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RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2006
Defined Contribution Plan        
Minimum percentage of eligible compensation that may be invested by all U.S. employees covered under the plan (as a percent) 1.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionPercentageMinimum      
Employer match of employee contributions of first 6% of eligible compensation (as a percent) 35.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchLevelOne      
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 35% by employer (as a percent) 6.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchEmployeeContributionLevelOne      
Percentage of base pay as additional annual Company contribution to participants hired after November 1, 1997 (as a percent) 2.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployersAdditionalAnnualMatch      
Annual costs recognized for defined contribution plans $ 11,088us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized $ 10,812us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized $ 9,405us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized  
Minimum        
Defined Contribution Plan        
Percentage of base pay as additional annual Company contribution to participants hired after November 1, 1997 (as a percent)       4.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployersAdditionalAnnualMatch
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Maximum        
Defined Contribution Plan        
Percentage of base pay as additional annual Company contribution to participants hired after November 1, 1997 (as a percent)       10.00%leco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployersAdditionalAnnualMatch
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