  Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. A deposit was made in 2012 and is recorded as a non-current asset as of June 30, 2014.  Although the Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position, the ultimate outcome of the assessment remains uncertain.

Venezuela — Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under GAAP.  As a result, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010.  Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings.  On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Effective February 13, 2013 the official rate moved from 4.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. The devaluation of the bolivar resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $8,081 in Selling, general & administrative expenses and higher Cost of goods sold of $1,579 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate.

In January 2014, the Venezuela government announced the formation of the National Center of Foreign Trade (“CENCOEX”) to replace the Commission for the Administration of Currency Exchange (“CADIVI”). Effective January 24, 2014, the exchange rate applicable to the settlement of certain transactions through CENCOEX, including payments of dividends and royalties, changed to utilize the Complementary System of Foreign Currency Administration ("SICAD") auction-based exchange rate (the "SICAD I rate") as opposed to the official rate. In February 2014, the government announced a new market based foreign exchange system, the SICAD II. The exchange rate established through SICAD II fluctuates daily and is significantly higher than both the official rate and the SICAD I rate.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company determined that the rate used in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars would change to the SICAD I rate as future remittances for dividend payments could be transacted at the SICAD I rate. As of March 31, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a remeasurement loss on the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position of $17,665 which was recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company incurred higher Cost of goods sold of $3,468 during the second quarter of 2014, related to the adoption of the SICAD I rate. The SICAD I rate is determined by periodic auctions which may result in additional losses or gains on a remeasurement of the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position. While there remains considerable uncertainty as to the nature and volume of transactions that will flow through the various currency exchange mechanisms, the Company has determined that the SICAD I rate remains the most appropriate exchange rate for the Company to utilize in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars. As of June 30, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.6 bolivars to the U.S dollar.

At June 30, 2014, the amount of bolivar requests awaiting government approval to be paid in U.S. dollars at the SICAD I rate include $9,561 for dividend payments, of which $4,965 have been outstanding for more than a year, and $9,420 to be paid at the official rate, of which $5,098 have been outstanding for more than a year. In the second quarter 2014, the Company converted an insignificant amount of bolivars to U.S. dollars under any of the exchange mechanisms.

In the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s Venezuela operations contributed $43,174 to Net sales for the Company. Net income included a loss of $6,431, or $0.08 per diluted share from Venezuela. Adjusted net income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 included $14,702, or $0.18 per diluted share, from Venezuela. Future impacts to earnings will be dependent upon several factors including, the effect on earnings resulting from translating financial results at a rate other than the official rate, additional remeasurement losses or gains resulting from the fluctuation of the SICAD I rate or the movement to another rate for remeasurement purposes, the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuela operation’s balance sheet and potential compression to profit margins as a result of changes in raw material sourcing.  The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $23,973 at June 30, 2014, including $16,028 of cash and cash equivalents and $38,633 at December 31, 2013, including $50,642 of cash and cash equivalents. 

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The Company’s ability to effectively manage sales and profit levels in Venezuela will be impacted by several factors.  In addition to those factors previously mentioned, these include the Company’s ability to mitigate the effect of any potential future devaluation and Venezuelan government price or exchange controls.  If in the future the Company were to convert bolivars at a rate other than the SICAD I rate or exchange rates are revised, the Company may realize a loss to earnings.  For example, a future devaluation in the Venezuelan currency to the SICAD II rate, which was 50.0 as of June 30, 2014, would result in the Company realizing additional charges of approximately $6,000 to Cost of goods sold based on current inventory levels and $19,000 to Selling, general and administrative expenses based upon the current bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position. Further, in January 2014, the Venezuelan government also enacted the "Fair Prices Law" limiting prices and establishing a maximum profit margin on goods and services. The various restrictions on the distribution of foreign currency by the Venezuelan government could also affect the Company’s ability to pay obligations and maintain normal productions levels in Venezuela.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of accounting standards recently adopted or required to be adopted in the future.

Acquisitions

During 2014, the Company acquired the remaining interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Harris Soldas Especiais S.A. The purchase price was not material.

During November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Robolution.  Robolution, based outside of Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European provider of robotic arc welding systems. The acquisition added to the Company's growing automation business and will enable the Company to support automation customers across three continents.

During November 2013, the Company acquired an ownership interest in Burlington. Burlington, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design and manufacture of 3D robotic plasma cutting systems whose products are sold under the brand name Python X^®. The acquisition broadens the Company's portfolio of automated cutting and welding process solutions.

Combined revenues for Robolution and Burlington in 2013 were approximately $35,000. The Company acquired Robolution and Burlington for approximately $54,261 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt and a $18,943 liability to acquire the remaining financial interest in Burlington. The fair value of net assets acquired was $30,310, resulting in goodwill of $42,894. The purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. In addition, during 2013 the Company acquired a greater interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Lincoln Electric Heli (Zhengzhou) Welding Materials Company Ltd. The purchase price was not material.

Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is not material.  Acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

Debt

The Company has a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was entered into on July 26, 2012.  The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000.  The interest rate on borrowings is based on either LIBOR or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election.

32

Forward-looking Statements

The Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning.  Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results.  The factors include, but are not limited to: general economic and market conditions; the effectiveness of operating initiatives; interest rates; currency exchange rates and devaluations, including in highly inflationary countries such as Venezuela; adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation; actual costs of the Company’s rationalization plans; possible acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, acts of terror and natural disasters, on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general.  For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2013.  See “Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2014.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

33

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject, from time to time, to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising out of its normal operations, including, without limitation, product liability claims, regulatory claims and health, safety and environmental claims. Among such proceedings are the cases described below.

At June 30, 2014, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 14,800 plaintiffs, which is a net increase of 257 claims from those previously reported. In each instance, the Company is one of a large number of defendants. The asbestos claimants seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified sums. Since January 1, 1995, the Company has been a co-defendant in other similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 42,076 of those claims were dismissed, 22 were tried to defense verdicts, seven were tried to plaintiff verdicts (one of which is being appealed), one was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 646 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.

In July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due. The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge. Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company's U.S. federal tax return. The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carry-back and carry-forward periods. Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.

The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position. In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment. An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements in the period in which a judgment is reached.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer purchases of its common shares during the second quarter of 2014 were as follows:

Period	Total Number of Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
April 1 - 30, 2014	306,288	$	69.03	306,288	14,678,079
May 1 - 31, 2014	390,799	66.27		390,799	14,287,280
June 1 - 30, 2014	312,266	68.12		312,266	13,975,014
Total	1,009,353	67.68		1,009,353

1 In July 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program, which increased the total number the Company’s common shares authorized to be repurchased to 45 million shares.  Total shares purchased through the share repurchase programs were 31,024,986 shares at a total cost of $712.4 million for a weighted average cost of $22.96 per share through June 30, 2014.

34

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

3.1	Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on April 29, 2014, SEC file No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).
31.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2	Certification of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

35

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

/s/ Vincent K. Petrella

Vincent K. Petrella

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial

Officer and Treasurer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

July 28, 2014

36

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Christopher L. Mapes, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 28, 2014
	/s/ Christopher L. Mapes
	Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Vincent K. Petrella, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 28, 2014
	/s/ Vincent K. Petrella
	Vincent K. Petrella Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.

Date: July 28, 2014
	/s/ Christopher L. Mapes
	Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
	/s/ Vincent K. Petrella
	Vincent K. Petrella Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014 segment	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	$ 728,531	$ 727,432	$ 1,413,593	$ 1,446,005
Inter-segment sales	0	0	0	0
Total	728,531	727,432	1,413,593	1,446,005
EBIT, as adjusted	119,232	109,832	219,962	211,146
Special items net charges	4,304	3,389	21,952	14,100
EBIT	114,928	106,443	198,010	197,046
Interest income	924	890	1,838	1,916
Interest expense	(986)	(799)	(2,556)	(1,749)
Income before income taxes	114,866	106,534	197,292	197,213
Total assets	2,144,839	2,060,117	2,144,839	2,060,117	2,151,867
Special items
Number of operating segments			5
North America Welding
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	429,490	419,069	831,396	838,623
Inter-segment sales	33,360	35,529	66,303	64,514
Total	462,850	454,598	897,699	903,137
EBIT, as adjusted	91,195	82,777	162,559	159,437
Special items net charges	(21)	266	(68)	1,126
EBIT	91,216	82,511	162,627	158,311
Total assets	1,150,833	1,000,724	1,150,833	1,000,724
Europe Welding
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	115,574	108,661	220,980	219,152
Inter-segment sales	5,494	4,330	11,354	8,609
Total	121,068	112,991	232,334	227,761
EBIT, as adjusted	14,899	9,532	24,191	20,233
Special items net charges	965	75	1,004	69
EBIT	13,934	9,457	23,187	20,164
Total assets	418,283	446,142	418,283	446,142
Asia Pacific Welding
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	66,997	69,239	128,283	139,278
Inter-segment sales	3,600	4,374	8,049	8,758
Total	70,597	73,613	136,332	148,036
EBIT, as adjusted	365	653	(275)	2,946
Special items net charges	(108)	510	(117)	707
EBIT	473	143	(158)	2,239
Total assets	319,965	339,657	319,965	339,657
South America Welding
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	39,051	44,503	83,044	80,877
Inter-segment sales	35	51	64	71
Total	39,086	44,554	83,108	80,948
EBIT, as adjusted	4,995	11,065	16,760	16,177
Special items net charges	3,468	2,538	21,133	12,198
EBIT	1,527	8,527	(4,373)	3,979
Total assets	149,430	124,841	149,430	124,841
The Harris Products Group
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	77,419	85,960	149,890	168,075
Inter-segment sales	2,262	2,674	4,380	4,898
Total	79,681	88,634	154,270	172,973
EBIT, as adjusted	7,178	7,343	13,236	14,494
Special items net charges	0	0	0	0
EBIT	7,178	7,343	13,236	14,494
Total assets	172,781	187,475	172,781	187,475
Corporate / Eliminations
Financial information for the reportable segments
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Inter-segment sales	(44,751)	(46,958)	(90,150)	(86,850)
Total	(44,751)	(46,958)	(90,150)	(86,850)
EBIT, as adjusted	600	(1,538)	3,491	(2,141)
Special items net charges	0	0	0	0
EBIT	600	(1,538)	3,491	(2,141)
Total assets	$ (66,453)	$ (38,722)	$ (66,453)	$ (38,722)

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DERIVATIVES (Textual) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014 Foreign exchange contracts Designated as hedging instruments	Dec. 31, 2013 Foreign exchange contracts Designated as hedging instruments	Jun. 30, 2014 Foreign exchange contracts Not designated as hedging instruments	Dec. 31, 2013 Foreign exchange contracts Not designated as hedging instruments	Jun. 30, 2014 Silver forward contract Not designated as hedging instruments ozt	Dec. 31, 2013 Silver forward contract Not designated as hedging instruments ozt	Jun. 30, 2014 Copper forward contract Not designated as hedging instruments lb	Dec. 31, 2013 Copper forward contract Not designated as hedging instruments lb
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum period for which derivative contracts cover currency and commodity exposures	2 years
Derivative, notional amount		$ 29,344	$ 36,880	$ 218,577	$ 186,158
Notional amounts of forward contracts that are not designated as hedges						295,000	290,000	375,000	375,000
Gain (loss) expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings, next twelve months	$ 228
Gain (loss) expected to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings, period of recognition	12 months
Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial	Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

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DEBT (Details) (Revolving credit agreement, USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014
Revolving credit agreement
Debt
Borrowing capacity under the line of credit		$ 300,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date	Jul. 26, 2012
Covenant compliance description		As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants
Term of the credit agreement		5 years
Additional increase in borrowing capacity of the line of credit available at the entity's option		$ 100,000,000

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FAIR VALUE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value.	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value.	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value. Foreign exchange contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value. Foreign exchange contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value. Commodity contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value. Commodity contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Foreign exchange contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Foreign exchange contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Commodity contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Commodity contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Foreign exchange contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Foreign exchange contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Commodity contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Commodity contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Foreign exchange contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Foreign exchange contracts	Jun. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Commodity contracts	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Commodity contracts
Assets:
Assets				$ 1,008	$ 1,472		$ 262			$ 0	$ 0		$ 0			$ 1,008	$ 1,472		$ 262			$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Total assets		1,008	1,734					0	0					1,008	1,734					0	0
Liabilities:
Liabilities				1,047	447	499	47			0	0	0	0			1,047	447	499	47			0	0	0	0
Contingent consideration		5,632	5,375					0	0					0	0					5,632	5,375
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	18,943	20,218	16,974					0	0					0	0					20,218	16,974
Deferred compensation		22,393	20,132					0	0					22,393	20,132					0	0
Total liabilities		$ 49,789	$ 42,975					$ 0	$ 0					$ 23,939	$ 20,626					$ 25,850	$ 22,349

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ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accrued Employee Compensation And Benefits Disclosure Abstract
Accruals for year-end bonuses and related payroll taxes included in other current liabilities	$ 69,615	$ 73,179

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of total pension cost

The components of total pension cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Service cost	$	5,081		$	5,744		$	10,144		$	11,419
Interest cost	10,615			9,508			21,277			18,898
Expected return on plan assets	(17,048		)	(15,860		)	(34,069		)	(31,264		)
Amortization of prior service cost	(152		)	(153		)	(307		)	(306		)
Amortization of net loss	4,209			8,106			8,431			16,217
Defined benefit plans	2,705			7,345			5,476			14,964
Multi-employer plans	267			226			531			465
Defined contribution plans	2,819			2,603			5,653			5,192
Total pension cost	$	5,791		$	10,174		$	11,660		$	20,621

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FAIR VALUE

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs used to measure fair value:

Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2014, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of June 30, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Total assets	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,047	$	—	$	1,047	$	—
Commodity contracts	499		—		499		—
Contingent consideration	5,632		—		—		5,632
Forward contract	20,218		—		—		20,218
Deferred compensation	22,393		—		22,393		—
Total liabilities	$	49,789	$	—	$	23,939	$	25,850

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,472	$	—	$	1,472	$	—
Commodity contracts	262		—		262		—
Total assets	$	1,734	$	—	$	1,734	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	447	$	—	$	447	$	—
Commodity contracts	47		—		47		—
Contingent consideration	5,375		—		—		5,375
Forward contract	16,974		—		—		16,974
Deferred compensation	20,132		—		20,132		—
Total liabilities	$	42,975	$	—	$	20,626	$	22,349

The Company’s derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach.  The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts and net investment contracts using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets.  The Company measures the fair value of commodity contracts using Level 2 inputs through observable market transactions in active markets provided by financial institutions.  During the six months ended June 30, 2014, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3.

In connection with an acquisition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration fair valued at $5,632 as of June 30, 2014, which reflects a $257increase in the liability from December 31, 2013.  The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period.  The fair value of the contingent consideration is a Level 3 valuation and fair valued using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis. 

In connection with an acquisition, the Company obtained a controlling financial interest in the acquired entity and at the same time entered into a contract to obtain the remaining financial interest in the entity over a three-year period. The amount to be paid to obtain the remaining financial interest will be based upon actual financial results of the entity. A liability was recorded for the forward contract at a fair value of $20,218 as of June 30, 2014, which reflects a $1,448increase in the liability from the valuation date. The change in liability is recognized in interest expense in the six months endedJune 30, 2014. The fair value of the contract is a Level 3 valuation and is based on the present value of the expected future payments. The expected future payments are based on a multiple of forecast earnings and cash flows over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016, present valued utilizing a risk based discount rate. The present value calculations utilized discount rates of 3.5% reflective of the Company's cost of debt and 15.9% as a risk adjusted cost of capital and annual earnings before interest and taxes with growth rates ranging from 10.6% to 16.8%.

The deferred compensation liability is the Company’s obligation under its executive deferred compensation plan.  The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the market values of the participants’ underlying investment fund elections.

The fair value of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable,” “Amounts due banks” and “Trade accounts payable” approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The fair value of long-term debt at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, including the current portion, was approximately $2,979 and $4,212, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment.  The carrying value of this debt at such dates was $3,071 and $4,506, respectively.  Since considerable judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.

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INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	$ 37,577	$ 34,007	$ 63,579	$ 57,843
Pre-tax income	114,866	106,534	197,292	197,213
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)			32.20%	29.30%
Unrecognized tax benefits	21,907		21,907
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would be reflected as a component of income tax expense	11,920		11,920
Reasonably possible reduction in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months	(3,930)		(3,930)
Possible increase in Canadian federal and provincial tax due to reassessment	58,651		58,651
Possible interest on Canadian tax reassessment	15,974		15,974
Tax deposit	$ 83,880		$ 83,880
Interest percentage charged on tax assessment	5.00%		5.00%
Rate of interest to be earned on tax deposit upon favorable outcome	1.00%		1.00%

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COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Shares authorized for repurchase under share repurchase program	45,000,000	45,000,000
Shares purchased in the open market under share repurchase program	1,009,353	1,695,745
Remaining common shares available for repurchase under the share repurchase program	13,975,014	13,975,014

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:
Net income	$ 77,332	$ 72,606	$ 133,785	$ 139,412
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	79,873,000	82,419,000	80,260,000	82,569,000
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards (in shares)	900,000	992,000	934,000	1,037,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	80,773,000	83,411,000	81,194,000	83,606,000
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.88	$ 1.67	$ 1.69
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.96	$ 0.87	$ 1.65	$ 1.67
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	261,725	418,407	263,363	420,770

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DERIVATIVES (Income Statement Impact) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Foreign exchange contracts | Selling, general and administrative expense
Effects of designated cash flow hedges on the entity's Consolidated Statements of Income
Gains (loss) recognized in income	$ 1,259	$ (2,803)	$ 1,298	$ (3,201)
Commodity contracts | Cost of goods sold
Effects of designated cash flow hedges on the entity's Consolidated Statements of Income
Gains (loss) recognized in income	$ (505)	$ 2,650	$ (501)	$ 3,256

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PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Maximum period of warranty services	3 years
Changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals
Balance at beginning of year	$ 15,180	$ 15,304
Accruals for warranties	6,200	5,777
Settlements	(5,787)	(6,306)
Foreign currency translation	25	(190)
Balance at end of year	$ 15,618	$ 14,585

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Numerator:
Net income	$	77,332	$	72,606	$	133,785	$	139,412
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	79,873		82,419		80,260		82,569
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards	900		992		934		1,037
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	80,773		83,411		81,194		83,606
Basic earnings per share	$	0.97	$	0.88	$	1.67	$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.96	$	0.87	$	1.65	$	1.67

For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 261,725 and 418,407, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 263,363 and 420,770, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (148,391)		$ (259,787)		$ (148,391)		$ (259,787)		$ (162,857)	$ (151,941)	$ (244,045)	$ (235,400)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	11,933		(20,703)		(1,816)		(33,973)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,533		4,961		5,366		9,586
Net Current-Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14,466		(15,742)		3,550		(24,387)
Net sales	728,531		727,432		1,413,593		1,446,005
Cost of goods sold	478,264		487,094		936,990		979,095
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	37,577		34,007		63,579		57,843
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(228)		667		(228)		667		(52)	369	682	80
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(173)		(4)		(883)		1,078
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(3)	[1]	(11)	[1]	286	[2]	(491)	[2]
Net Current-Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(176)		(15)		(597)		587
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(155,613)		(251,767)		(155,613)		(251,767)		(158,149)	(160,693)	(256,739)	(261,844)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0		0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,536	[3]	4,972	[3]	5,080	[4]	10,077	[4]
Net Current-Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,536		4,972		5,080		10,077
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7,450		(8,687)		7,450		(8,687)		(4,656)	8,383	12,012	26,364
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	12,106	[5]	(20,699)	[5]	(933)	[6]	(35,051)	[6]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0		0		0		0
Net Current-Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	12,106		(20,699)		(933)		(35,051)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,423		3,114		3,261		6,182
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	24		(162)		705		(49)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Sales | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net sales	(82)		201		50		302
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(10)		32		10		49
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cost of goods sold | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	79		212		236		793
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 19		$ 73		$ 105		$ 203

[1] During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(82) (net of tax of $(10)) and Cost of goods sold of $79 (net of tax of $19); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $201 (net of tax of $32) and Cost of goods sold of $212 (net of tax of $73). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

[2] During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $50 (net of tax of $10) and Cost of goods sold of $236 (net of tax of $105); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $302 (net of tax of $49) and Cost of goods sold of $793 (net of tax of $203). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

[3] This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,423 and $3,114 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

[4] This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $3,261 and $6,182 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

[5] The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $24 and $(162) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

[6] The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $705 and $(49) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

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RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Summary of the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment

The following tables summarize the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment for the six months endedJune 30, 2014:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding			Asia Pacific Welding			Consolidated
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	466		$	2,435		$	375		$	3,276
Payments and other adjustments	(345		)	(2,465		)	(126		)	(2,936		)
Charged (credited) to expense	(68		)	1,011			(214		)	729
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	53		$	981		$	35		$	1,069

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of financial information for the reportable segments

Financial information for the reportable segments follows:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding		Asia Pacific Welding			South America Welding			The Harris Products Group		Corporate / Eliminations			Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	429,490		$	115,574	$	66,997		$	39,051		$	77,419	$	—		$	728,531
Inter-segment sales	33,360			5,494		3,600			35			2,262		(44,751		)	—
Total	$	462,850		$	121,068	$	70,597		$	39,086		$	79,681	$	(44,751	)	$	728,531
EBIT, as adjusted	$	91,195		$	14,899	$	365		$	4,995		$	7,178	$	600		$	119,232
Special items (gain) charge	(21		)	965		(108		)	3,468			—		—			4,304
EBIT	$	91,216		$	13,934	$	473		$	1,527		$	7,178	$	600		$	114,928
Interest income																	924
Interest expense																	(986		)
Income before income taxes																	$	114,866
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	419,069		$	108,661	$	69,239		$	44,503		$	85,960	$	—		$	727,432
Inter-segment sales	35,529			4,330		4,374			51			2,674		(46,958		)	—
Total	$	454,598		$	112,991	$	73,613		$	44,554		$	88,634	$	(46,958	)	$	727,432
EBIT, as adjusted	$	82,777		$	9,532	$	653		$	11,065		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	109,832
Special items (gain) charge	266			75		510			2,538			—		—			3,389
EBIT	$	82,511		$	9,457	$	143		$	8,527		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	106,443
Interest income																	890
Interest expense																	(799		)
Income before income taxes																	$	106,534
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	831,396		$	220,980	$	128,283		$	83,044		$	149,890	$	—		$	1,413,593
Inter-segment sales	66,303			11,354		8,049			64			4,380		(90,150		)	—
Total	$	897,699		$	232,334	$	136,332		$	83,108		$	154,270	$	(90,150	)	$	1,413,593
EBIT, as adjusted	$	162,559		$	24,191	$	(275	)	$	16,760		$	13,236	$	3,491		$	219,962
Special items (gain) charge	(68		)	1,004		(117		)	21,133			—		—			21,952
EBIT	$	162,627		$	23,187	$	(158	)	$	(4,373	)	$	13,236	$	3,491		$	198,010
Interest income																	1,838
Interest expense																	(2,556		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,292
Total assets	$	1,150,833		$	418,283	$	319,965		$	149,430		$	172,781	$	(66,453	)	$	2,144,839
Six months ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	838,623		$	219,152	$	139,278		$	80,877		$	168,075	$	—		$	1,446,005
Inter-segment sales	64,514			8,609		8,758			71			4,898		(86,850		)	—
Total	$	903,137		$	227,761	$	148,036		$	80,948		$	172,973	$	(86,850	)	$	1,446,005
EBIT, as adjusted	$	159,437		$	20,233	$	2,946		$	16,177		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	211,146
Special items (gain) charge	1,126			69		707			12,198			—		—			14,100
EBIT	$	158,311		$	20,164	$	2,239		$	3,979		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	197,046
Interest income																	1,916
Interest expense																	(1,749		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,213
Total assets	$	1,000,724		$	446,142	$	339,657		$	124,841		$	187,475	$	(38,722	)	$	2,060,117

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FAIR VALUE (Textual) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 1,448
Period of estimated sales as basis for contingent consideration	3 years
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value			18,943
Cost of debt (as a percent)	3.50%
Risk adjusted cost of capital (as a percent)	15.90%
Fair value of long-term debt	2,979	4,212
Carrying value of long-term debt	3,071	4,506
SSCO Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a Arc Products)
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value of contingent consideration liability	5,632
Increase in liability	257
Period of estimated sales as basis for contingent consideration	5 years
Minimum [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Weighted Average Compound Annual EBIT Growth Rate	10.60%
Maximum
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Weighted Average Compound Annual EBIT Growth Rate	16.80%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Fair value of contingent consideration liability	5,632	5,375
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 20,218	$ 16,974

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EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Changes in equity
Balance at the beginning of the period			$ 1,530,688	$ 1,358,321
Comprehensive income:
Net income including non-controlling interests	77,289	72,527	133,713	139,370
Other comprehensive income	14,490	(15,904)	4,255	(24,436)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	91,779	56,623	137,968	114,934
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share and $0.40 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively			(36,779)	(33,030)
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.20	$ 0.46	$ 0.40
Issuance of shares under benefit plans			11,195	23,907
Purchase of shares for treasury			(119,333)	(69,677)
Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests			(2,266)
Balance at the end of the period	1,521,473	1,394,455	1,521,473	1,394,455
Shareholders' Equity
Changes in equity
Balance at the beginning of the period			1,526,602	1,342,373
Comprehensive income:
Net income including non-controlling interests			133,785	139,412
Other comprehensive income			3,550	(24,387)
Total comprehensive income (loss)			137,335	115,025
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share and $0.40 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively			(36,779)	(33,030)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans			11,195	23,907
Purchase of shares for treasury			(119,333)	(69,677)
Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests			(1,484)
Balance at the end of the period	1,517,536	1,378,598	1,517,536	1,378,598
Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in equity
Balance at the beginning of the period			4,086	15,948
Comprehensive income:
Net income including non-controlling interests			(72)	(42)
Other comprehensive income			705	(49)
Total comprehensive income (loss)			633	(91)
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share and $0.40 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively			0	0
Issuance of shares under benefit plans			0	0
Purchase of shares for treasury			0	0
Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests			(782)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 3,937	$ 15,857	$ 3,937	$ 15,857

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(52	)		$	(158,149	)		$	(4,656	)		$	(162,857	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(173		)		—				12,106			3	11,933
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(3		)	1	2,536			2	—				2,533
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(176		)		2,536				12,106				14,466
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	682			$	(256,739	)		$	12,012			$	(244,045	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(4		)		—				(20,699		)	3	(20,703		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(11		)	1	4,972			2	—				4,961
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(15		)		4,972				(20,699		)		(15,742		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(82) (net of tax of $(10)) and Cost of goods sold of $79 (net of tax of $19); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $201 (net of tax of $32) and Cost of goods sold of $212 (net of tax of $73). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,423 and $3,114 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $24 and $(162) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	369			$	(160,693	)		$	8,383			$	(151,941	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	(883		)		—				(933		)	3	(1,816		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	286			1	5,080			2	—				5,366
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(597		)		5,080				(933		)		3,550
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	80			$	(261,844	)		$	26,364			$	(235,400	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	1,078				—				(35,051		)	3	(33,973		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(491		)	1	10,077			2	—				9,586
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	587				10,077				(35,051		)		(24,387		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $50 (net of tax of $10) and Cost of goods sold of $236 (net of tax of $105); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $302 (net of tax of $49) and Cost of goods sold of $793 (net of tax of $203). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $3,261 and $6,182 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $705 and $(49) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

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EQUITY (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in equity

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,526,602		$	4,086		$	1,530,688
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	133,785			(72		)	133,713
Other comprehensive income	3,550			705			4,255
Total comprehensive income	137,335			633			137,968
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share	(36,779		)	—			(36,779		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	11,195			—			11,195
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333		)	—			(119,333		)
Transactions with non-controlling interests	(1,484		)	(782		)	(2,266		)
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	1,517,536		$	3,937		$	1,521,473

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	1,342,373		$	15,948		$	1,358,321
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	139,412			(42		)	139,370
Other comprehensive loss	(24,387		)	(49		)	(24,436		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	115,025			(91		)	114,934
Cash dividends declared - $0.40 per share	(33,030		)	—			(33,030		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	23,907			—			23,907
Purchase of shares for treasury	(69,677		)	—			(69,677		)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	1,378,598		$	15,857		$	1,394,455

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

As used in this report, the term “Company,” except as otherwise indicated by the context, means Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest.  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  However, in the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods.  Operating results for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications.

Venezuela — Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under GAAP.  As a result, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010.  Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings.  On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Effective February 13, 2013, the official rate moved from 4.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. The devaluation of the bolivar resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $8,081 in Selling, general & administrative expenses and higher Cost of goods sold of $1,579 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate.

In January 2014, the Venezuela government announced the formation of the National Center of Foreign Trade (“CENCOEX”) to replace the Commission for the Administration of Currency Exchange (“CADIVI”). Effective January 24, 2014, the exchange rate applicable to the settlement of certain transactions through CENCOEX, including payments of dividends and royalties, changed to utilize the Complementary System of Foreign Currency Administration ("SICAD") auction-based exchange rate (the "SICAD I rate") as opposed to the official rate. In February 2014, the government announced a new market based foreign exchange system, the SICAD II. The exchange rate established through SICAD II fluctuates daily and is significantly higher than both the official rate and the SICAD I rate.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company determined that the rate used in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars would change to the SICAD I rate as future remittances for dividend payments could be transacted at the SICAD I rate. As of March 31, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a remeasurement loss on the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position of $17,665 which was recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company incurred higher Cost of goods sold of $3,468 during the second quarter of 2014 related to the adoption of the SICAD I rate. The SICAD I rate is determined by periodic auctions which may result in additional losses or gains on a remeasurement of the bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position. While there remains considerable uncertainty as to the nature and volume of transactions that will flow through the various currency exchange mechanisms, the Company has determined that the SICAD I rate remains the most appropriate exchange rate for the Company to utilize in remeasuring the Venezuelan operation's financial statements into U.S. dollars. As of June 30, 2014, the SICAD I rate was 10.6 bolivars to the U.S dollar.

Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon the applied currency exchange mechanisms, the movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuelan operation’s balance sheet.  The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $23,973 at June 30, 2014, including $16,028 of cash and cash equivalents and $38,633 at December 31, 2013, including $50,642 of cash and cash equivalents.

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PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of the changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	15,180		$	15,304
Accruals for warranties	6,200			5,777
Settlements	(5,787		)	(6,306		)
Foreign currency translation	25			(190		)
Balance at end of period	$	15,618		$	14,585

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RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Summary of Activity Related to Rationalization Liabilities by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,276
Payments and other adjustments	(2,936)
Charged to expense	729
Balance at the end of the period	1,069
North America Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	466
Payments and other adjustments	(345)
Charged to expense	(68)
Balance at the end of the period	53
Europe Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	2,435
Payments and other adjustments	(2,465)
Charged to expense	1,011
Balance at the end of the period	981
Asia Pacific Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Balance at the beginning of the period	375
Payments and other adjustments	(126)
Charged to expense	(214)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 35

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DERIVATIVES (AOCI Impact) (Details) (Foreign exchange contracts, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014 Sales	Jun. 30, 2013 Sales	Jun. 30, 2014 Sales	Jun. 30, 2013 Sales	Jun. 30, 2014 Cost of goods sold	Jun. 30, 2013 Cost of goods sold	Jun. 30, 2014 Cost of goods sold	Jun. 30, 2013 Cost of goods sold
Effects of designated cash flow hedges on the entity's AOCI
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$ (228)	$ 369
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income			$ (82)	$ 201	$ 50	$ 302	$ 79	$ 212	$ 236	$ 793

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 728,531	$ 727,432	$ 1,413,593	$ 1,446,005
Cost of goods sold	478,264	487,094	936,990	979,095
Gross profit	250,267	240,338	476,603	466,910
Selling, general & administrative expenses	137,156	135,215	283,071	272,106
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	836	851	819	1,902
Operating income	112,275	104,272	192,713	192,902
Other income (expense):
Interest income	924	890	1,838	1,916
Equity earnings in affiliates	1,575	1,258	3,136	2,517
Other income	1,078	913	2,161	1,627
Interest expense	(986)	(799)	(2,556)	(1,749)
Total other income	2,591	2,262	4,579	4,311
Income before income taxes	114,866	106,534	197,292	197,213
Income taxes	37,577	34,007	63,579	57,843
Net income including non-controlling interests	77,289	72,527	133,713	139,370
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(43)	(79)	(72)	(42)
Net income	$ 77,332	$ 72,606	$ 133,785	$ 139,412
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.88	$ 1.67	$ 1.69
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.96	$ 0.87	$ 1.65	$ 1.67
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.20	$ 0.46	$ 0.40

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INVENTORY VALUATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Excess of current cost over LIFO cost	$ 73,077	$ 70,882

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 8,598	$ 8,398

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FAIR VALUE (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2014, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of June 30, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Total assets	$	1,008	$	—	$	1,008	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,047	$	—	$	1,047	$	—
Commodity contracts	499		—		499		—
Contingent consideration	5,632		—		—		5,632
Forward contract	20,218		—		—		20,218
Deferred compensation	22,393		—		22,393		—
Total liabilities	$	49,789	$	—	$	23,939	$	25,850

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description	Balance as of December 31, 2013		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,472	$	—	$	1,472	$	—
Commodity contracts	262		—		262		—
Total assets	$	1,734	$	—	$	1,734	$	—
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	447	$	—	$	447	$	—
Commodity contracts	47		—		47		—
Contingent consideration	5,375		—		—		5,375
Forward contract	16,974		—		—		16,974
Deferred compensation	20,132		—		20,132		—
Total liabilities	$	42,975	$	—	$	20,626	$	22,349

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The components of total pension cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Service cost	$	5,081		$	5,744		$	10,144		$	11,419
Interest cost	10,615			9,508			21,277			18,898
Expected return on plan assets	(17,048		)	(15,860		)	(34,069		)	(31,264		)
Amortization of prior service cost	(152		)	(153		)	(307		)	(306		)
Amortization of net loss	4,209			8,106			8,431			16,217
Defined benefit plans	2,705			7,345			5,476			14,964
Multi-employer plans	267			226			531			465
Defined contribution plans	2,819			2,603			5,653			5,192
Total pension cost	$	5,791		$	10,174		$	11,660		$	20,621

The Company voluntarily contributed $20,000 to its defined benefit plans in the United States during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The amortization of net loss decreased due to greater actuarial gains during 2013, attributable to a higher discount rate and higher actual return on plan assets compared with the expected return on assets.

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 VEB	Mar. 31, 2014 VEB	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Feb. 13, 2013 VEB	Dec. 31, 2012 VEB
Venezuela-Highly Inflationary Economy
Official exchange rate set by Venezuelan government for non-essential goods after devaluation (in bolivars per U.S. dollar)								4.3
OfficialBolivarsExchangeRateAfter2013Devaluation							6.3
Venezuela foreign currency transaction loss		$ 17,665	$ 8,081
Effect of liquidation of inventory valued at historical exchange rate after currency devaluation	3,468		1,579
SICAD I Rate				10.6	10.7
Net bolivar-denominated monetary assets position	23,973					38,633
Cash and Cash Equivalents Located in Venezuela	$ 16,028					$ 50,642

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DERIVATIVES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business.  Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt.  The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.  The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges.  Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable.  If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued.  The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments.  Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions.  The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty.  None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at June 30, 2014.  The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Cash Flow Hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts were qualified and designated as cash flow hedges.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $29,344 and $36,880 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these cash flow hedges are recognized in AOCI and subsequently reclassified to Cost of goods sold or Sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, as the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges.  These derivatives are held as economic hedges of certain balance sheet exposures.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $218,577 and $186,158 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The fair value gains or losses from these contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged.

The Company had short-term silver and copper forward contracts with notional amounts of 295,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at June 30, 2014.  The notional amount of short-term silver and copper forward contracts was 290,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at December 31, 2013.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in Costs of goods sold.

Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets follow:

	June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
Derivatives by hedge designation	Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	124	$	437	$	706	$	219
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	884		610		766		228
Commodity contracts	—		499		262		47
Total derivatives	$	1,008	$	1,546	$	1,734	$	494

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives by hedge designation	Classification of gain (loss)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Not designated as hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts	Selling, general & administrative expenses	$	1,259		$	(2,803	)	$	1,298		$	(3,201	)
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	(505		)	2,650			(501		)	3,256

The effects of designated hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(228	)	$	369

		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivative type	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to:	2014			2013		2014		2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Sales	$	(82	)	$	201	$	50	$	302
	Cost of goods sold	79			212		236		793

The Company expects a loss of $228 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 133,785	$ 139,412
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(72)	(42)
Net income including non-controlling interests	133,713	139,370
Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	859	354
Depreciation and amortization	35,900	34,555
Equity earnings in affiliates, net	(1,497)	(882)
Deferred income taxes	(326)	19,704
Stock-based compensation	4,585	4,979
Pension expense	5,476	14,935
Pension contributions and payments	(24,164)	(81,351)
Foreign Currency Loss (Gain)	21,157	(1,362)
Other, net	(4,757)	1,015
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(43,341)	(43,367)
Increase in inventories	(17,455)	(12,308)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets	(15,847)	6,209
Decrease in trade accounts payable	(15,449)	(11,840)
Increase in other current liabilities	43,227	19,412
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities	(3,476)	(2,372)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	118,605	87,051
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(39,947)	(31,048)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(892)	(4,676)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	5,509	592
Other Investing Activities	778	(4,217)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(34,552)	(39,349)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	1,151	514
Payments on short-term borrowings	(9,914)	(1,653)
Amounts due banks, net	71	(1,392)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	57	0
Payments on long-term borrowings	(1,508)	(224)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,010	13,204
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,478	5,465
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333)	(69,677)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(37,119)	(16,580)
Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests	(2,330)	(2,809)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(162,437)	(73,152)
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents	(17,156)	(4,625)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(95,540)	(30,075)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	299,825	286,464
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 204,285	$ 256,389

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including non-controlling interests	$ 77,289	$ 72,527	$ 133,713	$ 139,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $90 and $184 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014; $(217) and $(331) in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013	(176)	(15)	(597)	587
Defined benefit pension plan activity, net of tax of $1,423 and $3,261 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014; $3,114 and $6,182 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2013	2,536	4,972	5,080	10,077
Currency translation adjustment	12,130	(20,861)	(228)	(35,100)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	14,490	(15,904)	4,255	(24,436)
Comprehensive income	91,779	56,623	137,968	114,934
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(19)	(241)	633	(91)
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$ 91,798	$ 56,864	$ 137,335	$ 115,025

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INVENTORY VALUATION

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

INVENTORY VALUATION

INVENTORY VALUATION

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs.  For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time.  Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs.  Actual year-end costs and inventory levels may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations.  The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $73,077 and $70,882 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000059527
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	79,466,202
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

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ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Accrued Employee Compensation And Benefits Disclosure Abstract

ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS

ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS

Other current liabilities at June 30, 2014 and 2013 include accruals for year-end bonuses and related payroll taxes of $69,615 and $73,179, respectively, related to the Company’s employees worldwide.  The payment of bonuses is discretionary and subject to approval by the Board of Directors.  A majority of annual bonuses are paid in December, resulting in an increasing bonus accrual during the Company’s fiscal year.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, tax (benefit)	$ 90	$ (217)	$ 184	$ (331)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, tax	$ 1,423	$ 3,114	$ 3,261	$ 6,182

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SEGMENT INFORMATION

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products.  The Company also has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company’s worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives.  The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group.  The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.  The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively.  The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company’s global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States.

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”), as adjusted.  Segment EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.

Financial information for the reportable segments follows:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding		Asia Pacific Welding			South America Welding			The Harris Products Group		Corporate / Eliminations			Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	429,490		$	115,574	$	66,997		$	39,051		$	77,419	$	—		$	728,531
Inter-segment sales	33,360			5,494		3,600			35			2,262		(44,751		)	—
Total	$	462,850		$	121,068	$	70,597		$	39,086		$	79,681	$	(44,751	)	$	728,531
EBIT, as adjusted	$	91,195		$	14,899	$	365		$	4,995		$	7,178	$	600		$	119,232
Special items (gain) charge	(21		)	965		(108		)	3,468			—		—			4,304
EBIT	$	91,216		$	13,934	$	473		$	1,527		$	7,178	$	600		$	114,928
Interest income																	924
Interest expense																	(986		)
Income before income taxes																	$	114,866
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	419,069		$	108,661	$	69,239		$	44,503		$	85,960	$	—		$	727,432
Inter-segment sales	35,529			4,330		4,374			51			2,674		(46,958		)	—
Total	$	454,598		$	112,991	$	73,613		$	44,554		$	88,634	$	(46,958	)	$	727,432
EBIT, as adjusted	$	82,777		$	9,532	$	653		$	11,065		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	109,832
Special items (gain) charge	266			75		510			2,538			—		—			3,389
EBIT	$	82,511		$	9,457	$	143		$	8,527		$	7,343	$	(1,538	)	$	106,443
Interest income																	890
Interest expense																	(799		)
Income before income taxes																	$	106,534
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Net sales	$	831,396		$	220,980	$	128,283		$	83,044		$	149,890	$	—		$	1,413,593
Inter-segment sales	66,303			11,354		8,049			64			4,380		(90,150		)	—
Total	$	897,699		$	232,334	$	136,332		$	83,108		$	154,270	$	(90,150	)	$	1,413,593
EBIT, as adjusted	$	162,559		$	24,191	$	(275	)	$	16,760		$	13,236	$	3,491		$	219,962
Special items (gain) charge	(68		)	1,004		(117		)	21,133			—		—			21,952
EBIT	$	162,627		$	23,187	$	(158	)	$	(4,373	)	$	13,236	$	3,491		$	198,010
Interest income																	1,838
Interest expense																	(2,556		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,292
Total assets	$	1,150,833		$	418,283	$	319,965		$	149,430		$	172,781	$	(66,453	)	$	2,144,839
Six months ended June 30, 2013
Net sales	$	838,623		$	219,152	$	139,278		$	80,877		$	168,075	$	—		$	1,446,005
Inter-segment sales	64,514			8,609		8,758			71			4,898		(86,850		)	—
Total	$	903,137		$	227,761	$	148,036		$	80,948		$	172,973	$	(86,850	)	$	1,446,005
EBIT, as adjusted	$	159,437		$	20,233	$	2,946		$	16,177		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	211,146
Special items (gain) charge	1,126			69		707			12,198			—		—			14,100
EBIT	$	158,311		$	20,164	$	2,239		$	3,979		$	14,494	$	(2,141	)	$	197,046
Interest income																	1,916
Interest expense																	(1,749		)
Income before income taxes																	$	197,213
Total assets	$	1,000,724		$	446,142	$	339,657		$	124,841		$	187,475	$	(38,722	)	$	2,060,117

In the second quarter 2014, special items include net gains of $21 and $108 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and a net charge of $965 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $3,468, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the second quarter 2013, special items include net charges of $266, $75 and $510 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $2,538, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

In the six months ended June 30, 2014, special items include net gains of $68 and $117 in the North America Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and a net charge of $1,004 in the Europe Welding segment primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations.  The South America Welding segment special items represent Venezuelan foreign exchange remeasurement losses of $21,133, related to the adoption of a new foreign exchange mechanism in the first quarter.

In the six months ended June 30, 2013, special items include net charges of $1,126, $69 and $707 in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $12,198, relating to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

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ACQUISITIONS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS

During 2014, the Company acquired the remaining interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Harris Soldas Especiais S.A. The purchase price was not material.

During November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Robolution GmbH ("Robolution").  Robolution, based outside of Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European provider of robotic arc welding systems. The acquisition added to the Company's growing automation business and will enable the Company to support automation customers across three continents.

During November 2013, the Company acquired an ownership interest in Burlington Automation Corporation ("Burlington"). Burlington, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design and manufacture of 3D robotic plasma cutting systems whose products are sold under the brand name Python X^®. The acquisition broadens the Company's portfolio of automated cutting and welding process solutions.

Combined revenues for Robolution and Burlington in 2013 were approximately $35,000. The Company acquired Robolution and Burlington for approximately $54,261 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt and an $18,943 liability to acquire the remaining financial interest in Burlington. The fair value of net assets acquired was $30,310, resulting in goodwill of $42,894. The purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. In addition, during 2013 the Company acquired a greater interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Lincoln Electric Heli (Zhengzhou) Welding Materials Company Ltd. The purchase price was not material.

Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is not material.  Acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

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INCOME TAXES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The Company recognized $63,579 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $197,292, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 32.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, U.S. tax deductions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

The effective income tax rate of 29.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets more-likely-than-not to be realized, U.S. tax credits and deductions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had $21,907 of unrecognized tax benefits.  If recognized, approximately $11,920 would be reflected as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.  The Company is currently subject to various U.S. state audits and non-U.S. income tax audits. 

Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted for changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits and closing of statutes of limitations.  Based on information currently available, management believes that additional audit activity could be completed and/or statutes of limitations may close relating to existing unrecognized tax benefits.  It is reasonably possible there could be a reduction of $3,930 in previously unrecognized tax benefits by the end of the second quarter2015.

In July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends.  These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $58,651 plus approximately $15,974 of interest, net of tax.  The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit.  The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada.  A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA.  The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge.  Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. A deposit was made and is recorded as a non-current asset valued at $83,880 as of June 30, 2014.  Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company’s U.S. federal tax return.  The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carry-back and carry-forward periods.  Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.

The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position.  In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment.  An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements in the period in which a judgment is reached.

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CONTINGENCIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES

The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced illnesses.  The claimants in the asbestos cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified amounts.  The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to contest such suits vigorously.

The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. If an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible but not probable, or if the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure is provided for material claims or litigation. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the validity or ultimate disposition of such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as facts and circumstances change and related management assessments of the underlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims. Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves.

Based on the Company's historical experience in litigating product liability claims, including a significant number of dismissals, summary judgments and defense verdicts in many cases and immaterial settlement amounts, as well as the Company's current assessment of the underlying merits of the claims and applicable insurance, the Company believes resolution of these claims and proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ("AOCI")

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(52	)		$	(158,149	)		$	(4,656	)		$	(162,857	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(173		)		—				12,106			3	11,933
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(3		)	1	2,536			2	—				2,533
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(176		)		2,536				12,106				14,466
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at March 31, 2013	$	682			$	(256,739	)		$	12,012			$	(244,045	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income    before reclassification	(4		)		—				(20,699		)	3	(20,703		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(11		)	1	4,972			2	—				4,961
Net current-period other    comprehensive (loss) income	(15		)		4,972				(20,699		)		(15,742		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(82) (net of tax of $(10)) and Cost of goods sold of $79 (net of tax of $19); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $201 (net of tax of $32) and Cost of goods sold of $212 (net of tax of $73). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,423 and $3,114 during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $24 and $(162) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	369			$	(160,693	)		$	8,383			$	(151,941	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	(883		)		—				(933		)	3	(1,816		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	286			1	5,080			2	—				5,366
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	(597		)		5,080				(933		)		3,550
Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(228	)		$	(155,613	)		$	7,450			$	(148,391	)
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges				Defined benefit pension plan activity				Currency translation adjustment				Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	80			$	(261,844	)		$	26,364			$	(235,400	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	1,078				—				(35,051		)	3	(33,973		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(491		)	1	10,077			2	—				9,586
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income	587				10,077				(35,051		)		(24,387		)
Balance at June 30, 2013	$	667			$	(251,767	)		$	(8,687	)		$	(259,787	)

1 During the 2014 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $50 (net of tax of $10) and Cost of goods sold of $236 (net of tax of $105); during the 2013 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $302 (net of tax of $49) and Cost of goods sold of $793 (net of tax of $203). (See Note 17 - Derivatives for additional details.)

2 This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $3,261 and $6,182 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively). (See Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)

3 The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $705 and $(49) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (See Note 9 - Equity for additional details.)

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RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

The Company recorded net rationalization charges of $819 for the six months endedJune 30, 2014. The net charges include $729 primarily related to employee severance and $125 in asset impairments, offset by gains of $35 related to the sale and disposal of assets.  A description of each restructuring plan and the related costs follows:

North America Welding Plans:

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the North America Welding segment. Plans for the segment include consolidating its Oceanside, California operations and its Reno, Nevada operations to another facility in Reno, Nevada and consolidating its Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing operations into its current manufacturing operations in Cleveland, Ohio.  During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded gains of $68 related to these actions. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $53 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

Europe Welding Plans:

During 2014, the Company initiated a rationalization plan within the Europe Welding segment. The plan includes headcount restructuring to better align the cost structure with current economic conditions and operating needs. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded charges of $849, which represent employee severance costs. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $749 was recognized in Other current liabilities. The Company expects additional charges up to $270 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

During 2013, the Company initiated a rationalization plan within the Europe Welding segment to consolidate certain consumable manufacturing operations. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net charges of $253, which primarily represents employee severance and other related costs. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $88 was recognized in Other current liabilities. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the Europe Welding segment. Plans for the segment include the consolidation of manufacturing facilities in Russia, relocation of its Italian machine manufacturing operations to current facilities in Poland and headcount restructuring at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net gains of $98 related to these activities.  At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $144 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014.  Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

Asia Pacific Welding Plans:

During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the Asia Pacific Welding segment. Plans for the segment include the rationalization of its Australian manufacturing operations and headcount restructuring at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. During the six months endedJune 30, 2014, the Company recorded net gains of $101, which primarily represent a net reversal of $214 of previously accrued costs and $125 in asset impairment charges. At June 30, 2014, a liability relating to these actions of $35 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014.  Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

The Company continues evaluating its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods.

The following tables summarize the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment for the six months endedJune 30, 2014:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding			Asia Pacific Welding			Consolidated
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	466		$	2,435		$	375		$	3,276
Payments and other adjustments	(345		)	(2,465		)	(126		)	(2,936		)
Charged (credited) to expense	(68		)	1,011			(214		)	729
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	53		$	981		$	35		$	1,069

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COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had a share repurchase program for up to 45 million of the Company’s common shares.  At management’s discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors.  During the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased an aggregate of 1,009,353 and 1,695,745 common shares in the open market under this program.  As of June 30, 2014, there remained 13,975,014 common shares available for repurchase under this program.  The repurchased common shares remain in treasury and have not been retired.

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EQUITY

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

EQUITY

EQUITY

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,526,602		$	4,086		$	1,530,688
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	133,785			(72		)	133,713
Other comprehensive income	3,550			705			4,255
Total comprehensive income	137,335			633			137,968
Cash dividends declared - $0.46 per share	(36,779		)	—			(36,779		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	11,195			—			11,195
Purchase of shares for treasury	(119,333		)	—			(119,333		)
Transactions with non-controlling interests	(1,484		)	(782		)	(2,266		)
Balance, June 30, 2014	$	1,517,536		$	3,937		$	1,521,473

Changes in equity for the six months endedJune 30, 2013 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Non-controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2012	$	1,342,373		$	15,948		$	1,358,321
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	139,412			(42		)	139,370
Other comprehensive loss	(24,387		)	(49		)	(24,436		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	115,025			(91		)	114,934
Cash dividends declared - $0.40 per share	(33,030		)	—			(33,030		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	23,907			—			23,907
Purchase of shares for treasury	(69,677		)	—			(69,677		)
Balance, June 30, 2013	$	1,378,598		$	15,857		$	1,394,455

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DERIVATIVES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets

Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets follow:

	June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
Derivatives by hedge designation	Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities		Other Current Assets		Other Current Liabilities
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	124	$	437	$	706	$	219
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	884		610		766		228
Commodity contracts	—		499		262		47
Total derivatives	$	1,008	$	1,546	$	1,734	$	494

Schedule of effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives by hedge designation	Classification of gain (loss)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Not designated as hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts	Selling, general & administrative expenses	$	1,259		$	(2,803	)	$	1,298		$	(3,201	)
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	(505		)	2,650			(501		)	3,256

Schedule of effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the entity's Consolidated Statements of Income

The effects of designated hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Foreign exchange contracts	$	(228	)	$	369

		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivative type	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to:	2014			2013		2014		2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Sales	$	(82	)	$	201	$	50	$	302
	Cost of goods sold	79			212		236		793

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DERIVATIVES (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 1,008	$ 1,734
Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	1,546	494
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	124	706
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	437	219
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	884	766
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	610	228
Not designated as hedging instruments | Commodity contracts | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	0	262
Not designated as hedging instruments | Commodity contracts | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 499	$ 47

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DEBT

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

DEBT

DEBT

The Company has a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was entered into on July 26, 2012.  The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000.  The interest rate on borrowings is based on either LIBOR or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election.

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Segments

The Company’s primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products.  The Company also has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company’s worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives.  The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group.  The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.  The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively.  The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company’s global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States.

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”), as adjusted.  Segment EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs.  For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time.  Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs.  Actual year-end costs and inventory levels may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations.

Product Warranties

The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service.  Warranty services are generally provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale.  The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities.

Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business.  Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt.  The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.  The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges.  Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable.  If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued.  The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments.  Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions.  The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty.  None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at June 30, 2014.  The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Cash Flow Hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts were qualified and designated as cash flow hedges.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $29,344 and $36,880 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these cash flow hedges are recognized in AOCI and subsequently reclassified to Cost of goods sold or Sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, as the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges.  These derivatives are held as economic hedges of certain balance sheet exposures.  The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $218,577 and $186,158 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The fair value gains or losses from these contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged.

The Company had short-term silver and copper forward contracts with notional amounts of 295,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at June 30, 2014.  The notional amount of short-term silver and copper forward contracts was 290,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at December 31, 2013.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in Costs of goods sold.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs used to measure fair value:

Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 5,081	$ 5,744	$ 10,144	$ 11,419
Interest cost	10,615	9,508	21,277	18,898
Expected return on plan assets	(17,048)	(15,860)	(34,069)	(31,264)
Amortization of prior service cost	(152)	(153)	(307)	(306)
Amortization of net loss	4,209	8,106	8,431	16,217
Defined benefit plans	2,705	7,345	5,476	14,964
Multi-employer plans	267	226	531	465
Defined contribution plans	2,819	2,603	5,653	5,192
Total pension cost	5,791	10,174	11,660	20,621
Voluntarily contribution to defined benefit plans in United States			$ 20,000

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RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Textual) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	$ 836	$ 851	$ 819	$ 1,902
Special items, (gain) loss on the sale of assets at a rationalized operation			(35)
Asset Impairment Charges			125
Special items net charges	4,304	3,389	21,952	14,100
Charged to expense			729
Restructuring reserve	1,069		1,069		3,276
Employee Severance
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Charged to expense			729
North America Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Special items net charges	(21)	266	(68)	1,126
Charged to expense			(68)
Restructuring reserve	53		53		466
Europe Welding 2014 Plan [Member]
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Special items net charges			849
Restructuring reserve	749		749
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	270		270
Europe Welding 2013 Plan [Member]
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Special items net charges			253
Restructuring reserve	88		88
Europe Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Special items net charges			(98)
Restructuring reserve	144		144
Asia Pacific Welding
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Restructuring Charges Net			(101)
Asset Impairment Charges			125
Special items net charges	(108)	510	(117)	707
Charged to expense			(214)
Restructuring reserve	$ 35		$ 35		$ 375

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 204,285	$ 299,825
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,598 in 2014; $8,398 in 2013)	407,223	367,134
Inventories:
Raw materials	105,733	112,478
Work-in-process	42,756	38,963
Finished goods	219,538	198,522
Total inventory	368,027	349,963
Other current assets	126,204	113,853
Total Current Assets	1,105,739	1,130,775
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	48,861	48,369
Buildings	371,828	373,373
Machinery and equipment	735,424	723,715
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,156,113	1,145,457
Less accumulated depreciation	674,252	661,452
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	481,861	484,005
Non-current assets	557,239	537,087
TOTAL ASSETS	2,144,839	2,151,867
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Amounts due banks	4,996	14,581
Trade accounts payable	196,929	212,799
Other current liabilities	260,652	228,822
Current portion of long-term debt	1,912	715
Total Current Liabilities	464,489	456,917
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,159	3,791
Accrued pensions	22,901	26,999
Other long-term liabilities	134,817	133,472
Total Long-Term Liabilities	158,877	164,262
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares	9,858	9,858
Additional paid-in capital	248,499	240,519
Retained earnings	2,005,468	1,908,462
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(148,391)	(151,941)
Treasury shares	(597,898)	(480,296)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,517,536	1,526,602
Non-controlling interests	3,937	4,086
Total Equity	1,521,473	1,530,688
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 2,144,839	$ 2,151,867

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards Adopted:

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with limited exceptions. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-11 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014 and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment ("CTA") under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the CTA into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related CTA into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. ASU 2013-05 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted:

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." ASU 2014-12 requires a performance target which affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition by applying existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions. The amendment also specifies the period over which compensation costs should be recognized. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, the amendment provides five steps that an entity should apply when recognizing revenue. The amendment also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. An entity can either adopt this amendment retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of initial application. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's financial statements.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Numerator:
Net income	$	77,332	$	72,606	$	133,785	$	139,412
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	79,873		82,419		80,260		82,569
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards	900		992		934		1,037
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	80,773		83,411		81,194		83,606
Basic earnings per share	$	0.97	$	0.88	$	1.67	$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.96	$	0.87	$	1.65	$	1.67

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ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Acquisitions
Annual sales at the date of acquisition	$ 728,531	$ 727,432	$ 1,413,593	$ 1,446,005
Consideration paid in cash and assumed debt					54,261
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value						18,943
Fair value of net assets acquired						30,310
Goodwill from acquisition					42,894
2013 Acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions
Annual sales at the date of acquisition					$ 35,000

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PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service.  Warranty services are generally provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale.  The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities.

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals for the six months endedJune 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	15,180		$	15,304
Accruals for warranties	6,200			5,777
Settlements	(5,787		)	(6,306		)
Foreign currency translation	25			(190		)
Balance at end of period	$	15,618		$	14,585