REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$ 757,696	$ 580,897
Welding Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	315,805
Welding Consumables [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	441,891
Americas Welding
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	434,772	383,324
International Welding
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	247,320	128,888
The Harris Products Group
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$ 75,604	$ 68,685