RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)		$ 932	$ 2,636	$ 11,542	$ 10,175	$ 6,590	$ 25,285	$ 6,590	$ 0
Restructuring Charges							31,263	5,149
Restructuring liability		11,192				6,803	11,192	6,803	$ 5,190
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]							1,091
Other current assets		120,236				123,836	120,236	123,836
Other Liabilities, Current		128,379				$ 119,655	128,379	119,655
International Welding [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability		$ 10,903					$ 10,903
The Harris Products Group
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]							$ 0

[1] The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.