GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

	Americas Welding		International Welding			The Harris Products Group			Consolidated
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	138,192	$	28,850		$	13,085		$	180,127
Additions and adjustments	19,700		3,846			(301		)	23,245
Impairment charges	—		(6,315		)	—			(6,315		)
Foreign currency translation	(5,557)		(3,036		)	(960		)	(9,553		)
Balance as of December 31, 2015	152,335		23,345			11,824			187,504
Additions and adjustments	43,217		(30		)	(301		)	42,886
Foreign currency translation	826		349			354			1,529
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	196,378	$	23,664		$	11,877		$	231,919

Schedule of gross and net intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class

Gross carrying values and accumulated amortization of intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

	December 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Trademarks and trade names	$	17,113			$	15,919
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Trademarks and trade names	$	44,372	$	20,648	$	36,754	$	18,243
Customer relationships	85,816		39,033		77,590		33,932
Patents	28,073		11,467		24,208		6,884
Other	52,071		26,209		54,586		29,279
Total intangible assets subject to amortization	$	210,332	$	97,357	$	193,138	$	88,338

Schedule Of Acquired Indefinite And Definite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table Text Block]

During 2016, the Company acquired intangible assets, either individually or as part of a group of assets, with an initial purchase price allocation and weighted-average lives as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2016
	Purchase Price Allocation		Weighted Average Life
Acquired intangible assets not subject to amortization
Trademarks and trade names	$	989
Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization
Trademarks and trade names	2,400		15
Customer relationships	14,500		10
Patents	1,458		20
Other	5,920		11
Total acquired intangible assets subject to amortization	$	24,278